Like clockwork, every holiday season numerous high-profile artists release new albums in attempt to cash in on the shopping frenzy that occurs between Black Friday and Christmas Eve.
This year, however, the big-name releases are heavily focused on the hip-hop and R&B genres. In addition to the Wyclef Jean and Lupe Fiasco previews listed here, artists such as Mary J. Blige, T-Pain, Nelly and Lil' Wayne will also release new material. But to give a more eclectic view of the music debuting this holiday season, here's a guide of what to listen for this December that includes a little bit of everything.
Wyclef Jean: Carnival Volume II: Memoirs of an Immigrant
Super-collaborator Wyclef Jean has worked with one of the most diverse groups of musicians in the music industry, including Shakira, Akon, Mick Jagger and the Black Eyed Peas. Despite his constant collaboration with other artists, however, Wyclef has not released an album of his own since 2004. With Carnival Volume II: Memoirs of an Immigrant, Wyclef references his uber-successful debut The Carnival, a concept album that brought the sounds of Haiti to mainstream hip-hop. Carnival Volume II continues the storyline of the first album while showcasing the rhythmical prowess that has made Wyclef one of the most sought-after producers in the music industry.
Rufus Wainwright: Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall
I may be biased in my review of this new album because on top of being a huge Rufus Wainwright fan, I actually attended Wainwright's show at Carnegie Hall that celebrated the legendary Judy Garland concert at the same venue. During the concert, Wainwright managed to recapture and expound upon the aura of one of the most famous nights in live music history -- Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall in 1961. Though listening to the recording lacks the atmosphere of watching Wainwright perform Judy's songs on the same stage, the songs are classic, entertaining and performed with Wainwright's signature breathtaking vocals.
The Libertines: Time for Heroes: The Best of the Libertines
Perhaps one of the most unfortunate side-effects of Pete Doherty's infamous drug habits was the downfall of his band, The Libertines. Though his new group Babyshambles still produces quality albums, The Libertines created extremely influential music that helped revive the British punk sound of the 1970s and '80s. Admittedly, a greatest-hits compilation for a band that only released two albums seems a bit strange; nonetheless, the group includes its most memorable tunes, including "Can't Stand Me Now" and "Don't Look Back Into the Sun."
Rivers Cuomo: Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo
The title of Rivers Cuomo's first solo effort confirms his reputation as an eccentric loner of a frontman. This personality, however, is exactly what made Weezer the go-to band for indie kids in the 1990s. As the album doesn't come out until Dec. 18, it's anyone's guess as to how closely Cuomo's solo work will resemble that of Weezer, but the album does include an original demo of "Buddy Holly" alongside home-recorded demos from an unfinished rock musical called "Songs from the Black Hole."
Lupe Fiasco: The Cool
When Lupe Fiasco debuted, he was immediately touted as an artist who had come to "save" hip-hop; instead of rapping about dealing drugs and pimping hos, Lupe talked about the issues devastating the hip-hop community. After the success of his 2006 Kanye West-produced debut Food and Liquor, high expectations have been set for his sophomore effort. Fiasco has said in his various interviews that his latest work contains darker themes than his earlier music. These songs will hopefully showcase his range not just as a rapper but a musician with the ability to convey messages and effect social change through his art.
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