New Albums for 2012

There was a time when an artist would take a week off, or two at the most, from playing live gigs; enter the studio; and record an entire album ready for release in only a few weeks. Today it takes artists months and even years to complete an album.

Whether musicians...and fans believe the world is scheduled to come to an end; quite a number of singers and groups have planned new album releases in the coming year.

No Doubt took to their website last September saying that they were close to completing an album but there is no date as the when the untitled will be released.

Material girl MadonnaMadonna is scheduled to play the halftime show at the February 5 Super Bowl and in March she will release a new album.

The boys of Van HalenVan Halen have announced a reunion tour with David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen and his son Wolfgang. Along with the tour the rockers are releasing a new reunion album on February 7.

While no details have been released; it is expected that country star Taylor SwiftTaylor Swift, who has been in the studio recording, will release an album late in the year.

Depending on which band member you listen to, the boys of U2 may or may not be releasing an album this year. The boys have been in the studio with two different producers and reportedly have quite a few songs ready for an album; but there has been no word on an approaching release.

Hip-Hop princess Nicki MinajNicki Minaj has chosen Valentine’s Day – February 14 as the release date for her new album “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded”

After the death of longtime friend and band member Clarence Clemmons, “the Boss” Bruce SpringsteenBruce Springsteen was unsure as to whether or not to continue. Ultimately, “the Boss” made the decision to keep making music and a new album is also set for release sometime in the coming months – reportedly the first quarter of the year.

Late last year the Beach Boys announced a reunion of the surviving members that will include a tour and the release of a new album in April. Brian WilsonBrian Wilson, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine, and David Marks have been in the studio recording together.

After much balking about a reunion, Ozzy OsbourneOzzy Osbourne has agreed to join up with Geezer ButlerGeezer Butler, Bill Wark, and Tony IommiTony Iommi to reunite Black Sabbath. In light of the announcement, a new album is expected for sometime in the autumn.

Country star TiTime McGraw will be the first to release an album on January 17. “Traffic” has been tied up in the courts and after the ruling that McGraw can sing with another label, Curb has decided to release the album. There are unconfirmed reports that McGraw may try to release a second album late in the year.

“Video Games phenom” Lana Del Rey is set to release “Born to Die” on January 30.

“Chimes of Freedom” is a compilation of songs originally recorded by Bob Dylan. Over 80 artists have covered Dylan’s songs to honour 50 years of Amnesty International. The album set for a February release includes Miley Cyrus, Adele, Elvis CostelloElvis Costello, Sting, Queens of the Stone Age, Pete Townsend, Bad Religion, Silversun Pickups, Patti Smith, the Dave Matthews Band, My Morning Jacket, Pete Seeger, and Ke$ha.

After an eight year absence on the record charts, other than the constant renditions of “Hallelujah” by singing hopefuls on “American Idol”, Leonard Cohen will release a new album on January 31.

Speaking of “American Idol”…season eight runner up Adam Lambert is releasing his second album “Trespassing” on March 20.

Although no release date has been issued, the boys of Aerosmith have reportedly been working on a new album – their first since “Honkin’ on Bobo” in 2004. Since that time, Aerosmith has threatened to break up , had numerous medical issues, and has seen the band’s leader – Steven Tyler – taking on a new job as a judge on “American Idol”.

Arizona country boy Dierks Bentley has been working on his new album for over a year, but on February 7 his fans will see the fruits of his labours.

On February 7 Sir Paul McCartney will release the album he has been wanting to make for some 50 years, an album of standards – the music his Dad used to listen to when Sir Paul was a young lad. The collection will include two new songs written by Sir Paul himself. While there has been no word on exactly which songs Sir Paul has recorded for the album, Sir Paul will be joined by Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Krall on the album.

Fellow surviving Beatle Ringo Starr also has an album set for release at the end of January.

Since his release from prison T.I. has been very busy in the studio and is set to release an album some time in February. T.I. says that every song is about things that can get him into trouble.