Many young R&B and pop singers understandably try to croon like Michael Jackson. Unfortunately, few end up within range of his touchy, rapid-fire tenor. Now this young Atlantan, who has performed with Ashanti and Trillville, steps forward with rhythmic, sultry pop that's impressively King-like.

Filed in: Pop-Soul

Once we get past the Ozzy comparisons, we can move on to enjoying Ronnie James Dio's iteration of Sabbath as simply a different--and excellent--metal band. This new full-career compilation shows a group entering the genre's glossier era with gruff guitars and uniquely disquieting vocals.

Filed in: Heavy Metal

GTA has gotten so lifelike, it even has its own radio station--and that station's star artist is no video game construction. DJ Green Lantern is quite real, and a dropper of vivid urban beatscapes. On his soundtrack to the groundbreaking game, the erstwhile mixtaper coolly jumps to the A-list.

Filed in: East Coast Rap

In addition to being one of the better-titled discs of the year, Leila's "Blood, Looms & Blooms" is a remarkable sort of electronica record. It quickly establishes a distinctive abstract palette--full of dripping wet, world-tinged synths--and yet has an immediacy that makes it workable as pop.

Filed in: Electronica

They're the 842nd punk-pop band to come out of Sunbelt suburbia, but the boys of the Maine offer solid improvements on the familiar template. Avoiding the default safety nets of chunky power chords and blitzkrieg drums, they appeal with lucid melodies and excellent instrumental work.

Filed in: Punk-Pop