Weekly five ... Grammys 2009

The deadline to have an album released for Grammy consideration passed Sept. 30. We've started some initial predictions here, and we'll revisit them after the nominations are announced to see how far we were off or on.

One thing to note: Unlike the film industry, where prestige films will open in one or two cities to guarantee their eligibility, the music business isn't always in the habit of rushing releases out in August or September to secure a Grammy nod. Having holiday sales through November and December are often more important to labels than garnering Grammy attention.

There are exceptions, of course, and this year Springsteen's "Magic" was issued on vinyl a week early to secure eligibility.

But plenty of high-profile albums -- and albums that would surely benefit from the publicity boost of a Grammy nod -- were released after Sept. 30. Here are five albums that will have to wait until 2009 to win a Grammy.

1. Neil Young, "Chrome Dreams II." Despite some of the songs on this album dating back two decades, critics have applauded the collection as one of Young's finest. It's stylistically scattershot, providing a nice primer on Young's various musical incarnations. It comes out Oct. 16.

2. John Fogerty, "Revival." The album missed eligibility by a few days, but it'll probably have a better shot in 2009 at securing a major nomination, as the baby boomer vote will be split between Springsteen's "Magic" and Paul McCartney's "Memory Almost Full." For our money, this album is better than both, as Fogerty crafted an elegant rock album that reflects on his age and career. It came out Oct. 2.

3. Chris Brown, "Exclusive." One of the highlights of the MTV VMAs was Chris Brown, and the former best new artist nominee probably has a favorable Grammy future, if "Exclusive" turns out to be a solid effort. He's not as strong an R&B artist as John Legend, but he can certainly craft a hook, and is an inoffensive artist to champion.  "Exclusive" will be released Nov. 6.

4. Carrie Underwood, "Carnival Ride." Last year's best new artist winner returns with her sophomore effort, an album in which the country-pop star took on some writing duties. The first single, "So Small," has already been a Top 20 hit on Billboard's Hot 100, and we'd be surprised if it didn't secure a country nomination. "Carnival Ride" is due Oct. 23.

5. Celine Dion, "Taking Chances." The return of the diva-turned-Vegas star and former winner for album of the year winner has plenty of pop smarts behind it. Dion (pictured) worked with R&B star Ne-Yo and Linda Perry (Pink), as well as Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody, who has written for Avril Lavigne. It's getting a prime holiday release, and we expect it to be a blockbuster, but Dion will have to wait another year to take home Grammy's top honor. "Taking Chances" comes out Nov. 13.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Comments

[Kelly]

Radiohead's In Rainbows should be added to the list. It's received the best reviews of any mainstream release on Metacritic so far this year. Its initial method of distribution shouldn't affect its chances and it is scheduled to be released on CD sometime next year.

[wilson]

Britney spears' blackout was the best album to br released the past year! she has to be nominated! and her singles as well i mean just listen to "brek the ice" and y'll know or "piece of me"!