This Week in Music

The incredibly successful Maroon 5 released their fourth studio album this week, Overexposed. The group's sound has transformed over the years but, frontman Adam Levine, knows change is good. It is how he is able to create solid pop music. It includes hit single “Payphone.” Other great ones are “Wipe Your Eyes” and “One More Night” which can be seen in the video below:

Meanwhile, alternative rock band Linkin Park maintains their original sound in their new album, Living Things. “Lost in the Echo” and “Burn it Down” are two stand out tracks.

Here is the video for “Burn it Down”:

Grammy award winning R&B artist R Kelly released his new album, Write Me Back. This love song-filled album embraces sounds of artists like Barry White and Marvin Gaye.

However vocal problems have forced Kelly to cancel promotional appearances for the new album. It is still uncertain when his schedule will resume.

Blues Traveler is celebrating their 25th anniversary. Back in March, they released 25, which included their greatest hits and new covers. This week, they released an all new album, Suzie Cracks the Whip.

Here is the video from “You Don’t Have to Love Me” which includes John Popper’s impressive harmonica playing:

Punk band The Offspring released their ninth studio album, Days Go By. It is produced by Bob Rock, who also produced their prior album Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace. They explore new territory but still keep fans happy.

Former American Idol finalist Casey Abrams released his self-titled debut album. It has a fun, folky sound and includes a cover of “Hit the Road Jack” with fellow finalist Haley Reinhart.

In other news:

50 cent was in a car crash this week but is luckily okay and has been released from the hospital.

Jennifer Hudson will be joining a few episodes of the TV show Smash for its second season in the fall.

Singer Lana Del Ray will be doing some modeling as the new face of H&M.

Del Ray also released a music video this week for her song “National Anthem”, embracing her inner Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O.

Justin Bieber’s new albumBelieve is number one this week, earning the best debut of the year.

If the album isn’t enough, his devoted fans only need to wait until July for a new single. Bieber also agreed to collaborate on a song with One Direction.

And finally, also in July, Jennifer Lopez is releasing a new album. Dance Again will feature her greatest hits and two unreleased tracks.

Title track "Dance Again" features Pitbull, which means you will keep hearing it everywhere you go this summer.