Ariana Grande
Yours Truly
Pop, R&B

Some have described Nickelodeon star Ariana Grande as a kinder, gentler (more conservative) alternative to Miley Cyrus. Is she?

Mandisa
Overcomer
Christian/Gospel, Pop

The Grammy-winning Overcomer brims with faith, hope and perseverance—not to mention catchy pop hooks—as this former American Idol finalist bears …

Avenged Sevenfold
Hail to the King
Metal

Avenged Sevenfold creates a loose concept album focusing on a marauding demonic entity … and a few brave souls who …

Luke Bryan
Crash My Party
Country

Rising country star Luke Bryan is back with another chart-topping album that sings the praises of cold beer, willing women, …

Five Finger Death Punch
The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell Volume 1
Metal

The fourth studio album from this popular L.A.-based metal quintet delivers a handful of spiritual musings … and so many …

Selena Gomez
Stars Dance
Pop

Coming off an overly publicized breakup and an under-criticized movie, the former Disney star celebrates her 21st birthday with the …

Various/Soundtrack
Teen Beach Movie
Pop, Soundtracks

The soundtrack for Disney’s retro musical Teen Beach Movie surfs the sounds—and all the accompanying twitterpation—of the ’60s beach party …

Sara Bareilles
The Blessed Unrest
Pop

Piano-playing singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles returns with a mature effort exploring the geography of love’s ups and downs … as well …

Jay Z
Magna Carta Holy Grail
Rap/Hip-Hop

Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail is his first album since the birth of his daughter, Blue Ivy. Has the …

Relient K
Collapsible Lung
Alternative, Christian/Gospel, Pop, Punk, Rock

The seventh album from this longtime Christian band sports a shiny pop sheen … as well as some unexpected reliability …

Skillet
Rise
Metal, Rock

Skillet serves up another blessedly bombastic blast of hard-rock spiritual encouragement to those sweating it out in that oh-so-hot kitchen …

August Burns Red
Rescue & Restore
Alternative, Christian/Gospel, Metal

Christian metalcore act August Burns Red continues to push the envelope, both musically (within an already bruising genre) and lyrically.

Kanye West
Yeezus
EDM/Electronica/Techno, Rap/Hip-Hop

Kanye West is once again earning rave critical reviews for its game-changing sounds. What hasn’t changed is his penchant for …

Little Mix
DNA
Pop, R&B

Think of Little Mix as the girl version of One Direction—with better lyrics, we hope?

Daft Punk
Random Access Memories
Alternative, EDM/Electronica/Techno, Pop

The French electronic dance music duo known as Daft Punk goes back to the future to craft a disco-dance record …