The return of Evanescence after five years is the leader of the pack of this week.
1. Evanescence - Evanescence
Courtesy Wind-Up
It has been five years since the second studio album from rock band Evanescence. Their first two albums were both certified multi-platinum. The Open Door, their most recent, hit #1 on the album chart. The group's has also won two Grammy Awards. The singles "Bring Me To Life" and "Call Me When You're Sober" have both been certified platinum for selling over one million copies. This self-titled third album includes the single "What You Want."
2. Joe Jonas - Fastlife
Courtesy Hollywood Records
Joe Jonas is one third of the highly successful Jonas Brothers. This is his first solo release. He chose a more urban and electronic style than his work with his brothers. The top 40 pop radio hit single "See No More" is included on this album.
3. Peter Gabriel - New Blood
Courtesy Real World
Peter Gabriel's last album Scratch My Back consisted of cover versions of songs performed with him singing in front of an orchestra. The collection was very well received by music critics. For this album he dips into the catalogue of his own recordings and reworks a set of his own songs with voice and orchestra. Among the songs included are "In Your Eyes" and "Don't Give Up."
4. Ryan Adams - Ashes and Fire
Courtesy Capitol
In 2009 singer-songwriter Ryan Adams married Mandy Moore, parted ways with his band the Cardinals, and announced he was taking a break from music. He has returned with a new solo album that is quiet in tone and has received advance kudos from critics. Ryan Adams and the Cardinals hit the top 10 with the 2007 album Easy Tiger.
5. James Morrison - The Awakening
Courtesy Island
This third studio album from singer songwriter James Morrison has already hit #1 in his native UK. His first studio album Undiscovered hit the top 25 here in the US. The Awakening includes the single "I Won't Let You Go" which is a top 5 hit in the UK and #1 in Australia.
6. Erasure - Tomorrow's World
Courtesy Mute
It has been four years since the last studio album from synthpop duo Erasure. The pair have reached the top 10 on the US dance chart 15 times dating back to 1985. Three of their singles have reached the pop top 20. The new album is a reunion of sorts after members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell had been working on separate projects.
7. Lauren Alaina - Wildflower
Courtesy Mercury Nashville
16 year old Lauren Alaina finished second this year on American Idol. "Like My Mother Does," her first single following the show was a top 40 country and pop hit. Wildflower includes collaborations with a wide range of country songwriters. The album was produced by Byron Gallimore who won a Grammy award for his work on Faith Hill's 1999 album Breathe.
8. Five Finger Death Punch - American Capitalist
Courtesy Prospect Park
Heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch have risen quickly in popularity among metal fans. This is their third studio album. Their second, War Is the Answer, hit the top 10 of the album chart and has been certified gold for sales in excess of 500,000. "Under and Over It," the first single from American Capitalist, is the group's seventh top 10 mainstream rock hit.
9. Martina McBride - Eleven
Courtesy Republic Nashville
Three of Martina McBride's last four studio albums have hit #1 on the country chart. All four reached the top 10 on the overall album chart. Eleven is not only her eleventh studio album but also includes eleven tracks. The top 20 country hit "Teenage Daughters" is included on the album.
10. Rachael Yamagata - Chesapeake
Courtesy Megaforce
Rachael Yamagata is acclaimed as both a songwriter and a performer. Her most recent studio album Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart climbed to #53 on the album chart.
