Music journalism, books and more

Now in the midst of her second residency show at Caesars Palace, Dion is Las Vegas’ biggest attraction since Elvis Presley. But that hasn’t stopped the Canadian superstar from recording two new albums: one in English, one in French. Water and a Flame, a collection of songs from her Vegas show and several new tracks, will be released next year. Sans attendre, her first French album since 2007’s D’elles, is now available. Dion’s new CD will translate to listeners in any language. She sings with a passion sometimes only hinted at on her English albums. The mid-tempo “Parlez à mon père is a highlight, sung with a palpable emotion. Other standout tracks include duets with Quebec singer-songwriter...

The Canadian quartet has performed for Her Majesty the Queen and shared stages with Céline Dion and Sir Paul McCartney. Now Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray, Remigio Pereira and Fraser Walters continue their classical-pop crossover moves on their sophisticated sophomore CD, covering everything from Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” to Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.”

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Little Earthquakes, Amos performs symphonic interpretations of her songbook. Working with the Dutch Metropole Orchestra, the flame-haired piano diva delivers grand versions of songs like “Flavor,” “Yes, Anastasia” and her classic “Jackie’s Strength,” which expresses her doubts about marriage while recalling Jackie Kennedy.

Easy-listening soul singer Dionne Warwick is forever associated with the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Her versions of their songs are among the most significant hits in a career has seen the renowned artist win five Grammy Awards and rank second only to Aretha Franklin as the world’s most charted female vocalist. “Those songs were written for me,” says Warwick, now 71. “It’s like a well-tailored dress. I put it on my body, nobody else could wear it the same way.” Now, reworkings of those and other hits, proves her point. Although Warwick’s voice is a little huskier these days, her new versions of Bacharach-David songs like “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” a...

Surviving feuds, near-breakups and health crises, America’s rock veterans return with their first album of original material in 11 years. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry recreate their classic sound on hard-rockers “Legendary Child” and “Lover A Lot,” while Johnny Depp and Carrie Underwood appear on topical and country-tinged tracks respectively.

Gleeks hopelessly devoted to the TV show’s playlists will devour the cast’s take on the musical Grease. Hand-jiving their way through hits like “You’re the One that I Want” and “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” are regulars Cory Monteith (Finn) and Lea Michele (Rachel) and guest star Kate Hudson as Cassandra.

Even as a teenager, Serena was grabbing attention with her stunning voice and mature songs. Now 28, the three-time Juno winner continues to impress with her fifth album, which explores new sonic territory on robust numbers such as the beat-heavy “Stompa.” Meanwhile, her voice soars on tracks like the romantic “What I Wouldn’t Do.”

With his memoir and this two-disc set, Neil’s in a reflective mood. Lengthy jams like “Driftin’ Back” and “Walk Like a Giant” are angry accounts of Sixties idealism’s failure, but the rock legend pays sweet tribute to his Ontario roots, wife Pegi, and their disabled son, Ben, on songs like “For the Love of Man.”

Cole has won fans the world over with her jazz-tinged takes on pop hits. Here she delivers a dreamy, piano-laced rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s classic “If You Could Read My Mind.” But most surprising are her seductive covers of Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and the James Bond theme “You Only Live Twice.”

There’s no end in sight for Springfield’s multifaceted career. In fact, the Grammy-winning singer and actor, best known for his hit “Jessie’s Girl” and starring as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital, has been busier than ever. In 2009, he appeared as a hedonistic version of himself on Californication and then released his best-selling memoir, Late, Late at Night. Earlier this year, he starred in An Affair of the Heart, a documentary about his enduring bond with his adoring fans. Now Springfield, 63, has released his 18th album, which finds him rocking out like a man half his age. The opening “Wide Awake” careens around at a reckless pace, while “My Last Heartbeat” boasts a heavy crunch. “Jos...