Barnes & Noble Presents 'Albums of the Month' Selections for January 202501/08/2025

New York, NY - January 2, 2025 - Barnes & Noble announces its January selections for Albums of the Month in the following categories: Rock, Soundtrack, R&B/Soul and Jazz. The Album of the Month program celebrates the full spectrum of the music industry, highlighting new and old albums across an array of genres.

January's Rock Monthly Pick goes to the album AM by Arctic Monkeys. This album saw the Arctic Monkeys first journey into hip-hop-inspired music, along with adding new instrumentals. This contributed to it being their most commercially successful album.

"AM, the fifth studio album by English rock band Arctic Monkeys, launched the band's career into the stratosphere," said Crissi Bariatti, Senior Merchandise Manager, Barnes & Noble. "Led by heartthrob Alex Turner, with a sultry voice and swagger just as powerful as his songwriting, the band invites you to turn up the volume and join them on their raucous, naughty night out."

The Soundtrack Monthly Pick, as chosen by Barnes & Noble booksellers, is the score of The Matrix. Featuring such artists as Rammstein, Rage Against the Machine and Rob Zombie, this iconic motion picture soundtrack boasts and array of metal, rap, hip-hop and big beat.

"The blood-pumping electronic score to the Wachowskis' sci-fi action classic starring Keanu Reeves is peerless," said Bill Castle, Director of Merchandise, Barnes & Noble. "Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the album has been released with brand-new cover art and an expanded track list. Take the Blue Pill (B&N Exclusive) Vinyl and find out where the story takes you!"

The R&B/Soul Monthly Pick goes to the album Acoustic Soul, by India.Arie. This debut studio album is a certified double platinum record, selling over two million copies across the United States. It received seven Grammy nominations.

"Seminal debut album by Grammy Winning singer-songwriter India.Arie. inspired by James Taylor, but with a Neo-Soul twist reminiscent of Lauryn Hill or Erykah Badu, Acoustic Soul beautifully marries the two styles to create a warm, organic sound all her own," said Tina Mong, Commercial Strategy Manager, Barnes & Noble.

Lastly, the Jazz Monthly Pick is Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto's eponymous album Getz/Gilberto. Showcasing Getz's saxophone and Gilberto's guitar, this is a classic of the genre and an integral piece of the music landscape.

"Considered the record that popularized Bossa Nova worldwide and one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time, Getz/Gilberto is the groundbreaking collaboration between American saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto," said Bariatti. "Featuring the classic track "The Girl from Ipanema," this album is the soundtrack to your lazy Sunday morning or chilled-out dinner party."

Barnes & Noble booksellers choose four exceptional albums each month that vary in genre and style, spotlighting artists new and old. Previous Barnes & Noble Albums of the Month selections have included: The Chainsaw Man Soundtrack, by Kensuke Ushio, Vampire Weekend, by Vampire Weekend, JPEG RAW by Gary Clark Jr., In Rainbows, by Radiohead, Little Girl Blue by Nina Simone, Master of Puppets by Metallica, and What Now by Brittany Howard.  

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