As we head toward the end of 2004, one artist is lifting up listeners with his new release. John Legend, the soulful crooner who sang hooks on Kanye West's "Jesus Walks," Jay-Z's "Encore," and a host of other hip-hop tracks, is breaking out on his own with his debut solo effort, Get Lifted.

West, whose affiliation with Legend helped the latter secure a record deal, co-wrote the debut single off Get Lifted, "Used to Love U." The Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am also makes a cameo on the album as the producer of the second single, "Ordinary People."

If all the bonding and family togetherness of the holiday season took a toll on your rock and roll soul, the MC5 have the cure for you. The legendary Detroit hard rockers are releasing Purity Accuracy, a six-disc box set, half of which consists of rare recordings, demos and alternate takes, while the other half is unreleased live material.

With so few big new releases to run out and buy this week, why not use your downtime wisely by ... learning to tango. The 38-track, three-disc set Beginner's Guide to Tango should help get you started. Don't forget -- it takes two to tango, so make sure to ask a friend to join you.

Out Tuesday, December 28:

Read: [article id="1492704"]"Kanye's Hook Singer, John Legend, Ready For The Spotlight"[/article]

Buy Now: Get Lifted (Columbia)

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