Music Shopping List: Fantasia & DJ Khaled Lead the Charge

The final music release week in July 2016 marks the return of an American Idol, a DJ, a pair of country artists & an electronic newcomer.

The final week of July is upon us – thank goodness! July 2016 was as slow as a snail when it came to lucrative new music releases.  The bestselling new release came at the hands of Blink-182 (California), the sole act that was able to dethrone Drake (Views) from the top of the Billboard 200.

Despite a lackluster July, the final week has more life than the previous one.  This week marks the return of a former American Idol winner, a DJ with a knack for hits, a pair of country artists, and an electronic newcomer.  The question is, will any of the five highlighted artists’ respective albums sell? Hmm…

1. Fantasia, The Definition Of…

[RCA]

After a three-year hiatus, Fantasia releases her fifth studio album, The Definition Of… The Definition Of… follows Side Effects Of You, which debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard 200.  Fantasia has earned one gold album (Fantasia) and one platinum album (Free Yourself) during the course of her career.

• Tracks: 11
• Featured Guests:
• Pre-Release Singles: “No Time For It,” “So Blue,” “Sleeping With The One I Love” & “Ugly”

2. DJ Khaled, Major Key

[Epic]

DJ Khaled returns with his ninth studio album, Major Key.  DJ Khaled is quite prolific, despite the fact he isn’t an artist… Major Key follows 2015 LP I Changed A Lot.  None of Khaled’s albums have been certified by the RIAA, but the DJ has multiple gold and platinum singles.

• Tracks:  14
• Featured Guests: JAY Z, Future, Drake
• Pre-Release Singles: “I Got the Keys” (ft. JAY Z & Future), “For Free” (ft. Drake) & “Holy Key” (ft. Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean & Betty Wright)

3. Jake Owen, American Love

[Capitol Nashville]

Floridian country singer Jake Owen returns with fifth studio album, American Love.  American Love follows 2013 LP Days of Gold, which debuted at no. 15 on the Billboard 200. Over the course of his career, Owen has earned a couple of gold and platinum singles, and one gold-certified album (Barefoot Blue Jen Night).

• Tracks: 11
• Featured Guests: none
• Pre-Release Singles: “American Love,” “Good Company,” “If He Ain’t Gonna Love You” & “American Country Love Song”

4. Hilary Scott & The Scott Family, Love Remains

[Capitol Nashville]

Hillary Scott, best known for her contributions to mega-successful country trio Lady Antebellum, returns with her family on gospel-country LP Love Remains.

• Tracks: 13
• Featured Guests: Sharon White, Cheryl White & Ricky Skaggs
• Pre-Release Singles: “Beautiful Messes,” “Thy Will” & “Love Remains”

5. ZHU, Generationwhy

[Mind of a Genius/Columbia]

Electronic musician ZHU releases his debut album, Generationwhy. Interestingly, ZHU was nominated for a Grammy in 2014 for Best Dance Recording (“Faded”).

• Tracks: 14
• Featured Guests: none
• Pre-Release Singles: “In the Morning,” “Palm of My Hand,” “Generationwhy” & “Working For It”

Also Released: Billy Talent, Afraid of Heights [The End]; Bryan & Katie Torwalt, Champion [Jesus Culture Music/Sparrow]; Lori McKenna, The Bird & the Rifle [CN]; NAO, For All We Know [Little Tokyo/Sony UK]; Vertical Church Band, Frontiers [Provident/Sony]

Photo Credit: RCA, Epic, Capitol Nashville & Mind of a Genius/Columbia