Ah, cooler weather. Soon, leaves will change color and take on a rich terra cotta hue. Then, almost in no time, the Christmas season will be upon us. What does all this mean?

It means big CD releases. The major labels always deliver new music and greatest-hits compilations by lucrative names when fall arrives. So, with that in mind, let’s look at what’s on the horizon. Perhaps the most anticipated upcoming disc is the sophomore effort by country singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.

Her second studio album, Fearless, which lands in stores Nov. 11, will prove whether the 3 million-selling, pop-culture success of her self-titled debut was a fluke or the beginning of a truly artistic career. She’s still young – she’ll be 19 in December – but two years of touring should have given her broader insight.

Other titles sure to cause a stir are collections from rapper Kanye West, 808’s & Heartbreak (tentatively scheduled for Nov. 18); country superstar Kenny Chesney, Lucky Old Sun (Oct. 14); American Idol winner David Cook, still untitled (Nov. 18); Idol runner-up David Archuleta, self-titled (Nov. 11); rockers Hinder, Take It to the Limit (Nov. 4); and Nickelback, Dark Horse (Nov. 18).

But the most exciting new release for this critic is Patti Labelle’s Back to Now, which lands at retail Oct. 21. The reunion of Ms. LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash – the trio’s first studio album in 32 years – is a signature mix of R&B, funk, rock, jazz and soulful balladry. It boasts production from Lenny Kravitz and the classic team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.

Nov. 18

- Mudvayne, The New Game (Epic) – Heavy-metal band from Illinois, the one that sometimes wears masks and makeup and sometimes doesn’t, releases its fourth studio project.

- Nickelback, Dark Horse (Roadrunner) – The hot-seat album, especially since it comes after 2005’s whopping 7 million-selling All the Right Reasons.

- David Cook, still untitled (RCA) – The American Idol winner’s debut album was produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Kid Rock) and features the first single, “Light On,” co-written by Chris Cornell.

If you want to see the full list: Click here

• Source