November is a great time for music fans: all the artists we love are releasing albums right, left and centre in an attempt to make it onto our holiday gift wish lists. With that in mind, we’ve looked at the new music releases and picked the ones you will definitely be buying for someone on your list (or yourself) this holiday season.
ArtPop by Lady Gaga
The highly anticipated third album from Lady Gaga is finally here. She focuses more on tunes to get the whole room dancing on this album, and she gets help along the way, as T.I., Twista, Too $hort and R. Kelly pop up on “Jewel N’ Drugs” and “Do What You Want”. The lyrics aren’t really appropriate for very little ones, but her Little Monsters won’t be disappointed.
Live at the Cellar Door by Neil Young
Neil Young has been making amazing music for more than 50 years, but he is in his element when playing in front of an audience. This recording was taped during his stint at The Cellar Door in Washington, D.C., in 1970, and it includes a number of rarities and other musical gems. The set covers some of his solo material, as well as a few Buffalo Springfield numbers. This album is a must-have for the 6Music fan in your life.
Demonstration by Tinie Tempah
In his sophomore album, Tinie Tempah stretches his musical muscles a bit, showing how he has grown as an artist. He largely works with producer Labrinth again, yet musically the album is a departure from his first one. Just about every song features at least one collaborator, including Dizzee Rascal, 2Chainz, Emeli Sandé, Laura Mvula and Paloma Faith, so each song has its own distinct sound. The result is an album that explores the role of rap across all genres of modern music.
James Arthur by James Arthur
This is the debut album of the X-Factor winner who doesn’t sound like an X-Factor winner. It’s already given Arthur two hit singles – “Impossible” and “You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You” – and the rest of the album is similarly full of his signature sound of retro R&B mixed with modern beats. It’s got an X-Factor gloss that may put off some of his fans, but if you like his two singles, you’ll enjoy the whole album.
Swings Both Ways by Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams at least deserves credit for the cheeky title of this album. Innuendos aside, Williams clearly loves swing and Big Band music, and it suits his voice and personality perfectly. This is a sonic follow up to Swing When You’re Winning, and it sees Williams pairing up with some big names: Rufus Wainwright, Lily Allen, Michael Bublé, Olly Murs and Kelly Clarkson. It includes swing standards and original material, so it’s great for swing fans and pop fans alike.
Sweet Summer Sun – Hyde Park Love by the Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones threw down the gauntlet for the rock whippersnappers this year with their barnstorming performances at Glastonbury and Hyde Park. No one can match the Stones for energy, attitude and a pure rock sound, and this album captures all of that perfectly. The deluxe edition is especially worth the money, as it comes with the album, a book and a DVD of the performance, so you can relive the best live show of Summer 2013 over and over.
Direct Hits by The Killers
This album is The Killer’s first greatest hits compilation, pulled together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their first UK show. Can you believe it? The Killers have been around for more than a decade, and they’ve had enough genuine hits to fill an album. There are thirteen tracks from their four albums, and there are also two new songs. Still, if you already have all their albums or singles, you need the deluxe edition, which includes three bonus tracks: the original demo of “Mr Brightside”; the Calvin Harris remix of “When You Were Young”; and “Be Still” from Battle Born.
These are the new music releases that someone on your list – or maybe even you – will be unwrapping this holiday season. So which albums are you hoping to get? Did we leave any off that you want? Tell us what you think in the comments.
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