"In My Life" (Beatles) '” Ozzy with Slash on guitar '” at the 77th Royal Variety Performance on November 21, 2005 in Cardiff, Wales, UK:

By DARRYL STERDAN

"Nothing changes on New Year's Day," Bono once claimed. Maybe not. But a week later? That's another story.

On Tuesday, the first CDs of 2008 begin arriving in stores. And soon we'll be wading through a veritable blizzard of new tunes by everyone from Joe Jackson to Alan Jackson to (cross your fingers) Michael Jackson.

Here's a glance at some of the major titles due over the next few months.

But before you start marking the calendar, remember: Everything is subject to change -- whether Bono likes it or not.

SAFE BETS

JANUARY

Ringo Starr - Liverpool 8
The fourth Beatle's first Capitol album in more than 30 years is named for his old address. Good thing he didn't grow up in Shitterton. Jan. 15

Sarah Brightman - Symphony
The dramatic diva might be the only person to have Andrea Bocelli and Paul Stanley on the same album. Jan. 29

Joe Jackson - Rain
Eclectic piano man Jackson and his recently reunited rhythm section ditched their guitar player for this stripped-down effort. Jan. 29

Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin'
Country singer Lynne has stumbled a few times over the years. This set of Dusty Springfield covers could be a step in the right direction. Jan. 29

Willie Nelson - Moment of Forever
Ryan Adams produced the redheaded stranger's last disc. This time it's Kenny Chesney. That doesn't seem like an improvement. Jan. 29

FEBRUARY

Sheryl Crow - Detours
Crow calls this her most-honest album, with songs about Lance, cancer and her adopted son. So much for having some fun. Feb. 5

Alan Jackson - Good Times
If the title is any sign, this could be a return to the country king's party-hearty ways after a couple of serious albums. Feb. 5

Lenny Kravitz - It Is Time for a Love Revolution
As usual, Lenny plays all the instruments on his first album in four years. Dude, it would go faster if you had a band. Feb. 5

k.d. lang - Watershed
k.d. fans can finally satisfy their constant craving -- she's back with her first disc of original material in nearly eight years. Feb. 5

Dolly Parton - Backwoods Barbie
Word is that this is her first mainstream country album in 17 years. Either way, we'll always love her. Feb. 5

Ray Davies - Working Man's Cafe
The former Kinks king's second comeback album finally gets a North American release. Good thing -- it's a winner. Feb. 19

Janet Jackson - Discipline
If it's like her last few albums, this will be yet another shameless, embarrassing attempt to pretend she's still 20 years old. Feb. 26

Erykah Badu - New AmErykah
Supposedly, this is one of three albums the elaborately headgeared R&B diva plans to release this year. Feb. 26

Steve Winwood - 9 Lives
Back in the high life again? Well, back in the CD store, anyway. Feb. 26

MARCH

Bauhaus - Going Away White
The goth pioneers' who haven't recorded since 1983 -- are apparently reuniting to make one final disc. March 4

The Black Crowes - Warpaint
Chris and Rich Robinson reform their southern harmony and musical companions for their first studio album in seven years. March 4

Van Morrison - Keep It Simple
Van the Man's been on a creative roll in the studio lately. Here's hoping it continues. After all, it's too late to stop now. March 11

The B-52's - Funplex
The new-wavers dance this mess around with their first album of new material since 1992. March 25

Panic! at the Disco - TBA
The Vegas emo-popsters are still putting the finishing touches on their followup to 2005's a Fever You Can't Sweat Out. March 25

DEFINTIE MAYBES

AC/DC - Strap It On
We hear it might be a double album. After eight freaking years, it oughta be.

Mariah Carey - TBA
Once upon a time, this was supposedly called Illusions: The Butterfly Within. Does that mean the title is now up for grabs?

Coldplay - TBA
Chris Martin and his U2 wannabes have apparently been working with the perfect producer -- Brian Eno.

The Cure - TBA
Supposedly, it's a two-disc set. Doubtless, Robert Smith will claim it's gonna be their last -- until the next one.

Def Leppard - Songs from the Sparkle Lounge
Sure, you laugh. But you know you'll still go see them in concert.

Michael Jackson - TBA
Sure, he's long overdue for a comeback. Thing is, does anyone really believe he's capable of pulling it off anymore?

Judas Priest - TBA
Last we heard, this was a concept album about Nostradamus. Wonder if he predicted that?

Courtney Love - Nobody's Daughter
Whether you love her or hate her, you know this is gonna be interesting.

Metallica - TBA
Assuming their therapist tells them it's OK, this should be the year that metal's most sensitive boys finally follow up 2003's St. Anger.

Madonna - Licorice
This will be the Material Girl's last album of new material before she leaves her record label. Last word is it's due in late April.

Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement
Reportedly, this disc mixes world and folk influences with the sonic experiments of Bjork producer Guy Sigsworth. Just thought you oughta know.

No Doubt - TBA
From what we've heard, the music is done -- but Gwen still has to write the words and lay down vocals.

Oasis - TBA
They're in the studio -- and currently without a record deal. Will the Gallaghers follow Radiohead into cyberspace?

R.E.M. - TBA
Some folks predict the Georgia giants' 14th studio album could be out April 1. Or is that an early April Fool's joke?

Roxy Music - TBA
If it's true, this will be Bryan Ferry and co's first disc of new tunes since Avalon.

Nicole Scherzinger - Her Name Is Nicole ...
The Pussycat Dolls frontwoman's solo debut has been delayed umpteen times. Maybe the music biz is finally smartening up.

Scarlett Johansson - TBA
The guest list supposedly includes members of TV on the Radio and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. So it might not suck completely.

Slayer - TBA
Here comes the pain, death-metal fans -- singer Tom Araya says the band's 11th studio album will likely be its last.

U2 - TBA
Back in the spring, The Edge said they were in the studio with Rick Rubin. Even at his notoriously slow pace, they could have a disc by now.

Weezer - TBA
Some pranksters claimed the L.A. pop-rockers' sixth album would be out in April. Hopefully, they fooled Rivers Cuomo into working faster.

DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH

Neil Young - Archives Vol. 1: 1963-1972
It was supposed to be out last fall. Then we heard Valentine's Day. His website still says "Coming in 2007." Your guess is as good as ours.

Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy
Someday, if we're lucky, Axl's children will pry this out of his cold dead hands and release it.