On October 4th, Apple made the huge announcement all technology geeks were waiting for — the iPhone 5…oh wait. Just as we were all anticipating the announcement of the iPhone 5, Apple laughed in our faces as they announced the iPhone 4s. As someone who loves her iPhone 4, I’m a little confused. Some of the new features the iPhone 4s supposedly offer don’t sound that exciting and — sorry to Apple — I don’t think the juice is worth the squeeze. Here are some of the features the iPhone 4s plans to offer.

1. It has an eight megapixel camera and can record videos in HD.
As a self-proclaimed party girl I love that my cellphone takes pictures, I never have to worry that I forgot my camera before homecoming, formal, an awesome toga party or any other event that I might want to take a picture at. I have at least 200 pictures on my phone at all times, I don’t know how many megapixels my camera is and I don’t care. My iPhone takes better pictures than my digital camera so whether it’s a six megapixel camera or an eight megapixel one doesn’t really matter, as long as it doesn’t crack when I drop it.

2. Siri
So the new iPhone offers this “personal assistant” named Siri that is voice activated. Allegedly, you can ask it to set your alarm, remind you of someone’s birthday, tell you what the weather is supposed to be like that day and other random things. While I do think this sounds cool, I don’t really understand the point. I mean, I already have a weather app on my phone and I can set my alarm myself. How incompetent does Apple think we are?

3. iPhone 4s is being offered on Verizon, AT&T and Sprint.
All the people complaining that Sprint doesn’t have the iPhone can shut up now, because as of October 14th Sprint will be selling the iPhone 4s. As far as I can tell this is the only new addition to the iPhone that is enough to make people buy it.

Because of the new product the iPhone 4 will be on sale for $99 (when I bought mine for almost $300 but whatever), and iPhone 3G will be free to AT&T customers. iPhone 4s will be $199 for 16 GB, $299 for 32GB and $399 for a 64 GB (who needs THAT much memory?!?) and they come in black and white. Personally, if you’re pining after the wonderful iPhone (as you should be) I would use this opportunity to save a few bucks and nab an iPhone 4 for $99 dollars. Do you really need your phone to set your alarm in the morning?

Think about it while you look at all these celebs who you just know will be upgrading to the 4s.

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So, here’s the ultimate post-grad survival kit (or at least what I’ve figured out over the last six months):

1. Stay Busy – Keep your ass moving at all times. Don’t hang out on the couch day after day, keep busy – whether it’s working a job, interning, or taking pottery classes.  Do anything that will keep you busy. I’ve thrown myself into the LSAT, and trust me, it’s kept me occupied. Who knows how I’ll feel once my LSAT journey is over, but for now … it’s what I do to keep busy. Busy leaves little room to do #2.

2. Don’t reminisce too much – If you do nothing but think about college, you’re going to do nothing but miss college. Avoid this as much as you can. If something comes up in conversation, talk about it, but don’t sit in your room and look at pictures from your sophomore year every night. It’s okay to admit that college was one of the best times of your life, but it’s not okay to let that ‘best time of your life’ define the rest of your life. You should have the attitude that the best is yet to come and college was just a stepping stone. Or yeah, you’ll be depressed like all those articles say.

3. Do something you didn’t do in college – Find a new hobby or something you didn’t participate in throughout college. For example, I have never been a runner. And I wouldn’t call myself a runner even now. But since graduation, I have clocked in many miles on the boardwalk (this is a plus of living in CA) and on the treadmill as I possibly can. My college self wouldn’t have taken the time to just run. Doing something that you aren’t used to doing shows you that more things exist than what you thought about in college. It can be anything:  take up painting, wine tastings, or knitting. Join a gym. Become a mentor. Anything you didn’t do in college.

4. Change it up – Your overall appearance probably didn’t change too much throughout college. Now that you’re a post-grad, you should definitely change something … even if it’s something small. Cut your hair. Paint your nails a color you would never wear in college (I was afraid of black nail polish in college, but now I love it). Change your style. While I don’t think you should abandon yourself from the last four years, a little update won’t hurt. It will make you feel better about yourself and it will signify this new, mature stage in your life.

5. Be serious – While you may have had an attitude that says “I don’t care” in college, it’s time to get serious about your future. You definitely don’t have to have anything figured out, but you should be serious about getting to whatever point you want in your life next. If you don’t know what you want to do (seriously, who truly knows what they want to do?), you should do everything to try to figure it out. Be serious about this. It may have been cool in high school and sometimes in college to be a slacker or to just not care , but you should be able to seriously talk about what you want.

6. Change Your Mind – In college, I had everything planned out and followed a strict routine when it came to everything –  I never changed my mind. However, the most important thing post-grad has taught me is that changing your mind can be a gift. One day, you want to intern somewhere and the next day you don’t. It may not be on the path you wanted, but you figured out why and it’s a big eye-opener. The only way to figure things out is to make mistakes and to change your mind. It sounds like something out of a self-help book, but I seriously think this has been the most beneficial thing overall.

I know I’m not the only post-grad over here at CollegeCandy, so tell me … what are your ultimate survival tips for being a post-grad?

[Last week our Single Girl shared her feelings of jealousy for all her coupled friends. Looks like the grass is always greener....]

I’m getting to that point with my boyfriend that things are getting really comfortable. Since we live together I get to see him 24/7 which unfortunately means he sees me 24/7. AKA he sees me when I have no makeup, am in my sweats, and getting ready for bed. Honestly, there’s really no mystery left.

Flip over to my best friend Erica and her new boyfriend. She’s having all the fun of finding out all about him and she still spends an hour in the bathroom before dates. Then there’s my friend Haley who’s totally taking advantage of being single at college parties and can have a make out sesh whenever she wants with whomever she wants. I love hearing them talk about all the excitement of Erica’s new relationship and Haley’s latest exploits, but it’s starting to hit me that I will most likely never get that kind of excitement again. And I’m jealous!

I do love my boyfriend, and I’m totally OK with giving up stuff like finding out the hot guy at the bar is terrible in bed, or having a blind date with a guy with bad breath, but am I really ready to never have another first kiss? Another first date? Another first sexcapade?

There’s something wonderful about being completely comfortable with someone and knowing that you don’t have to swipe on some eyeliner when you know he’s coming over. And there’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing someone’s behind you, no matter what. But with all that comfort comes laziness; when you don’t need to impress the other person anymore, why put in any effort?

I love Matt and I love being in a relationship with him, but it’s hard not to miss all the fun and excitement that comes with the single life. And when I think about it, it’s scary to realize that I’ll never have it again. Especially when I’m surrounded by people in the midst of it, living it up and sharing their tales with me.

Anybody else getting green with envy of other girls?

Sometimes I love a band so much, I just sit and wait for them to come out with something new. Well, I don’t literally sit and wait, but I do get really excited when I know a release date is near. And this week, my long and painful wait was over.

Well, for two of the three bands, at least.

Had I actually sat around and waited for Third Eye Blind to release a new album – yes, it took them six years – I would probably be dead by now. And even though it wasn’t an eternity, waiting for Mute Math felt like forever. I was thisclose to completely wearing out their original album. Now, I wasn’t exactly falling off my seat waiting for Cascada to release something new, but they did I listened and enjoyed it nonetheless.

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder and I’m pretty sure that can be said for this week’s new releases:

Third Eye Blind- Ursa Major

Oh, hey Third Eye Blind, you’re back! Yes, you are! How excited is everyone about this? I heard the news about 6 months ago and have been waiting on the edge of my seat since. And I have to say my butt really hurts I’m not disappointed by Third Eye Blind’s new album, Ursa Major. Honestly, from the start of the album, it’s clear that 3eb hasn’t gone anywhere; for a few minutes, I even totally forgot it had been years since they came out with anything new.

So, yes, the first song on the album “Can You Take Me” is the perfect song to start Ursa Major and makes it clear the boys are back. It also really made me want to start shouting back, “Yes! I can take you!” but as I was sitting in a bagel shop the first time I heard it, I had to refrain so I didn’t become the weirdest person in the room of weirdos. “Summer Town” is awesome and should become everyone’s (end of) summer anthem. And winter anthem too. The lyrics are perfect as Third Eye Blind lyrics often are: “All we are are friends who keep on losing time and/Fade away the precious ones we keep in mind and/Realize that I’m the one that you left behind.” “One in Ten” is one of Third Eye Blind’s slower songs and I’m pretty much in love with it. I don’t think it will reach the kind of fame “Deep Inside of You” had, but it’s still pretty fabulous. I’m kind of sad that this album hasn’t been publicized more. Every time I mentioned Third Eye Blind’s new album, people would say in disbelief, “What? They have a new album??”

Everyone should know about this; not just those who follow the music scene closely. So, tell your friends, Third Eye Blind is back!

Mute Math- Armistice

I’ve been waiting a long time for Mute Math’s new album. Like a super long time. And my wait is finally over. I can stop listening to their self-titled debut album for a bit (as much as I do love it) and listen to something new. And Mute Math’s new album? You might not believe me, but it’s even better than the first! Armistice really shows how the band has grown and I’m more than impressed by it. I love Paul Meany’s recent quote that, “Our goal is to embarrass the first record, that’s what we’re trying to do here, and I think we’re on point to pull it off.” Awesome goals.

I definitely don’t think they embarrassed the first album (at all), but that doesn’t mean I’m not in love with the new one. Like I said, I listened to their first album like crazy to obsessive levels. It would be nearly impossible to embarrass it. “Plan B” is, and probably always will be, on my top 10 list of best songs ever. And one that I’ll never get sick of. But I think Armistice might have a few songs that are almost just as good! I’m mostly in love with the title track “Armistice” right now. I love how it sounds like typical Mute Math, with a big band sound thrown in for fun. It makes me want to dance, it makes me want to chill out, and it makes me just plain love life. I’m also really loving “Lost Year” because it’s so different than the typical Mute Math you’re used to. When it first started playing, I was convinced it was actually The Fray. I love Mute Math’s versatility; there’s something for everyone, so you should definitely check ‘em out.

Cascada-Evacuate the Dancefloor

Someone else is back. And that someone is Cascada. I can’t say I’ve been the biggest Cascada fan ever, but their “Every Time We Touch” song is always fun for dancing around to and having a good time. Plus, I’ve listened to their Rascal Flatts cover of “What Hurts the Most” only about a million times, so I figured I’d have to check out her new album, Evacuate the Dancefloor.

The album was really a mish-mash of music. Since I’ve never listened to a Cascada album all the way through, this could very well be exactly what they’re always like; who knows? I didn’t mind it, but I wonder if they’re trying to be too many things to too many people? The title track “Evacauate the Dancefloor” reminded me a lot of Lady Gaga; kind of techno-y and obviously about dancing. However, I’m not the biggest Eminem fan and I’m fairly certain I heard him in there, though I think it may have been an imitator. Eek. Surprisingly, I liked the slower Cascada songs the best. I really like “Hold Your Hands Up,” which was more of a sweet ballad. And I’ve been listening to “Draw the Line” a lot, as well. Even the slower songs aren’t going to have lyrics that will blow you away (“tick tock says the clock on the wall,” for instance), but the tunes are nice and they’re perfect for easy listening. As far as the more dance-y songs go, “Ready or Not” definitely got me moving. Overall, I think Cascada is a nice addition to the music library, though I probably won’t be a non-stop listener.

This week might be the most random mix of reviews ever. Seriously, ever. I even surprised myself a bit.

I was ready to love who I already loved and hate who I wanted to hate, but that’s not at all what happened. The one album I was most excited for fell flat. And the one I barely even wanted to listen to (and would rather throw out my window) I kinda liked. A little too much. To the point where I had to force myself to turn it off.

I’m going to warn you right now: don’t listen to Ashley Tisdale if you aren’t into Disney pop music. Because you’ll probably end up enjoying it. And then feeling pretty embarrassed. Especially when you can’t get enough and want to blast it from your car and the people who pull up next to you can hear it…and judge you.

Modest Mouse- No One’s First and You’re Next

If there was an award for best album title’s ever (is there??), modest Mouse would win by a long-shot. With album names like Good News for People Who Love Bad News, This is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About, and Building Something Out of Nothing, Modest Mouse’s new album certainly fits in with their trend of awesome names. It’s called No One’s First and You’re Next and I’ve already played it about 50 million times. I always refer to Modest Mouse as an acquired taste; a band you might hate the first time you hear them. I know I tried to like them at first, but just couldn’t. And then one day I heard “Float On” and I sort of fell in love. And now, the first time I heard this new album, I loved it, solidifying in my mind that I am now a true Modest Mouse fan.

The album is actually a collection of previously released B-side and A-side tracks, but since I’m not a crazy obsessed Modest Mouse fan (yet), I haven’t heard any of them. It’s kind of a big jumble of music and you can tell it’s an EP, rather than being a full album. But I kind of like that. I can’t even pick a favorite song, but I have to say I absolutely love the build up that “The Whale Song” brings and can’t help but wonder if the lyrics are referencing Modest Mouse’s launch into fame and desire to go back to the way it was. Other definite listen-tos? “Satellite Skin” and “Autumn Beds,” but I really do enjoy the whole album. And I sincerely wish it was much longer than 8 tracks.

Howling Bells- Radio Wars

Howling Bells was completely new to me this week. I thought I would like them more than I actually do, mostly because I heard they’ve played along with bands that I adore, like The Killers, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol. And I’m not saying I don’t like them, – I’m just saying  they were a little too “whiney girls singing” for my tastes.

I do kind of like “It Ain’t You” because it seemed to be pretty happy and upbeat. Maybe the only the only happy and upbeat sound on the whole album. I also enjoyed “Nightingale,” because I love the clapping in the background, making it probably the most interesting song of all. I found “Let’s Be Kids Again” to be a bit blah, but I did kinda, sorta love the lyrics: “Let’s be kids again/Life was so simple then/Let’s be kids again…We don’t wanna know about this currency/We don’t wanna know about this 9-5/Just a simple life/Can you picture this/We don’t wanna hear about your policies/We don’t wanna live up to these expectations/A childlike dreal/Yeah you know what I mean.” Ok, so they totally get what I’m feelin’ right now…but I’m just not sure I want them to sing to me about it.

Ashley Tisdale- Guilty Pleasure

Let me first be clear about one thing: I am not a fan of High School Musical. In fact, I haven’t seen a single one of the movies. I do think Zac Efron is kind of cute, but that’s beside the point. And he’s much too young for me, anyway.

Like most people over the age of 9, I think it’s pretty ridiculous that so many of the High School Musical stars are coming out with their own albums. Really? Because I want to listen to Disney music, right? Then I saw a few interviews with Ashley Tisdale and I started to kind of like her. So, sue me. She’s a cute girl with a nice personality. And much more adult than I thought she was. Then I saw her perform “It’s Alright, It’s OK” and I really kind of enjoyed it. So I gave her a listen. And you know what? Her album is called Guilty Pleasure, and I can totally see why.

I think she’s kind of my new guilty pleasure. And I think the girl can totally move beyond the whole Disney stigma one day. I mean, her music is a bit racey. Maybe I’m totally out of line of here, but doesn’t “Masquerade” totally sound like it’s about role-playing? Yup. I’m in love with the song “Hot Mess,” and its totally PG-13 lyrics: “I’m such a hot mess/With you/I never knew/Never knew it could be so fun/It’s true/I was such a good girl before you came along/But you’re so racy/You’re my new favorite guy/So unruly/So uncivilized.” Doesn’t really sound like lyrics coming from a Disney star does it? And “Delete You” is the perfect song for 2009! We all have guys we need to delete. Not to mention there’s a song called “Hair.” That’s all about a guy running his fingers through her hair so she feels like “a sexy superstar.” It’s the most ridiculous song ever: “I like what you do to my hair. Who knew that looking a mess could feel so good?” OK, honestly, I’m stopping now. I have to stop. I am now Ashley Tisdale’s biggest fan. What happened to me?

Well, now you can get them WITHOUT MASCARA. Yeah, you heard right.

The FDA has recently approved a new drug called Latisse, brought to you by the same pharmeceutical company that gave us Botox: Allergen Inc. They promise “longer, fuller, and darker lashes” with daily use on the upper eyelids for 16 weeks.

Who wouldn’t want that?

But beware of the caveat manufacturers don’t want you to know about. Possible side effects include a gradual darkening of the iris and a darkening of any portion of the surrounding area where the drug touches your skin. Not to mention the possiblility of looking like Chewbacca if it gets anywhere else on your body, since Latisse is merely a hair-follicle stimulant.

Oh, and if you still want to try it? It’ll make a dent of $120 for a 30-day supply. The effects aren’t permanent either, so your lashes will return back to their genetically-determined length after a few months of discontinued usage.

So, let’s get this straight: black irises and the potential for black and hairy eyelids?

I think I’ll just stick with my $20 mascara for now. I want long lashes just as much as the next girl (or as much as those beauty companies tell me I need them), but I just need to know there’s absolutely no chance of me looking like the girl in the picture before I take my chances with Latisse.

But for the more daring (and possibly wealthier), I want to know: will you try it?

Keri Hilson- In a Perfect World

Who is Keri Hilson? That’s what I said. Then I figured out that she’s the girl singing in Timbaland’s hit “The Way I Are.” Ooh, I like that song, so I thought I’d probably like Keri’s new album, In a Perfect World. Mmm not so much. Honestly, I don’t think people are buying the album because of HER. I think they’re buying it because of all the awesome people she has featured on it. Most of the album was pretty blah to me; typical R&B and nothing she sang alone really stuck in my head. But all of the tracks that featured another star were the songs I kept going back to. I have a general theory that anything the Timbaland produces will be successful, and In a Perfect World just proves me even more right. I’m sure Timbaland’s pull has a lot to do with all the cameos on the album. One of my favorite tracks is “Knock You Down,” which features both Kanye West and Ne-Yo and has more singing from them than from Keri. I’m generally not the biggest Akon fan, but I found myself dancing along to “Change Me,” in which he also seems to play the main role. Other notable features on the album include Keyshia Cole, Trina, Lil’ Wayne, and Timbaland of course.  I might be deleting Keri’s solo tracks from my music library, but I know I’ll be listening to her duets again and again. Stick to the collaborations, Keri.

The Decemberists- The Hazards of Love

The Decemberists are one of those bands I’ve always meant to listen to, but just never got around to. Well, I finally did with their new album, Hazards of Love, and I’m so psyched that I already love them as much as I do. I would definitely describe this album as being a bit different….weird if you will, but in a super good way. Even the song names are a bit strange, with titles like “The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won’t Wrestle the Thistles Undone)” and “The Abduction of Margaret.”  And then I realized the album is a “rock opera,” meaning all of the dialogue of the show is being sung and the entire album makes a complete story. If you didn’t know better, you might discount the album at that; but don’t. No matter if you pay attention to the story’s plot or if you listen to the album on shuffle, it is enjoyable. I’m a big fan of the voice of lead singer Colin Meloy and it works perfectly with guest singers Becky Stark and Shara Worden. I particularly enjoyed “The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid” and “Isn’t it a Lovely Night.” I’m not sure if the rest of The Decemberists’ albums are so quirky, but I’m definitely going to find out.

Martina McBride- Shine

I think it’s pretty impossible not to like Martina McBride. OK, so lots of people don’t love country, but seriously? “This One’s for the Girls” is such an incredibly uplifting and bright song, how can anyone resist? I feel the same way about “Ride,” the first single on Martina’s new album, Shine.  It’s the kind of song you listen to whenever you need a little sunshine in your life (get it? Shine?). “Shine while you have the chance to shine/Laugh even when you want to cry/Hold on tight to what you feel inside and ride.” The songs are fairly simple as most country songs are, but the lyrics all tell us the kinds of things we need to hear from time to time. One of my favorite messages on the album is in the song, “Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong,” where Martina sings, “But if you think you’ll never move on/You’re wrong baby wrong.” Some of the other lyrics on Martina’s new album include, “today everything is so sunny side up,” “If you got love you don’t need money,” and “Everyone calls you amazing/I just call you mine.” As you can see, if you need some cheering up, all you need to do is pop Shine in your CD player (or pop it in your computer, or open it on your iTunes, or play it on your iPod). It’s impossible to still be sad after listening to Martina’s 9th studio album.

One of the most frustrating things is when one of my favorite artists or bands takes absolutely forever to release a new album. Maybe I’m impatient or maybe I just listen to music so often that I’m constantly wanting more from my favorites. But is there ever anything better than listening to a brand new fabulous album over and over?

Yes, the anticipation can be great, but there gets to be a point where I’m done anticipating and want to start listening. Here are 3 artists that I’m hoping to see albums from in the very near future. I don’t know how much longer I can wait before their old albums start skipping from me playing them over and over. And over. Oh, they’re digitally downloaded? Well, I still don’t think I can wait much longer.

Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams is basically a music-making machine. Some people get annoyed because it seems like he writes songs and makes albums non-stop. He comes out with at least a couple every year. I don’t get annoyed; I love every moment of it and buy his every album. But see, his last album that he did with the Cardinals, Cardinology, wasn’t so fabulous. Don’t get me wrong, I still bought it and listened to it over and over again like I do with all his albums, but the songs on it didn’t move me like they usually do. So normally I’d think, “Eh, it’s OK, he’ll come out with a new album in a couple months anyway.” But now? Now I’m scared that he won’t.

He recently claimed that he’s done touring and while Ryan is known for his fickleness and often goes back on what he’s said, it’s been a few months now and he’s standing by his claim. So maybe he’s just done touring for a while and wants to focus more on creating new music? I wish. Instead it seems as if he’s moving away from music and more into writing poetry. And then last week he went and got married, which means he’ll likely have even less time for music making. The only bright side is that he married Mandy Moore who is not only one of my favorite people in the world, but is also an amazing musician herself. Let’s hope she encourages Ryan to keep up with his music. Or that they at least create some beautiful duets.

Bon Iver

Bon Iver seriously confuses me. Or teases me. Maybe a little bit of both. I mean, they come out with a 6-song LP at the beginning of 2008, which I absolutely fell in love with. Like, hard. So, doesn’t an LP mean a full-length album would be out soon or something? So I waited and waited. And then in early 2009 I hear Bon Iver is coming out with something new. Hooray! But wait, it’s only a 4-song EP (What’s the difference between an LP and an EP anyway??). Sure, the 4-song EP, Blood Bank, excited me beyond belief and I listened to it at least 200 times the first day it came out. But now I’m dying for more – like, I don’t know, a full-length album?! And not an album that just replays everything on the EP and LP. I want new stuff. Justin Vernon, you and Bon Iver are awesome and if you need to, please go lock yourself in a cabin deep in the woods of Wisconsin again (that’s what he did while writing the songs for For Emma, Forever Ago), and don’t come out until you can give me a full-length album. I mean it.

Enrique Iglesias

Don’t laugh at me. I know I’m not the only one who is absolutely obsessed with Enrique Iglesias. I’ve grown up with his music, so I can’t help but love it (though I still stand by the fact that Ricky Martin is the hotter of the two). The thing about Enrique is that his music is always good…year after year. His last album, Insomniac, was different than anything he’d previously done, but was still awesome. He took songs that had the potential to be the cheesiest of cheesy, “Ping Pong Song” and “Don’t Turn Off the Lights,” and made them songs I wanted to listen to over and over. And I was only a little bit ashamed when my friend noticed my #1 most-played song on iTunes happened to be Enrique’s “On Top of You.” Oops. My point is, Enrique has me constantly anticipating what he’s going to do next and I always know I’m going to love it. So he should just put down his pen and his studio-recording microphone now and release a new album; I’m sure it’s amazing as is.

I was going to include Rascal Flatts on my list, but guess what? I just found out they’re coming out with a new album in a couple weeks. So, you’ll be hearing about them again on Let it Rock very soon. Yay for that!

What artists are you eagerly anticipating new albums from?

[Images courtest of Rollogrady.com, Poorpony.com, Starpulse.com]

This week we’re going to do some traveling. Whether it’s back in time, to another country, or just down South; this week’s new music releases are taking us away. And I don’t know about you, but I love traveling. So grab your bags and don’t bother making a mix tape for the ride, because all the music you need is right here.

Chris Isaak- Mr. Lucky

Oh, hi Chris Isaak. You’re back. Remember “Wicked Game”? You know, “And I wanna fall in love…with you” Yes, I told you we were traveling back in time. Despite the fact that we haven’t heard from this guy in awhile, Chris Isaak just has one of those voices I’ll always be a fan of. Not only is he back with a new album, Mr. Lucky, but he’s got a new TV show as well. The Biography Channel will soon be airing his Inside the Actor’s Studio like program for musicians. So obviously now is a good time for him to come out with some new music himself. The album is great, and comes with a huge perk: a duet with Michelle Branch (yes, I am a fan). While ”I Lose My Heart” is a really pretty song with a country-ish twang, I wish he gave Michelle a larger part (like a solo somewhere in there). Isaak also has a duet with Trisha Yearwood, which is one of my favorite songs on the album, showcasing Trisha’s beautiful voice throughout. I’m not sure any of the songs on Mr. Lucky will surpass “Wicked Game,” but it’s nice to hear Chris singing again.

K’Naan- Troubadour

And now we’re traveling far, far away. What? You’ve never heard of K’Naan? OK, neither had I. But I’m telling you, you totally need to start listening. First of all, Troubadour, K’Naan’s second studio album, was mostly recorded at Bob Marley’s home studio in Jamaica. So you already know the guy’s pretty cool. K’Naan was born and raised in Somalia and raps about his home country, his experiences, and so much more. I’d describe him as a much cooler, more hardcore version of The Black-Eyed Peas. It’s rap, but it’s rap that you can sing along to; rap that holds incredible meaning behind the words. K’Naan sings lyrics like: “They don’t teach us the ABCs/We play on the hard concrete/All we got is life on the streets” and “How did Mandela get the will to surpass the everyday/When injustice had him caged and trapped in every way/How did Ghandi ever withstand the hunger strikes and all/Didn’t do it to gain power and money if I recall.” Umm, but I swear, it’s fun music! If you don’t believe me, just listen to “Bang Bang,” which features Adam Levine of Maroon 5. I’ve had it on repeat all day and you probably will too.

Joe Bonamassa- The Ballad of John Henry

Joe Bonamassa is going to take us down South. OK, so really he was born and raised in Utica, New York, but his blues-rock music will make you feel like you’re down South; or at least in an underground Chicago bar somewhere. I’ll admit I’m not a big listener of the blues genre of music, but something about Joe Bonamassa’s new album, The Ballad of John Henry, has me really feeling the blues. But in a totally good way. I mean, come on, he does a cover to the song titled “Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter.” I have absolutely no idea what that means, but the song is pretty much a blast. The title track and “Happier Times” almost remind me of a cleaner version of the Drive-By Truckers, so I automatically liked it. But my favorite track might have to be “Feeling Good” a bluesy-rock take on the recently made popular by Michael Buble Bobby Darin original. Who ever said the blues would make you sad? After listening to Joe Bonamassa, I know I’m feeling good.

I’m not gonna lie: I was super excited for this week’s latest releases. Not because I love The Fray (though I do), and not because Country’s hottest star was out again (though he is), but because Melinda Doolittle was finally making her mark on the music industry.

Although, the other two weren’t too shabby either…

The Fray- The Fray

It’s been four long years since the Fray’s first release, How to Save a Life. But if you’re a fan of The Fray, then you would probably say their new self-titled album is worth the wait. The Fray is one of those bands with a distinct sound. Many of their songs may sound the same, with their slow starts and instrumental buildups, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you like them, of course. After one listen-through of The Fray’s new album, I was already getting the songs stuck in my head. They’re not extremely complex tracks, but they’re catchy and easy to pick up. It’s also the perfect CD for when you’re going through a break-up; even “Happiness” is enough to depress you: “Happiness damn near destroys you/breaks your faith to pieces on the floor.” OK, then. But that’s The Fray for you and, frankly, that’s why I like them.

Dierks Bentley- Feel That Fire

Even if you’re not a fan of country music, I’m pretty sure it’s hard to resist Dierks Bentley. First of all, he’s hot. And second of all, his songs are extremely fun; more of a pop-ish type of country with a bit of Southern rock thrown in. I was a bit nervous since I found Feel That Fire‘s first single and title track to be super cheesy and typical country. But the rest of the album is actually much better than the single. One of the album’s highlights is “Beautiful World,” a duet with Patty Griffin. Also, “Pray” reminds me of the slower, reflective Bentley I’ve come to love: “Just because it didn’t last/Doesn’t mean that we were wrong/We both fell in love so fast/And now it’s gone.” To be honest, it would be extremely difficult for Dierks to beat his Long Trip Alone, on which every single track was music to my ears. So, while I enjoy Feel That Fire, I’d still choose his older stuff first.

Melinda Doolittle- Coming Back to You

I currently have American Idol fever, so when I heard Melinda Doolittle was coming out with her first album this week, I knew I had to listen. It was quite apparent what an amazing singer she was on the show two years ago, but I always thought she didn’t quite fit the Idol persona and, though she didn’t win, I figured she would still make it eventually. Melinda definitely does not disappoint with her first studio album, Coming Back to You and her Idol fans should be quite happy with the finished product. Each track on the album is a cover and, though I wish Melinda would sing her own music, the covers on her album aren’t obvious covers. In fact, I’ve never heard of most of them and the ones I have heard, I actually think I prefer Melinda’s versions. I was most pleasantly surprised by her cover of Faith Hill’s “If I’m Not in Love,” which she very much made her own while still staying true to Faith’s version. Thank God Melinda didn’t win American Idol because her contract never would have allowed her to make this album.

All images are from Amazon.com