HOT TRACKS LISA ROBINSON

Honky-tonk women: On Little Honey,Lucinda Williams sounds almost optimistic. For once, unrequited love doesn’t dominate Williams’s unique mix of alt-countrygospel-folk rock, world-weary vocals, and bluesy wisdom (especially noteworthy: her knowing cover of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top”). Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and provocateur Chrissie Hynde stirs up her usual energy on the Pretenders' Break Up the Concrete— 11 songs recorded in 12 days. Returning in top form is extraordinary singer Patty Smyth and Scandal on “Hard for You to Love Me,” the first song recorded for their new EP; for more info, go to pattysmythandscandal.com. Producer Hal Wilner recorded Marianne Faithfull live in the studio backed by an orchestra for her gorgeous Easy Come, Easy Go. On Call Me Crazy,Lee Ann Womack sings a batch of seasoned country songs about life, love, hope, disappointment, solitary thinking, and lonesome drinking. Grace Jones's Hurricane is the first new album in almost two decades from the incomparable chanteuse. Ilsey Juber, who sings with Terrence Howard on tour, has a remarkable voice—check out her song “Halfway There” on myspace.com/ilseyjuber.

Glasvegas may well be the best new band from Britain, and, on their self-titled debut, this Scottish foursome evokes Phil Spector’s “wall of sound,’ Jesus and Mary Chain’s feedback, Joe Strummer’s vocals, and Velvet Underground’s drumming (listen to “Geraldine” on VF.com). It’s impossible to categorize the creative, best-dressed Kanye West; his new CD features more singing and will take his music career to a daring new place. The collaboration between the late country legend Waylon Jennings and his son Shooter can now be heard on the posthumously released Waylon Forever. Beatlesinspired Oasis (who inspired Glasvegas) recorded their exultant Dig Out Your Soul at London’s Abbey Road. Ten years ago Gomez was an “underground” band whose debut, Bring It On, won Britain’s prestigious Mercury Prize; now the lOth-anniversary edition of that album is released along with a second disc of 16 bonus tracks. The three volumes of the Decemberists' Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series will be available digitally and on 12-inch vinyl. Lest you think Pete Wentz is wholly occupied making coffee runs with pregnant wife Ashlee Simpson for tabloid photo ops, his band Fall Out Boy will release Folie a Deux, which could include some demos originally put online for free. The All-American Rejects' rocking and winsome When the World Comes Down is the follow-up to their doubleplatinum Move Along.

Also out:Ryan Adams's Cardinology;Javier Escovedo's City Lights; Lou Reed's Berlin: Live at St. Ann’s Warehouse; The Clash Live at Shea Stadium;AC/DC's Black Ice;Elton John's The Red Piano; and Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison: Legacy Edition. Beyonce's new one is uncharacteristically personal but jam-packed with her trademark big pop tunes and danceable R&B. The 50th anniversary of Miles Davis's Kind of Blue is commemorated with a boxed set that includes two CDs, a book, memorabilia, and a blue vinyl LP. And Michael Feinstein's The Sinatra Project features guests Pink Martini and pays homage to the Chairman of the Board.

Nobody understands a life like Frank’s.