The 4/15/08 Tax Edition. If you didn't know already, Tuesday is release day in the music world, and I'll be sure to bring you new release updates every week. We're in luck, this is a great Tuesday for new music with lots of hits, check it out. I'll try to go easier on your wallet next week!

Mariah Carey “E=MC2”
Wow. I'm not just giving this album a rave review because I'm a fan, but I seriously was not expecting this from MC. I was expecting a great album, but this blew me away. Her typical formula a few big vocal ballads, a dance jam here and there, sprinkled in with a gospel song or two. Don't worry, you'll still get classic Mariah on this album, but definitely new and improved. She and long time producer Jermaine Dupri have experimented with some new R&B sounds like a reggae beat and melody on the track “Cruise Control” which also features the son of reggae himself, Damien Marley. The song brings some fresh sounds to Mariah's tenth studio album in her 18th year of her career. She has experimented with a lot of new sounds on this album, giving it a really updated feel. Expect some cool dance grooves, layered melodies, and the second single “Bye Bye” which is a sentimental throwback to any friends you may have lost along the way. Definitely pick it up and check it out and look out for a gigantic arena tour coming later this year!

The Naked Brothers Band “I Don't Want To Go To School”
Parents, save that $20 bill for this CD because your kids are definitely going to be hitting you up for it. The Naked Brothers Band comes straight to you from the Nickelodeon hit show of the same name featuring real life brothers Nat and Alex Wolff, ages 13 and 10. Don't let their age fool you, this album is filled with blues rock songs accompanied by catchy melodies. Nat's vocals lend an experienced sound with a subtle raspiness. The songs are pure fun and kids of all ages should enjoy this. Parents, these kids have real talent, this is definitely an album you can enjoy with your kids. Listen closely to these stand out tracks: “I Don't Want To Go To School” which is also the first single, “I'll Do Anything” and “I've Got A Question” which sounds like a mix of Jackson 5 and the Steve Miller Band! Nice mix to me, check it out and enjoy a great family album.

The Veronicas “Untouched” single
These girls are Aussie imports, twin sisters who play the guitar, write their own songs and kill their vocals with classic rock influences. The girls, Jess and Lisa, are already multi-platinum superstars in their homeland of Australia and they are bringing their sound to the U.S. Their first single “Untouched” is available on iTunes today and they've brought a new twist to their music this time around. If you aren't familiar with The Veronicas they released a US album about 3 years ago working with Max Martin (of Kelly Clarkson fame) bringing a hard pop rock sound, chicks with guitars and attitude. This time around the girls have grown up and so has their sound, they are bringing dance pop with a techno beat and hard melodies. Don't worry, the guitars are still there too! You will find some creative use of strings in this song and look out for the video too for the complete package and really experience The Veronicas. I had the pleasure of working with the girls on their first album and a little bit on this album as well and these girls are the real deal and truly genuine with their fans and kill it in their live shows. They will be headed out on tour with Natasha Bedingfield later this year and it's worth checking out, and is a great artist for the kids! Untouched the single is available on iTunes today, the album will be released later this year.

Leona Lewis “Spirit”
OK, so this album came out last Tuesday, but it's so good I had to include it in this week's new music Tuesday as well. I am fairly new to the works of Leona Lewis, but she kind of popped out of nowhere for me. She is from the UK and was actually the winner of a British TV talent show called The X Factor. She is bringing a really fresh sound to R&B and pop. The lead track “Bleeding Love” is a soulful song full of love and angst over a heavy snare drum beat that gives it a slow tempo dance feel. Her vocals are strong, powerful and full of emotion. The album embodies emotional love ballads full of soul. If you want to hear some real vocal talent through catchy melodies definitely check Leona out, and I would definitely keep my eye on her. She is going to be something big. “Spirit” is in stores now.