R&B

While many of these 11 songs roam well beyond the traditional sounds of New Orleans R&B, they're bathed in the spirit of that most musically magical of cities.

'The Lexicon of Love II' bridges two audiences: those with a flash frozen sound of ABC stuck in their ears and stalwarts who’ve journeyed with ABC along their evolutionary track. The real coup of 'The Lexicon of Love II' is that it wins new listeners due to its self-awareness and ability to avoid stagnation―like previous ABC recordings before it.

Led by Martin Fry, ABC's 'The Lexicon of Love' (1982) was an instant sensation. To mark ABC’s upcoming release, this overview will give context to 'The Lexicon of Love II,' the arc of their musical canon, and prove that ABC is well beyond mere 1980s nostalgia.

More than a musical genius and cultural icon, Prince made it possible for everyday people to shape their own identities.

In a young year already slammed with musical deaths — David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Lemmy, Keith Emerson, George Martin, Merle Haggard, Maurice White, Paul Kantner — we now face the staggering blow that Prince, perhaps the greatest overall musician of his generation, is suddenly gone at the far too young age of 57.

The 30th annual South by Southwest Music Festival takes place March 15-20 in Austin, Texas. First Lady Michelle Obama will give the opening keynote at SXSW Music.

Every track on this consistently compelling album is different. The ghostly pop melody of "Unconditional Love," the hard funk of "Good Lava," and the quick-tongued jazz fusion of "Judas" are just the start of a journey through a personal Land of Oz (or Chocolate Factory).

Janis Ian's work is sheer artistic genius.

With a powerful vocal style and unforgettable performances spanning four decades, Natalie Cole conveyed life's joys and pains across genres.

The 1974 album from Arthur Lee's reconstituted Love is out for the first time on CD and digital, with plenty of bonus tracks.