On The Shelf: Tomorrow’s New Releases Revealed Today

noah | March 26, 2007 6:17 am
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Welcome to On The Shelf, Idolator’s weekly look at new releases hitting store shelves on Tuesday. Things are certainly starting to pick up, as far as noteworthy releases go; in addition to the five albums we’re spotlighting below, this week sees the full-length from Mims, a will.i.am-aided comeback effort by crazy old Macy Gray, and the U.S. debut of the Mercurial British vocalist Mika.

After the jump, we look at new releases from Jennifer Lopez, Klaxons, Redman, and Good Charlotte, as well as the week’s probable No. 1: Now 24.

Jennifer Lopez, Como Ama una Mujer The artist: Bronx diva who’s trying to rebrand, and even restoring the other 10 letters of her name to do so. The sound: Reed-thin voice trying to find its way through Spanish lyrics, Shakira-ish “rock.” The first in line: Star readers; Scientology recruiters looking for extra insights into a potential member.

Various Artists, Now That’s What I Call Music 24 The artists: Pop’s heavy hitters, plus Lily Allen. The sound: All the hits you got sick of hearing in Walgreen’s four months ago (“My Love,” “Irreplaceable”). The first in line: The still-surprisingly high number of people who have never heard of iTunes.

Klaxons, Myths Of The Near Future The artist: The UK’s entry in the bands that will change your life sweepstakes. The sound: A fine rock record (we’re as surprised as you that we’re saying this). Plus, “Golden Skans” reminds us of Johnny Hates Jazz’s “Shattered Dreams” in an abstract way. The first in line: Britpop freaks who didn’t have the purchasing power to buy it on import.

Redman, Red Gone Wild The artist: Newark rapper (and former Fairly OddParents guest) releasing his first proper album since 2001. The sound: Old-school blaze, with a little bit of Timbaland tossed in for good measure. The first in line: Hip-hop heads whose long wait has finally ended.

Good Charlotte, Good Morning Revival The artist: “Punk” “rockers” currently more famous for their ladyfriends than for their songs. The sound: A hot mess. No, wait. It’s just a mess. The first in line: Really, the only people who we can see caring about this thing are Avenged Sevenfold completists excited about its members’ cameos.

On The CD Front [Pause & Play]