New This Week: Bruno Mars, Metallica, Miranda Lambert, DNCE, and More
Searching for something to listen to this weekend? Yahoo Music has you covered with a rundown of some of this week’s biggest/buzzing releases, including new music from Bruno Mars, Metallica, Miranda Lambert, DNCE, and more. Check back every Friday for a fresh list of albums to help fuel your weekend playlists.
Bruno Mars: 24K Magic (Atlantic). Mars does what he does best on his latest release—and that’s offering fans a grooving escape from day-to-day reality, something particularly welcome in this month’s tense environment. Lean and mean at only nine tracks long, this album serves up what’s sure to be another surefire collection of top 10 contenders.
Metallica: Hardwired…To Self-Destruct (Blackened Records). There is very little that hard rockers Metallica haven’t done, including playing Antarctica, so why not release a 2-CD set to commemorate their first studio album since 2008? Hardwired marks a dazzling return to the veteran metalheads’ vintage late-‘80s sound, something that’s been missing and missed by those who loved the band’s authentically sinister earlier work.
Miranda Lambert: The Weight of These Wings (RCA Nashville). Lambert’s sixth album marks the singer’s first LP since her highly publicized divorce from fellow country star Blake Shelton. Clearly, she has something to say—it’s a double album, the hallmark format for an artist needing either creative or emotional catharsis. Don’t expect a fiery, “Little Red Wagon”-esque Miranda here; she’s in a healing/introspective mode that gives the set an overall quieter vibe.
DNCE: DNCE (Republic). You’d have to have been at the bottom of the ocean to escape DNCE’s smash hit “Cake by the Ocean” last year. The delightfully bouncy tune is a rarity in that it is across-the-board loved by everyone—and it appears on the debut full-length, of course, along with other singles “Toothbrush” and “Body Moves.” Joe Jonas and co. flesh out their slam-dunks with 11 more tracks of funk-groove fun; here’s your surefire party jam for the holiday season.
Little Mix: Glory Days (Syco). Global girl sensations Little Mix show no signs of slowing down their world domination with their fourth studio album, which has already hooked millions with its break-up anthem “Shout Out to my Ex.” The rest of the set includes a chart-ready buffet of shimmery pop tunes, get-your-Kleenex ballads, and a touch of EDM.
E-40: The D-Boy Diary, Books 1 & 2 (Heavy on the Grind Entertainment). Nearly four decades into his career, California rapper E-40 proves he’s still a legend on the hip-hop scene. This massive, 2-volume release shows off a whopping 42 tracks, plus a guest list that includes Gucci Mane, Lil B, G-Eazy, Jazzy Pha, and many more.
Lamb of God: The Duke (Epic). LoG’s latest release is a five-song EP, containing two studio tracks and three live cuts. While still holding true to their old-school metal roots, the band explores a somber side in the form of the title track, which opens the set and pays homage to a fan who fought—and lost—a war with leukemia.
Justice: Woman (Because Music). The latest from the French electronic duo is a sparkling sonic treat, taking listeners through various tonal explorations ranging from disco to stretchy, bouncy R&B. Expect this pair to be a prime contender for Coachella 2017, and let this album show you why.
