Barnes & Noble Presents Albums of the Month Selections for October 202410/02/2024

New York, NY - October 2^nd, 2024 - Barnes & Noble announces its October selections for Albums of the Month in the following categories: Alternative, Classic Rock, Soundtrack and Artist to Watch. Moving the spotlight every month to feature new categories and genres, the Album of the Month program showcases a diverse array of music new and old.

The Artist to Watch for October is Suki Waterhouse and her album Memoir of a Sparklemuffin. Her sophomore album is, as the title suggests, steeped in her personal experience with an aura of romance and self-discovery.

"Multi-talented actress/singer/model Suki Waterhouse is poised to break through with her new album Memoir of a Sparklemuffin," said Crissi Bariatti, Senior Merchandise Manager, Barnes & Noble. "With sounds calling back to late '90s and early 2000s soft rock, each song makes up a collage of Waterhouse's experiences and aspirations, delivered beautifully by her dreamy vocals."

Barnes & Noble booksellers chose Lana Del Rey's album, Born to Die for the Alternative Monthly Pick. Her debut under a major-label studio, Born to Die features a mix of pop ballads and hip-hop beats to wide mainstream appeal.

"Lana Del Rey captured the attention of the world when her debut album, Born to Die, was released back in 2012," said Bill Castle, Director of Merchandise, Barnes & Noble. "Featuring iconic songs like "Video Games", "Blue Jeans" and "Summertime Sadness", her sultry retro-sound and unique look became the inspiration for many artists to come such as Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and Madison Beer."

The Rolling Stones take home the Classic Monthly Pick for their album Let It Bleed. The iconic band's eighth studio album topped the UK Albums Chart, rising above The Beatles Abbey Road.

"Released in 1969 as the follow-up to Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed is a return to the group's more blues-leaning sound," said Tina Mong, Commercial Strategy Manager, Barnes & Noble. "Drawing on influences from gospel, blues, and country rock, many of its songs became staples of Rolling Stones live shows and on rock radio, including "Gimme Shelter" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want"."

The final featured album is the Soundtrack Monthly Pick, which goes to the Wicked Original Broadway Cast Recording. The long-time Broadway staple continues to dazzle audiences, and with the film on its way, Wicked fervor has never been higher.

"Get ready for the blockbuster film (based on the book, based on this Tony and Grammy-winning Broadway musical) opening in November," said Bariatti. "Featuring the original duo who defined the roles - Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda - the story explores the complex friendship between the young women as they evolve into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good."

Every month, Barnes & Noble shines the spotlight on four exceptional albums covering a broad spectrum of musical genres, and artists at various stages of their creative journey. Previous Barnes & Noble Albums of the Month have included: The Chainsaw Man Soundtrack, by Kensuke Ushio, Vampire Weekend, by Vampire Weekend, JPEG RAW by Gary Clark Jr., In Rainbows, by Radiohead, Little Girl Blue by Nina Simone, Master of Puppets by Metallica, and What Now by Brittany Howard.  

###