SHOWDOWN! NOVEMBER 23RD!

In what is probably the biggest competition of album sales this year, the music release week of November 23rd is set to be a dozy. First, we learn that the re-release of the multi-platinum album album "The Fame" by Lady Gaga will be in stores that day. Then it gets even better when Adam Lambert announced his debut will be coming out the same day. So far not that much, right? Well then add on Britney Spears second greatest hits album "The Singles Collection" into the mix. Thing's start to get interesting, as it's pop diva vs. pop diva. Then just this past week, we learn that Rihanna's new album "Rated R" will be released on the same day! If that wasn't bad enough, we learned yesterday that Shakira's record label really don't like her, because they pushed her album "She Wolf" to that date as well. This makes for an all out mainstream showdown!

Now let's think about this. First off, Britney's album is just a greatest hits, not to mention her second one, so I hate to say it, but I don't think it will do that well when there is only one new song on the release (two in Japan). Then again, you can never underestimate Britney fan's (Look at "3").

Then there is Lady Gaga's re-release "The Fame Monster". New cover, new pictures, and eight new songs, as she says herself it is practically a new album. It will without a doubt make it in the top three, just because Gaga is either every one's obsession or guilty pleasure.

Now we have Adam Lambert's debut release "For Your Entertainment". Two words: American Idol, although his album has taken longer than most former idol star's to be released, I think we can say he will also be in the top three.

Now for the new Rihanna album "Rated R". Although her new single lack's some substance, the album is supposed to be "pure gold" as stated by one of the album's producers. Rihanna is known for releasing albums pretty quick within each other, and after the huge success of "Good Girl Gone Bad" in 2007/2008, its hard to resist her. Were going to say that she is the third contender for the top three.

Last, but not least is Shakira. All we have to say, is what is her record label thinking? They must seriously be mad at her from her recent music piracy quotes. There is no way that her album can compete successfully with all of this competition. Her debut single, did decent, but not good enough for a hit album, especially when you have all of this above you. Word of advice to her label, if you want to have a success with this, move the album forward or back. If it's moved back wait two weeks! If this does not change, well then Shakira good luck.

So here is our predictions, although we are new at this so don't take this with more than a grain of salt:

1. Rihanna: Rated R (Def Jam Records)
2. Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment (RCA Records)
3. Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster (Interscope, Cherrytree, Kon Live Records)
4. Britney Spears: The Singles Collection (Jive Records/Sony BMG)
5, Shakira: She Wolf (Epic Records)