New Songs, Top 10 Song Lists and more - AOL Radio Blog

Alicia Keys has released the fifth single off her hit record 'Girl On Fire.' The single 'Tears Always Win' was co-written by Jeff Bhasker and Bruno Mars. Mars also played bass, guitars and provided background vocals on the track.

'Tears Always Win' may be Keys' strongest single since the album's title song. Like 'Girl on Fire,' this ballad is anthemic and dares the listener to rally behind Keys' strong and inspiring voice. Bruno Mars' influence is clear, as the song builds around soft drum and piano beats, and soaring, wind-like sound effects. The tune sounds like it could be a sequel to Mars' 'It Will Rain.' The song's climax is seen in the chorus, where Keys' is helped by background singers, including Mars, as she sings "Once again these tears always win."

Keys is expected to debut the song live this week on American Idol. 'Girl On Fire' hit #1 on the Billboard 200 and charted high in many other countries. Listen to 'Tears Always Win' right now on AOL Radio's New R&B First.

Summer tends to bring feelings of nostalgia and this June should be no different, as many artists are releasing albums after a lengthy amount of time off. One of the most exciting releases is the reunion album from Black Sabbath, '13.' It's the band's first album since 1995 and it's the first time in 35 years that Ozzy Osbourne is the lead singer on a Black Sabbath record. The classic heavy metal rockers released 'God Is Dead?' as their first single this past April. Meanwhile, alternative rockers Jimmy Eat World have released 'Damage,' their first record since 2010 and their first release under RCA. Their first single 'I Will Steal You Back' has already begun making its way up the alternative charts.

June should be a great month for some R&B nostalgia as well. Ashanti is scheduled to release her first album since 2008. 'Braveheart' features many collaborations, most notably the album's first single 'The Woman You Love' with Busta Rhymes. R. Kelly, Keyshia Cole, and Meek Mill are just a few of the big names to also contribute to the anticipated album. Additionally, Kelly Rowland will release 'Talk a Good Game' on June 17th. It's Rowland's fourth solo album and includes an impressive list of producers and collaborators. The album's first single 'Ice' features Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa joins Rowland on the song 'Gone.'

It's been a long time since 'MMMBop' but Hanson's still releasing new music. 'Anthem' will be released June 18th and is the band's ninth studio album. Joining them this month, is current boy-band and teenage sensations Big Time Rush. The band's third studio album is titled '24/Seven' and features the promotional single 'Like Nobody's Around.' The band became heavily involved in the songwriting process for this album, writing dozens of songs that were considered.


Take a look below at the full list of new releases for June 2013, which includes many more of your favorites.

Justin Timberlake is back all right. 'Mirrors,' a mid-tempo love ballad, takes the top spot in the month of May. The song is undoubtedly the stand-out track on Timberlake's new studio album 'The 20/20 Experience.' Looking over his shoulder is Demi Lovato who dropped from the top spot to #3 with 'Heart Attack.' Macklemore has proven 'Thrift Shop' wasn't a fluke as the rap star has found his way to #2 with 'Can't Hold Us,' which features Ray Dalton. The song was also the biggest jump this month, advancing 13 spots.

15 songs, making up more than a third of the countdown, were premiers this month. The highest debut came from Anna Kendrick. Her single 'Cups' was featured in the film 'Pitch Perfect and premiers here at #8. Right below her is Selena Gomez, who has also been on the big screen lately, starring in 'Spring Breakers.' Her feel-good track 'Come and Get It' has hints of reggae and euro-dance and shows the young star's rapid maturation.

Avril Lavigne made a return to the top 40 for the first time since 2011 with her hit 'Here's to Never Growing Up.' The song, which debuts at #14, is her first appearance since 'What The Hell' hit the top ten in 2011.

Just entering the countdown are some recently-released collaborations. Daft Punk enters at #39 with 'Get Lucky,' a funky track that features smooth vocals from Pharrell Williams. Right behind those two, is Ke$ha, who teamed up with will.i.am. for her latest single 'Crazy Kids.' You'll have to tune into June's list to see how far these songs can climb up the charts.

Check out the full top 40 for May below:

Austalian recording artist Cody Simpson has released his latest single 'Pretty Brown Eyes.' It's his first official single to follow his first debut album 'Paradise.'

Cody Simpson became known for his YouTube covers and later for several of his own singles including 'iYiYi' which featured Flo Rida. His music has been featured on Radio Disney and he has also acted on Nickelodeon. 'Pretty Brown Eyes' is a fun summer song that will most likely be released on Simpson's upcoming studio album, which he has begun working on. The simple track is purely pop and shows off Simpson's high vocal range. The single is very Bieber-like and features some auto-tune and other production elements. Simpson told Examiner that due to the song's simple, fun feel, "it was the perfect song to put out."

Cody Simpson has been opening for Justin Bieber's headlining tour in Europe. After that wraps up, Simpson will kick off his own tour and continue working on his new album. If that wasn't hectic enough, the 16-year-old plans on releasing an auto-biography in October. Get ready for the summer with 'Pretty Brown Eyes' right now on AOL Radio's Kids Pop.

French house music duo Daft Punk has released 'Get Lucky' as the lead single from their fourth studio album 'Random Access Memories.' The song was co-written by and features Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers.

Daft Punk is well known for huge arena hits like 'One More Time' and 'Around The World.' This new single is mellower and has a funk and disco-like sound to it, in addition to bordering on R&B. It certainly reflects a transition from the pulsating electronics of the band's last record to more futuristic type of dance and disco. In fact, the duo hasn't released a studio album since 2005, so they've had plenty of time to experiment and collaborate. The distinct guitar riff from Nile Rodgers carries the song along and sets the song's relaxing, funky tone. Pharrell Williams' smooth vocals work well with the guitar riff and provide for an infectious chorus. The single has the unique ability to sound like it could transcend time and be a hit at a 1970s dance club or at a rave ten years from now. Pharrell has stated that the lyrics are more about finding chemistry with someone, rather than looking for a sexual conquest.

'Get Lucky' broke Spotify's record, receiving the highest number of streams in a single day. 'Random Access Memories' is expected to be released May 21st in the United States. It features many more collaborations including one with Julian Casablancas of The Strokes. 'Get Lucky' right now on AOL Radio's Electronica.

May brings music fans new releases from today's favorites and even provides some nostalgia. As the weather heats up, fans can expect a new album from 98 Degrees. It's the boy band's first studio album since 2000, as the boy-band revival continues. They had already been touring with New Kids on the Block and Boys II Men. If their first single 'Microphone' is any indication, the band has definitely grown up in their more than decade-long hiatus. Current pop favorite, 20-year-old Demi Lovato is getting set to release her fourth studio album 'Demi.' The album includes the number one single 'Heart Attack' and a duet with Cher Lloyd. Lovato's first three albums all reached the top five of the Billboard 200.

It's not quite summer, but there's plenty of time for easy listening. Country stars Lady Antebellum will release their fourth studio album on May 7th. Their last album 'Own the Night' topped the Billboard charts in 2011. This album may feature a little different sound for the band, as their new single 'Downtown' includes a faster tempo and fun, flirtatious lyrics. Additionally, The Goo Goo Dolls will release their tenth studio album on the same day. 'Magnetic' is the band's first record since 2010 and contains the lead single and opening track 'Rebel Beat.'

Indie fans will get to hear the heavily-anticipated third album from Vampire Weekend on May 14th. 'Modern Vampires of the City' is supposed to include a darker, yet warmer sound than their previous two albums. New York City and America in general has been mentioned as an influence on the album. The band released a double single 'Diane Young/Step' which features impressive sound effects and a typical, up-beat sound. Also, keep an eye out for the second record from Fitz and The Tantrums. 'More Than Just a Dream' is their first album in three years and is the opening line in the album's title song and lead single 'Out of My League.' The album was produced by Tony Hoffer who has worked with M83, Depeche Mode, and Phoenix, among others.


Take a look below at the full list of new releases for May 2013, which includes many more of your favorites.