Music fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating new summer releases to provide a soundtrack for their barbecues, road trips and beach excursions.

Hip-hop aficionados can expect new albums to drop from Plies’s “Goon Affiliated,” Lil Jon’s “Crunk Rock,” Drake’s “Thank Me

Later,” Chamillionaire’s “Venom,” Eminem’s “Recovery,” 3OH!3’s “Streets Of Gold,” Three 6 Mafia’s “Laws of Power,” a debut album from Outkast’s Big Boi “Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty” and a currently untitled release from T.I.

Shea Keating, a sophomore elementary education major and lead guitarist for local metal band Cured by Fire, is looking forward to Godsmack’s “The Oracle” and In This Moment’s “A Star Crossed Wasteland.”

A few more metal albums are expected this summer as well, including new albums from Papa Roach titled “To Be Loved,” Ozzy Osbourne’s “Scream,” and even a new record from the venerable Korn titled “Korn III – Remember Who You Are.”

The rock industry is set to produce the highest number of new albums this summer. Practically every subgenre is represented, with offerings from classic rock artists such as The Steve Miller Band with “Bingo,” Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers with “Mojo,” and Stone Temple Pilots with a new eponymous album.

Eric Fitts, a junior jazz studies major and guitarist in Eastern’s Jazz Lab Band, highly recommends the new Minus the Bear album, titled “Omni.”

Alternative fans can also look forward to new albums. These include Keane’s “Night Train,” Band Of Horses’ “Infinite Arms,” The Black Keys’ “Brothers,” Deftones’ “Diamond Eyes,” Against Me!’s “White Crosses,” Saving Abel’s “Miss America,” Tokyo Police Club’s “Champ,” and We Are Scientists with “Barbara.”

There are plenty of pop releases coming out as well, with offerings from Macy Gray with “The Sellout,” LCD Soundsystem with “This Is Happening,” Jack Johnson’s “To the Sea,” Christina Aguilera’s “Bionic,” Chemical Brothers’ “Further,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Memphis Blues,” and Kylie Minogue with “Aphrodite.”

Last but not least, country fans will be gifted with albums from The Wreckers’ Jessica Harp with “A Woman Needs,” Mary Gauthier’s “The Foundling,” Jewel’s “Sweet and Wild,” and Sheryl Crow with “100 Miles From Memphis.”

No matter what musical preference a listener may have, they’ll be sure to find something to enjoy this summer.

Bands as diverse as 3OH!3, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Hanson are all releasing new material that is sure to fit the bill for any summer gathering. The only problem is going to be choosing what to listen to.

Adam Mohebbi can be reached at

581-7942 or armohebbi@eiu.edu