The 50th year reunion of one of the most celebrated pop bands leads off this week's list of new albums. It is very appropriate that the Beach Boys lead us into summer. It is also a week of releases from pop and rock music legends Patti Smith, Neil Young, and Joe Walsh.
1. Beach Boys - That's Why God Made the Radio
Courtesy Capitol
That's Why God Made the Radio is the 29th studio album from the legendary Beach Boys. It was recorded as part of the celebration of the group's 50th anniversary. It is the first all new studio album since 1992's Summer In Paradise. That's Why God Made the Radio also is the first collection from the group since the 1998 death of member Carl Wilson.
2. Emeli Sande - Our Version Of Events
Courtesy Capitol
Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sande first reached the UK pop charts as featured singer on Chipmunk's 2009 top 10 pop hit "Diamond Rings." She has since appeared as featured artist on two more top 10 singles including the #1 hit "Read All About It" by Professor Green. Emeli Sande's first solo single "Heaven" debuted at #2 on the UK pop singles chart in August 2011. It was followed in February 2012 by another #2 hit "Next To Me." Both are included on this album which hit #1 on the UK album chart.
3. Brandi Carlile - Bear Creek
Courtesy Columbia
Brandi Carlile is a critically acclaimed folk pop singer-songwriter. Her last studio album, 2009's Give Up the Ghost, reached #26 on the album chart. Bear Creek was produced by three time Grammy Award winner Trina Shoemaker. It includes the top 15 triple A radio hit "That Wasn't Me."
4. Patti Smith - Banga
Courtesy Columbia
Banga is Patti Smith's first album of new songs in eight years. It is also her first released since winning the 2010 National Book Award for Nonfiction with her memoir Just Kids. The album was recorded at Jimi Hendrix' Electric Lady studio where Patti Smith recorded her celebrated debut album, 1974's Horses.
5. Neil Young and Crazy Horse - Americana
Courtesy Reprise
Americana is Neil Young's 34th studio album. It is his first with the band Crazy Horse since 2003's Greendale. The album is made up of darker, rock versions of such folk classics as "Oh Susanna," "Clementine," and "This Land Is Your Land."
6. Alan Jackson - Thirty Miles West
Courtesy Capitol
Thirty Miles West is the 17th studio album from country singer Alan Jackson. Eight of his last nine studio albums have reached the top 10 on the album chart. The new album includes the top 40 country hit singles "Long Way To Go," and "So You Don't Have To Love Me Anymore."
7. The Hives - Lex Hives
Courtesy Disques Hives
Swedish band the Hives are considered to be a key part of the garage rock revival of the past decade. Their 2004 album Tyrannosaurus Hives hit the top 40 on the album chart and was certified gold. Lex Hives is their first independently released album after leaving Interscope Records.
8. Shawn Colvin - All Fall Down
Courtesy Nonesuch
Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin is best known for her 1997 top 10 Grammy Award winning pop hit "Sunny Came Home." All Fall Down is her eight studio album. A Few Small Repairs, the album which included "Sunny Came Home," was certified platinum.
9. The Rocket Summer - Life Will Write the Words
Courtesy Fuel Music
The Rocket Summer is the performing and recording name used by solo artist Bryce Avary. His music is classed as power pop and he considers the Beatles and Michael Jackson to be his biggest influences. Of Men and Angels, his most recent studio album hit #5 on the rock album chart and cracked the top 40 on the overall album chart.
10. Joe Walsh - Analog Man
Courtesy Fantasy Records
Joe Walsh is best known as a member of the Eagles, but he has also found success as a solo artist and playing as a session musician. Analog Man is his first solo album in 20 years. Joe Walsh has reached the top 10 on the rock songs chart five different times. His 1978 single "Life's Been Good" reached #12 on the pop singles chart.
