Lady Gaga's News

Lady Gaga issues "ARTPOP" on Nov. 12.

New stars hell-bent on beating the sophomore jinx. Old stars shaking up their style. And missing-in-action stars pining for a comeback.

Such scenarios give this fall's music its plot line. Breaking names like Ellie Goulding and Janelle Monae will try to prove they're not just one-hit wonders. Artists like Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello and Mary J. Blige will reveal sounds wholly new to them, and acts that hadn't set foot in a recording studio in years - like Nine Inch Nails, Goodie Mob and Cher - will reveal what they've been cooking up.

Of course, fall also features the usual roster of superstar CDs, from Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Drake, Metallica and more.

SUPERSTARS

John Mayer "Paradise Valley," Aug. 20. Co-produced by Don Was, the disc follows up last year's "Born and Raised."

John Legend "Love in the Future," Sept. 3 .

Drake "Nothing Was the Same," Sept. 17. The rapper-singer's third.

Elton John "The Diving Board," Sept. 24. It means to mine that Americana vibe of his 1970 album "Tumbleweed Connection."

Kings of Leon "Mechanical Bull," Sept. 24. Their first single, "Supersoaker," rocks harder than everything on their last CD put together.

Metallica "Through the Never," Sept. 24. The soundtrack to their new IMAX concert film.

Justin Timberlake "The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2," Oct. 1. The sequel to JT's blue-eyed-soul smash from March.

Pearl Jam "Light ning Bolt," Oct. 15. The post-grunge band's first in four years.

Arcade Fire "Title to Come," Oct. 29. The Canadian act's first since taking that Album of the Year Grammy in 2010.

Lady Gaga "ARTPOP," Nov. 12. The kickoff single, "Applause," arrives Aug. 19.

REISSUES

Fleetwood Mac "Then Play On," Aug. 13. An expanded version of the first Mac album to feature the hugely underrated singer-guitarist Danny Kirwin.

The Band "Live at the Academy of Music 1971," Sept. 17 . An expanded take on a classic New York show by the gods of Americana.

REINVENTIONS

Sheryl Crow "Feels Like Home," Sept. 10 . The first all-country disc from the singer-songwriter, aided by Brad Paisley.

Elvis Costello and the Roots "Wise Up Ghost," Sept. 17 . Elvis loves collaborations. He's done them with Anne Sofie von Otter, Aaron Neville, Burt Bacharach and, now, with hip hop's most musicianly band.

Mary J. Blige "A Mary Christmas," Oct. 15 . The queen of neo-soul goes the ho-ho-ho route.

COMEBACKS

Goodie Mob "Age Against the Machine," Aug. 27 . The first CD to reunite Cee Lo Green with his original rap group in 14 years.

Nine Inch Nails "Hesitation Marks," Sept. 3 . Trent Reznor's first CD with his main brand in five years takes its name from a term for attempted suicide. Is he trying to tell us something?

Cher "Closer to the Truth," Sept. 24 . The campy diva's first in 12 years.

Sting "The Last Ship," Sept. 24 . El Stingo's first CD of original songs in a decade doubles as a tease for his upcoming Broadway musical.

TLC "Title to Come," Oct. 15. Their first since they lost "Left Eye" Lopes 11 years ago. Featuring Ne-Yo, Drake and Lady Gaga.

Ellie Goulding "Halcyon Days," Aug. 27 . A repackage of her breakthrough CD, boasting the hit "Lights," with new songs added.

Janell e Monae "The Electric Lady," Sept. 10 . The avant-R&B singer tries to live up to her early rep, with help from Miguel, Erykah Badu and even Prince.

LAST RITES

Ministry "From Beer to Eternity," Sept. 10. Al Jourgensen insists this will be his last disc with his industrial-rock pioneers.

ALBUMS OF INTEREST

Franz Ferdinand "Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action," Aug. 27 . The neo-'80s Britpop band's first in four years.

Roberto Fonseca "Yo," Aug. 27 . A sprawling prog-jazz work from the Cuban pianist.

Neko Case "The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You," Sept. 3 . Leave it to this articulate pop songwriter to offer the season's wordiest title.

Arctic Monkeys "AM," Sept. 10 . The British rock act's new one features guest spots for Elvis Costello and Josh Homme.

jfarber@nydailynews.com