New this week: Kelly Clarkson, Gord Downie, Weezer, 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 and buzzing releases, including Kelly Clarkson, Gord Downie, Weezer, and more. Check back every Friday for a fresh list of albums to help fuel your weekend playlists.
Kelly Clarkson: Meaning of Life (Atlantic). This is the album that the new Voice coach says is the reason she became a singer, and that “I literally have not worked any harder on anything else in my life.” Her collaborators include Jason Halbert, Jesse Shatkin, Greg Kurstin, Mick Schultz, the Monarch, and Nick Ruth.
Gord Downie: Introduce Yerself (Gordieland, Inc.). The frontman of the beloved Canadian band Tragically Hip died from brain cancer at age 53 earlier this month. This serves as his farewell, a beautiful 23-song tribute to everyone and everything that played importance in his life.
Weezer: Pacific Daydream (Crush Music/Atlantic). Rivers Cuomo and company keep the hits coming with their latest set, which includes the jaunty tracks “Feels Like Summer” and “Mexican Fender.”
Kenny Chesney: Live in No Shoes Nation (Blue Chair/Columbia Nashville). The country superstar’s 30-track live set features a decade-old collaborative medley with Dave Matthews and other performances captured on his tours of huge outdoor venues, including Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, where the cover photo was shot. Guests include Taylor Swift, Eric Church, the Zac Brown Band, and Old Dominion.
Yo Gotti: I Still Am (Epic). The rapper rounds up a variety of heavy-duty guest stars on his latest, including Nicki Minaj, French Montana, Chris Brown, Meek Mill, 21 Savage, and YFN Lucci.
Ty Dolla $ign: Beach House 3 (Atlantic). This lush-feeling sophomore effort combines rap and R&B with the help of some A-listers such: Lil Wayne, The-Dream, Damian Marley, Skrillex, and Jeremih. Skrillex additionally takes on a co-producer’s role to polish the vibe.
Lee Ann Womack: The Lonely, the Lonesome, and the Gone (ATO). Produced by her husband Frank Liddell, Womack’s latest delves deep into her Texas roots, exploring the sounds and spirit of the region she grew up in.
Bootsy Collins: World Wide Funk (Mascot). The funk legend’s first album in six years is packed with special guests: Snoop Dogg, Stanley Clarke, Buckethead, Victor Wooten, Eric Gales, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Chuck D, Musiq Soulchild, and Bernie Worrell all appear.
Hanson: Finally it’s Christmas (3CG/S-Curve). Joining the season’s plentiful collection of holiday albums, the Hanson brothers’ offering features four original tracks and eight classic covers.
Rachel Platten: Waves (Columbia). The multi-platinum, award-winning “Fight Song” singer collaborates with Ryan Tedder, Stargate, Jason Evigan, Ian Kirkpatrick, Nate Cyphert, and Jon Levine on her latest disc, a shimmering, emotive collection of pop.
The Used: The Canyon (Hopeless). The Utah band brings its trademark energetic rock to its seventh album, which will no doubt continue to further its dominance on the genre.
Quatro, Scott & Powell: Quatro, Scott & Powell (Rhino). Suzi Quatro, Sweet’s Andy Scott, and Slade’s Don Powell team up for a retro ’70s force — which is actually a new direction for all three musicians, having charted a new course writing original tunes and seeing where it goes.
Various artists: The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson (Blackbird Presents). This all-star tribute from March 16, 2016, was held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and features Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Emmylou Harris, Shooter Jennings, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, and Darius Rucker for a powerful night of country.
Joe Henry: Thrum (EarMUSIC). Singer-songwriter Henry brings forth another set of intricate, intimate compositions allowing listeners into the mechanics of his skilled craft.
Curtis Harding: Face Your Fear (ANTI-/Epitaph). The longtime Black Lips collaborator and former CeeLo Green backup singer teams up with producers Sam Cohen and Danger Mouse for this new set.
