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— by Gil Kaufman
What will it take to beat a year that saw the debut of 50 Cent, the retirement of Jay-Z, a solo smash from Beyoncé and the rise of new stars Evanescence and Sean Paul? Well, how about new albums from Eminem, Avril Lavigne, Coldplay, the Beastie Boys, Dr. Dre, Nine Inch Nails, 'NSYNC and 50 Cent, plus Gwen Stefani's star-studded solo debut?
This year ahead is already shaping up to be one wrapped in intrigue, from the uncertainty surrounding an 'NSYNC reunion, to the specter of R. Kelly releasing new albums as a child-pornography trial looms. Fresh from a prison stint, Wu-Tang's Dirt McGirt (a.k.a. Ol' Dirty Bastard) has hooked up with Roc-A-Fella and is out to prove he still has what it takes, and dancehall's Sean Paul is hoping his smash Dutty Rock album wasn't a fluke.
But the biggest struggle might belong to Velvet Revolver — featuring ex-Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum and former STP singer Scott Weiland — who are slated to release their debut as Weiland continues to receive help for his recurring drug addiction.
A few artists we haven't heard from in several years are also prepping comeback albums, but it remains to be seen whether Nine Inch Nails and the Beastie Boys can rally their core audiences after more than four years out of the spotlight.
We asked a panel of experts to give their predictions on the year's most anticipated albums.
Beastie Boys
Have the godfathers of alt-rap reached the end of the line?
It's been five years since Hello Nasty, and the trio appear to have lost their love of the album/promotion/tour grind. Lisa Worden, program director for Washington, D.C.'s WHFS-FM, said the time away could make the still-untitled new Beasties album, due in June, one of the biggest of the year, a sentiment echoed by Bob Bell, senior rock buyer for the Wherehouse Music chain. "There's always a curiosity about what they will come up with," said Bell. "They have credibility with rap and alternative fans, and the critics love them too."
Prediction: Unless they go country again, expect more ill communication.
Beyoncé
How long can this Child survive on her own?
The Destiny's Child leader hopes to release her second solo album in March, featuring some of the more than 30 leftovers from the Dangerously in Love sessions. Meanwhile, DC have plans to record a new album early in the year. "If they're good songs, she should do fine and I'd expect it to be an album to contend with all year," said Geoff Mayfield, senior analyst for Billboard magazine. As for returning to the fold, Mayfield says it's definitely possible. "You can go back. Diana Ross had solo hits and then did more with the Supremes."
Prediction: For now, R&B's golden girl can have her cake and eat it too.
Coldplay
Will tabloid romance chill their honeymoon with fans and critics?
Timbaland has said Coldplay are the only band he wants to work with, critics can't write enough good things about them, and they sell millions of records by writing emotionally gripping, majestic rock. Their third album — for which they've already written more than 50 songs — is due in the fall, just months after singer Chris Martin and girlfriend Gwneyth Paltrow become parents for the first time. "I think they're in a position to be the next U2 or Radiohead," said Wherehouse's Bell, a sentiment echoed by Oedipus, VP of alternative programming for Infinity Broadcasting. "They've got a long way to go and they haven't peaked yet," he said.
Prediction: Martin and Paltrow smartly avoided the Bennifer trap by sneaking off for a secret wedding, avoiding the paparazzi. They've done things right so far, so the third time should be a charm.
The Cure
Will hearing Smith & Co. again be just like heaven?
The pioneering goth-rock band is working on a new album with nü-metal producer Ross Robinson (Korn, Slipknot) that singer Robert Smith has said will be slower and heavier than ever. "They're classic alternative at this point," said Oedipus. "They've had a number of farewell tours, but creativity lives in an artist's soul, and you can't turn it on and off. Robert Smith is a perfect example. I love what he did with Blink-182, [lending vocals to a song on their latest LP], and I think he remains viable and valuable as an artist."
Prediction: Likely to be a cult classic, and Korn shouldn't have anything to worry about.
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Photo: MTV News
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