R&B
Chrisette Michele
“Better”
Producers: various
Motown Records
Release Date: June 11
As the title suggests, Michele’s compelling voice has never sounded better. Paced by lead single “A Couple of Forevers,” the tight set brims with strong tracks and well-chosen features (Wale, 2 Chainz, Bilal) that winningly showcase Michele’s supple, emotive vocals. Standouts include “Love Won’t Leave Me Out” and “Visual Love.” -Gail Mitchell
AMERICANA
Jason Isbell
“Southeastern”
Producer: Dave Cobb
Southeastern Records
Release Date: June 11
The former Drive-By Trucker’s fourth solo set is frequently dark and angsty, but clear-eyed and beautifully stoic. Its quieter moments smooth over the songs’ tragic edges, while “Flying Over Water” and “Super 8” kick up a rockin’ storm. “Elephant” won’t leave a dry eye in the house. -Gary Graff
ROCK
Jimmy Eat World
“Damage”
Producers: Alain Johannes, Jimmy Eat World
RCA Records
Release Date: June 11
Jimmy Eat World continues to unveil relatable tunes on “Damage,” a collection of self-proclaimed adult breakup songs. From the title track’s hooky surge to the subtlety of “I Will Steal You Back,” the set features glossy midtempo rock that’s likable even if it doesn’t always hit the notes of the band’s former emo glory. -Emily Zelmer
ROCK
Rogue Wave
“Nightingale Floors”
Producer: John Congleton
Vagrant Records
Release Date: June 4
On “Nightingale Floors,” Rogue Wave ditches the electro-pop of 2010’s Permalight in favor of the lush, atmospheric rock of the band’s earlier albums. “Siren’s Song” and “Everyone Wants to Be You” coalesce into a beautiful mess of guitar feedback, while the hazy “College” is an undeniably catchy reminder of quintessential Rogue Wave. -Jill Menze
POP
Matthew Morrison
“Where It All Began”
Producers: Phil Ramone, Gregg Field
222 Records
Release Date: June 4
“Glee” actor Morrison revisits classic Broadway standards here, lending a swaggering flair to tunes like “Singin’ in the Rain” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing.” Driven by buoyant, lounge act-type production, the album aptly showcases Morrison’s amiable croon on these classics. -EZ
CHRISTIAN
Building 429
“We Won’t Be Shaken”
Producers: Rob Hawkins, Jason Ingram
Essential Records
Release Date: June 4
After topping Billboard’s year-end Christian Songs list in 2012, Building 429 continues the momentum with “We Won’t Be Shaken.” Mixing thoughtful ballads like “Set a Fire” with raucous uptempos like “Revolution,” the band delivers a powerfully inspiring collection. Other standouts include the empowering title track and the incendiary rock anthem “Bonfire.” -Debroah Evans Price