Dixie Chicks [ tickets ]
"Taking the Long Way"
(Sony)

The Dixie Chicks--the biggest-selling female band in music history--return with their hugely anticipated fourth album. Most people expect this record to be another blockbuster, perhaps even surpassing the band's last multi-platinum outing, 2002's "Home."

The nine-time Grammy-winning act is trying something new with "Taking the Long Way." For the first time, each track on this album was co-written by the Dixie Chicks themselves.

Also of note, the album was produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, whose credits range from Run DMC and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond.

Def Leppard [ tickets ]
"Yeah!"
(Mercury)

Def Leppard delivers an appreciative nod to their musical heroes with this collection of cover tunes. "Yeah!" serves as a heartfelt, if arguably misguided, tribute to the band's influences from the late '60s and '70s.

Those influences, some of which might surprise people, include The Kinks, Badfinger, T. Rex, David Bowie, Sweet, Roxy Music, Mott the Hoople, Free, The Faces and Thin Lizzy. It should be particularly interesting to hear Def Leppard cover Roxy Music's "Street Life," given the vast difference in styles between the two bands.

The Wreckers [ tickets ]
"Stand Still, Look Pretty"
(Maverick)

There's a healthy buzz surrounding the debut CD by The Wreckers, the new duo featuring singers/songwriters/guitarists Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp.

The album's first single, "Leave the Pieces," has already proven popular with listeners, and the act--which blends folk, pop and country sounds--has scored gigs on numerous high-profile TV shows. The duo has also landed the coveted opening slot for 23 dates on Rascal Flatts' mega tour.

Various Artists
"American Idol Season 5 Encores"
(RCA)

The money-making machine known as "American Idol" rolls out its latest must-have goodie for fans. As one would expect, this album features contestants from the latest season of the popular reality-TV show. Past releases from "American Idol" contestants have proven very popular on the charts.

The album includes Bucky Covington's version of "Superstition," Mandisa's cover of "I'm Every Woman" and Ace Young's take on "Father Figure." The album also features covers of "Signed, Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours)" (performed by Lisa Tucker) and "Walkin' After Midnight" (performed by Kellie Pickler).

Michael Bolton
"Bolton Swings Sinatra"
(Concord)

Bolton can certainly sing and--if one gives this collection a chance--it might actually work. Then again--given the comparisons he's inviting here--it might not.

The CD includes Bolton's takes on such immortal Frank Sinatra favorites as "You Go to My Head," "Fly Me to the Moon," "For Once in my Life" and "My Funny Valentine."

Rhonda Vincent [ tickets ]
"All American Bluegrass Girl"
(Rounder)

Vincent, a six-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year, continues to grow more popular with every new release. She's accompanied on this record, of course, by her longtime band, The Rage, and is also joined by such special guests as Dolly Parton and Bobby Osborne.

Other new releases:
Angels & Airwaves, "We Don't Need to Whisper" (Geffen)
Anjani, "Blue Alert" (Sony)
Johnny Cash, "10 Top 10's" (Compendia)
Johnny Cash, "Personal File" (Sony)
Slaid Cleaves, "Unsung" (Rounder)
Ditty Bops, "Moon Over the Freeway" (Warner Bros.)
Dr. John, "Mercernary" (Blue Note)
Huey Lewis and the News, "Greatest" (Capitol)
Don Omar, "King of Kings" (Machete)
Phoenix, "It's Never Been Like That" (Astralwerks)
Saga, "Trust" (Inside Out)
Steven Seagal and Thunderbox, "Mojo Priest" (Ark 21)
Jule Styne, "In Hollywood" (PS Classics)
Tye Tribbett and G.A., "Victory Live!" (Sony)
Various Artists, "WWE Wreckless Intent" (Sony)
Walkmen, "Hundred Miles Off" (RC)

Soundtracks and scores:
"A Prairie Home Companion" (New Line)
"X-Men: The Last Stand" (Varese)