New Releases April

We're a fourth of the way through 2009, and there's only been a few notable releases. March gave us new albums from U2, Kelly Clarkson, and Pet Shop Boys, but still no major "new" act has emerged yet this year.

However, good things are on the way! RollingStone has its spring music preview out, covering 45 albums released between April and August (stretching the definition of "spring" a bit, aren't they?). Here's some highlights from that, plus an in-depth look at April releases:

Coming Soon

• Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown. Green Day's eighth release is a concept album telling the story of a struggling young couple in three acts. Promises to be another political album. First single "Know Your Enemy" is out in late April (May).
  
• Eminem - Relapse. The prominent rapper finally releases his fourth album, almost 5 years since his last. "Crack a Bottle" has already been a #1 hit (May).
  
• Lil Wayne - Rebirth. The acclaimed rapper shifts to rock with auto-tuned vocals. Early buzz has been that fans are disappointed with the new direction (May).
• Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D. It's been 4 years since Monkey Business, during which Fergie became a massive solo star. Now the band is back with its fifth album, featuring current hit "Boom Boom Pow" (June).
  
• The Dead Weather - Horehound. Jack White forms yet another band, this time a supergroup with members of his other band (Raconteurs), Queens of the Stone Age, and the Kills. First single "Hang You From the Heavens" backed with a remake of Gary Numan's "Are Friends Electric?" is already out (June).
• Wilco - TBD. Their eighth album, following up 2007's Sky Blue Sky (June).

April New Releases

April 6/7

Doves - Kingdom of Rust. Acclaimed British band releases their fourth album, which is already getting very positive reviews. First single, the title track, is quite beautiful, chock full of instruments with a melancholy sound that recalls the loneliness of the western prairie.

Just Jack - All Night Cinema. Dance act Jack Allsopp's last album, Overtones, was his big break, landing the major hit "Starz in Their Eyes." Now he returns with his third album featuring current single "Embers."

Bat for Lashes - Two Suns. The eccentric singer follows up her 2006 Mercury Prize-nominated debut. First single "Daniel" is out now.

Prince/Bria Valente – MPLSoUND / LOtUSFLOW3R / Elixir. Prince releases his triple album, the third disc of which is by his latest protege, Bria Valente.

The Veils - Sun Gang. British band follows up 2006's Nux Vomica with its third album

Neil Young - Fork in the Road. Canadian singer-songwriter releases his latest.

Now 72 - self explanatory.

April 13/14

Lady Sovereign - Jigsaw. British rapper switches to singing on her electro-pop second album.

Madeleine Peyroux - Bare Bones. The American jazz singer releases her fifth album.

April 20/21
Depeche Mode - Sounds of the Universe. For their 12th album, British synth-pop/rock band Depeche Mode has reportedly gone retro, using mostly older synthesizers, resulting in a sound closest to their 1990 high-water mark, Violator. First single "Wrong," while lacking the energy of a Violator track, does exhibit the band's signature dark sound.

Tinted Windows - Tinted Windows. This is a new supergroup formed from members of Hanson, Cheap Trick, Fountains of Wayne and Smashing Pumpkins. Their focus is reportedly guitar-driven pop, which first single, "Kind of a Girl" confirms.

The Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts. British band The Noisettes are currently enjoying the success of their biggest hit, "Don't Upset the Rhythm," the second single from this forthcoming second album.

Asher Roth – Asleep In The Bread Aisle. The "I Love College" act's second album.

April 27/28

Bob Dylan - Together Through Life. The folk legend releases his 33rd studio album.

The Enemy - Music For The People. British band releases its second album.