The Roots. How has Jimmy Fallon changed The Roots? We'll find out next month, when the Philadelphia hip-hop collective releases its first album since taking a gig as a late-night TV house band. Expect How I Got Over to be a less-dense endeavor that captures the sound of a super-tight group that has benefited from playing live five days a week. And get ready to hear Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter show off his chops as a soul singer. (On sale Oct. 20)
Alec Ounsworth. Alec Ounsworth, the Philadelphian who fronts Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, is having himself a busy year. First came his side project, Flashy Python. And now comes a solo album, Mo Beauty, on the Anti- label, which is also the home of alliterative local bands Man Man and Dr. Dog. For Mo Beauty, Ounsworth went to New Orleans, where he recorded with heavy hitters including bassist George Porter Jr. (On sale Oct. 20)
Norah Jones. The Grammy-grabbing Soy Latte Queen returns with her fourth studio album, promising a most welcome change of musical pace along with her newly lightened locks. The still-untitled collection was written mostly on guitar rather than piano, and features songwriting from country-tinged creative types Ryan Adams and Will Sheff, of Okkervil River. The backup band has such notables as Marc Ribot, Smokey Hormel, and The Roots' James Poyser. (On sale Nov. 20)
Lil Wayne. Will Weezy F. Baby ever be reborn? Last year, Lil Wayne's third full-length album, Tha Carter III, sold more copies than any other album. The rapper had said he'd next release a rock album, Rebirth. First scheduled for early and then late summer, it's now set for release in time for Thanksgiving. And the well-tattooed New Orleanian is putting the word out that it's not exactly going to be a rock album after all. "Great art takes time," he recently told Rap-Up.com. "When it's perfect, you guys will receive it." (On sale Nov. 24)
