New CD Releases, Oct. 9: Jennifer Lopez, Kid Rock, Josh Groban
Jennifer Lopez “Brave”
Having released the all-Spanish album “Como Ama Una Mujer” back in March, the dance queen wastes no time and returns her with her second offering of the year, “Brave.”
“Como Ama Una Mujer” was a major success for Lopez. The disc, the actor/dancer/singer’s first all-Spanish album, shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin album chart and debuted at No. 10 on The Billboard 200. It’s the highest-selling Spanish debut ever, according to a press release.
Now, she’s looking for success with this “Brave” batch of English-sung songs. So far, so good–the album’s first single, “Do It Well,” has proven to be a radio hit.
Lopez is currently on the road with her husband, Marc Anthony. For the 14-city “Jennifer & Marc En Concierto” outing, Lopez and Anthony plan to perform separate sets of their own material and then appear together for a third set. Each will sing songs in both English and Spanish.
In addition to focusing on their first tour together, the star couple has been busy promoting their recently released film, “El Cantante,” in which Anthony stars as the tragic salsa legend Hector Lavoe and Lopez co-stars as his manager/wife.
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Kid Rock “Rock and Roll Jesus”
The Kid can still make headlines, but can he still sell records? That question will be answered when the rocking rapper drops his new studio set, “Rock N Roll Jesus.”
The album was produced by Rock and Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls) and features Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker band and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The vocalist is touring through early next month in support of “Rock N Roll Jesus.”
Of course, none of that is what people really seem to be interested in when it comes to Rock. What they apparently care about is his high-profile hijinks, such as when he brawled with Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards in September.
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Josh Groban “Noel”
The young pop/classical vocalist’s fourth album is a holiday-season offering. “Noel” features the crooner singing duets with R&B star Brian McKnight and country diva Faith Hill, as well as performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The album was produced by David Foster.
Given Groban’s healthy following, “Noel” looks like a surefire holiday hit for those who simply can’t get enough versions of “The Christmas Song,” “First Noel,” “Ava Maria,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and other seasonal favorites.
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Eric Clapton “Complete Clapton”
“Complete Clapton” hardly lives up to its name. It would take much more than two discs and 36 tracks to do justice to the mighty singer/guitarist’s entire career.
Still, this in-“Complete Clapton” does offer a nice overview of one of the most remarkable runs in rock history. Included in the mix are such songs as “After Midnight,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Let It Rain” and, of course, “Layla.”
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LeAnn Rimes “Family”
The former country music child prodigy returns with her tenth studio album, which follows last year’s “Whatever We Wanna.”
Rimes, although now in her mid-20s, is still best known for the work that she did as a young teen. Her major-label debut, “Blue,” made her a star at age 13 and earned her two Grammy awards.
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Alter Bridge “Blackbird”
The rock group–which comprises former Creed members Mark Tremonti (guitar), Scott Phillips (drums) and Brian Marshall (bass), along with ex-Mayfield Four frontman Myles Kennedy–is ready to drop its sophomore set.
“Blackbird” was produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette (Incubus, Three Days Grace) and follows 2004’s Gold-certified “One Day Remains.” The band is currently flying through North American venues in support of “Blackbird.”
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More new releases:
Anuna, “Christmas Songs” (Koch)
Band of Horses, “Cease to Begin” (Sub Pop)
Beirut, “The Flying Club Cup” (Ba Da Bing)
Vanessa Carlton, “Heroes & Thieves” (Motown)
Marc Cohn, “Join the Parade” (Decca)
Sara Evans, “Greatest Hits” (RCA)
Jens Lekman, “Night Falls Over Kortedala” (Secretly Canadian)
Megadeth, “Warchest Box Set” (EMI)
The Naked Brothers Band, “The Naked Brothers Band” (Sony)
Overkill, “Immortalis” (Bodog)
Puddle of Mudd, “Famous” (Geffen)
She Wants Revenge, “This Is Forever” (Geffen)
Van Zant, “My Kind of Country” (Sony)
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