This Week’s New Releases: April 21, 2017

Sheryl Crow, Be Myself

After bold forays into blue-eyed soul (100 Miles From Memphis) and Nashville country (Feels Like Home), Sheryl Crow returns to her roots in effortlessly catchy pop-rock. The singer-songwriter’s trademark balance of sweetened vocals and sassy attitude pops up everywhere, but is especially potent on the bluesy “Halfway There” and the stomping funk-rocker “Heartbeat Away.” The latter also is notable for its dense and textural sound, which recalls the musician’s edgy production on her self-titled masterpiece from 1996. Perhaps the most unexpected moment arrives in the form of “Grow Up.” Featuring a glam-inspired dance beat, it oozes the kind of bubblegum fun that a teenage Crow surely heard on the radio in the ’70s. —Justin Farrar

Brad Paisley, Love And War

Brad’s trying hard to keep up with the times and kids – clearly in his shaming Instagram admonition “Selfie#Theinternetisforever” but also in his theoretically empathetic broken-home vignette “Solar Power Girl,” his state-of-the-nation statement “The Devil Is Alive And Well,” so on. He remembers back to fumbled dates, fake IDs, mullets, cassettes, and that weekend Mom and Dad went out of town and all his buds scrubbed the living room clean except one beer can. Mick Jagger, John Fogerty and Timbaland help him out; he does a hard boogie for veterans — and his guitar just might be worth the price of admission. —Chuck Eddy

Lana Del Rey Feat. The Weeknd, “Lust For Life”

Since Lana Del Rey was featured on The Weeknd’s last two albums, Starboy and Beyond The Beauty and Madness, it’s only right they team up once again for Del Rey’s new single “Lust For Life.” “Lust For Life” starts with Del Rey talking in a quiet, mysterious whisper “climb up the H of the Hollywood sign” as she moves to sing about the thrill and excitement of her and her love interest’s quality time and is later joined by The Weeknd’s soft and recognizable falsettos. “Lust For Life” is also the name of Del Rey’s forthcoming album she says is to be released “soon.” As we wait for the album, enjoy this track and imagine yourself taking an adventurous ride with your lover. —Jazmyn Pratt

Incubus, 8

Incubus returns after a seven-year break with a thrillingly energetic set of alt-rock. Yet that’s only half the story, as the simply titled 8 also happens to be one of the catchiest efforts of their career. “Nimble Bastard” surges with punky guitars and a breakneck performance from acrobatic singer Brandon Boyd. The power chord-anchored “Glitterbomb” unleashes a similar snarl while also incorporating spacey atmospherics that surely will remind listeners of Muse. Even the record’s ballads, including the moody, electronic-tinged “Loneliest,” buzz with the energy of an act that’s more than ready to reclaim their lofty spot in the modern rock landscape. —Justin Farrar

Marian Hill, Act One (The Complete Collection)

Electronic duo Marian Hill adds 12 new tracks to their Act One project, creating Act One (The Complete Collection.) While producer Jeremy Lloyd mixes quiet boom claps and down tempo electronic beats adding distorted saxophones, pianos and mouth noises like tongue clicks, lead singer Samantha Gongol shows her vocal range by hitting high notes and often times harmonizing with herself. The first 12 tracks originate from Act One, released last summer, while the following 12 introduce new sassy lyrics and fun beats, while keeping the same groovy laid back vibe we’re familiar with coming from Marian Hill. —Jazmyn Pratt

Charlie Puth, “Attention”

The lead single from Charlie Puth’s highly anticipated sophomore album is built upon delicious contrasts. While the popping bassline and purring, disco-kissed beat promise Friday night fun at the club, Charlie Puth’s blue-eyed falsetto comes stained in self-doubt and suspicion. Of course, the tension between pain and pleasure, heartache and love, has always made for great dance music, and “Attention” is no exception. —Justin Farrar

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