COLUMN: The six most anticipated album releases of fall 2012

The new xx’s album “Coexist” was released last week, but even that may not be the highlight of fall albums. Other upcoming releases may be just as good, if not better.

Grizzly Bear – “Shields,” Sept. 18 Grizzly Bear can do no wrong in the eyes of the indie rock world. The Brooklyn band’s last album, “Veckatimest,” made many top album lists in 2009, including those from Pitchfork, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. “Veckatimest” was more pop-accessible than the band’s first two efforts, “Horn of Plenty” and “Yellow House,” so it will be interesting to see if the band continues in that direction or returns to its roots.

Ben Folds Five – “The Sound of the Life of the Mind,” Sept. 18

Ben Folds may have launched a successful solo career, but after 13 years, a new album from Ben Folds Five is definitely a welcome endeavor. Robert Sledge and Darren Jessee join with Folds on the 10-track LP, as does author Nick Hornby, who co-wrote lyrics on the album’s title track.

G.O.O.D. Music – “Cruel Summer,” Sept. 18

“Cruel Summer” has spawned four singles – “Mercy,” “Cold,” “New God Flow” and “Clique” (three of which hit the Billboard Hot 100 charts) – before the album even dropped. The collaborative effort between Kanye West and label-mates Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz seems to be catching just as much, if not more, buzz as West’s last collaborative effort, 2011’s “Watch the Throne.”

No Doubt – “Push and Shove,” Sept. 25

Fresh off an 11-year hiatus, No Doubt came back swinging with “Settle Down,” the lead single off the band’s sixth studio album. “Push and Shove” is sure to continue the reggae-infusion of 2001’s “Rock Steady” with up-to-date touches — the lead track is a dubstep-esque collaboration with electro outfit Major Lazer.

Ellie Goulding – “Halcyon,” Oct. 9

British import Ellie Goulding made it big in the U.S. with her smash hit single “Lights,” which means fall is the perfect time to release her sophomore LP. The album’s lead single, “Anything Could Happen,” is more optimistically upbeat than the somber tone of “Lights,” showing Americans a side of Ellie they may not know but surely will grow to love.

Taylor Swift – “Red,” Oct. 22

If “Red” follows in the footsteps of Swift’s lead single from her fourth album, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” – it sold 600,000 downloads in one week —then she’s bound to have another massive success on her hands. Also on the album: A duet with British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

Emily Hopkins is an advertising junior.

Emily Hopkins

Emily is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Staff Writer, Copy Editor, Life & Arts Reporter and Copy Editor .