New Music Tuesday: 11-11-08

The legendary out lesbian Tracy Chapman releases her eighth studio album today, which we dedicated an entire post to this morning. While that certainly comes with my highest recommendation, here are some others that might spark your interest today.

Ollabelle — Before This Time (Yep Roc Records)

The five-piece folk group with each member skilled at several instruments always produces interesting results. If you're into Alison Krauss or Dolly Parton, you'll appreciate their interworking of bluegrass, gospel and jazz.

Taylor Swift — Fearless (Big Machine)

Contemporary country fans love their young blondes. Swift is swiftly (pun intended) becoming one of country music's youngest rising stars — and it can't all be because her ex-boyfriend is a Jonas brother.

Enya — And Winter Came (Reprise Records)

The singer's name is basically synonymous with "new age," and you should expect nothing less on her seventh full-length album. The CD has a Christmas/holiday theme, with ethereal re-workings of classic songs like "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

Grace Jones — Hurricane(Wall of Sound)

The model-turned singer has finally "graced" us with a follow-up to her last album, which was released 19 years ago. She brought in several friends to work on the tracks with her, including Wendy and Lisa and trip-hop artist Tricky. However, you'll only be able to pick this up in the U.K. for now. Americans, utilize the internet if you can't wait until it drops Dec. 18.

Deborah Cox — The Promise (Deco Recording Group/Image Entertainment)

In 2007, Deborah Cox took a foray into jazz music, which was almost as successful as her previous efforts in R&B. Now she's returned to her original genre, and should prove to have hits with singles like "Did You Ever Love Me" and "Beautiful U R."