March Discs To (Possibly) Look Forward To

Some (possibly) interesting releases are just on the horizon. Here are some upcoming album releases that are peaking my interest...

-Corbin Bleu, Speed of Light (March 10, 2009)
One of the lesser famous of the 'High School Musical' alums, Corbin had a moderately successful debut album released in back in May of 2007 called Another Side. He had a relatively undistinguishable brand of Disney/Hollywood Records frothpop, although, admittedly, "Push It To The Limit" was a little bit of guilty pleasure of mine. The album sold around 18K its first week, and only sold around 150K total. I do find him much more likeable than his main HSM competitor, Zac Efron. However -- "Fear of Flying", which leaked a few months ago, really had my interest peaked in a more than guilty pleasure kind of way. The first single, "Moments That Matter", is making the rounds at radio (with only some success). The album is boasting production by The Neptunes and Timbaland, making Bleu the first of the Disney tween set to work with those names. That has to mean something good, right? Given that the single hasn't had much of an impact, and sales of albums seem pretty dismal right now, I'm not expecting too high of a charting for Corbin (especially considering his stiff competition), but I'm looking forward to hearing the record. However -- that cover? Sorry, honey. Not feeling it. Or your "mustache".

-Chris Cornell, Scream (March 10, 2009)
Also out on the 10th is the former frontman for Soundgarden and Audioslave with his third solo effort. The main reason for my interest in the rocker is this album is completely executively produced by the aforementioned Timbo. The first product of their union that I heard was "Long Gone" that leaked a few months back. I know it turned off a lot of Cornell's chief fanbase, but I for one was pretty intrigued by it. I don't know how I feel about Cornell comparing it to Pink Floyd or Queen, but I'm expecting at least a few good songs. His last solo album, released back in 2007, sold around 37K its first week alone, but only sold just under 120K total so far...

-Kelly Clarkson, All I Want Is Everything (March 10, 2009)
No, I have not had a change of heart on "My Life Will Suck Without You." I'm still not keen on it. However, she is Kelly Clarkson. So I'm hoping for some good ones. I'm aware the album has already leaked on some places, and I've heard rumblings of her second single and I find it a bit more listenable that the first. But it doesn't really matter what I think on this matter, as, like I said, she is Kelly Clarkson. She's gonna have a big first week. My December, widely touted as a "failure" record in comparison to the humungo Breakaway, still sold almost 300K in its first week alone back in June of 2007. However, times (and sales) are much different than in oh-seven...so we shall see. Although, considering the current landscape, I think she should be able to take the #1 spot pretty easily.

-Taylor Hicks, The Distance (March 10, 2009)
Yes. He's attempting to compete with Kelly. And yes, no one cares. I just thought it was laughable and worthy pointing out so you can laugh, too.

-The Dream, Love vs. Money (March 10, 2009)
This record hasn't gotten the momentum it truely deserves. "My Love" with Mariah Carey is a great song, and his talent just cannot be denied, especially as a producer ("Umbrella"...a duh!). His last album, released back in November 2007 when not as many people were as aware of him as they are now, still sold almost 59K in its first week, and the album went gold. He could surprise us, and I'm definitely looking forward to some hot tracks from this album...


-Twilight, Film Soundtrack Re-Release Deluxe Edition (March 17, 2009)
Although I couldn't get into this fandom (at all) and still do not understand the sex appeal of Robert What's-His-Face-With-The-Ugly-Hair, the prowess of emo cannot be denied on the album's soundtrack, which continues to sell steadily on the Billboard 200 to this day. The soundtrack was originally released back in November to sales of almost 165K opening week, and its already been achieved platinum status. That means, no matter how much I hate to admit it, the 'Twilight' fandom is a force that needs to be reckoned with. That and that Paramore song "Decode" is totally amazing and awesome. I have no clue what the "Deluxe" part of this release is...if anyone can clue me in, that would be cool.

-Keri Hilson, A Perfect World... (March 24, 2009)
After being delayed for what feels like decades (the original release date was for spring 2007), my fave Timbo protege is finally getting her moment in the sun with her debut album, after writing hits for the likes of Britney Spears, Ciara, Usher, Pussycat Dolls, and being a part of production/writing team The Clutch. I hope this generates the noise it deserves, if "Turnin' Me On" and "Energy" are any indicator. However, it will inevitably be outshined by the release of the 'Hannah Montana' Film Soundtrack. ::hangs head:: It terms of firepower: there will be production by Timbo, Danja, Polow Da Don; writing from Justin Timberlake and Ne-Yo; and guest appearances from Akon, Lil Wayne, Lil Jon, T-Pain, Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole. Although -- I really hope that cover is dodgy fan made one...because, danggggg.

-Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, Film Soundtrack (March 24, 2009)
This will most likely be the charttopper of the week (or maybe I'm overestimating like those Jonas Brothers haters...grrr). The album's first single, "The Climb", is gaining serious radio momentum. It will have a solid debut. No doubt about it. And I'm not afraid to admit that those Disney folks know how to make a fun, bouncy girl-powery frothpop song. I'm hoping the album follows the Hannah formula of "Nobody's Perfect" and "I Got Nerve" that I (secretly) know all the words to and (secretly) dance to when it comes up randomly on my iTunes. While Miley's popularity is starting to wane from the only-dogs-can-hear-you-scream pitch, she is still a firm figure on the teen pop landscape.

-Now, That's What I Call Music! 30 (March 24, 2009)
The ever popular Top 40 compliation series is back, featuring cuts from: Lady Gaga, Britney, Christina Aguilera, Kevin Rudolf, Kanye, Ne-Yo, John Legend, Rihanna, Pussycat Dolls, P!NK, David Archuleta, Miranda Cosgrove, All American Rejects, David Cook, Saving Abel, Nickelback, Katy Perry, Jason Mraz, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban . My main complaint with this series still rings true with this one: I already have most of these songs and they are borderline played out by the time they are released as a part of the compliation. The last release, on shelves this past November, sold 172K in its first week and has almost sold a million already. It could give Miley a run of her money...but I somehow doubt it.

-Day 26, Forever In A Day (March 31, 2009)
This release date could be flexible, and will probably most want to coincide with its marketing partner: "Making the Band". I admit to being a bit lukewarm on the group. "Exclusive" was cute, and "Got Me Going" was fun, but they weren't drop-your-jaw-it's-amazing. "Stadium Music", however, has peaked my music, and I have high hopes for the band. They are becoming the real focal part of the "Making the Band" series (besides Dawn Richard and her sob story about the demise of Danity Kane). Their debut was released back in December '06, and sold almost 190K in its first week, but the album only ended up selling just shy of 376K...