Following sagging spring record sales, summer is heating up with some strong releases from Against Me!, Christina Aguilera, Twilight and the Gleeks.
Against Me!: White Crosses (Sire Records): Florida's Against Me! reteams with new wave producer Butch Vig, for their fifth studio album (second on Sire), featuring the single "Rapid Decompression."
Christina Aguilera, Bionic (RCA): On her first studio album since 2006's Back to Basics, Aguilera returns with a fresh crop of songs covering themes from motherhood to her "whohoo." With the lead-off track "Not Myself Tonight"; collaborators include M.I.A., Le Tigre and Polow Da Don.
Jewel, Sweet and Wild (Valory Music): On the heels of 2008's Perfectly Clear, the former San Diego singer/songwriter turned country bumpkin releases her ninth studio album with the singles "Stay Here Forever" and "Satisfied."
Lil Jon, Crunk Rock (Universal Republic): In production since 2005, the solo debut from the King of Crunk has Lil Jon teaming up with R. Kelly, Game, Mario, LMFAO, Pitbull, Soulja Boy, 3OH!3 and others. The first single "Ms. Chocolate," featuring R. Kelly and Mario, was produced by Drumma Boy.
Glee: The Music -- Journey to Regionals (Columbia): Gleeks, Unite! As the first season of FOX's hit show Glee comes to a close, the EP contains songs performed in the season finale -- at the regionals -- and has the cast tackling tracks by Queen and Journey.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, soundtrack (Chop Shop/Atlantic): The original soundtrack to the third installment of the successful Twilight Saga franchise features 15 tracks from top alternative acts, including Muse, Metric, the Bravery, the Dead Weather, Vampire Weekend and the Black Keys.
Other notable releases: Nada Surf, If I Had a Hi-Fi; Ratatat, LP4; Hot Hot Heat, Future Breeds/Delta Spirit, History From Below.
