Summer Walker is ’Still Over It’ with release of sophomore album

Summer Walker is ’Still Over It’ with release of sophomore album
Summer Walker is ’Still Over It’ with release of sophomore album
Prince Williams/Wireimage

Summer Walker‘s highly anticipated second album has arrived and, like the title, she’s Still Over It. 

Walker dropped the studio effort at the stroke of midnight on Friday, a year her debut album, 2019’s Over It. The 20-track album features collaborations with some of the hottest names in R&B and hip-hop including Cardi BCity Girls member JTSZAAri LennoxLil DurkPharrell WilliamsOmarion, and Ciara.

Still Over It comes after Walker welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with her on-again, off-again producer boyfriend London on da Track. The project has an overarching theme of the ups and downs of relationships, dealing with a partner’s ex, and also seems to serve as advice to her fans.

“Take this opportunity to learn from my mistakes,” The “Ex For A Reason” singer told Apple Music of her sophomore album. “You don’t have to guess if something is love. Love is shown through actions. Stop making excuses for people who don’t show up for you.”

Walker added, “Don’t ignore the red flags. And don’t think you have to stay somewhere ’cause you can’t find better—you can and you will. Don’t settle for less—you don’t deserve it and neither does your family.” 

Prior to the album release, the R&B crooner shared the tracklist which listed dates alongside each of the songs,  beginning with August 4, 2019 and ending on October 7, 2021, seemingly letting fans know what song reflected what she was going through at that point in time. 

Walker kept the caption simple, reminding fans of the release date and adding, “TAG YOUR BEST FRIEND N REMIND THEM.”

Still Over It is available to stream now. 

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

CMA winners and current nominees Maddie & Tae turn a “Broken Heart” into a symbol of “perseverance”

CMA winners and current nominees Maddie & Tae turn a “Broken Heart” into a symbol of “perseverance”
CMA winners and current nominees Maddie & Tae turn a “Broken Heart” into a symbol of “perseverance”
William Hamilton

In 2014, Maddie & Tae burst on the scene, topping the chart with their debut single, “Girl in a Country Song,” and winning the CMA for Music Video of the Year.

Though nominated for Vocal Duo for seven consecutive years, the catchy #1 still seemed to raise the question of if they might be a novelty. That all changed last year, however, thanks to “Die from a Broken Heart.”

“When we came out with ‘Girl in a Country Song,’ it was like ‘one-hit wonder’ or ‘they’re gimmicks,’ that kind of thing,” Maddie Font says candidly. “I think ‘Die from a Broken Heart’ was our moment to say, ‘No, we’re not a one-trick pony. We’ve got so much to uncover…'”

“I was so emotional the week that it went #1,” she continues. “I didn’t even care if it went #1, just the fact that it got up there, I was happy.”

After changing record labels and nearly five years between albums, the duo’s recent success has helped make sense of their struggles.

“It was a really cool God moment for me,” Maddie tells ABC Audio, “because there’s never pain without purpose.’

“I think we wrote ‘Die from a Broken Heart’ in one of the most painful seasons of life,” she reveals. “Fast-forward, three years later — it didn’t feel like it fast-forwarded, it took forever. But ‘Die from a Broken Heart” to me represents perseverance in our career.”

“So every time I hear that song, I’m just reminded that we can go through some really tough times and we always come out stronger,” she adds.  

See if Maddie & Tae pick up a new trophy Wednesday, as the 55th CMA Awards air at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

You can also check out their recent appearance on public television’s Front and Center.

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Elton John’s fourth studio, ‘Madman Across the Water,’ celebrates its 50th anniversary today

Elton John’s fourth studio, ‘Madman Across the Water,’ celebrates its 50th anniversary today
Elton John’s fourth studio, ‘Madman Across the Water,’ celebrates its 50th anniversary today
Mercury Records/The Rocket Record Company

Elton John‘s memorable fourth studio album, Madman Across the Water, was released 50 years ago today, on November 5, 1971.

The album, which peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200, yielded two singles — “Levon” and “Tiny Dancer.” Levon was the bigger chart hit, reaching #24 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Tiny Dancer” just missed the top 40, stalling at #41 n the tally.

However, “Tiny Dancer” has gone on to become one of Elton’s most popular and recognized songs. John’s songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, wrote the lyrics about his first wife, Maxine Feibelman, who was working as a seamstress for Elton’s band around the time he met her.

In 2000, the prominent appearance of “Tiny Dancer” in a scene in the 2000 Cameron Crowe film Almost Famous gave the tune a big boost in popularity. In 2011, it was certified triple platinum for notching 3 million sales equivalent units in the U.S.

As with most of Elton’s earlier albums, Madman Across the Water featured majestic orchestral arrangements by Paul Buckmaster. Other standout tunes include the enigmatic title track, the breezy, mandolin-driven “Holiday Inn” and the dramatic “Indian Sunset.”

Interestingly, Madman Across the Water was the third album Elton released in 1971, following the soundtrack to the film Friends and the live album 11-17-70.

Madman has gone on to sell over 2 million copies in the U.S.

Heart‘s Ann Wilson has been a fan of Elton since his first album, and her band went on to collaborate on multiple projects with Buckmaster, who passed away in 2017.

“Madman, with the strings by Paul Buckmaster and everything, [is] Elton at…maybe his most creative,” Ann tells ABC Audio. “Pushing the envelope. He and Bernie just at their peak. Great record.”

Here’s Madman Across the Water’s full track list:

“Tiny Dancer”
“Levon”
“Razor Face”
“Madman Across the Water”
“Indian Sunset”
“Holiday Inn”
“Rotten Peaches”
“All the Nasties”
“Goodbye”

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

The Black Keys share 2012 BBC performance alongside 10th anniversary ‘El Camino’ reissue

The Black Keys share 2012 BBC performance alongside 10th anniversary ‘El Camino’ reissue
The Black Keys share 2012 BBC performance alongside 10th anniversary ‘El Camino’ reissue
Nonesuch Records

The Black Keys have unearthed footage of their 2012 BBC Radio 1 performance in celebration of their new 10th anniversary El Camino reissue.

The set, which was hosted by Zane Lowe, featured renditions of El Camino tracks including the singles “Lonely Boy” and “Gold on the Ceiling.” It’s streaming now exclusively via YouTube now for a “limited time only.”

You’ll also find audio from the BBC performance on the super deluxe reissue, which is out today. Other bonuses featured in the expanded set include the original El Camino remastered, a full live recording from a 2012 concert in Portland, Maine, and sessions from the Los Angeles Electro-Vox studio, as well as various memorabilia.

El Camino, released December 6, 2011, followed The Black Keys’ 2010 commercial breakthrough, Brothers, and cemented the duo’s transformation from beloved alternative band to arena-headlining rock stars. It’s been certified double-Platinum by the RIAA and won the Grammy for Best Rock Album.

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50th anniversary vinyl reissue of Janis Joplin’s ‘Pearl’ album to be released next week

50th anniversary vinyl reissue of Janis Joplin’s ‘Pearl’ album to be released next week
50th anniversary vinyl reissue of Janis Joplin’s ‘Pearl’ album to be released next week
Legacy Recordings/Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab

High-quality audiophile versions of the late Janis Joplin‘s classic final studio album, 1971’s Pearl, will be released on Tuesday, November 9.  The versions include two-LP box sets mastered at 45 rpm, as well as on the SACD format.

The vinyl box sets, which are pressed on 180-gram vinyl, will be available with LPs created using Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab’s ultra-hi-fi UltraDisc One-Step lacquering process for $125, or with discs made with the industry-standard three-step process for $59.99. The LPs come housed in a deluxe box that features special foil-stamped jackets.

The reissues celebrate Pearl‘s 50th anniversary. The album was released on January 11, 1971, about three months after Joplin’s October 1970 death at age 27 from a heroin overdose, and spent nine consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200. Pearl features Janis’ chart-topping cover of Kris Kristofferson‘s “Me and Bobby McGee,” as well as such other classic tunes as “Mercedes Benz,” “Move Over” and “Cry Baby.”

“Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab is honored to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Janis Joplin’s landmark recording,” says the company’s president, Jim Davis. “Our limited-edition, audiophile-grade vinyl box set brings out the explosive dynamics and delicate intricacies of Ms. Joplin’s powerhouse performances, allowing listeners to get closer to the singer’s music, passion, and emotions. Most importantly, this definitive version helps ensure Pearl will forever be regarded as one of the most important rock albums of all time.”

You can pre-order the Pearl vinyl box sets and SACD now at MoFi.com, and the ulra-hi-fi version also can be purchased at JanisJoplin.com and MusicDirect.com.

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

WALK THE MOON cancels tour dates due to “ongoing health issues” amid touring party

WALK THE MOON cancels tour dates due to “ongoing health issues” amid touring party
WALK THE MOON cancels tour dates due to “ongoing health issues” amid touring party
Credit: Grant Spanier

WALK THE MOON has canceled a batch of upcoming tour dates due to “ongoing health issues” affecting the band’s tour party.

The affected shows run from November 5-11, and include stops in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles and San Diego. Wednesday night’s stop in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was also scrapped.

“We have been looking forward to playing for you all for so very long, and it’s devastating to have to make this announcement,” WTM says. “However, everyone’s health and safety must come first.”

Refunds will be issued at point of purchase.

WALK THE MOON had been touring ahead of the arrival of their new album, HEIGHTS, due out November 12.

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

HBO’s ‘Music Box’ series features documentaries on the late DMX and Juice WRLD

HBO’s ‘Music Box’ series features documentaries on the late DMX and Juice WRLD
HBO’s ‘Music Box’ series features documentaries on the late DMX and Juice WRLD
Courtesy HBO

The lives of two late hip hop stars, DMX, and Juice WRLD, will be examined in HBO’s Music Box series.

DMX: Don’t Try to Understand will premiere Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25. The film focuses on a year in the life of rapper Earl “DMX” Simmons as he is released from prison on January 25, 2019 after serving one year for tax fraud. It follows his attempt to resurrect his music career and rebuild relationships with family and friends.

Don’t Try to Understand tells the story of “a man searching for reinvention and redemption, striving to stay true to himself while reestablishing his roles as a father, an artist and an icon,” according to producers.

DMX passed away April 9, 2021 from a heart attack. The iconic rapper/actor was 50 years old.

Meanwhile, Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss, debuts Thursday, December 16. The documentary is described as “a dynamic, real-time account of the Chicago native who was already heading for superstardom and streaming supremacy by the time he was 18, courtesy of his 2018 breakout hit, ‘Lucid Dreams.'” Into the Abyss includes unreleased music and never-before-seen footage.

This week, Juice, born Jarad Higgins, received a posthumous American Music Awards nomination for Favorite Hip Hop Album for Legends Never Die. His third studio album was released July 10, 2020 and was RIAA-certified double Platinum.

Higgins died December 8, 2019 from an accidental drug overdose. He was 21 years old.

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Andy Grammer to perform on ‘The Bachelorette’ next week

Andy Grammer to perform on ‘The Bachelorette’ next week
Andy Grammer to perform on ‘The Bachelorette’ next week
Alex Harper

Andy Grammer is blessing Bachelor Nation with his musical talents next week.

The singer will appear on ABC’s The Bachelorette on Tuesday, November 9, performing his recent single “Lease on Life” for Bachelorette Michelle Young and one of her suitors.

“Get out the tissues, or the snacks, or simply warm up your voice to yell the right choice at the screen,” Andy wrote on Instagram. “However you prepare just be ready to watch your boy serenade some young lovers on #TheBachelorette on Nov 9.”

Andy, whose current hit is “Damn It Feels Good to Be Me,” recently announced that he’ll be performing on this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.  His Art of Joy tour launches in February.

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Goo Goo Dolls, Sheryl Crow, Boyz II Men & more to perform at the LPGA’s Tournament of Champions

Goo Goo Dolls, Sheryl Crow, Boyz II Men & more to perform at the LPGA’s Tournament of Champions
Goo Goo Dolls, Sheryl Crow, Boyz II Men & more to perform at the LPGA’s Tournament of Champions
Maxine Evans

Fore!  Some top musical acts have been lined up to perform at this year’s Tournament of Champions, the official start of the 2022 LPGA Tour season.

The Tournament, sponsored by Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc. will feature three days’ worth of private concerts from Goo Goo Dolls, Sheryl Crow, Boyz II Men, LeAnn Rimes, the Gin Blossoms and country star Sara Evans.

The concerts begin Tuesday, January 18 with Sheryl and LeAnn, followed by Sara and Boyz II Men on January 20, and Jan 22 with Gin Blossoms and Goo Goo Dolls.  You can buy tickets now.

The outdoor concerts take place at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando. LPGA Tour winners will compete for $1.2 million in prize money, and there will also be a pro-am with more than 50 celebrities, athletes and entertainers.  The tournament will air January 21 on the Golf Channel and January 22 and 23 on the Golf Channel and NBC.

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Listen to new Foals song, “Wake Me Up”

Listen to new Foals song, “Wake Me Up”
Listen to new Foals song, “Wake Me Up”
Credit: Edward Cooke

Foals has released a new song called “Wake Me Up.”

The track, which you can download now via digital outlets, is the first preview of the next Foals album, due out in 2022.

“There’s a journey that the band has gone on experimenting with different palettes of sound,” says frontman Yannis Philippakis.

“This time there was a desire to take it back to more of the initial idea of the band where the rhythm, the grooves and the guitars are interlocking architecturally,” he explains. “We wanted to tap into the physicality of music. And we wanted it to feel good.”

The currently untitled album will be the follow-up to Foals’ 2019 two-part release Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost. It’ll also be the English outfit’s first effort following the departure of original keyboardist Edwin Congreave this past September.

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