The Whole Love by Wilco, due out Sept. 27

Beloved Chicago boys Wilco are set to come out with the follow up to their underwhelming 2009 release Wilco (The Album) later this month. Based on NPR’s streaming preview of the album, The Whole Love seems to continue the band’s departure from its original alternative country roots back into the realm of more experimental alternative rock. Jeff Tweedy is undoubtedly one of this generation’s defining songwriters, and he seems to be pushing his reputation even further with this new batch of songs. The single “I Might” sounds similar to the sunnier quasi-psychadelic material fromSummerteeth, but still doesn’t sound like a regression in style at all. Since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco has polarized its fan base with consistently more progressive production and effects. While not an overwhelmingly forward leap or fatal step backward in their sound, The Whole Love may prove to be a perfect midway point for those seeking the many sides of this band on one album.

Lulu by  Lou Reed and Metallica, due out Oct. 31

Whether you’re repulsed or excited by the idea of Metallica and Lou Reed collaborating on an album together, you have to admit it’s definitely an interesting concept. The idea for this collaboration apparently started when the two performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary ceremony in 2009, where they joked around about the idea of making an album together. Two years later, the two forces in rock are coming together to make what Metallica frontman Kirk Hammett is calling “not a 100 percent Metallica album.” Regardless of how strange this idea sounds, give the album a shot.

Parallax by Atlas Sound, due out  Nov. 7

Bradford Cox is currently one of the most celebrated experimental rock artists, and he deserves that recognition. His work with acclaimed band Deerhunter as well as his praised solo work under the name Atlas Sound has earned Cox a name for himself in the underground music scene. Though it would be fine if he built off the atmospheric melodies and the stream-of-conscious nature of his lyrics found on his last solo album, Logos, Parralax may in fact be something completely different. Cox’s new album apparently uses his seemingly simple lyrical themes as an undercurrent for an ambient and lonely mood. Competing in a genre focused on challenging itself with every new project, Parralax will be a step forward in the right direction for Bradford Cox and Atlas Sound.

Camp by Childish Gambino, release date to be announced

Comedian/actor turned emcee Donald Glover is undoubtedly a talent to be reckoned with. It’s hard to know what his rap alter ego, Childish Gambino, will have in store for us on his debut album. His first single, “Bonfire,” presents an ingenious set of rhymes filled with puns, metaphors and alliteration, all thought up by a very sex-driven mind. Glover’s real challenge on the album, however, is to prove himself as a rapper to be taken seriously. As a well-known comedian, Glover has a lot of work to do to shed his personas from “Derrick Comedy” and “Community.” We still aren’t sure whether to expect a comedy album or a rap album. If he continues to rap with the same ingenuity and aptitude on Camp as he did on “Bonfire,” though, Childish Gambino should deliver some serious results. Regardless of whether or not the album features more comedy than rap, Glover’s new work deserves a listen.

Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay, due out Oct. 24

Those hoping for Coldplay to come out with a genre-defying, awe-inspiring album shouldn’t hold their breath. Although the band does have some good songs every once in a while, Chris Martin and the boys aren’t coming out with anything that will really take your breath away. Their new album Mylo Xylto, though, may still prove to be more of a win then a step back for the English band. The single “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” shows a very safe arrangement with some flare, but it packs more of a punch than most of the band’s previous material. Based on that single and other tracks the band has played on tour already, there’s nothing about this album that’ll change the way you interpret music, but it will still turn more heads than their previous albums.