Usher is back with his seventh studio album to lead the top new pop releases of the week. Part of the spotlight is shared with UK newcomer Ed Sheeran.
1. Usher - Looking 4 Myself
Courtesy RCA
2. Ed Sheeran - +
Courtesy Elektra
Ed Sheeran was one of the top breakout artists in the UK in 2011 and received this year's Brit Award for Top Male Artist. He scored four consecutive top 10 pop hits, and this album + hit #1. Ed Sheeran's debut single in the US, "The A Team," is a top 25 adult pop radio hit and has also reached the rock songs chart.
3. Metric - Synthetica
Courtesy Mom and Pop
Canadian indie band Metric experienced a breakthrough with the 2009 album Fantasies. It was a top 10 hit at home in Canada and broke into the upper half of the US album chart. Synthetica includes the top 20 alternative hit "Youth Without Youth." Synthetica includes a collaboration with rock legend Lou Reed on the song "The Wanderlust."
4. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - The Lion, the Beast, the Beat
Courtesy Hollywood Records
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals have been the subject of tremendous buzz since their 2010 self-titled album landed in the top 20 and they then collaborated with country singer Kenny Chesney for the #3 hit country single "You and Tequila" in 2011. Kenny Chesney and Willie Nelson both make appearances on this album.
5. Far East Movement - Dirty Bass
Courtesy Interscope
Far East Movement hit the top 10 with two songs from their last album Free Wired. However, the success hasn't been as forthcoming with songs released from Dirty Bass. The Justin Bieber collaboration "Live My Life" peaked at #21. Dirty Bass also includes appearances by Pitbull and Cassie.
6. Pop Etc - Pop Etc
Courtesy Rough Trade US
California based indie pop band Pop Etc were formerly known as the Mind Benders. The Big Echo, the last album under the name the Mind Benders, was one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2010.
7. Hot Chip - In Our Heads
Courtesy Domino
This is the fifth studio album from UK electronic music band Hot Chip. Their last two albums both reached the top 5 on the US electronic albums chart. In Our Heads has received strong positive critical acclaim.
8. Jukebox the Ghost - Safe Travels
Courtesy Yep Roc
Indie rock band Jukebox the Ghost have earned more and more attention with each album release. Safe Travels is the band's third studio album. The band toured earlier this year as opening performers for Jack's Mannequin.
9. Rush - Clockwork Angels
Courtesy Roadrunner
Rush are a truly legendary Canadian rock band. Clockwork Angels is the group's 20th studio album. Their first was released over 38 years ago. 10 of the band's studio albums have reached the top 10 on the album chart. Rush have sold over 25 million albums in the US alone. The band considers Clockwork Angels to be one of their more musically diverse albums.
10. Mary Chapin Carpenter - Ashes and Roses
Courtesy Zoe
Country singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards. Her last seven consecutive studio albums have reached the top 10 on the country chart. One of those, 1994's Stones In the Road, also reached the top 10 on the overall album chart and was certified platinum.
