I guess it’s only fitting that the Boomtown Rats released a new album during the Year of the Rat. Thirty-six years after “In the Long Grass,” the Irish band makes a surprising comeback with a solid effort that recalls the glory days when tracks like “Rat Trap,” “She’s So Modern” and “I Don’t Like Mondays” propelled the group to fame in the late 1970s.

After helping craft songs recorded by notable artists like Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, Kacey Musgraves and Sheryl Crow, Brandy Clark emerges from the shadows and into the spotlight with an impressive third album.

On his latest album, James Taylor pays tribute to the Great American Songbook and the arrangements that served as an inspiration before he became a songwriter.

On his first solo album since 2010’s “Scream,” Ozzy Osbourne continues to dwell into the darkness that has served him so well over his legendary career.

During my college days, my cassette of “Sports” by Huey Lewis and the News would receive regular playing time on my daily commute from home to campus.

I might be a little late to the party, but I’m certainly happy now that I’m here.

Richard Marx certainly proves he doesn’t place limits on his career with his latest album.

As a huge Elton John fan, I was delighted to learn that his latest release would be of his performance at Moscow’s Rossiya Hall in 1979.

On their last album, the members of Little Big Town were lost in California delivering laid-back songs with a nostalgic feel that carried a hint of Southern California sweetness.

Echosmith’s “Lonely Generation” is an intimate detailing of what it’s like navigating life in an age when social media and modern technology dominate the majority of our time.

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn are recognized as the biggest-selling duo in country music history. Their 1991 debut album, “Brand New Man,” sparked a legendary career that produced classic country hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “My Next Broken Heart” and “Neon Moon.”

With the close of another year, I always get nostalgic and seek comfort in familiar faces and sounds from the past.

When the popular boy band One Direction went on hiatus in 2016, Harry Styles immediately took full advantage of the opportunity to show fans what he can do.

As Christmas Day draws near, here is another of my Christmas music recommendations to help set the proper festive mood.

As he celebrates 50 years as a solo artist, Rod Stewart gets the royal treatment on his latest album.

With Def Leppard’s 2019 tour completed, now comes the announcement that the British icons will be joining fellow rockers Mötley Crüe and Poison for a stadium tour in 2020.

“Cracked Rear View,” will always hold a special place in my heart.

Kanye West gets closer to God with his ninth album. “Jesus Is King” details West’s spiritual awakening and reliance on a higher power.

With Halloween now just a sugarcoated memory and Thanksgiving quietly waiting in the wings, it’s that glorious period when artists begin releasing new holiday albums.

It’s hard to believe that Ringo Starr has been a solo act for 49 years.

A multiple inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of two iconic bands, Gregg Rolie certainly has impacted the music scene over the last 50 years as a founding member of Santana and Journey and as a touring member of Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band.

There are times when a new album release is like reconnecting with a long-lost friend.

“Heartache Medication” is Jon Pardi’s much-anticipated new album that follows the success of 2016’s “California Sunrise.”

“Rise” was made loud to be played loud.

I recently came across a new offering from Sandy Lusco Huffman. The passionate singer-songwriter from Greene County has just released “Where the Boys Are,” her seventh album.

Right from the start, Sheryl Crow had me hooked with “Tuesday Night Music Club.”

With the start of the school year and the realization that summer is coming to a quiet close, I searched for a quick pick-me-up to bring a smile back to my face.

On his first album of original material in six years, country music veteran Tracy Lawrence delivers 12 straight-from-the-heart tracks.

After singing the praises of a more heavenly nature on her last release, Tori Kelly follows 2018’s “Hiding Place” with a third album that possesses far-reaching emotions from a very personal level.

Pete Yorn’s first solo release since 2016, “Caretakers” spotlights the singer-songwriter’s knack for crafting intimate melodies.

The title of Justin Moore’s fifth studio album tells you everything you need to know about the stirring country set.

As the charismatic frontman of Creed, Scott Stapp was living the true rock ’n’ roll lifestyle with the release of 1997’s “My Own Prison” and 1999’s “Human Clay.”

You know you are getting old when you discover the sons of artists you listened to in the 1970s are now releasing a new album.

The Hollywood Vampires return and welcome a new cast of characters from Cooper’s nightmarish mind on the supergroup’s second release.

Peter Frampton has got the blues real bad.

Always favoring the gritty dreams-verses-reality mentality conveyed by Bruce Springsteen on “Born to Run” and “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” I’ll openly admit that it took me a few listens to embrace the American West tone embedded in Springsteen’s detailed storytelling on his latest release.

It’s been 40 years since Gloria Gaynor’s inspiring anthem “I Will Survive” was unveiled to New York radio stations and dance clubs.

The same cat class and cat style featured on earlier releases by the Stray Cats can be witnessed on the trio’s first album of original material since 1992.

Whitesnake shows no signs of easing up the pressure on the gas pedal with a new offering that proves to be one of the band’s best.

The Ramones will always hold a special place in my heart.

For his latest studio release, Rick Springfield revisits 11 of his better-known tracks and one new arrangement by including a lush orchestral backing.

I love it when local acts find success regionally and then go on to discover wider fame as they pursue their hopes and dreams.

Bananarama is back. The all-girl group, now down to original members Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward, revisits the glory days of the 1980s.

Looking to add a little spice to your daily routine? The new release from Emma Bunton should do the trick nicely.

The name might not be familiar, but the voice is unmistakable.

It’s been a long time coming.

“No Saint” heralds the arrival of singer-songwriter Lauren Jenkins.

For his 14th studio album, Bryan Adams stays true to the uncomplicated messages that have served the Canadian rocker so well over his fruitful career.

With 2014’s “Simplicity,” Tesla’s last album was a solid offering of no-nonsense rock anthems with a few slower numbers added in for good measure.