SONG OF THE WEEK: Colton Dixon's You Are
Despite leaving last season's American Idol competition in seventh place, Dixon sold more recordings than any contestant save winner Phillip Phillips. Worship song You Are won't win any originality points – "You are the song, you are the song I'm singing/You are the air, you are the air I'm breathing," Dixon sings in the chorus — but his emotional intensity and public profile should serve him well at Christian radio. Dixon's debut album is due in February. — Brian Mansfield
THE PLAYLIST
USA TODAY music critic Jerry Shriver highlights 10 intriguing tracks found during the week's listening.
Left Coast Groovies, Gov't Mule
Guitar whiz Warren Haynes' trio honors Frank Zappa on this crazed live track from the new Georgia Bootleg Box.
Ain't Gonna Be Your Tattoo, S. Copeland
A harrowing tale of abuse and escape from the blues priestess, with Buddy Guy on guitar.
You Saved Me, Gary Clark Jr.
The hot young Texas guitarist gets semi-psychedelic on this pulsating track from the new Blak and Blu.
Grande Valse Brilliante, Op. 18, Lang Lang
On his first all-Chopin album, the brilliant pianist revives one of the first songs he ever learned.
Back 'O Town Blues, Louis Armstrong & All Stars
Jazz at its bluesy best on this classic from the just-released Satchmo at Symphony Hall: 65th Anniversary – The Complete Performances.
Am I Even a Memory? Wanda Jackson
The rockabilly queen supreme duets with producer Justin Townes Earle on this country waltz from her new Unfinished Business.
The Kingdom Has Already Come, Iris DeMent
That unique, plaintive Americana voice shines on this track from the new Sing the Delta, her first album in 16 years.
Hello, I Love You, The Doors
This previously unreleased version is a minor addition to the newly re-released and expanded Live at the Bowl '68.
Let's Have a Ball Tonight, Tim Maia
Brazil's "Funk Soul Godfather" sings a universal message of peace on this '70s track from the new compilation World Psychedelic Classics 4.
Last Kind Words Blues, Geeshie Wiley
A blues rarity from the early '30s, found on the new Yazoo collection The Return of the Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of.
