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Gossip return unleash a new batch of rock ‘n’ roll mayhem with help from producer Rick Rubin with Music for Men. Transformative rock, sharpened disco hooks, soul, and gospel influence abounds. Check out our free Single of the Week, the funk-punk-tastic “Heavy Cross.” If you like the track, check out the album.

Still only juniors in high school, Comic Book Heroes already have four years of music experience in their gig bags. Don’t let their youth fool you, though: This is by no means teen pop. Citing collective influences that range from Charles Mingus, the Rolling Stones, and David Bowie to Dream Theater, Nirvana, and Franz Ferdinand, the quartet from Reading, Pa., perfectly combines sassy vocals, strutting guitars, and confident beats into a rumbling, grown-up rock ’n’ roll declaration. If you like the track, check out the album.

Any recording that begins with an old-fashioned walking double bass line already sounds like a winner to us. Add suave yet understated drumming, crisp acoustic guitar comping, and, most importantly, singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist Leslie Mendelson’s spirited voice, and one gets a song that does indeed, as advertised, “Hit the Spot.” The bluesy piano and boozy horns that come in later fortify the song’s adult-pop brilliance, which will make listeners frequently click “repeat.” If you like the track, check out the album.

Puerto Rican reggaeton producer Naldo came to the attention of many a club-goer after his contributons to the Mas Flow compilations. His slick, syth-heavy style is all over this new track from his forthcoming album while the mic gets passed over to De La Ghetto for the sweet vocal work. If you like the track, check out the album.

In jazz, a popular phrase among players is to bring some “church” to the bandstand. Singer/songwriter/pianist Diane Birch does that with her soulful music in more ways than one. The youngest child of a travelling preacher, she spent time with her family in Africa and Australia before ending up in Portland, Oregon. Initially underexposed to non-secular music, she studied classical piano before exploring a broad spectrum of American music. “Rise Up” begins with a easy-going bluesy piano, warm horns and Birch’s enveloping voice. Check out the brilliant multi-layered “choir,” which shines both on the choruses and accompanying the infectious clarinet solo at the end. If you like the track, pre-order out the album now.

Anuhea provides a sweet reminder that looks can be deceiving. This blonde-haired, blued-eyed singer/songwriter is actually Hawai’i born and bred, and laidback “Right Love, Wrong Time” showcases her engaging brand of R&B with a breezy twist — befitting of Anuhea’s island roots. File this sultry song somewhere near Lauryn Hill, Little Jackie, and Colbie Caillat. If you like the track, check out the album.

Is it too early to think about the summer songs of 2009? The fledgling Charlottesville, VA quintet Parachute’s “Under Control” is an early qualifier, if not. Opening with a brief, dual guitar-and-keyboard instrumental exploration, it quickly transforms as infectious piano chords and Will Anderson’s soaring vocals join in to make it an irresistible pop-soul gathering. Organ stabs, whirling guitar interplay and sing-along group backing vocals join in for the chorus, as proverbial drinks in red plastic cups are raised and iPhones are illuminated and waved in communal celebration. If you like the track, check out the album.

Angel Taylor scored a grammy nomination with gospel-flavored R&B trio Trin-i-tee 5:7 and now it’s time for her to fly solo. Amidst smooth acoustic guitar and string orchestration, Taylor calmly sings “Make Me Believe” — but it’s not directed toward a higher power. This go-round she’s speaking to a deadbeat dude who claims he wants her back. If you like the track, check out the album.

This time out, we’re putting the emphasis on pop – the shinier, the better. V Factory are the boy band for 2009 and “Love Struck” is the song you need to know. Let’s get the names memorized now: Jared Murillo; Asher Book, Wesley Quinn, Nicky Teti, and Nathaniel Flatt. Heavy with club beats, synths for miles, and overly-smitten, overlaying harmonies, it’s a non-stop party track. If you like the track, check out the album.

You might remember L.A.-based rock band Carolina Liar from its appearance on a recent 90210 episode, especially its performance of “Show Me What I’m Looking For.” With production by Max Martin (Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone”) and Johan Schuster (cowriter of P!nk’s “So What”), Carolina Liar is in good hands as “Show Me What I’m Looking For” builds with vigorous guitar, keyboards, and sing-along choruses. Chad Wolf’s voice compares favorably to Keane’s Tom Chaplin, while the rising tempo makes “Show Me What I’m Looking For” custom-made for a scene where shy lovers spot one another across the corridor and leap slo-mo into each other’s arms. If you like the track, check out the album.