New music releases this week

After months of controversy, Michael, the posthumous first album made up of unreleased material from Michael Jackson’s archives is now available. Some members of his family believe that certain tracks on the album were not sung by the King of Pop, who died in June 2009.

The album contains ten songs including three duets with Akon, 50 Cent and Lenny Kravitz.

Today also marks the return of Diddy who, accompanied by two singers, formed the band Dirty Money Diddy and is launching the first effort of the trio, Last Train to Paris. Many artists have collaborated on the album – as has now become fashionable in the world of hip hop. Featured artists include Grace Jones, Swizz Beats, Usher, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, Lil Wayne and Drake.

Finalist for the last season of American Idol, Crystal Bowersox, released her first album, Farmer’s Daughter, a title that suits the wholesome down-to-earth mother who went against the grain of the typical Idol contestant.

Other releases include Ciara’s Basic Instinct, R. Kelly and his Love Letter and Ryan Adams & the Cardinals with III/IV.