U2 working on new album
U2 is working on their next album with longtime collaborators Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois in a Dublin recording studio. U2, Eno and Lanois have spent time working on new material on three prior occasions in France and Morocco. There's no release date set yet for the project, which will be the follow-up to 2004's "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." Meanwhile, U2 has contributed to the charity single "The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew," from which proceeds will benefit the ill Irish artist who has cancer. The track will be available in Ireland only as a download and CD.

Asia finish new album Phoenix
Asia has finished recording their next self-produced album "Phoenix" which is due in April. The new album is the first group effort in their original lineup since "Alpha" from 1983. According to drummer Carl Palmer the album is not very aggressive as Asia isn't an aggressive band, except for their first album “Asia” (1982). Asia now includes Yes guitarist Steve Howe, former Buggles and Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes and singer-bassist John Wetton. The band is planning a UK tour in March before they travel to the US in early April. Japan is next and Europe will follow in May.

New Usher track leaked purposely
Various new Usher tracks have been leaking to the Internet lately. Some time ago "Crazy" surfaced online, after that "Moving Mountains" and "Dat Gurl Right There" followed and the latest leak is "Love In This Club." This time around it seems that the track's producer, Polow Da Don, was the source. According to the producer he did so to get it the best radio promotion. Polow said he put the song out there because he was tired of waiting on label politics. Lil Jon did the the same thing with "Yeah!" in 2003.

Second Gnarls Barkley album due in April
Gnarls Barkley has set an April 8 release date for their new album "The Odd Couple." First single "Run" leaked online two weeks ago and is starting to gain attention. Second single will be "Who's Gonna Save My Soul." The group will support their new effort with a summer tour and show up at both US and European festivals.

Janet Jackson album details
Janet will release her new album “Discipline” on February 26. It will be her 10th studio album and its title refers to her discipline in her work, according to the singer. Producers and writers include boyfriend Jermaine Dupri, The-Dream, Missy Elliott, Bryan-Michael Cox and Rodney Jerkins.

Mariah Carey names new album
Mariah Carey has named her new album "E=MC²." The new effort will be out April 15 and the first single "Touch My Body" is out now. The album features production by Jermaine Dupri, will.i.am, Stargate, Bryan Michael Cox and Nate "Danjahandz" Hills. Collaborators include T-Pain and Damian Marley. "E=MC ²" is the follow-up of "The Emancipation of Mimi," which has sold 5.8 million copies in the US only..