Lots of new releases today; there’s a little something for everyone: Hip Hop releases from will.i.am and Gorilla Zoe; R&B releases from Keyshia Cole, Jill Scott, Jagged Edge, Rahsaan Patterson and Chaka Khan; Jazz releases from Queen Latifah and Herbie Hancok; and a Rock release from the legendary Foo Fighters.

This is always the best time of year from new music. We should be seeing lots of good music every Tuesday for the next few months as the Christmas season is approaching. Which CDs will you be coppin’ today?

will.i.am: Songs About Girls

Songs About Girls is the upcoming third solo album from will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. Songs About Girls is produced and written by will.i.am with Snoop Dogg confirmed as the only featured artist.

The album has been described by will.i.am as semi-autobiographical conceptual album “where all the songs could tell a story of falling in love, falling out of love, trying to get back in love, destructing love and destroying love and then starting a new situation. That journey is what makes this unique.” The album is partially based on a seven year relationship that will.i.am experienced and the infidelities and the break-up of that relationship.

The first single, “I Got It From My Mama” was released to radio last month. The next single is rumored to be “The Donque Song” which features Snoop Dogg.

Tracklist:

1. Over
2. Heartbreaker
3. I Got It From My Mama
4. She’s A Star
5. Get Your Money
6. The Donque Song (featuring Snoop Dogg)
7. Impatient
8. One More Chance
9. Invisible
10. Fantastic
11. Fly Girl
12. Dynamic Interlude
13. Ain’t It Pretty
14. Make It Funky
15. S.O.S. (Mother Nature)

Bonus Tracks:

1. Mama Mia
2. Damn Damn Damn
3. Spending Money
4. will.i.am vs. Superblack (iTunes preorder only)

Gorilla Zoe: Welcome To The Zoo

Welcome To The Zoo is the debut album from Boyz n da Hood member Gorilla Zoe. He was recently featured in Yung Joc’s hit “Coffee Shop” and his first single “Hood N*gga” is currently making waves on the radio. Welcome To The Zoo features guest from fellow Boyz in da Hood member’s Big Gee and Jody Breeze, as well as Yung Joc and D. Woods from Danity Kane.

Boyz in da Hood is set to drop their sophomore album next week, so this is definitely an interesting time for Gorilla Zoe to release his debut. Now if only Jody Breeze would get his shot…

Tracklist:

1. Do Something
2. Hood N*igga
3. Money Man
4. Tryin’ To Make A Jug (feat Big Gee)
5. Crack Muzik (This That Muzik) (feat Jody Breeze)
6. Battle Field (feat Big Gee)
7. Take Ya Shoes Off (feat Yung Joc)
8. I Know
9. Count On Me (feat Jody Breeze)
10. Real Mother***** (feat Boyz in da Hood)
11. Juice Box (feat Yung Joc)
12. Money Up
13. You Don’t Know Me (feat D. Woods)
14. Lil Shawty
15. Last Time I Checked

Keyshia Cole: Just Like You

Keyshia Cole is back with her second release, Just Like You. Keyshia started working on her second album shortly after the release of her debut The Way It Is. About the album, Cole says, “This album is more about you, inside, and how you need to get yourself together, rather than pointing at somebody else and saying, ‘You don’t treat me right, you don’t do this.’ I’m truly lovin it, I listen to it myself. The last album, I didn’t really listen to until I went on tour. When you listen to your own experience, it’s like, I don’t wanna hear it anymore. I do write from my personal experiences, but I think it’s very important to young women.”

The first single off the album is “Let It Go”, featuring Missy Elliott and Lil’ Kim. Personally I think the song is hot and I love how they reused the “Juicy” sample. The remix, included on the album, also features T.I. The second single is set to be “Shoulda Let You Go’ which is produced by Darkchild. The rest of the album includes productions by The Runners, Scott Storch, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Mario Winans.

Tracklist:

1. Let It Go (feat Missy Elliott & Lil’ Kim)
2. Didn’t I Tell You (feat Too Short)
3. Fallin’ Out
4. Give Me More
5. I Remember
6. Shoulda Let You Go
7. Heaven Sent
8. Same Thing (Interlude)
9. Got To Get My Heart Back
10. Was It Worth It
11. Just Like You
12. Losing You (feat Anthony Hamilton)
13. Last Night (feat Diddy)
14. Work It Out
15. Let It Go (Remix feat Missy Elliott, Yung Dro, and T.I.)

Bonus Track:

1. Trust (iTunes preorder only)

Jill Scott: The Real Thing: Words & Sounds Vol. 3

Neo-soul diva, Jill Scott, releases her third album of new material (not counting her previous live effort and this year’s Collaborations), The Real Thing: Words & Sounds Vol. 3. Jill Scott is one of my favorite R&B singers and I just want to point out that she did a wonderful job on Lupe Fiasco’s “Daydreamin” earlier this year.

Vol. 3 is rumored to be slightly different from the Jill Scott that we’re used to. I just hope the producers didn’t mess with her formula too much. Supposedly we may hear a rap or two from Jill on the album. Could be interesting.

The first single off the album is “Hate On Me”, which Jill says is directed toward a group of people she found online that were hating on her. Watch what you say people; you may get a song written about you! We ain’t hatin’ over here, Jill. We got nothing but love for you. Next up, she’ll be releasing “My Love” as her second single. Maybe that one was written about me!

Tracklist:

1. Let it Be
2. Real Thing
3. Hate on Me
4. Come See Me
5. Crown Royal
6. Epiphany
7. My Love
8. Insomnia
9. How it Make You Feel
10. Only You
11. Whenever You’re Around
12. Celibacy Blues
13. All I
14. Wanna be Loved

Bonus Tracks:

1. Breathe (feat King Goldi)
2. Imagination (Crown Royale Suite)
3. Rightness

Jagged Edge: Baby Makin’ Project

Urban contemporary foursome Jagged Edge re-team with production kingpin Jermaine Dupri for 2007’s Baby Makin’ Project. As the man who gave the group their start, Dupri is in a special position to help Jagged Edge put together their first release on their own label, the Def Jam-affiliated 581 Musiz Group. Baby Makin’ Project flies off the hip-hop edge that dominates so much contemporary R&B in favor of old-school balladry. Inspired as much by classic Motown soul as by 1980s new jack swing, Jagged Edge offer up a genuine R&B album filled with songs tailor-made for candlelit dinners and afterwards.

The first single is “Put A Little Umph In It” and features R&B singer Ashanti. This is the group’s sixth album release in ten years. It’s amazing that this group has lasted this long as they have not claimed huge success, such as other R&B acts like 112 or Boyz II Men.

Tracklist:

1. Intro
2. Put A Little Umph In It (feat Ashanti)
3. Whole Town Laughing
4. Me, That’s Who
5. Get This
6. I’ll Be Damned
7. Can’t Get Right
8. Way To Say I Love You
9. Sunrise
10. Round And Round
11. Turn U On

Rahsaan Patterson: Wines & Spirits

This is the fourth album release from R&B/soul singer Rahsaan Patterson. Those of you not familiar with Rahsaan should definately check him out. His singing and songwriting style are reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, while his voice has also drawn comparisons to Chaka Khan. Surprisingly, I recently learned that Rahsaan Patterson was in one of my favorite 80’s childhood shows, Kids Incorporated, and actually played my favorite character “The Kid”. Boy is that weird! Kids Incorporated also helped launch the careers of Martika, Fergie, Mario Lopez and Shanice.

Wine & Spirits showcases the evolution of an artist who crosses borders without fear. Nearly three years in the making, Wine & Spirits confirms why Rahsaan Patterson has influenced everyone from Van Hunt to Brandy. From the fresh alternative dance beats of “Delirium”, to the retro-gospel shades of “Oh Lord”, to the infectious joy of “Higher Love”, Wine & Spirits is a revelation of new soul, and Rahsaan’s testament of change, growth and human experience.

Tracklist:

1. Cloud 9
2. Delirium (Comes and Goes)
3. Feels Good
4. No Danger
5. Pitch Black
6. Time
7. Stop Breaking My Heart
8. Water
9. Deliver Me
10. Oh Lord (Take Me Back)
11. Higher Love
12. Stars

Chaka Khan: Funk This

Speaking of Chaka Khan, the soul funktress is back with an album of all new material (with a few covers). I’ve loved Chaka Khan ever since she sang with Rufus. “Tell Me Something Good” is a classic! Anyway, this new album should not disappoint long time fans.

Produced primarily by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Funk This showcases some of her powerful vocals and most compelling songs to date. In perfect form, Chaka has recorded both new material and covers of some tracks that are near and dear to her heart. This incredible funk album takes us back to Chaka’s roots, with much of the feel and instrumentation used in her Rufus days. Includes guest artists Mary J. Blige, Michael McDonald and original Rufus member Tony Maiden.

Chaka covers Prince’s “Sign o’ the Times,” Joni Mitchell’s “Ladies Man,” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Castles Made of Sand,” and she also twists a couple of songs she originally recorded with Rufus, “Pack’d My Bags” and “You Got the Love,” into a juiced-up medley. Carly Simon’s “You Belong to Me” gets the cover treatment in a likable duet with Michael McDonald, but it’s another duet that earns this disc five stars for sizzle: “Disrespectful,” written by Mary J. Blige and sung with her, busts out glorious grit and gut-level soul.

Tracklist:

1. Back In The Day
2. Foolish Fool
3. One For All Time
4. Angel
5. Will You Love Me?
6. Castles Made of Sand
7. Disrespectful (feat Mary J. Blige)
8. Sign ‘O’ The Times
9. Pack’d My Bags/You Got The Love (feat Tony Maiden)
10. Ladies’ Man
11. You Belong To Me (feat Michael McDonald)
12. Hail To The Wrong
13. Super Life

Queen Latifah: Trav’lin’ Light

Queen Latifah decides to tackle the jazz realm again with her sophomore release in that genre. Once again, she embraces a sultry and saucy mix of fabled female vocalists who’ve inspired her. Exploring the songbooks of Peggy Lee, Etta James, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone, Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae, Roberta Flack, Mary Wells, Phoebe Snow, and more, Latifah adds her warm vocals and playful personality to a hand-picked mix of familiar classics and forgotten jewels.

Like its predecessor, Trav’lin’ Light features contributions by a number of stellar artists: neo-soul singers Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, piano and keyboard pioneers George Duke and Joe Sample, and bass virtuoso Christian McBride. Furthermore, Latifah realized a lifelong dream of recording with Stevie Wonder, who contributes harmonica on one track.

Tracklist:

1. Poetry Man
2. Georgia Rose
3. Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars
4. Don’t Cry Baby
5. I Love Being Here With You
6. I’m Gonna Live Till I Die
7. Trav’lin’ Light
8. Sugar In My Bowl
9. I’m Not In Love
10. What Love Has Joined Together
11. How Long (Betcha’ Got A Chick On The Side)
12. Gone Away
13. I Know Where I’ve Been (from 2007’s Hairspray Soundtrack)

Bonus Tracks:

1. Every Woman Is A Queen (Wal-Mart Bonus Track)
2. Java Jive (only with copies purchased on www.queenlatifah.com)

Herbie Hancock: River: The Joni Letters

River: The Joni Letters is the forthcoming studio album by Herbie Hancock, released on Verve Records. The tribute album is a homage to Joni Mitchell, a longtime associate and friend of Hancock. Both Hancock and saxophonist Wayne Shorter previously collaborated with Mitchell on the 1979 jazz album, Mingus.

Inspired in equal parts by Mitchell’s poetic lyrics and unique melodies, Hancock and saxophone giant Wayne Shorter play with a restraint and elegance that achieves a perfect balance between the adventurous aesthetics of jazz improvisation and the emotional directness of the finest Adult Pop music.

Hancock builds upon his (and Shorter’s) previous collaborations with Ms. Mitchell to create a sound that will appeal not only to fans of both artists, but to the listener familiar with the work of Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae and the other brilliant guest vocalists featured on this session. River: The Joni Letters is the perfect CD for the music fan looking for something new that’s based in the familiar.

Tracklist:

1. Court And Spark (feat Norah Jones)
2. Edith And The Kingpin (feat Tina Turner)
3. Both Sides Now
4. River (feat Corinne Bailey Rae)
5. Sweet Bird
6. The Tea Leaf Prophecy (Lay Down Your Arms) (feat Joni Mitchell)
7. Solitude
8. Amelia (feat Luciana Souza)
9. Nefertiti
10. The Jungle Line (feat Leonard Cohen)

Bonus Tracks:

1. All I Want (feat Sonya Kitchell) (only available with purchase from Amazon.com)
2. A Case of You (only available with purchase from Amazon.com)

Foo Fighters: Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace

Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace is the sixth studio album by the Foo Fighters and is produced by Gil Norton who previously worked with the group on their second album, The Colour and the Shape. The first single, “The Pretender”, was just recently released to radio.

Having commemorated their tenth anniversary with a year-plus run commencing with In Your Honor (a double album the New York Times called an “unexpected magnum opus”), sold out rock arena shows and a toned down intimate theater trek, and a headlining gig at London’s Hyde Park for a crowd of 85,000, the question looms larger than any in the Foo Fighters’ career to date: What do they do for an encore?!? The answer is Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace. Dave Grohl, bassist Nate Mendel, drummer Taylor Hawkins and guitarist Chris Shiflett have crafted a 12-track milestone that showcases and reconciles the band’s every strength and sensibility in the most complex and confident Foo Fighters album to date.

Tracklist:

1. The Pretender
2. Let It Die
3. Erase/Replace
4. Long Road to Ruin
5. Come Alive
6. Stranger Things Have Happened
7. Cheer Up, Boys (Your Make Up Is Running)
8. Summer’s End
9. Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners
10. Statues
11. But, Honestly
12. Home

Bonus Tracks:

1. Once and for All (Demo) (iTunes, Japanese, and UK bonus track)
2. Seda (iTunes pre-order and Japanese bonus track)

Non-album Tracks:

1. Bangin’ (B-side of “The Pretender”)
2. If I Ever (B-side of “The Pretender”)
3. Come Alive (Demo) (B-side of “The Pretender”)

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