My Chemical Romance, "The Black Parade"

If the album is nearly as ambitious as its grand, Queen-like first single, the New Jersey quintet is ready to leave its contemporaries - and that dreaded "emo" tag - behind forever. (10/24)

Jay-Z, "Kingdom Come"

Jay-Z bowed out on top with his supposed retirement album, 2003's "The Black Album." By returning, he risks tainting his legacy - or proving he's only just beginning. (11/21)

The Killers, "Sam's Town"

The Las Vegas hipsters have promised their new album, the follow-up to 2004's "Hot Fuss," will be one of the best albums of the last 20 years. Sounds lofty (and a tad ridiculous), but the arena-ready first single "When You Were Young" proves they're definitely shooting for the stars. (10/3)

Fergie, "The Dutchess"

We're still confounded by the sexual imagery of "London Bridge," but the Black Eyed Pea's solo effort, which meshes hip-hop, R&B, reggae and even Motown flavor ("Here I Come" remakes the Temptations' "Get Ready"), should have humps shaking all season long. (in stores now)

John Legend, "Once Again"

Legend's debut album, 2004's "Get Lifted," earned the gifted singer three Grammys, including one for best new artist. Laid-back, effortlessly cool first single "Save Room" indicates Legend is making another stride toward living up to his last name. (10/24)

Rap's return

Rap sales have been limp so far this year, with mid-year numbers down nearly 16 percent from 2005. Rap's biggest stars are lining up to stage a comeback, but will the glut of releases cause a traffic jam?

Among the artists jockeying for position are Ludacris ("Release Therapy," 9/26); Diddy ("Press Play," 10/17); Young Jeezy ("The Inspiration: Thug Motivation 102," 10/31); Lil Jon ("Crunk Rock," 10/31); the Game ("The Doctor's Advocate," 11/7); Nas ("Hip-Hop is Dead" 11/7); Snoop Dogg ("Blue Carpet Treatment," 11/21); and possibly 50 Cent, who's heavily rumored to have an album out by year's end. Meantime, details are still being finalized on Eminem 's "The Re-Up," which could hit stores in November.

'American Idol' assault

"American Idol" doesn't return to the airwaves until January, but the show's viability will be put to the test by record buyers this fall.

Somebody's bound to get lost in the shuffle between Clay Aiken ("A Thousand Different Ways," in stores now); Mario Vazquez (self-titled, 9/26); Ruben Studdard ("The Return," 10/17); Kellie Pickler ("Small Town Girl," 10/31); Fantasia (title TBA, 11/14); Taylor Hicks (title TBA, 11/14); Chris Daughtry (title TBA, 11/21); and Katharine McPhee (title TBA, November).

Old time rock 'n' roll Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan both scored No. 1 albums over the summer, and a number of retirement-age stars are looking to follow in their footsteps in the coming months.

They include 80-year-old Tony Bennett ("Duets: An American Classic," 9/26); 70-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis ("Last Man Standing," 9/26); 64-year-old Paul McCartney ("Ecce Cor Meum," 9/26); 61-year-old Rod Stewart ("Still the Same: Great Rock Classics of Our Time," 10/10); 63-year-old Barry Manilow ("The Greatest Songs of the Sixties," 10/31;) and 73-year-old Willie Nelson ("Songbird," 10/31).

Yusuf Islam - the former Cat Stevens, and the baby of the bunch at age 58 - releases his "An Other Cup," his first new pop album in 28 years, on Nov. 14.

The best of the rest

Buzzed-about Chicago rapper and noted F.O.K. - Friend of Kanye - Lupe Fiasco has just released "Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor." Age ain't nothing but a number for Janet Jackson, who turns "20 Y.O." Sept. 26. Beck's got "The Information," and he's going public with it Oct. 3. Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham attempts to get "Under the Skin" of listeners Oct. 3. White British female rapper Lady Sovereign issues her "Public Warning" Oct. 3. Evanescence returns with the follow-up to their monster debut with "The Open Door" Oct. 3.

"These Days," Vince Gill has been preparing his new four-CD(!) set, which hits stores Oct. 17. Virgina rappers the Clipse unveil "Hell Hath No Fury," their follow-up to 2002's "Lord Willin'," Oct. 31. Nicole Kidman's main squeeze, Keith Urban, explores "Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing" Nov. 7. Josh Groban is wide "Awake" Nov. 7; and Tenacious D - Jack Black and Kyle Gass - return with "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny" Nov. 14, which is their soundtrack to the film of the same name.