Familiar Faces

Have you felt like your music playlist was missing something in recent weeks? Are you tired of listening to the same albums over and over again? Do you feel like you’re in a musical rut? If the answer is yes, then I have just the thing for you. I’ve found some familiar faces – melodious voices we’ve known for some time – who have graciously brought us another wave of euphonious anthems. They’re three very different artists, carrying three very different melodies. However, they all share one thing in common. You. You and you’re irrepressible need for the music they create.

Punk-Rock royalty, Paramore, have begun their return to the stage, debuting the first track off their new self-titled album (Arriving April 9th). Now is more reminiscent of their introductory record, but creeps ahead enough to distinguish itself as a more evolved breed. It’s more aggressive vocally, but lyrically downhearted and pinned in its usual place. If you’re a fan of their previous work, you’ll no doubt form an attachment to the tune, but feel a bit wistful and wish for more variation.

He’s back, folks! Bobby Long – one of our favorite singer/songwriter’s – is back with his sophomore album, Wishbone. So, I suggest you take out your calendars and repeatedly circle February 19th in dark red marker. Seamlessly combining those unmistakably poetic Bobby Long lyrics with a more prominent Southern Rock style, Devil Moon confirms what most of us already knew, that it is impossible not fall for any song this melody man delivers. The track is more energetic than some of its predecessors, but with the swing and sway of the sweet strains, the carefully built emotion stands true. It’s another hit.

After a seven-year hiatus, Justin Timberlake is finally (finally!) getting back to his musical roots. Suit & Tie is the first single off the new album, The 20/20 Experience, which will be out sometime this year. You can now breathe a sigh of relief. I must admit, I’m merely posting this final pick for nostalgic reasons, as I have a love-hate relationship with this song. Although Timberlake’s overuse of his signature falsetto vocals and the awkward rap interruption by Jay-Z is enough to make me immediately retreat to whatever I was doing before, I just can’t get this darn chorus out of my head. *Starts Dancing* “As long as I got my suit and tie, I’m a leave it all on the floor tonight. And you got fixed up to the nines. Let me show you a few things.” See! I need your help. It’s starting to get out of hand. “As long as I got my suit and tie . . .” Damn you, JT!!! You know I love a man in a suit.

Don’t forget I want YOUR music suggestions! You can Tweet, Facebook, or E-mail your suggestions to me. And you can always leave your song, artist, or album suggestions in the comments below!

What did you think of the songs featured in this week’s Press Play Friday? Are there any other new albums you are looking forward to? What songs and artists have you been listening to recently? Tell me in the comments!

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