October's Biggest Albums

October's Biggest Albums

October and November are traditionally the two biggest months of the year for album releases as the major labels unveil their big guns in time for Christmas.



Cheryl Cole - 3 Words

Released on: October 26

Cheryl Cole has experienced a dramatic turnaround in her public standing over the last two years thanks in part to the dignified way she handled husband Ashley's infidelities but mainly her empathetic manner as a judge on X Factor. What's any of this got to do with music? Well, nothing, but neither will the inevitable success of the new nation's sweetheart's debut solo album. Still, with top-notch producers like Will.i.am, Taio Cruz and Wayne Wilkins on board, it might even be quite good.


Alexandra Burke - Overcome

Released on: October 19

Alexandra is only the second X Factor discovery (the other being Leona Lewis) not to have her debut album rush-released. Clearly Mr Cowell and company think they're on to a long-term prospect. Brought forward a week to avoid a clash with her X Factor mentor Cheryl Cole, this album is heavy on party tunes and light on ballads, which we reckon can only be a good thing.



The Flaming Lips - Embryonic


Released on: October 12

The Oklahoman indie legends have been nothing if not prolific throughout their 23-year recording career, so it should come as no surprise that this, their 12th studio album, is a double. Speaking to Billboard magazine, front-man Wayne Coyne said, "Some of my favourite records – thinking Beatles' White Album, Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti and even some of the longer things that The Clash have done – part of the reason I like them is that they're not focused. They're kind of like a free-for-all and go everywhere." Should be interesting.


The Saturdays - Wordshaker

Released on: October 12

Hardcore fans of The Saturdays will have heard two songs from their forthcoming second album during their last tour. These are joined by the girls' first attempt at songwriting in the shape of a track called Deeper, plus nine others, mostly from the pen of Norwegian songwriter Ina Wroldsen.


Shakira - She Wolf

Released on: October 12

The Columbian star has revealed that her third English language album explores electro-pop territory with just a hint of dancehall. We've no option but to believe her as her hips don't lie. Elaborating on this to Billboard, she said recently, "I felt very curious and intrigued about the electro-pop world and everything it has to offer. I wanted to make sure that this album was very bassy and that the kicks hit really hard, and I wanted to concentrate on the beat." Awoooooooooooo!

Whitney Houston - I Look To You

Released on: October 19

The legendary diva's first album in seven years (only her sixth in a 25-year recording career) was released in the States in August to generally favourable reviews. Writing on her official website about the title track, Ms Houston has said, "There are times in life when we go through certain situations - some not so good. You have to reach for a higher strength, you have to reach deep inside yourself, spend time with yourself to make some corrections that go beyond your own understanding and lean on a higher understanding. For me [this] song puts it all in check. If I did not have my faith I wouldn't be as strong today."