I owe an apology to the rest of the music on my iPod: there's a brand-new album that'll be dominating my ear drums for the foreseeable future. Cut Copy's Zonoscope, out today, is the kind of refreshing, upbeat music I crave, and I refuse to keep it to myself. Hear me out if you're looking for a new album to rouse you from a stale rotation. The lowdown: The Australian indie band releases its third Read more

Fans of The Decemberists may encounter a bit of a shock when they listen to the Portland band's latest. Though Colin Meloy's voice is recognizable as ever, the sound is distinctively different — it's country. The group's sixth album, The King Is Dead has an Americana feel to its tracks, and it's a twist that's very much intentional. Following their last release, The Hazards of Love, the artists Read more

Michael Jackson's Michael has already received plenty of buzz, and starting today you can download all of the posthumous tracks for yourself. It tops our list of the week's new releases, so be sure to check it out along with these other hot tunes! Michael Jackson, Michael The lowdown: The album features Jackson's never-before-heard tracks mixed with artists like Akon and Lenny Kravitz. Though Read more

Looking for a break from all of the holiday music that's out there right now? Get a breather with these new nonseasonal releases. Natasha Bedingfield, Strip Me The lowdown: The singer who burst onto the scene with "Unwritten" is back with more upbeat inspirational tunes — but most of the lyrics are pretty cliched. Choice tracks: "Strip Me" "All I Need" feat. Kevin Rudolf "Touch" Download this Read more

Party down: today's new music releases are ready to drop a beat and get you grooving. From straight hip-hop to pop-imbued rap, these three albums will get you ready to party. The Black Eyed Peas, The Beginning The lowdown: The Black Eyed Peas's appropriately titled sixth album is a follow-up to last year's The E.N.D. Packed with techno beats and dance tracks, the disc has plenty of party tunes, Read more

Since it's a holiday week, the biggest releases in the music industry are available a day early! This week we've got Kanye's much-anticipated album, along with new tunes from Ke$ha and Nicki Minaj. If none of those pique your interest, there's also a new Christmas album from Jessica Simpson and fresh tunes from Robyn. Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy The lowdown: For his fifth Read more

As we get closer to the holidays, some major albums are hitting the shelves (and they're perfect for gift-giving). Today we've got one album that's sure to get you in the spirit, plus new songs from a reigning pop princess and a music legend. Rihanna, Loud The lowdown: The sexy songstress gives us her fifth album, a sensual mix of pop and dance tracks, aided by hot names like Drake and Nicki Read more

For this week's new music releases, we've got the perfect mix of song selections to rev you up and help you wind down. Check them out! Cee Lo Green, The Lady Killer The lowdown: Best known as half of Gnarls Barkley, Green makes a name for himself as a solo artist in a big way — with an album of soulful, Motown-esque instant classics. Choice tracks: "F*** You" "Satisfied" "It's OK" Download this Read more

November may have only just begun, but the holiday season is already showing up in the new music offerings. If you're not in the mood for merriment just yet, we've also got a couple of other albums to rock out to. Matt & Kim, Sidewalks The lowdown: Hipster duo Matt & Kim release their third album of dance-y, energetic tracks. It's slightly more experimental than their last disc, without Read more

Ready to get a little bit country? This week's new music releases include the reigning country-pop princess and an A-lister posing as a Nashville star. Give them a look! Taylor Swift, Speak Now The lowdown: Swift proves that she's an expert storyteller on a soaring new album that's more personally revealing than ever (hence the title). Choice tracks: "Back to December" "Speak Now" "Never Grow Read more