Well its a strange grouping of new releases but ironically all are connected in some ways. Common has worked with Mya in the past and Richard and Lionel have worked on each others albums in the past.

First up

Common- Universal Mind Control
One of the few rappers i will look forward to see whats going on, common described this as his party album and its pretty much that. Guests spots with CeeLo and Kanye West also. Strongest tracks are the title cut, Sex 4 Suga, What a World, and the track Make my day with Cee-lo. Its really a straight forward party record so dont look for too much in the way of strong lyrics, though there are at times.

Lionel Richie - Good Morning, a new track has surfaced but once again a bit of a let down, the song starts good with just a piano, and then we get that wack-ass rb drum beat, and its another lost track, this is why i am worried about any commodores reunion or recording projects.

Richard Marx- Sundown & Emotional Remains 2 albums released from the man who has written 13 #1 singles and 40 top 40 hits, both via his own label and website. The "Sundown" record is split between a few originals and covers, and duets with Toni Braxton, Vince Gill and Jessica Andrews. Best from that record are the covers of "first time i ever saw your face" and "And i love her" with Vince Gill. As for Emotional Remains, this is 11 track new record, his first all new studio record since 2004's "my worst enemy" and his departure from emi records. Very strong record once again, top notch writing and features many good cuts but the standout is a 5 minute ballad called "through my veins" that Richard has been performing on the road for the last 2 years. Also worth mentioning is another project he has out on his site called "Duo" which is an all acoustic cd, with the lead singer of Vertical Horizon and features new songs and some of Richards Past hits.

Mya- Sugar & Spice this record out last monday only in Japan, released via Mya's own label has already scored her a top 5 single in Japan called "paradise" and the video is now up on YouTube and shows Beyonce who the "Booty" queen is by far. The song "paradise" is one of the most positive songs out now, reason why it wont see a release here, since RB females tend to be about dumping their man or breaking the damn windows or setting fires. Also on this record are Mya's strongest tracks yet on any album, which are "Must be the Music" a very euro dance track, "Lets go to war" another upbeat dance track and the classic sounding "Back to Disco (70's Disco)", the uptempo ballad "money cant buy my love", a cover of Diana Kings "shy guy" with some new lyrics written by Mya and Diana King, and "Fallen" part 2. All in all a very strong record from Mya, just doing the "indie" thing going to markets that are stronger right now.
[Edited 12/7/08 17:14pm]