Music Shopping List: Bruno Mars, Metallica & More

Music Shopping List: Bruno Mars (24K Magic) and Metallica (Hardwired…to Self-Destruct) return after extended hiatuses with highly anticipated albums.

November 18, 2016 is kind of a big deal – when it comes to new music releases. A number of new albums arrive, led by two acts returning from an extended hiatus: Bruno Mars and Metallica.  Besides the swagger-laden pop star and the veteran metal-heads, beloved country star Miranda Lambert has a potential juggernaut on her hands.  It gets even deeper with the full-length debut by DNCE, the highly anticipated sophomore album by Highly Suspect, and pop girl collective Little Mix.

1. Bruno Mars, 24K Magic

[Atlantic]

Bruno Mars returns after a five-year hiatus with his third studio album, 24K Magic.  24K Magic follows his Grammy-winning sophomore album, Unorthodox Jukebox (2011).  A slim album at just nine tracks deep, Mars released two promo singles: “24K Magic” and “Versace on the Floor.”

• Tracks: 9
• Featured Guests:
• Pre-Release Singles: “24K Magic” & “Versace on the Floor”

2. Metallica, Hardwired…to Self-Destruct

[Blackened Recordings]

Metal vets Metallica return after an eight-year hiatus between albums! The last time we heard from Metallica for a proper studio album was back in 2008 (Death Magnetic).  Hardwired…to Self-Destruct arrives in two different versions – a standard two-disc version with 12 tracks and a deluxe version that expands to 26 tracks.

• Tracks: 12/26
• Featured Guests: none
• Pre-Release Singles: “Hardwired,” “Atlas, Rise!” & “Moth Into Flame”

3. Miranda Lambert, The Weight of These Wings

[Vanner / Sony]

Apparently through the eyes of Miranda Lambert, two is better than one.  What is the context? Her latest album, The Weight of These Wings, is a double album, comprised of 24 tracks.  The Weight of These Wings follows her 2014 Grammy-winning album, Platinum. Ahead of The Weight of These Wings, Lambert released four singles.

• Tracks: 24
• Featured Guests: none
• Pre-Release Singles: “Highway Vagabond,” “We Should Be Friends,” “Vice” & “Keeper of the Flame”

4. DNCE, DNCE

[Republic]

Who would’ve thought that Joe Jonas would have success beyond The Jonas Brothers? His solo album Fastlife showcased his potential, but ultimately fizzled in the sales department. With pop collective DNCE, he experienced a breakout hit with “Cake By the Ocean.” Now, DNCE prepare to release their full length, self-titled debut.  Ahead of DNCE, the band released seven singles, some of which appeared on their 2015 EP.

• Tracks: 14
• Featured Guests: Kent Jones
• Pre-Release Singles: “Body Moves,” “Cake by the Ocean,” “Toothbrush,” “Blown,” “Good Day,” “Be Mean” & “Pay My Rent”

5. Highly Suspect, The Boy Who Died Wolf

[300 Entertainment]

Breakout Grammy-nominated rock band Highly Suspect return with their sophomore album, The Boy Who Died Wolf.  The Boy Who Died Wolf arrives just one year after debut LP Mister Asylum, which featured gem, “Lydia.” Ahead of The Boy Who Died Wolf, the band issued four singles: “My Name is Human,” “Little One,” “Serotonia” & “Wolf.”

• Tracks: 11
• Featured Guests: N/A
• Pre-Release Singles: “My Name is Human,” “Little One,” “Serotonia” & “Wolf”

6. Little Mix, Glory Days

[Sony Music Entertainment]

Rising girl group Little Mix return with their fourth album, Glory Days.  Glory Days received buzz earlier thanks to single “Shout Out to My Ex,” where Perrie Edwards notably took a shot at Zayn Malik’s performance in bed…ouch!  Glory Days arrives in a standard edition (12 tracks) and a deluxe edition (15 audio tracks, and 15 video tracks).

• Tracks: 12/15
• Featured Guests: N/A
• Pre-Release Singles: “Shout Out to My Ex” & “You Gotta Not”

Also Released: Anonymuz, Vice City; Faith Hill, Deep Tracks; Bridgit Mendler, Nemesis (EP); Dawn Richard, Redemption; E-40, The D-Boy Diary; High Valley, Dear Life; Lamb of God, The Duke (EP); Moana (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack); Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, A Little Something More From; Sixx:A.M., Prayers for the Blessed

Photo Credit: Atlantic, Blackened Recordings, Vanner / Sony, Republic, 300 Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment