2008 Rock & Roll User's Guide

Cougars

Janet Jackson
As yet untitled, due February 26

What's the Deal: After the disappointing sales of her last LP, 2006’s 20 Y.O., Ms. Jackson waved bye-bye to her label and shacked up with Island Def Jam, where boyfriend Jermaine Dupri is currently the president of urban music. “They’re into it — that’s the difference,” says Jackson of her new digs.

Why We're Excited: The pop vet has already logged studio time with Ne-Yo and Rodney Jerkins, and she’s looking to expand her sonic horizons even more with some help from Lil Jon.

Dream Collaboration: Now that Janet and Mariah Carey are on the same label, will we finally hear their superstar duet? Jackson is optimistic: “It’s something we both want to do. Hopefully we’ll get it done.”

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Sheryl Crow
Detours, due February 5

What's the Deal: Crow’s sixth studio album explores some heavy themes: global warming, her breakup with Lance Armstrong, her bout with breast cancer and the Bush administration’s bungling of Iraq. “War, the destruction of our planet, the end of a relationship, having cancer — ” Crow says “ — it’s a party record!”

Why We're Excited: Looser and more rockin’ than that description suggests, the album was recorded in three weeks on Crow’s 150-acre Nashville farm. “We’ve got horses, rescued dogs, some chickens,” she says. “We’re hoping by next year to get off the energy grid and be completely self-sufficient.”

Special Guest: “Lullaby for Wyatt” features a cameo by Crow’s new baby, whom she adopted in May. “On the take we used he’s just cooing in the background,” she says. “But the next take he screamed bloody murder. We’re saving that one for the children’s record.”

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Madonna
As yet untitled, due April

What's the Deal: The Material Girl has been so tight-lipped about her 11th album that even her collaborators are scared. Said Justin Timberlake about his contribution: “I don’t want to tell you the name of the song because she’ll kill me, or have me kill you.”

Behind the Music: Madge is keeping it straight gangsta, recording in L.A. and London with Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, Danjahandz, Akon and more. “Madonna’s a funky lady,” Timbaland said earlier this year. “We’re working round the clock. She’s up for everything.”

Ka-Ching! This is Madonna’s next-to-last release for Warner Bros.; the singer recently jumped ship for a 10-year, $120 million recording, touring and merchandising deal with concert-promotion giant Live Nation. “Live Nation has offered me a true partnership, and after 25 years in the business, I feel that I deserve that,” she said.