Plus: Shawn Colvin [ tickets ], Mars Volta, more

Justin Timberlake [ tickets ]
"FutureSex/LoveSounds"
(Jive)

The former leader of 'NSync has definitely stacked the cards in his favor this time around. For "FutureSex/LoveSounds," his follow-up to 2002's multi-platinum debut "Justified," Timberlake has called upon such A-list producers as Timbaland, Nate Hills, Will.I.Am (Black Eyed Peas) and Rick Rubin. The first single from the set is "SexyBack."

Last month, Timberlake got the hype machine rolling by embarking on a brief US club tour, which hit seven cities in a little over two weeks. His previous tour found the singer performing at major arenas across the country.

Bob Seger [ tickets ]
"Face the Promise"
(Capitol)

The 61-year-old legend, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, finally returns with his first studio album in 11 years. Seger's last album was 1995's "It's a Mystery."

The first single from the new set, which is said to lean toward high-energy rockers, is titled "Wait For Me." The disc also contains two duets--"Real Mean Bottle" (with Kid Rock) and "The Answer's in the Question" (with Patty Loveless).

"It's a Mystery" is the latest chapter in a highly successful career that has stretched nearly 40 years. Seger's resume includes a lifetime albums-sales mark of almost 50 million and his 1994 "Greatest Hits" collection, which has sold more than 7 million copies.

John Mayer [ tickets ]
"Continuum"
(Sony)

Having spent time with the John Mayer Trio, a group that features bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan, the pop idol reclaims the spotlight with this solo offering.

"Continuum" is Mayer's first solo studio record since 2003's "Heavier Things." He did, however, release a concert disc in 2005--titled "Try!"--that featured his trio. The first single from the new album is "Waiting on the World to Change."

The vocalist/guitarist is currently on a co-headlining tour with Sheryl Crow, which stretches through a two-night stand (10/13-14) in Atlanta.

Shawn Colvin
"These Four Walls"
(Nonesuch)

The three-time Grammy winner is back with her first offering since 2001's "Whole New You." This is the folk singer's first release on Nonesuch, having spent the majority of her professional career on Columbia Records.

The disc was recorded in Texas and New York with producer John Leventhal, and features such guests as Patty Griffin, Marc Cohn and Teddy Thompson.

Colvin will support the CD with a round of fall tour dates, currently set to begin Oct. 11 in Baltimore and end Nov. 14 in New York City.

The Mars Volta [ tickets ]
"Amputechture"
(Universal)

The acclaimed prog-rock outfit deals its third album, which is the follow-up to 2005's "Frances the Mute." The band is currently on the road supporting the Red Hot Chili Peppers. John Frusciante, the Peppers' guitarist, is featured on "Amputechture."

More new releases:
Barenaked Ladies, "Barenaked Ladies Are Me" (Desperation)
Black Keys, "Magic Potion" (Nonesuch)
Black Label Society, "Shot to Hell" (Roadrunner)
Carbon Leaf, "Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat" (Vanguard)
Kasey Chambers, "Carnival" (Warner Bros.)
Robert Cray Band, "Live from Across the Pond" (Vanguard)
The Duhks, "Migrations" (Sugar Hill)
Peter Frampton, "Fingerprints" (New Door)
Mastodon, "Blood Mountain" (Reprise)
Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau, "Metheny/Mehldau" (Nonesuch)
Madeleine Peyroux, "Half the Perfect World" (Rounder)
R.E.M., "And I Feel Fine: Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987" (Capitol/I.R.S.)
Lionel Richie, "Coming Home" (Island)
Vittorio, "Vittorio" (Decca)
Yo La Tengo, "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass" (Matador)

Soundtracks and scores:
"Grey's Anatomy 2" (Hollywood)