Missy Elliott - The Cookbook (Atlantic)

If the music is as sweet as the guest list, we're talkin' about one helluva party here. On her sixth disc, Missy keeps buddy/producer Timbaland in the pocket and invites Tweet, Fantasia, Slick Rick, Mike Jones, Mary J. Blige, Grand Puba and Lil' Kim along for the ride. Not only that, the disc's first single, "Lose Control," gives the magical Ciara some mic time. Sounds like Missy's Cookbook has all right ingredients.

Release date: July 5

R. Kelly - TP.3 Reloaded (Jive)

Keep your shirt on, folks - Mr. Sexual Appetite is about to deliver again. Bored water-cooler types have already had their appetites kindled by the first installment of Kelly's five-part "Trapped in the Closet" opus, which comes off as the musical equivalent of a very lusty, bump 'n' grind TV mini-series. The serial tune chronicles the escapades of man looking to escape an illicit affair. Word has it there's no monster hook on the record, a la "Ignition," which might explain the presence of such a deep and racy plot.

Release date: July 5

Frank Black - Honeycomb (Back Porch)

It took ten years, but Pixies front-man Frank Black finally got it done. His new disc, recorded in Nashville just days before the Pixies set out on their mega-reunion tour, is the twang-tinged album that Black always wanted to make, and an A-list of dream session players assist him. Legendary R&B/rockers Steve Cropper, Spooner Oldham, Dan Penn, and Duane Jarvis are the core band. Though it's not certain this bunch knew who Black was, the Pixies boss certainly felt the magic: he seems utterly relaxed.

Release date: July 19

Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill Acoustic (Maverick)

Alanis, her posse at Maverick, and the caffeinated folks at Starbucks are counting on people liking this Pill so much they'll swallow it twice. It was ten years ago that Alanis first stepped up as a superstar, moving 16 million copies of her debut. Now, she and her almost forgotten producer/co-writer Glen Ballard have unplugged the guitars and re-recorded the entire album. You can get Jagged Little Pill Acoustic at that coffee place right now; at the end of July, it's time for a tricked-out anniversary edition that tacks on previously unreleased video footage and bonus tunes.

Release date: July 26

Jason Mraz - Mr. A-Z (Atlantic)

Three years after debuting with Waiting for My Rocket to Come, our flannelled friend makes his re-entry with the wryly titled Mr. A-Z. Mraz must have some big plans for the disc. He ditched empathic producer John Alagia in favor of the legendary Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band) - a gamble considering the singer banks on his intimate charm. Still, there's lots for fans to get excited about, including deluxe packaging with Mraz's personal journal attached, and a DualDisc option with documentary and photo gallery.

Release date: July 26