As summer fades, so do the songs and sounds of summer. But that gives way to a fall music bonanza.

Fall is when artists release seemingly more thoughtful and deeper music, with a fair share of hits that will dominate your radio until the format changes to only Christmas music.

The list of releases is extensive, but here are 22 albums I'm looking forward to hearing and a few that have already had their release.

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Note: Release and concert dates are subject to change

Already released

Keith Urban, "Fuse"

Australian country star Keith Urban's latest release, "Fuse," takes his sound in a slightly new direction, with broader musical influences apparent in the mesh with country music. Urban's great vocal talent and electric guitar are highlights in his eighth album. Listeners will hear more electronic and R&B sounds than previous albums, but it doesn't complicate or denigrate the country style Urban fans are used to. The second single off the album is a duet with Miranda Lambert, "We Were Us," and it is a highlight. The collaboration fuses great classic country with Urban's rock-infused style. (Released Sept. 10)

Sheryl Crow, "Feels Like Home"

Sheryl Crow's music has always had a bit of a country flavor. That country sound is the highlight of Crow's latest, "Feels Like Home," an apt title for her eighth studio album. Her move from Los Angeles to Nashville is apparent, with a sound that fits right in with other music that is coming from the town these days. The typical stripped-down feel of singer/songwriter music is still there. And the first single, "Easy," describes a staycation instead of going to Mexico, which is refreshing because nearly all country artists have a song about the beach in Cancun. (Released Sept. 10)

Arctic Monkeys, "AM"

English indie-rock band Arctic Monkeys explore new sounds with their fifth studio album, "AM." Known for bombastic and exciting rock songs, the latest shines a spotlight on new hip-hop-inspired beats. The hard guitar riffs and knock-down beats remind me of the Black Keys/Roc-A-Fella collaboration Blakroc, but taking it to a next level. It's a sound that combines well with frontman Alex Turner's fantastic voice to make it one of the band's best albums to date. (Released Sept. 10)

Goldfrapp, "Tales of Us"

"Tales of Us" continues the London electronic duo Goldfrapp on the trend of releasing up-tempo dance sounds followed by a more ambient and soft sound. This album is of the former. Sounds are familiar from album to album, but it's almost a tale of two bands. "Tales of Us" satisfies a folk-electronic sound with Alison Goldfrapp's soft and at times haunting voice. The album's first single, "Drew," swells into a majestic sound with her voice and steady guitar but doesn't go beyond its own limitations. (Released Sept. 10)

Sept. 17

Elvis Costello and The Roots, "Wise Up Ghost"

It's the oddest collaboration this fall, but one that is most delightful. Elvis Costello's wide musical history and ability combines with The Roots' fresh sound for an album that will be the sound to duplicate. Costello's instantly familiar voice is there for something completely new for him, but the new fits remarkably well with him. And of course, Questlove and the rest of The Roots deliver for a throwback funky album that is sure to delight.

Sept. 24

Kings of Leon, "Mechanical Bull"

Oklahoma-tied Kings of Leon's sixth studio album gives fans the big rock sound they want, but the band cuts loose a little more, aiming away from traditional pop sounds and exploring more funky grooves and solid ballads. Vocalist Caleb Followill is as good as ever on the first single, "Supersoaker," with a power and grittiness that has helped propel the band to the top.

Elton John, "The Diving Board"

Elton John's still got it, and "The Diving Board" will prove it. His voice and overall sound has matured from his "Bennie and The Jets" days, but the songwriting the world fell in love with still shines through with his 30th solo album and first solo venture since 2006. John's piano abilities are as sharp as ever and featured prominently in the first single, "Home Again." Album producer extraordinaire T-Bone Burnett, who also produced John's collaboration with native Tulsan Leon Russell in 2010, lends his knowledge and experience to the album for a focus on John.

Alan Jackson, "The Bluegrass Album"

The title of the album isn't particularly inventive, yet it's very descriptive of its content and something the country world has been waiting on for some time. Jackson has established himself among the kings of country music, and with "The Bluegrass Album," he's looking to expand his territory. Jackson's country voice fits the traditional bluegrass sound through the album. Eight of the album's 14 songs were written by Jackson, with a few covers including the classic waltz "Blue Moon of Kentucky."

Sept. 30

Justin Timberlake, "The 20/20 Experience Part Two"

Pop icon Justin Timberlake recently described the second part of "The 20/20 Experience" as the "hotter, older evil twin sister" of the first bit. If "Part One" gave us a more grown-up version of Timberlake, his description of "Part Two" is wildly intriguing. The first single, "Take Back The Night," is just as funky and soulful as hits from the '60s with a dash of '80s Michael Jackson but all wrapped in a current sound. With "The 20/20 Experience" Timberlake's post-hiatus fresh-yet-throwback sound further solidifies himself as the reigning King of Pop.

HAIM, "Days Are Gone"

These sisters from Los Angeles have been growing a large following with their fresh indie-rock sound. Their debut album, "Days Are Gone," is set to further grow their popularity with "Falling" and "The Wire," two songs released in EP form earlier this year. The trio was a hit when they played with Mumford & Sons at the Guthrie Gentlemen of the Road stopover. Their sultry voices, catchy guitar licks and heavy pop beats make for a great sound and will make a great debut.

The Blind Boys of Alabama, "I'll Find A Way"

After playing together longer than many musicians live, The Blind Boys of Alabama have continued to reinvent their sound and grow their enormous music library. Their latest album, "I'll Find a Way," finds the gospel singers collaborating with Bon Iver's Justin Vernon for yet another iteration of the singing masters. With six Grammys already in the cabinet, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, The Blind Boys of Alabama will continue to delight.

Oct. 8

Sleigh Bells, "Bitter Rivals"

The noise power pop-rock duo Sleigh Bells will have heads banging once again with "Bitter Rivals," which continues the band's growth from sheer power to power with a touch more feeling. Singer Alexis Krauss' R&B vocals are still as soothing as ever, juxtaposed with Derek E. Miller's almost violent guitar shredding. It's music that begs to be played as loud as your speakers can handle. It's best to oblige.

Oct. 15

Paul McCartney, "New"

Paul McCartney fans will love "New," the first studio album of solo work from the former Beatles member in six years. Classic McCartney vocals and hooks delight in the title track, a wonderful homage to big, happy McCartney music. At the same time, McCartney has said that the album has a fresh sound thanks in part to four different producers.

Cults, "Static"

Indie-rock duo Cults is set to release a sophomore album in October, a highly anticipated follow-up to its first self-titled LP, which featured the viral hit "Go Outside." Light and airy vocals complement the harder rock sound from the band on the single "I Can Hardly Make You Mine."

The Avett Brothers, "Magpie and the Dandelion"

The folk-rock group was still promoting the 2012 release "The Carpenter" when it announced that "Magpie and the Dandelion" would be released in October. It was recorded at the same time as "The Carpenter," with a sound the band has evolved into, with bluegrass sounds meshing with rock beats. The single "Another Is Waiting" also promises to deliver the lyrical prowess the band has cultivated through the years.

The Head and the Heart, "Let's Be Still"

If "Shake," the single off The Head and The Heart's second studio album "Let's Be Still," is any indication of what's to come, it will be difficult for fans to be still. The indie-folk group's harmonies, piano, strings and prominent drums show the band continues to grow with the second album. Songs like "Down In The Valley" from the first self-titled album show off a band that can write thoughtful lyrics with sweet, foot-stomping melodies. Hopefully "Let's Be Still" will inspire more dancing than being still.

Willie Nelson, "To All The Girls"

Only country legend Willie Nelson could pull off an album full of some of music's greatest women for this album of duets. "To All The Girls" features tracks from Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples, Rosanne Cash, Loretta Lynn, Alison Krauss, Norah Jones, Emmylou Harris, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and more, amazingly. Collaborations with this much star power don't come along often, and this one will be worth listening to again and again. This album really is the best and most fitting tribute to all of Nelson's women.

Oct. 29

Toby Keith, "Drinks After Work"

The modern country music star showed his Okie colors this summer in a massive concert event to benefit the victims of the central Oklahoma tornadoes that ravaged his hometown of Moore. "Drinks After Work" sounds like a great song to give a little break to those working hard to clean up after the storm. Keith gives listeners his familiar sound with the latest single, the album's title track. The up-tempo, breezy song is perfect for after a long day's work, which can be said for a lot of Keith's music. "Drinks After Work"? If that's the soundtrack, you bet I'm in.

The Arcade Fire, "Reflektor"

The music video released recently for the Canadian indie-rock band (not the interactive video, which exists and is wild) fits perfectly with what I hear in the song, driving down a dark road in an old truck full of a band with large plastic heads. Haunting and a little weird, but incredible. The band's fourth album - which follows "The Suburbs," Grammy's Album of the Year - has been highly anticipated by indie music fans, and the single "Reflektor" is enough to whet their appetites. The up-tempo rock beats with Win Butler's fantastic voice are sure to make "Reflektor" a hit and the album a delight.

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Top 15 Tulsa shows

The slate of shows due to hit Tulsa this fall is jam-packed full of talent with many artists touring to promote new work. It's a hard list to narrow down, but here are 15 that I'm looking forward to seeing and experiencing.

The Event with Shooter Jennings, Jessi Colter and Red Dirt Rangers, Friday at Cain's Ballroom

The show dubbed "The Event" is a tribute to Will Rogers and a fundraiser for the museum. It features Waylon Jennings' son and wife, playing with the Red Dirt Rangers. What more could you ask for?

Steve Miller Band, Sept. 27 at The Joint

The list of hits from the San Francisco-based band is long and awesome. Fans of classic rock need to catch this one.

Shovels and Rope, Oct. 2 at Cain's

Married folk duo Shovels and Rope's first album features gritty vocals with catchy melodies. This will be a hand-clapping, foot-stomping good time.

Blake Shelton, Oct. 4 at BOK Center

Blake Shelton entertains a home crowd at the BOK Center, a show that is always special for Oklahomans.

Vampire Weekend, Oct. 5 at Brady Theater

The indie-pop group brings its New England rock to Tulsa fresh off its latest and best album.

Walk the Moon, Oct. 10 at Cain's

If you're looking to dance late into the night, indie-rock band Walk the Moon will definitely satisfy that need.

Patty Griffin, Oct. 11, Cain's

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Patty Griffin promises a night of great and reflective folk and Americana sounds.

Alabama, Oct. 11 at The Joint

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, country music legend Alabama is sure to break out all the hits that made the band a household name.

John Fogerty, Oct. 17 at The Joint

The Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman heads to The Joint, still rocking with songs most people know by heart.

Weird Al Yankovic, Oct. 19 at Brady Theater

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the cult classic "UHF" filming in Tulsa, comedic rocker Weird Al heads to Tulsa for what promises to be an amazing show.

Pokey LaFarge, Oct. 20 at Cain's

Soulful Americana roots singer/songwriter Pokey LaFarge is sure to entertain the Cain's crowd with a great folky sound.

Keith Urban, Oct. 25 at BOK Center

This country star will make the crowd swoon during his stop in Tulsa to promote his latest album, "Fuse."

Sleigh Bells, Oct. 25 at Cain's

You'll have to resist the urge to riot after the raucous group Sleigh Bells pumps up the crowd to feverish levels.

Buddy Guy, Nov. 15 at Brady Theater

Blues legend Buddy Guy is playing in Tulsa. That should be enough to get you in the seats.

Justin Timberlake, Nov. 21 at BOK Center

On a world tour to promote his full double album "The 20/20 Experience," Justin Timberlake will blow the roof off the BOK Center in this sold-out show. Don't miss it.

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Jerry Wofford 918-581-8346
jerry.wofford@tulsaworld.com