New Releases, Dec. 5: Gwen Stefani, Eminem, ‘Dreamgirls’
Gwen Stefani “The Sweet Escape”
The platinum-haired, platinum-selling leader of No Doubt is set to release the follow-up to her solo debut, 2004’s “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.” This could provide a nice end-of-the-year boost to the record industry, given that Stefani’s first record has been certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The new album’s first single is “Wind It Up,” produced by The Neptunes. Akon, No Doubt’s Tony Kanal, Nellee Hooper, Sean Garrett, Swizz Beatz, Dave Stewart and Keane’s Tim Rice-Oxley also all contributed to the set.
Coinciding with the new album, Stefani also will issue the new concert DVD “Harajuku Lovers Live,” which was filmed during shows in Stefani’s hometown of Anaheim, CA.
Stefani will embark on a US tour behind the new album in April.
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Eminem and Various Artists “Eminem Presents: The Re-Up”
While waiting for the megastar rapper to drop a proper solo disc, fans can tide themselves over with “The Re-Up.” The disc features Eminem on several tracks, as well as such Slim Shady-approved artists as Bobby Creekwater, Status Quo, Swifty McVay and Mister Porter.
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Various Artists “Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture”
“Dreamgirls,” which began as a popular ’80s Broadway show that many believe revolutionized how musicals are presented, will be released as a major Hollywood movie to theaters on Christmas Day. This soundtrack features songs by the film’s all-star cast, which includes Beyonce (music), Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. The soundtrack comes in two formats: a single-disc of highlights and a deluxe, two-disc edition.
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Ciara “The Evolution”
The young R&B star is back with her sophomore release, the follow-up to her popular debut, 2004’s “Goodies.” “The Evolution” features guest appearances by Lil Jon, 50 Cent and Chamillionaire.
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Brian McKnight “10”
Although the title of McKnight’s 10th album isn’t much of a surprise, “10” does offer one major surprise in terms of guest appearances: country superstars Rascal Flatts show up on the track “Red, White, Blue.”
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Other new releases:
The Ames Brothers, “Together” (Jasmine)
Babyshambles, “The Blinding EP” (Capitol)
Drake Bell, “It’s Only Time” (Universal)
Kutless, “Live from Portland” (BEC)
Lil’ Scrappy, “Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live” (Reprise)
John Mayall, “Essential John Mayall” (Eagle)
Natalie, “Everything New” (Universal)
Project Pat, “Crook by Da Book: The Fed Story” (Sony)
Various Artists, “The O.C. Mix 6: Covering Our Tracks” (Warner Bros.)
Various Artists, “Kids Rap Radio, Vols. 1-2” (Music World)
Various Artists, “Legends of Country: Classic Hits of the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s” (Shout)
Yes, “Essentially Yes” (Eagle)
Soundtracks and scores:
“Apocalypto” (New Line)
“Charlotte’s Web, Music from the Motion Picture” (Sony)
“The Nativity Story: Sacred Songs” (New Line)
“Summer of ’42” (Jay)
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