Music preview 2012: Van Halen, will.i.am, more

If you were bringing in the new year with a television on, there is no doubt that you saw a performance by some of today's hottest music artists, like Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Cee Lo Green and Drake. While Carson Daly's and Dick Clark's New Year's Eve shows have always featured music performances, this new year marks the beginning of many artists' comebacks. This year has been dubbed the "year of music," for good reason, as a medley of artists are returning or debuting this year. Madonna and Brandy are coming back, Lana Del Rey and Foster The People are coming up, and Lady Gaga and The Shins are continuing their musical legacies. Among all the artists that will pop onto the scene this year, there are five albums that will be especially exciting to see appear.

John Mayer

"Born and Raised"

Release date: Early 2012

As much criticism as Mayer has received from media for his love life and sense of humor, he has definitely left a mark on the history of contemporary music. While he hasn't always been the most thoughtful person, his music is thought provoking and appeals to a wide audience. Fans of Mayer will be excited to learn that his new album, "Born and Raised," is an official follow-up to his previous release, "Battle Studies," which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart at it's release. This album was scheduled to release last year, but was postponed because of granulomas — large collections of immune system tissue — in Mayer's throat. Mayer underwent surgery to remove them and went back to work on the album. We should look forward to how Mayer's surgery and experiences appear in his music.

Paul McCartney

"Kisses On The Bottom"

Release date: Feb. 7

We haven't seen work from the legendary solo artist Paul McCartney since his 2007 release, "Memory Almost Full." That album received praise and did well commercially both here and in the U.K. Paul McCartney is returning with "Kisses On The Bottom," labeled a standard album, which features music styles that the artist typically uses. We can expect to hear "softer, more tender material" according to his representatives and reviews of the single "My Valentine." Two other noteworthy artists, Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder, will be collaborating with McCartney on this album. Ironically, Ringo Starr, another former Beatles member, will also be releasing an album this year, so we will soon be able to enjoy plenty of nostalgic sound.

Christina Aguilera

Not yet titled

Release date: Spring/summer 2012

Christina Aguilera is returning with her seventh official studio album. Aguilera had a rough year in 2011, appearing in the press for multiple slip-ups, including a lyric mistake in her rendition of the national anthem and a brief stint with public intoxication. Her last album, 2010's "Bionic," was also not a commercial success. Still, Aguilera remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time and her recent partnership with Maroon 5 in the song "Moves Like Jagger" have given her success. Aguilera will also return as a judge on the American talent TV show "The Voice," which she will use to promote her album, much like Nicole Scherzinger of "The X Factor" and recently Sara Bareilles of "The Sing-Off." Aguilera's vocal prowess and musical ability are widely praised for her diversity of styles and genres. This album's sound will be fresh and exciting, with reviews and reports citing "a powerful but more controlled voice."

will.i.am

"#willpower"

Release date: Feb. 14

Black Eyed Peas front man and successful producer will.i.am is releasing his fourth studio album, "#willpower," this Valentine's Day. "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" debuted as the album's lead single, and includes collaboration with Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger. The single enjoyed medium success, but was considered by many to be the best performance at the American Music Awards. The second single from the album, "Great Times," was not as exposed or promoted as "T.H.E." but received better reviews. Will.i.am can always be counted on to provide powerfully messaged music as well as successful dance beat tracks, and "#willpower" is set to be a healthy mix of both. Other collaborations on the album we can look out for include Eva Simons and LMFAO's Redfoo.

Van Halen

"A Different Kind Of Truth"

Release date: Feb. 2

It's hard to describe the changes Van Halen has gone through in just a few words. This year, the band returns with a multitude of changes, most notable of which include their signing with Interscope Records and David Lee Roth returning as the lead vocalist. "A Different Kind Of Truth" will mark the first album the band has released in 14 years, but one thing that will not change is the band's music style. The band's new single, "Tattoo," charted on Billboard Top 100 music list in eight different countries and was the No. 1 rock song in the U.S., Canada, Finland and the Netherlands. Critics have labeled the album "vintage," with more traditional and older rock influences, and a return to the earlier Van Halen sound. Whether you followed the band for the music or for the drama surrounding its members, this album will deliver good music for anyone who enjoys traditional rock sound.

Darrington Clark is a freshman in journalism and mass communications. Please send comments to edge@kstatecollegian.com.