Sexy Tyler Hilton releases his debut pop-rock album, ‘The Tracks Of,’ on Madonna’s Maverick record label.
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Mar 05, 2004  |  By: ARJAN TIMMERMANS  | COMMENTS |   |  

Spring SHAPES up as an exciting music season with new releases by big-name celebrities, gay-friendly debutants and gifted musicians.

Hot off her Super Bowl performance, Janet Jackson recently launched her new single, “Just A Little While.” The track is taken from her forthcoming album, “Damita Jo” (Virgin Records).

After the controversial “wardrobe malfunction” during Super Bowl XXXVIII, Virgin Records rushed the album delivery date to take full advantage of the publicity firestorm.

On “Damita Jo,” Jackson works again with Minneapolis production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who have worked with the star ever since her breakthrough album, “Control.” Jackson also spent time in Atlanta to work with local music hero Dallas Austin.

The famed writer/producer also collaborated with No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani on her upcoming solo debut. During her time in Atlanta in February, the eclectic fashionista was spotted grooving the night away on multiple occasions at local nightclub eleven50.

If you mix up a little bit of John Mayer with a heavy dose of Backstreet Boys you will likely end up with a potent pop-rock elixir called Tyler Hilton. The California heartthrob (not related to Paris & Co.) hits the pop scene this season on Madonna’s record label with his gay-friendly and breezy debut record, “The Tracks Of” (Maverick Records).

WHOEVER SAID ROCK is out better think again. Bands with meaningful names like the Hiss, the Hives, the Strokes and the White Stripes are emerging from the garage underground and slowly appearing on mainstream pop charts.

On the forefront of this movement are anti-popsters the Vines. The band from Down Under releases its sophomore album, “Winning Days” (Capital Records), later this month.

JC Chasez faces the serious challenge of making people forget about his work with N*SYNC while avoiding comparisons to fellow band mate Justin Timberlake. But the battle between JC and JT appears to benefit listeners who get a refreshing new pop sound on Chasez’ solo debut, “Schizophrenic.” The singer includes sexy rhythms, ‘80s electro synths and groovy hip-hop textures.

Glideascope (CDBaby.com), aka Darryl Edwards, came up with a way to make classical music sound avant-garde on his recent EP, “No String Attached.” His instrumental compositions fuse trip-hop beats with violin strings that capture an imaginative, almost cinematic quality that fit no single description.

DETROIT IS NOT only the home of America’s finest automobiles (so they say), but also of young singer/songwriter Casey Stratton. His debut album, “Standing At The Edge” (Sony Classical), is receiving a steady amount of buzz in the mainstream press that might propel him to be one of the breakout artists of the spring season.

Pseudo-punk star Avril Lavigne will release the follow-up to her platinum-selling “Let Go” on May 25. With the working title “Under My Skin,” the album reveals a rawer Lavigne. Her new single “Don’t Tell Me” has a spunky local flavor to it. The track was co-produced by rock giant and former Calvin Klein jeans model Butch Walker, born in Cartersville, Ga.

Crooner Josh Zuckerman traveled to more than 15 countries over the last few years. His experiences are reflected on his newest album, “a totally new sensation,” due out in late March. The album’s title song received the 2002 Out Music Award for Outstanding Songwriter of the Year.

Blondie makes a comeback with “The Curse of Blondie” (Sanctuary Records) on April 6. The influential ‘70s and ‘80s pop band presents its first all-new studio album since 1999. The sound of Deborah Harry and company is a fusion of R&B, pop, jazz and folk.

The band’s publicist promises the album will showcase “the true musicianship and expert songwriting that Blondie has demonstrated throughout their career.”

And finally, gay club jocks Tony Moran and Junior Vasquez release new remixes later this spring. After New York’s SoundFactory fired Vasquez, the influential DJ shows off his undisputed remix talent on “Anthem 2” (JMV Records). Hot-baked Miami resident Moran is back with “Winter Party 2004 Vol. 7,” another must-have release for circuit connoisseurs from Centaur Records.