2007 Fall music preview

Key fall releases continued

Sept. 25
Rascal Flatts
Bettye LaVette
Will.I.Am

Oct. 2
Bruce Springsteen (pictured)
Matchbox 20

Oct. 9
Beirut
Band of Horses

Oct. 16
Underworld

Oct. 23
Serj Tankian

Back to start.  (Mark Seliger / AP)

Kanye West Graduation

One of those most popular yet blunt artists in America, “Graduation” tracks Kanye West’s journey into adulthood. Early listens reveal an album rich in keyboard tones, and steeped in old-school soul. The honesty and complexity that has made West such an arresting figure doesn’t appear to have diminished, as West is eager to boast yet not afraid to admit his mistakes (see the solemn “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”).

Back to schedule.  (Brian Kersey / AP)

50 Cent Curtis

The music industry will be counting on the likes of 50 Cent and Kanye West to boost 2007’s sales numbers. Hopes are high for “Curtis,” which was originally slated to be released back in June. But even with the expanded lead time, initial singles “Straight to the Bank” and “Amusement Park” failed to generate much buzz, but “Ayo Technology” is slowly picking up steam.

Back to schedule.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Kenny Chesney Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates

Kenny Chesney’s new album can’t come quick enough for country fans, as initial singles “Don’t Blink” and “Never Wanted Nothing More” are already summer hits. Despite his superstar status, the first listens of his new tunes show an artist still capable of writing middle class anthems. Check the ultra-crisp guitars of “Never Wanted Nothing More,” which lend support to a narrator who finds bliss on a date by the river with $6 bottle of wine.

Back to schedule.  (John Haeger / AP)

Rascal Flatts Still Feels Good

Rascal Flatts struck country gold with last year’s “Me and My Gang,” and album that has sold beyond the 4 million mark. The band’s fifth release won’t deviate too much from its easy-going, down-home Nashville pop, at least if first single and arena-ready ballad “Take Me There” is any indication. As an added bonus, the song was penned by proven hitmaker Kenny Chesney.

Back to schedule.  (Rusty Russell / Getty Images)

Bettye LaVette Scene of the Crime

This is contender for album of the year. The vocals from recently rediscovered soul veteran Bettye LaVette are sweltering on this 10 song collection, which sees LaVette bringing an aged, no-nonsense wisdom to the songs of Elton John, Willie Nelson and Ray Charles, among others. At the backbone of the album are the arrangements from Southern rockers Drive-By Truckers, who frame the tantalizing vocalist with some dive-bar soul.

Back to schedule.  (Christine Cotter / LAT)

Will.I.Am Songs About Girls

The Black Eyed Peas principle has been riding a hot streak of late. Not only was he behind the boards on a hit album from bandmate Fergie, but Will.I.Am. has recently worked with the likes of Macy Gray, Talib Kweli, Whitney Houston and is tipped to be recording Michael Jackon’s comeback album. “Songs About Girls” should keep Will.I.Am on the charts through the holidays, serving up more or his party-inspired hip-hop.

Back to schedule.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

Bruce Springsteen Magic

For his first new album with the E Street Band since 2002’s “The Rising,” Bruce Springsteen has supposedly dropped the generic politics that watered down that record, and has returned to some high-energy heartland rock. First single “Radio Nowhere” lives up to the promise, and should work swell in the gigantic arenas this album was seemingly built for.

Back to schedule.  (Jeff Christensen / AP)