It's almost spring time and some of you were hibernating during winter. Start planning those getaways to warmer spots, and while you're at it, check out some of this new music.

It might give you an idea of what to listen to when you're out and about.

Ashanti - The declaration

Whatever has happened to Ashanti you might ask? But she's been around, just never lived up to the promise that came with her "Foolish" hit when she first arrived on the scene, even winning a Grammy in 2000.

If you’re fan or you love your R&B urban, without it flirting with pop, get her for your next chilled-out trip.

Keith Sweat - Just me

Another remember who? Keith Sweat was one of the big R&B artists from the early 90s when R Kelly was still smooth and not mired in controversy. Get this for your portable music player if you love the slow jams. The album sounds very late 80s early 90s.

 Foxboro Hot Tubs - Stop drop and roll

Looking at the name of this band you might think you've never heard of them before but you probably know. Maybe too well. They also formed part of many 90s kids' life soundtracks and in recent years came out with the huge "American Idiot". Yes, it's Greenday making a side project that allows them to drop their rock sound in favour of light 60s surf and punk music. Get it for spring.

Raheem DeVaughn - Love behind the melody

He is not famous. And you've probably never heard him on your addictive music radio station. But that doesn't mean there's not much to him. This album is a breath of fresh air to R&B music in the way that John Legend's debut was when he first came out. It's chilled, thoughtful, and you dance to the track, "Friday".

Kelly Rowland - Ms. Kelly deluxe edition

You just want to love Kelly Rowland. You want to say,"Now that you're not right next to the shinier and brassier Beyonce, deliver!" But with her second album Ms. Kelly was ho hum, pleading desperately for those star producers she should have. And now she has reissued the same album with remixes, but update your iPod with this if you really love Kelly and want to show her some support.

Let the rhythm find you with these great packages.

 Sam Sparro - Sam Sparro

Now here's something really different. A disco, dance, soul, and funk album that's doused with a good dose of dance music, all by the same person. And Sam Sparro is that man. He's hip, frivolous, and thoughtful and just defies stereotypes. If you can't find any hip clubs to dance in the early morning during your next city vacation, just put your headphones and dance to this slightly strange man.

D'Angelo - The best so far…

There was a time somewhere in the late 90s when R&B got a great makeover. Artists like Jill Scott, Angie Stone, Maxwell, and Erykah Badu were getting a lot of love. D'Angelo was one of them. But like Maxwell and a few of the others, D'Angelo wasn't down with the celebrity of it all and we heard less from him. Remember him with this collection, he's still sounds great.

  Ernie Smith - Everything around me

Even people who are kind of partial to jazz like Ernie Smith. That's because his music is accessible; the tiny bit of chilled and smooth R&B that he peppers slightly into his jazz makes him cool and easy to listen to. His new album is strong and shows why he's still making albums. Wherever you go, this will form a nice background.

Nas - Untitled

Nas is one of the few hip hop artists who aren't rapping about all the money, cars and alcohol they have. Instead he's personal and real and this album tackles important issues, the main one being what is to be a black citizen of the world. His audacity to be real ruffles feathers, but if you want something thoughtful during your journey, this is it.

Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus - Best of both worlds concert

Parents of young girls, at this point you know that Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus solves all tantrums (or probably entices them) as far as your daughters are concerned. So get this if you want to keep your girls occupied the next time you take a long journey together. It's current teen pop by Miley and her Disney character Hannah, from their record breaking Best of both worlds tour.

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