In the fall of 1971, Carly Simon wrote and recorded the song “Anticipation.” The single became a big fat hit for her, and a decade later a younger generation discovered it when it went on to become Heinz Ketchup’s theme song for their successful ad campaign. Of course, 36 autumns have come and gone since that historic recording, and much of the world has changed. What hasn’t changed is that music labels still release their biggest artists for the fourth quarter of the year. September begins with the letter “S” but it could also stand for “superstar.” The list for the first month of the fall season reads like a who’s who of the music industry.

Gay artists and gay-friendly artists such as Melissa Etheridge, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Chaka Khan, plus many more have brand new releases. September and beyond: Other headlining recording artists set for release include Debbie Harry’s Necessary Evil, which is Deb’s first solo effort in fourteen years, Will.i.am’s Song About Girls, and Reba McEntire’s Reba Duets, pairing her with the hottest names today including Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, Justin Timberlake, Trisha Yearwood, Don Henley and more. Simon & Garfunkel are releasing an album that’s entitled Live 1969 that lifts the highlights from their 1969 U.S. tour, and an album of various artists that include Elton John, Paul McCartney, Corrine Bailey Rae, Norah Jones, Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper, Lenny Kravitz and several more make up the double-disc set Goin’ Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino, with proceeds going to the city of New Orleans, will be released September 25th. Not enough? Keep your ears tuned for new releases from James Blunt with his sophomore release, Kenny Chesney, K.T. Tunstall, 50 Cent, Bo Bice, Ann Wilson of Heart fame, and a box set of rare recordings from the crystalline vocals of Emmylou Harris.

Legends of the fall continue with new releases from Jennifer Lopez, George Michael, Mary J. Blige, debuts from American Idol’s Jordin Sparks and Jennifer Hudson, R&B sensation Angie Stone, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, matchbox twenty, Alicia Keys, Duran Duran, Santana, Bob Dylan, Annie Lennox, Missy Elliott, Celine Dion, PJ Harvey, and Wyclef Jean. As for the ultimate divas, Madonna and the new release from Mariah Carey are due out just before Thanksgiving.

Like Carly sang, “Anticipation is keeping me waiting…”

© 2007 Steven M. Housman. All Rights Reserved.