By: Sara Koonar

November 23rd must be a lucky day for music sales because this year’s heaviest hitters are all releasing their much anticipated albums this week.

Lady Gaga- The Fame Monster

Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster, will be hitting stores in three different versions – a standard version of the new 8-song album; a deluxe version which includes both The Fame Monster and her massively successful debut album The Fame; and a collector’s edition super-deluxe art book version, which includes both albums, fanzines, 3-D glasses, paper dolls, a puzzle, pictorials, a lock of Lady Gaga’s hair and other surprises.

“In the midst of my creative journey composing The Fame Monster, there came an exciting revelation that this was in fact my sophomore album,” Lady Gaga says in a statement. “I would not add, nor take away any songs from this EP, it is a complete conceptual and musical body of work that can stand on its own two feet. It doesn’t need The Fame.”

Gaga goes on to say that “music has no economy” and she wants to make an album that is affordable for her fans.

“For those who do not have my debut album, there are a series of collectible double-disc editions that include both albums and artwork conceived by the Haus of Gaga in collaboration with our mentor Hedi Slimane. Hear the music, see the show, live and love yourself…Lady Gaga,” she says.

The standard and deluxe versions of The Fame Monster will be released on November 23. The collector’s edition super-deluxe version will be released on December 15.

Rihanna- Rated R

After months in hiding from the press and paparazzi, Rihanna’s newest album Rated R is the result of cabin fever.

Rihanna recently sat down with Diane Sawyer to talk candidly about the incident which resulted in Rihanna’s seemingly fairytale relationship being shattered and Chris Brown being sentenced to community labor, five years probation and one year of domestic-violence counseling. In addition to speaking out to raise awareness about domestic violence, Rihanna talked openly about growing up in Barbados, her family life, how she has been doing since that fateful February night… and ofcourse the new album.

Rihanna worked with the likes of Tricky Stewart, Justin Timberlake, Chase & Status, and Stargate on the album. But she also hooked up with Ne-Yo and Chuck Harmony, who wrote and produced her single “Russian Roulette.”

This album is Rihanna’s first release since 2007’s hit-spawning Good Girl Gone Bad.

“The best and safest way I can say this is that Rihanna has some stuff to say and she’s going to say it,” Ne-Yo told MTV News about his work with the pop star. “And she ain’t going to make no apologies for it. … I’ve heard a good majority of the album … world, get ready. That’s all I’m going to say: World, get ready.”

We are ready!

Shakira- She Wolf

On the heels of its widely successful international debut, Shakira is set to release a special North American only edition of her third English language studio album, She Wolf , on November 23. The special edition of She Wolf will include bonus tracks that are available for the first time anywhere all on one disc such as “Give It Up to Me” (produced by Timbaland ft. Lil Wayne), “Did It Again” (ft. Kid Cudi), and exclusive live performances. The international release of She Wolf has already become an instant success occupying the #1 spot in 18 countries and selling 1.5 million albums to-date.

The album’s infectious first single and title track “She Wolf” saw a worldwide chart topping debut with nearly a million singles sold in the U.S. and topping the iTunes singles chart.

For this album, Shakira took her ‘pop fusion’ sound, and uniquely blended pop with sounds from all over the globe. While she was the primary producer of She Wolf , Shakira collaborated with several creative talents to co-write and produce on the album including The Neptunes, John Hill and Wyclef. For one track, Shakira invited renowned composer Hossam Ramzy, who previously worked on Kashmir with Led Zeppelin, to inspire a unique Egyptian orchestral string arrangement on “Why Wait”.

As an exciting added value for fans, the She Wolf CD, when inserted into a computer, will provide special access to preview the forthcoming Spanish language album.

Adam Lambert- For Your Entertainment

With his out-of-this-world vocal range and unique musical style, Adam Lambert is the ultra-glam, rock superstar that has America hooked. Adam, last season’s American Idol runner-up, is unleashing his debut album, For Your Entertainment.

For Your Entertainment was written by Claude Kelly (”Circus” by Britney Spears) and Dr. Luke (”I Kissed A Girl” by Katy Perry and “Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigne, “Right Round” by Flo Rida, along with multiple singles by Kelly Clarkson) and produced by Dr. Luke.

“I feel so lucky to have been granted true opportunity to work with some of the top producers and writers in popular music,” Says Adam. “This album is a reflection of their genius and the collaborative energy that they were gracious enough to share with me.”

The credits on Lambert’s first album read like a list of the hottest artists in the music business. Lady Gaga, long cited as a major influence on Adam, co-wrote the track “Fever” with producer Jeff Bhasker. P!nk is a co-writer on “Whataya Want From Me,” along with Sweden’s Max Martin and Johan Shellback. Matthew Bellamy, of the British prog rock/eletronica band Muse, one of Adam’s favorite groups, wrote “Soaked.”

The list of big names featured in the credits on Adam’s debut release go on and on, you will have to pick up the CD today to find out the rest.