9 Major Albums Coming Out This Fall

When the VMA nominations came out on Thursday, something seemed a bit amiss. Sure, there were the expected contenders: Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell, as well as a few welcome surprises: Charli XCX, Hayley Williams, Fitz and the Tantrums. All (or at least most) of the nominees deserved their honors, so what was the matter? Then it hit me: at this ceremony, there would be no Taylor Swift. Or Adele. Or Frank Ocean. Several of the biggest names in music were nowhere to be found on the list, due to the fact that they didn't release new music last year. This year, though? That's a whole different story. Although they may not be up for any Moonmen, Swift, Adele, Ocean and more all have new albums set for release this fall, and it's a safe bet to assume that, come 2015, they'll be the ones sweeping up every awards show there is.

There are plenty of albums coming out over these next few months in every genre there is, from Tom Petty to Banks, Karen O to 50 Cent. As an unabashed lover of pop music, though, I prefer to focus on the ones I know, without a doubt, I'll be blasting in my car and butchering in the shower. 9 albums out this fall that you won't want to miss:

25, Adele (well, probably)

Follow-up to: 2011's 21, the best-selling album for both 2011 and 2012 worldwide.

What We Know So Far: Nothing has been confirmed except that Adele is releasing a new album, but rumor has it (hah) that it'll be called 25 and that she'll go on tour to promote it in 2015. In January, Phil Collins told Rolling Stone that he was working with the singer, but details of that collaboration are unknown.

To Be Released: Most likely late this year.

TBA, Taylor Swift

Follow-up to: 2012's Red, for which she only finished touring in June.

What We Know So Far: Writing for the new album began last July, and according to Swift, it's "a new sound." Don't expect a big change in theme, though; she's also said that she's still writing songs about her life and "the human experience."

To Be Released: Late this year.

TBA, Frank Ocean

Follow-up to: 2012's Channel Orange, nominate for four Grammys.

What We Know So Far: Work began last February, Ocean collaborating with artists like Pharrell and Tyler, the Creator. It's confirmed that the new record, like Channel Orange , will be a concept album.

To Be Released: Unknown.

My Everything, Ariana Grande

Follow-up to: 2013's Yours Truly, her first number one solo album.

What We Know So Far: If "Problem" and "Break Free" are indications, it's gonna be good.

To Be Released: August 25, 2014.

TBA, Kelly Clarkson

Follow-up to: 2011's Stronger, if you don't count 2012's Greatest Hits and 2013's Wrapped in Red (seriously, does she sleep?).

What We Know So Far: In January, Clarkson said that recording had just begun, with producer Claude Kelly ("My Life Would Suck Without You") on board. Another producer, Jesse Shatkin, revealed that the new songs would include "an electronic banger" and the general sound would be "a little left-of-center and cool."

To Be Released: Late 2014.

TBA, Kanye West

Follow-up to: 2013's Yeezus, his critically acclaimed, best-selling sixth album.

What We Know So Far: Recording began late last year, and it's being produced by Rick Rubin and Q-Tip. Featured musicians might include Mile Will Made It, James Blake, and French Montana, among others, and there will be 12 songs. According to West, the album will be his own Born in the U.S.A., and others have said the desired sound is "tamed Yeezus-esque darkness."

To Be Released: Supposedly this summer, but that's looking doubtful.

TBA, Rihanna

Follow-up to: 2012's Unapologetic, her seventh album in nearly as many years.

What We Know So Far: Planning began in November, and in May, production duo Stargate revealed that the album was about halfway done. The material they had so far was "incredible," they said. It's also rumored that Rihanna is working alongside producers such as David Guetta and Nicky Romero.

To Be Released: November.

TBA, Hilary Duff

Follow-up to: 2007's Dignity, meaning that this album is very anticipated.

What We Know So Far: It'll be a mix of dance and indie, and some tracks have been written or co-written by Ed Sheeran, who described the album as an "an adult alternative acoustic sound."

To Be Released: Late fall.

V, Maroon 5

Follow-up to: 2012's Overexposed, featuring "Payphone" and "Daylight."

What We Know So Far: It features a collaboration with Gwen Stefani, has songs written by Sia, and will be followed by a world tour in late 2014.

To Be Released: September 2.