New Music Releases: Week of February 25, 2013

By: Jacob Elyachar

In the final February edition of New Music Releases, I tackle new albums from Johnny Marr and Michael Bolton, an EP from Tweet and the latest singles from Michael Buble, Crystal Bowersox and Demi Lovato.

The Messenger by Johnny Marr

For the first time in his four-decade spanning career, British singer-songwriter Johnny Marr released his first solo album.   Anyone who listens to this album will feel like they are attending a master class in British rock.   The Messenger is a wonderful listening experience that will showcase the British rock veteran at his finest.  A-

Songs to Download: “The Right Thing Right,” “Upstarts,” “The Messenger” and “New Town Velocity.”

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: A Tribute to Hitsville, U.S.A by Michael Bolton

Michael Bolton’s seventh cover album pays tribute to Motown Records.   Throughout the 10 tracks, Bolton shows off his amazing voice that perfectly blends the classic Motown sound with his superb arrangements.  Keep an ear out for cameos from Kelly Rowland, Melanie Fiona and jazz saxophonist Michael Lington, who appear on different tracks throughout the album.  B+

Songs to Download: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” “Nowhere to Run” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”

 

Simply Tweet by Tweet

The R&B/Soul singer-songwriter delivered a superb five-track EP that showed off her amazing songwriting skills and splendid vocal range.   I have a feeling that Tweet is going to be a singer to watch for during the remainder of 2013.   A+

To listen to Tweet’s final track: “Enough,” click here: http://youtu.be/HEPMBfkfCco

“It’s A Beautiful Day” by Michael Buble

The Canadian crooner returns with an incredible single for his sixth studio album.   “It’s A Beautiful Day” is a lovely hybrid of a power pop song and a big band piece that will change anyone’s mood.     A

“Dead Weight” by Crystal Bowersox

“Dead Weight” is the first single off Crystal Bowersox’s sophomore studio album.  It is so great to hear Crystal’s pitch-perfect vocals again and this is a wonderful rock and gospel track that will definitely impress any indie rock fan.  A

 

“Heart Attack” by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato is slowly growing on me.  She is turning out to be one of the best singer-songwriters of our generation.   The electropop track has strong vocals from Lovato, impressive beats and continues to showcases her evolution in the music world.  A-

To listen to “Heart Attack,” click here: http://youtu.be/40cxXdKxE5M

I do not own any of the tracks in this article, they belong to the artists and their respective record companies.