Music Shopping List: Beauty and the Beast Leads the Charge

The soundtrack for the live-action Beauty and the Beast leads the charge of new music releases this week. 

March 10, 2017 isn’t the most prolific new music Friday ever.  Honestly, this is a rather quiet week that lacks big names.  After Ed Sheeran dropped ÷, things have clearly cooled off.  Nonetheless, what’s better than Beauty and the Beast to provide some excitement?

1. Beauty and the Beast (Soundtrack)

Walt Disney

Arguably the biggest attraction this week comes courtesy of the Beauty and the Best original motion picture soundtrack.  The new live-action version of Beauty and the Beast incorporates the classic songs from the animated feature, including “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” and the signature “Beauty and the Beast.”  The deluxe version of the soundtrack features 52 tracks.  

2. Josh Turner, Deep South

MCA Nashville

Country singer Josh Turner returns with his sixth studio album, Deep South.  In November, Turner will turn 40 years old! Deep South marks Turner’s first new LP since 2012 effort, Punching Bag – a five-year hiatus! The effort runs 11 tracks deep, featuring just one guest, Ho’okena. Five singles arrived ahead of the album, including “Hometown Girl.”

3. The Shins, Heartworms

Columbia

The Shins return after a five-year hiatus with their fifth studio album, Heartworms. Heartworms follows 2012 effort, Port of Marrow.  Interestingly, Port of Morrow arrived five years after their previous album (Wincing the Night Away, 2007).  Heartworms is comprised of 11 tracks, with four songs arriving prior to the album’s release (“Name for You,” “Painting a Hole,” “Mildenhall,” and “Dead Alive”).

4. Valerie June, The Order of Time

Concord

Singer/songwriter Valerie June returns with her sophomore album, The Order of Time.  The Order of Time arrives nearly four years after her debut, Pushin’ Against a Stone.  Comprised of 12 songs, three singles were issued prior to the album’s release: “Shakedown,” “Astral Plane,” and “Two Hearts.”

Also Released: The Music of Nashville (Original Soundtrack from Season 5, Vol. 1); Bush, Black and White Rainbows

Photo Credits: Walt Disney, MCA Nashville, Columbia, Concord