New music: Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, John Mayer, Leona Lewis (and more)

Janet Jackson's "Number Ones"

Dropping this week (Tuesday) is new music from ‘tween sensation Justin Bieber and X-Factor import Leona Lewis, as well as a two-disc set of “Number Ones” from the incomparable Ms. Jackson. Listen to samples of these new releases and more below. 

Bieber’s hotly anticipated debut, “My World,” has ‘tweens everywhere beside themselves. Clearly easy on the eyes, the 15-year-old Canadian offers the masses bubble-gum pop with a slightly urban edge and his fans are eating it up. (Listen)

If you love Janet Jackson, you’ll love “Number Ones” (Listen). What’s not to like with monster hits like “Control,” “Rhythm Nation,” “Pleasure Principle,” “Love Will Never Do,” and of course, “Scream,” her one collabo with late brother Michael? Look for Janet to open the 37th Annual American Music Awards November 22. She’s also speaking out for the first time with GMA’s Robin Roberts about MJ’s death and her take on Dr. Conrad Murray’s involvement. The interview airs November 18 on Good Morning America (read an excerpt from the interview here).

John Mayer's "Battle Studies" 

Britain’s Leona Lewis, who channels a bit of a cross between Mariah Carey and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks thrown in for good measure, releases “Echo,” her second U.S. album. Soaring ballads showcase her big voice, and like Bieber, good looks never hurt. (Listen)

And then there’s Norah Jones and John Mayer, two multi-talented, crossover artists who’ve earned street cred for their adventurous collaborations with the likes of former A Tribe Called Quest front man Q-Tip (Norah, on “Life is Better”), and with hip-hop newbo Wale (pronounced Wah-lay) (with Mayer on “Letter”). (And who can forget Mayer on Dave Chappelle’s Comedy Central show?) Jones’ album, “The Fall,” introduces a bit of country to her repertoire (Listen), and Mayer gives his fans more of what they love about him on “Battle Studies”: cool, breezy melodies and lyrics that tell it like it is (like “Who Says”). Listen to “Battle Studies” here.
 

Melanie Fiona's "The Bridge"

Check out these other notable releases from the past week:

Wale – Rumored to have dated Beyonce’s little sis Solange, new-to-the-scene Wale is making waves with “Attention Deficit” (featuring the hit single "Chillin'' with Lady GaGa). (Listen)

Melanie Fiona – With a little Amy Winehouse flavor but a soulful style that’s all her own, Fiona finally breaks through on “The Bridge.” (Listen)

Ryan Leslie – Back for a second album, this Harvard-educated sleeper keeps it true to form with stellar production (he wrote and produced Cassie’s “Me & U”) and hooks that linger. Listen to “Transition” here.
 

Beyonce and Lady GaGa’s New Single: "Videophone"