ALTERNATIVE
Washed Out
“Paracosm”
Producers: Ernest Greene, Ben Allen
Sub Pop Records
Release Date: Aug. 13
A paracosm is an imaginary world created by children. And in its best moments, the sophomore set by Ernest Greene (aka Washed Out), manifests such a place, with its own sunny atmosphere and idyllic vistas. An improvement on his chilly debut, Paracosm brings warm, acoustic instruments into the fold, signaling a more ambitious direction. -Reggie Ugwu
COUNTRY
Brett Eldredge
“Bring You Back”
Producers: various
Atlantic Records
Release Date: Aug. 6
With “Don’t Ya” top five on the country chart and exposure on Taylor Swift’s tour, Eldredge is one of the format’s biggest breakouts. His soulful voice and insightful songwriting fuel the album, which veers from the funky “Tell Me Where to Park” to the poignant “Raymond,” about an Alzheimer’s patient. -Deborah Evans Price
BLUES
HUGH LAURIE
“Didn’t It Rain”
Producer: Joe Henry
Warner Bros. Records
Release Date: Aug. 6
The musician/actor takes his second dip into the New Orleans blues pool, emerging with a more fully realized vision of the idiom. In tackling tango and other Latin rhythms with a crack band and guest singers, producer Henry avoids making this a showcase, instead embedding Laurie’s contributions into each presentation. -Phil Gallo
METAL
Newsted
“Heavy Metal Music”
Producer: Jason Newsted
Chophouse Records
Release Date: Aug. 6
The title of this debut from former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted’s new band tells you exactly what you’re getting. Its ferocious authority lives up to Newsted’s stellar pedigree, even if he’s still developing as a lead vocalist. Staind guitarist Mike Mushok bolsters the high-octane riffery throughout. -Gary Graff
POP
The Polyphonic Spree
“Yes, It’s True”
Producers: The Speekers, Eric Drew Feldman, Tim Palmer
Good Records Recordings/Kirtland Records
Release Date: Aug. 6
“Yes, It’s True” takes a more refined approach to this hippie-leaning collective’s free-spirited catalog. Though dippy lines still abound, songs like “Hold Yourself Up” serve as a call to the dancefloor that can’t be ignored. Also check the undeniable charm of Instagram and “party girl yell” references on “You’re Golden.” -Jill Menze
POP
Jay Sean
“Neon”
Producers: various
Cash Money/Republic
Release Date: July 30
Sean’s fourth album boasts a polish that particularly benefits the slick pop tunes that dominate the set, including “Guns and Roses” and “Miss Popular.” Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes and a sharp-tongued Ace Hood infuse some street flavor into the mix, while “Sucka for You” touches on reggae. -Gary Graff