and psyche in a series of memorable songs that invite you into her world. The intensity and authenticity of her music brought her to the attention of the Grammy Award-winning producer T Bone Burnett (Counting Crows, Roy Orbison) who came on-board to produce The Story.  (less)

tracks are 'The Christmas Song', 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas', 'I'll Be Home for Christmas, 'Winter Wonderland', 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town', 'Christmas Time is Here', 'My Favorite Things', 'The Christmas Waltz', 'Christmas Auld Lang Syne', 'Silver Bells' and 'Christmas Tree'.  (less)

to be huge." --Simon Cowell  (less)

to rock many of the traditional hymns and popular carols without excess or restraint. No mean feat. Even "Silent Night," here played as it were always a country-rocker (with Amy Grant singing harmony), is rendered with spirited reinvention, while the band's guitar-driven sound always seems to draw yet more from such classics as "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear." Although the entire group could be accused of being U2's poor American cousins (despite Millard not yet having achieved the global sainthood of Bono for his humanitarian work), no one is going to be disappointed if this record gets wrapped up with a cool bow and pretty paper, or stuffed in a long stocking hanging on the mantle. Highly recomme...  (less)

Akon, Keyshia Cole, and Ne-Yo. It's a watershed moment that meets both goals-it sounds and feels great. Speaking up for all the ladies, In A Perfect World . . . also looks to empower women to be strong, independent and determined. "No human is exempt from the realities of life- heartbreak, failure, success..." Keri comments. This takes all forms throughout the album which reveals Keri's ability to translate every day trials and tribulations into engaging music. Hilson has received many accolades in the media, having graced the covers of Fader and Trace Magazine and has been championed in the pages of Rolling Stone, Blender, Vibe, Entertainment Weekly and Interview to name a few.  (less)

who looked to '80s icons such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and Talking Heads for inspiration. Recorded at home in Los Angeles with producers Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem), Mark "Spike" Stent (Bjork, Keane, Gwen Stefani), Mark Endert (Madonna, Fiona Apple), and Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Nickel Creek), the album promises to be a louder take on the pop sounds of their first effort. "It's definitely aggressive, upbeat and pounding," says Levine. More Maroon 5 Songs About Jane Live Friday the 13th 1.22.03.Acoustic Maroon 5 Photos          (less)

over many styles is because the band members are such obvious fans of diverse music. Nowhere is this more apparent than on Monkey Business ’s high-profile guest list. After Justin Timberlake’s contribution to the massive "Where Is the Love" breakout hit from Elephunk , their inclusion of big names once again was a smart, respectful move on the part of the band as well as their guests. "My Style" is Timberlake’s BEP foray number two; while the song is funky pop fun, those looking to hear Justin in the forefront are likely to be disappointed, as his vocals are mixed evenly, no sweet soulful solos this time. Other guests of note are Jack Johnson, who cowrote the bling-bashing "Gone Going," Sting on "Union" (sonically inspired by the former Police-ma...  (less)

"And I am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls. Jennifer first gained notice as one of the finalists on the third season of the FOX television series American Idol. She went on to star as Effie White in the 2006 motion picture adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls for which she won numerous awards including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA and a SAG Award. 13 tracks.  (less)

vulnerability or his rich and unique vocal tone. The songs on Death Won't Send A Letter were recorded primarily at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN with Chisel's backing vocalist/keyboard player Adriel Harris and Little Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather) on initial tracking. Cory, Adriel and Little Jack were then joined by Jack's longtime collaborator Patrick Keeler (The Raconteurs, The Greenhorns) on drums. With Patrick and Jack's driving rhythm section the albums' sound took on a grittier hue. And in Brendan Benson Cory found a writing and arranging partner that birthed the lead album track, 'Born Again'. Carl Broemel from My Morning Jacket and Blake Mills of Band Of Horses fame also contribute on guitar.  (less)

five originals — the lonely-at-Christmas "Washington Square," "Hey Santa!" and "Christmas On TV," the spiritual "Brightest Star" and the maybe-next-year "Gotta Be Good." Chris Isaak Christmas is this season's holiday surprise — a Christmas album that's actually cool.  (less)