Taylor Swift, “Fearless” (Big Machine)
Is Taylor Swift, the young country star, truly fearless? That may be a bit of an overstatement, but the singer-songwriter is a bona fide talent, writing all her songs that find their way to FM radio and, later, into her fans’ hearts. This is a confident follow-up to her breakthrough debut, and it certainly positions Swift as pop-country’s next Shania Twain.
David Archuleta, “David Archuleta” (Jive)
In 10 years, will we remember David Archuleta? Only time well tell, but for now, Archuleta is known as a fan favorite and the runner-up from “American Idol’s” seventh season. His debut record includes the single “Crush.”
Tracy Chapman, “Our Bright Future” (Atlantic)
It’s been 20 years since the release of “Tracy Chapman,” the debut record that launched the unknown singer-songwriter to international fame with hits like “Fast Car” and “Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution.” Chapman never stopped recording, and today sees the release of her eighth record. Ricardo Baca
