Niall Horan is the one to beat on this edition of the Music Shopping List, examining new releases available beginning Friday, October 20.

Sigh, another week, more new releases. That’s how it goes. October 20, 2017 isn’t the most heralded ‘new music Friday’ of 2017, but there’s one surefire offering out of the bunch: Niall Horan (Flicker).  In addition to the third One Direction member dropping a solo debut, other successful/previously successful artists also drop new music: Chris Young, Darius Rucker, and Keyshia Cole.

1. Niall Horan, Flicker

Capitol

Niall Horan becomes the third One Direction member (former or present) to release a solo album, following ZAYN and Harry Styles.  It’s been a gradual process for Horan, who released his debut single, “This Town,” in Fall 2016.  In addition to the inclusion of “This Town,” singles “Slow Hands” and “Too Much to Ask” arrived in advance of the 13-track effort.  There are no guest features.

2. Chris Young, Losing Sleep

RCA

It’s hard to believe that Chris Young has been around since 2006.  The 32-year old, to date, has released five studio albums, as well as a Christmas album.  Losing Sleep, hence marks his sixth studio effort and seventh overall. Comprised of 10 tracks, four songs were issued in advance of the album: “Losing Sleep,” “Hangin’ On,” “Holiday,” and “Where I Go When I Drink.”

3. Darius Rucker, When Was the Last Time

Capitol

The success that 51-year old Darius Rucker has had throughout his career is simply amazing.  He was the rock frontman for Hootie and the Blowfish. Now, he’s a successful country musician – a rarity for a black man.  When Was the Last Time marks his fifth country studio album, and seventh solo album overall.  Comprised of 13 songs, six songs were issued prior to the album: “For the First Time,” “Bring It On,” “Life’s Too Short,” “If I Told You,” “Don’t,” and “Twenty Something.”

4. Keyshia Cole, 11:11 Reset

Epic 

Believe it or not, Keyshia Cole is returning sooner than later.  The timetable is right for her return with studio album 11:11 Reset, but the promo isn’t.  11:11 Reset is Cole’s first new album after the ill-conceived, ill-fated Point of No Return arrived in 2014. Comprised of 11 tracks, four singles were quietly issued in advance of the project: “You,” Ft. Remy Ma & French Montana, “Incapable,” “Best Friend,” and “Vault.” In addition to Remy Ma and French Montana, DJ Khaled, Young Thug, Kamaiyah, and Too $hort make appearances.

5. Young Dolph, Thinking Out Loud

Paper Route Empire

Memphis rapper Young Dolph returns with his latest album, Thinking Out Loud.  Thinking Out Loud is the third offering from the rapper in 2017.  He released a mixtape, Gelato, in February, and his sophomore album, Bulletproof in April.  Thinking Out Loud is comprised of 10 tracks. Featured guests include DRAM (“All of Mine) and Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz & Ty Dolla $ign (“Go Get Sum Mo”).

6. Turnpike Troubadours, A Long Way from Your Heart

Bossier City

Oklahoma country band Turnpike Troubadours return with their fifth studio album, A Long Way from Your Heart.   A Long Way from Your Heart follows up their 2015 self-titled album, which became their first to debut in the top-20 of the of the Billboard 200.  Comprised of 11 tracks, four singles were issued in advance of the album: “The Housefire,” “Old Time Feeling (Like Before),” “Pipe Bomb Dream,” and “Sunday Morning Paper.”

7. Lindsey Stirling, Warmer in the Winter

Concord 

Violinist Lindsey Stirling returns with a Christmas album, Warmer in the Winter.  Comprised of 13 tracks, singles “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Christmas C’mon,” Ft. Becky G, were issued in advance of the album.  In addition to Beck G, other featured guests include Sabrina Carpenter (“You’re a Mean On, Mr. Grinch”), Trombone Shorty (“Warmer in the Winter”), and Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low (“Time to Fall in Love”).

8. Trivium, The Sin and the Sentence

Roadrunner

In a loaded new release week, Trivium finds themselves near the bottom of this list.  No disrespect to the metal band, who’ve score three top-20 albums and two top-25 albums on the Billboard 200.  The Sin and the Sentence arrives two years after Silence in the Snow. Comprised of 11 tracks, singles “The Sin and the Sentence” and “The Heart from Your Hate” were issued in advance of the album.

9. 98º, Let It Snow

UMe

Keeping it real, 98º haven’t been relevant for years.  But, they come together for a Christmas album, Let It Snow.  Let It Snow is comprised of 14 tracks, with singles “What Christmas Means to Me,” “Let it Snow,” Season of Love,” and “The First Noel” arriving in advance of the album.

Other Releases:

Jessie Ware, Glasshouse; Margo Price, All American Made; H.E.R., Vol. 2 – The B Sides (EP); Sons of Apollo, Psychotic Symphony; KB, Today We Rebel; Hillsong Worship, The Peace Project; Nahko, My Name is Bear; We Came as Romans, Cold Like War; Veil of Maya, False Idol; Mike Ryan, Blink You’ll Miss It; David Archuleta, Postcards in the Sky; Boyz II Men, Under the Streetlight

Photo Credits: Capitol, RCA, Epic, Paper Route Empire, Roadrunner, Bossier City, Concord, Roadrunner, UMe