Albums to look for this Christmas break

Posted on Dec 2 2014 - 8:46am by Ellie Bond 

Tis the season for giving, and this month, artists, old and new, will be giving faithful listeners a reason to celebrate with the release of brand new albums.

British electro pop singer and DJ Victoria Hesketh, better known as Little Boots, will be kicking off December with the release of her new EP “Business Pleasure.” The female rebel of an artist gave fans a preview of what was to come with her single, “Taste It,” which cheekily outlines her jump start into her own record label. Sticking close to her indie-electronic roots, Little Boots’ “Business Pleasure” is sure to leave club goers and pop divas satisfied.

Over the past decade, a British takeover has occurred in the music industry, and no one recognizes that more than Mary J. Blige in the release of her highly anticipated thirteenth studio album “The London Sessions.” Recorded in the heart of London, Blige wrote and produced this new album with the help of a team of hot new British artists, including Sam Smith, Naughty Boy, Disclosure, Jimmy Napes and Emeli Sande. Even before its release on Dec. 2, “The London Sessions” is already being deemed as Blige’s most innovative and exciting album to date.

Everyone loves a good cover, and on Dec. 2, American indie duo She & Him will drop their fourth album “Classics” consisting of thirteen well-known covers. The pair, made up of actress Zooey Deschanel and singer-songwriter M. Ward, takes on the task of emulating timeless artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Costello and Frank Sinatra in their latest collaboration. But never fear, fans of the originals, these classic songs are in good hands, as the talented twosome tackle these oldies with grace.

The wait is over for Lil Wayne fans, as he releases the first part to his two-part album on nbso online casino reviews Dec. 9. With a repertoire of a staggering eleven studio albums, Wayne announced that this would be his final album, as he wishes to focus on his four children. Featuring collaborations with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Drake and even Justin Bieber, “Tha Carter V” is expected to be Lil Wayne’s most personal musical endeavor to date.

“Music is about self,” Wayne said. “It’s supposed to be personal, a reflection of me. Unless you have someone writing it for you, and everyone knows I’m not that artist.”

This appears to be the month for hip-hop, as Nicki Minaj releases her third studio album “The Pinkprint” on Dec. 15. This new creation from Minaj distances itself from the dance-pop that appeared in “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,” returning to Minaj’s rap roots. Playing off of the Jay Z album titled “The Blueprint,” “The Pinkprint” is Nicki Minaj’s tribute to female artists everywhere, as she paves the way for female rappers in the music industry. After the release of her singles “Pills N Potions” and “Bed of Lies,” listeners can expect a more raw and intimate Minaj, with a heavier emphasis on her vocals and writing style.

British darling Charli XCX will give Nicki Minaj a run for her money Dec. 15, as she drops her second full-length studio album “Sucker.” Well known for her single “Boom Clap,” which was featured in the romantic drama “The Fault in Our Stars,” Charli XCX burst into the American music scene with full force. Having already been featured in tracks with artists such as Iggy Azalea and Icona Pop and performing at the American Music Awards, the pop princess is making a household name for herself in the States. This latest creation from Charli XCX will stick close to her usual pop style, having girl-power undertones, while also taking influences from punk artists like The Ramones, Weezer and The Hives.

Ellie Bond