The 11 Most Anticipated Albums for 2007

I figure what better way to prepare my readers for my Top 111 list (THERE'S STILL TIME TO VOTE!!) than to give out a prediction of the most anticipated albums for 2007. Most of the time, anticipated albums tend to be major letdowns (Duran Duran "Astronaut"). Other times they are magic gems that are well worth the wait (Brian Wilson's "Smile"). At the end of the year, the top 11 will more than likely look very different but going into the year, here's what we have to look forward to.






The 11 Most Anticipated Albums for 2007:

1. Guns N Roses - Chinese Democracy (March 20, 2007) - In 1991, when GNR released their last album of original material one of the publicity posters said..."Guns N Roses will release no album before its time...It's time!" Well, 16 years later, it appears the time has actually come again. But we've been duped before. According to GNR's ex-manager, the band has about 3 days of recording left (which in Axl years could mean 3 months) ...so the light at the end of the tunnel is actually visible, but how far away is it really? It's kind of like the hallway in Poltergeist that keeps growing the farther you walk through it. But even in the movie, the character eventually reached the end. Will 2007 be the year Gunner fans are equally lucky?

2. Linkin Park - The ---- and The ---- (Summer 2007) - The only true survivors of the rap/nu metal scene are set to release their third official release after years of legal battles and revolving producers. Along with GNR, these two releases may finally reignite the collapsing rock scene. Or they could both be collasal flops and we'll end with four more years of Fergie and Ashlee Simpson.

3. Smashing Pumpkins - Smashing Pumpkins (May 2007) - Is it really a reunion when only two original members are present? Billy and Jimmy also recorded together in Zwan. So is this a Pumpkins reunion or a Zwan reunion? And why hasn't Zwan's second album ever been released? Well, either way, if this albums sounds anything like Zwan it'll at least be worth the listen. If it sounds like the last official Pumpkins album, it should have a few hidden gems. If it sounds like the bootleg album or Billy's solo album...then we're in for a serious hurtin'.

4. The Pixies - The Black Album (Fall 2007) - Even though they swore it wouldn't happen, it's happening. After three stellar years of touring and putting on some of the best live performances of any band out there, the Pix's have gone back into the studio to record an album of new material. Everyone can't wait for this to happen. Chances are it'll be about as good as "Bam Thwok." Then, everyone will wish it never happened.

5. Bright Eyes - Cassadaga (April 2007) - In 1991, GNR believed in their hype too much and released two albums of bloated material instead of one album of rock solid material. Connor Oberst and Bright Eyes made the same mistake in 2005. Luckily, it seems BE has recovered a bit faster and are already set with an EP of B-sides in March and a full-length in Spring. The emo kids will be dancing in the streets.

6. Radiohead - Gibberish (Fall 2007) - Thom Yorke kept his rabid fans at bay last summer by releasing a surprisingly good solo LP and EP of B-sides. But can the extremely humble lead singer find some ego and make the same gold with his band. The new material played on tour waivers between Ok Computer and Hail To George Bush...so if that's any indication, it should be very well received.

7. Satelite Party - Kinky (Spring 2007) - Perry Farrell's newest endeavor promises to be unique. His latest band (if you can call it that) features uber stars from the world of alternative rock...New Order's Peter Hook, RHCP's Flea and Jack Irons, and apparently Jim Morrison...seriously. As long as it's not a let down like the last Jane's album or horrible like the Panic Channel's album...then it should be worth checking out.

8. Dr. Dre - Detox (November 2007) - Despite rumors that it would never happen, the mythical album has remained on the tip of everyone's lips. Dre has yet to speak about the official status of the album...but those in his camp are pointing to a late 2007 release. It was 7 years between 92's "Chronic" and 99's "Chronic 2001." Now in 2007, we've hit 8 years, so it's more than likely...if the album is going to happen...it's about ready to pop.

9. Green Day - Canadian Hoser (Fall 2007) - After American Idiot, Green Day went from being bubble gum pop punk to a legit rock legend. They recieved props from long time fans, to indie cred, to a Grammy nod. That's hard to do with a single album. Following it up will be hard to say the least...but that doesn't mean we're not excited to hear it.

10. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver (March 2007) - Two years ago the band (really one guy) not only put out the danciest song of 2005...they put the top two danciest songs of 2005. Will this fusion of punk and electronica make an equally large dent? In our opinion, it's going to be bigger.

11. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (Feb. 2007) - The most awaited album in the hipster world. The band that recreated the Bowie/Talking Heads movement, causing every new indie band to sound like them. Hopefully they sound as fresh as their first album and not like a copycat as everyone else.

Other mentionables: The Shins, White Stripes, Wilco, The Offspring, Dolores O' Riordan, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Bloc Party, Modest Mouse, Velvet Revolver, America, Eminem, 50 Cent, Chris Cornell, Black Crowes, Nine Inch Nails, Big Boi, Maroon 5, Gnarls Barkley, The Cure, Bad Religion, Lil Jon, Atmosphere, Nappy Roots.