By Zachary Adler:

The music industry is no stranger to declining sales. Albums have slowly been losing momentum since the new millenium and iTunes came around. But after a summer that has shown the lowest album sales since Nirvana’s Nevermind, there is surely some hesitation around whether the record industry can be saved.

While some may believe this is based on digital and streaming services, others would contribute it to the fact that, besides Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories, there were simply no great records for consumers this summer.

And that’s where fall comes in. Luckily, this fall looks to promise a wide range of records for everyone to enjoy as the weather gets cooler and the holidays approach.

Pop

As usual, there is no shortage of pop records coming out, with new records by Katy Perry (Prism, available October 22), Janelle Monaé (The Electric Lady, available September 10), and Icona Pop (This Is…Icona Pop, available September 24) being released between now and November. But what looks to rise above other pop records is Lady Gaga’s fourth LP, ARTPOP, releasing on November 11th. This record looks to be a much more electronic affair than her last record, a sound that seems to appeal more to her fanbase. Also be out on the look for Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (September 30), the sequel to his endlessly groovy comeback record released in March.

Classic Rock

For fans of artists with larger back catalogs, plenty of the classic rock warhorses have announced records coming out this fall. Going back to roots seems to be the theme this fall, with back-to-basics records coming from both Pearl Jam (Lightning Bolt, available October 15) and Elton John (The Diving Board, available September 24) that are sure to please purists that yearn for the original formula that launched their careers. Perhaps the most interesting record this season looks to be Elvis Costello’s collaboration with The Roots, Wise Up Ghost (September 17), which sounds to be incredibly funky and diverse. But all eyes are truly on the new as-of-yet-untitled LP by Paul McCartney, which has been teased for the last two years and promises plenty of new surprises. For those who are interested in reissues, Bob Dylan is releasing Another Self Portrait (1969-1971): The Bootleg Series Volume 10 on August 27, and the 20th anniversary edition of Nirvana’s In Utero hits stores September 24.

Modern Rock

Those looking for a more contemporary modern rock record areAfter Slow Summer, Fall Records Show Promise

also in luck. In addition to new records from the Kings of Leon (Mechanical Bull, available September 24), Cage The Elephant (Melophobia, available October 8), and the Arctic Monkeys (AM, available September 10). The world’s most popular alternative group, Arcade Fire, are set to release their new record Reflektor on October 29.

Overall, there is going to be plenty of new music over this fall to keep audiences busy and entertained before the holiday album release rush, so fret not. There is also a guarantee of serious music that looks to be healthy additions to the catalogs of high-profile artists from every genre imaginable.