New R&B/Gospel/Pop Releases: January 2009 Edition

After a more than busy fourth quarter that included new releases from Beyonce, Brandy, Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild, Jamie Foxx and Keyshia Cole, 2009 is set to open on a quiet note with just a handful of new releases.

Heather Headley, known widely for soulful singles such as "In My Mind," will chart new territory with "Audience of One," her first Gospel release and the first major release of the month.

With the aid of Warryn Campbell, Keith Thomas and Smokie Norful, Heather Headley put together an effort she calls "my gift to god".

Headley is in good company on Jan.13, the release date for "Audience of One," as BET 'Sunday Best' stars Crystal Aikin and Shari Addision release their highly anticipated self-titled albums.

Syleena Johnson, who released a digital copy of 'Chapter 4: Labor Pains' in December, will see the physical release of her new album in stores on Jan. 13.

Later in the month, Rihanna's "Good Girl Gone Bad" gets an extra dose of life as "Good Girl Gone Bad - The Remixes' hits stores. Rihanna is accompanied by Ashford & Simpson and Mariah Carey who also release compilation type albums on Jan. 27.

Here is a recap of January 2009 releases and a few recently announced projects to look forward to in Feburary:


January 13, 2009 - Heather Headley, Crystal Aikin, Shari Addison, Syleena Johnson


Heather Headley "Audience Of One"

Explaining the album title, AUDIENCE OF ONE, the Trinidad-born, Indiana-raised, and Northwestern University educated star gives credit to her husband Brian Musso. He reminded her one day about the little church back home, "the joy that I found singing in that empty church to my `audience of one.' And so that is what this album is... a girl singing to the only audience that really matters... the One Audience who is truly worthy."

"I grew up in the church, actually above the church, and this album not only grants me a way to sing music I've always wanted to, but it also gives me a chance to give God some overdue praise for everything He has done, and continues to do for me. I really don't deserve all that He has given me. I can't help but be grateful; so, we'll take the voice He gave and thank Him with it... This is My gift to God. My relationship with Him is paramount." Recording a gospel album is a natural transition for Heather who admits that as a Christian, she was uncomfortable with provocative lyrics submitted to her. "I never wanted to compromise anything, now I want to make sure God is happy," Heather says. "This album is for Him."

1. Simply Redeemed
2. Ordinary Me
3. I Wish
4. Jesus Is Love
5. Medley (including "I Need Thee Every Hour," "I'd Rather Have Jesus")
6. Running Back To You
7. I Know The Lord Will Make A Way
8. Here I Am To Worship
9. Power of the Cross
10. Zion


Crystal Aikin "Crystal Aikin"
The debut album from BET Sunday Best winner Crystal Aikin !

1. I Desire More
2. What If
3. He's So Worthy
4. A Song About Jesus
5. Lord You Reign Forever
6. Love Him
7. The Clouds
8. Turn To Him
9. Even Me
10. Breathe On Me (with Natalie Grant)


Shari Addison "Shari Addison"
The debut album from BET 'Sunday Best' star Shari Addison !

1. Whateva
2. I Praise You
3. No Battle, No Blessing
4. One More Sunny Day
5. Please Make Me Better
6. You Know My Heart
7. Can't Make It Without You
8. He Does All Things Well
9. You Can Rise
10. It's Your Time


Syleena Johnson 'Chapter 4: Labor Pains'

1. Intro
2. Labor Pains
3. Where’s the Love
4. Freedom
5. Is It Because I’m Black
6. Be Me
7. Interlude: Redstorm’s Domestic Lesson
8. You Let Me Down
9. Shoo Fly
10. Maury Povich
11. It Is True
12. Your Love
13. My First
14. Personal Trainer
15. Go Home
16. Go
17. Outro



January 27, 2009 - Rihanna, Ashford & Simpson, Mariah Carey


Rihanna "Good Girl Gone Bad - The Remixes"

1. “Umbrella”    - Seamus Haji & Paul Emanuel
2. “Disturbia”    - Jody den Broeder
3. “Shut Up & Drive”    - The Wideboys
4. “Don’t Stop The Music”    - Jody den Broeder
5. “Take A Bow”    - Tony Moran & Warren Riggs
6. “Breakin’ Dishes”    - Soul Seekerz
7. “Hate That I Love You”    - K-Klassic
8. “Question Existing”   - The Wideboys
9. “Push Up On Me”   - Moto Blanco
10. “Good Girl Gone Bad”    - Soul Seekerz
11. “Say It”   - Soul Seekerz
12. “Umbrella”    - Lindbergh Palace

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