Spring Tune-up

Tyler Hilton is Madonna's newest protégé.

This spring is shaping up to be an exciting music season, with new releases by big-name celebrities, buzzworthy debutants and gifted musicians.

Hot off her Super Bowl performance is Janet Jackson, who recently launched her new single “Just A Little While.” The track is taken from her forthcoming album “Damita Jo” (Virgin Records).

After the controversial “wardrobe malfunction” during Super Bowl XXXVIII, Virgin Records was prompted to rush the album delivery date to take full advantage of the publicity firestorm.

On “Damita Jo,” Jackson works again with Minneapolis production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who have worked with the star ever since her breakthrough album “Control.” Jackson also spent time in Atlanta to work with local music hero Dallas Austin.

The famed writer/producer also collaborated with No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani on her upcoming solo debut.

If you mix up a little bit of John Mayer with a heavy dose of Backstreet Boys, you will likely end up with a potent pop-rock elixir called Tyler Hilton. The Californian heartthrob (not related to Paris & Co.) hits the pop scene this season on Madonna’s record label with his gay-friendly debut record “The Tracks Of” (Maverick Records).

Whoever said rock is out better think again. Bands with meaningful names such as the Hiss, the Hives, the Strokes and the White Stripes are emerging from the garage underground and slowly appearing on mainstream pop charts.

On the forefront of this movement are anti-popsters the Vines. The band from Down Under will release their sophomore album “Winning Days” (Capital Records) later this month.

JC Chasez's challenge is to make people forget about his work with N*SYNC and avoid comparisons with fellow bandmate Justin Timberlake. The battle between JC and JT appears to benefit listeners, who get a refreshing new pop sound on Chasez’ solo debut “Schizophrenic.” The singer has included sexy rhythms, ‘80s electro synths and groovy hip-hop textures.

Glideascope, a.k.a. Darryl Edwards, came up with a way to make classical music sound avant-garde on his recent EP “No String Attached.” His instrumental compositions fuse trip-hop beats with violin strings that capture an imaginative, almost cinematic quality that fit no single description.

Detroit is not only the home of the Motown Sound and Eminem, but also of young singer/songwriter Casey Stratton. His debut album “Standing At The Edge” (Sony Classical) is receiving a steady amount of buzz in the mainstream press that might propel him to be one of the breakout artists of the spring season.

Pseudo-punk star Avril Lavigne will release the follow-up to her platinum-selling “Let Go” on May 25. The album’s working title is “Under My Skin” and will reveal a rawer Lavigne. Her new single “Don’t Tell Me” has a spunky local flavor to it. The track was co-produced by Butch Walker.

Crooner Josh Zuckerman traveled to more than 15 countries over the last few years, experiences incorporated into his newest album “a totally new sensation,” due in late March. The album’s title song received the 2002 Out Music Award for Outstanding Songwriter of the Year.

Blondie makes a comeback with “The Curse of Blondie” (Sanctuary Records) on April 6. The influential ‘70s and ‘80s pop band presents their first all-new studio album since 1999.

The latest sound of Deborah Harry and company is said to be a fusion of R&B, pop, jazz and folk. The band’s publicist promises that the album will showcase “the true musicianship and expert songwriting that Blondie has demonstrated throughout their career.”

Gay club jocks Tony Moran and Junior Vasquez will release new remixes later this spring. After Sound Factory fired Vasquez, the influential DJ strikes back by showing off his undisputed remix talent on “Anthem 2” (JMV Records).

Hot-baked Miami resident Moran is back with “Winter Party 2004 – Vol. 7,” another must-have release for circuit-party connoisseurs from Centaur Records.