Van Hunt

Eclectic R&B artist Van Hunt will return Aug. 7 with "The Popular Machine," a 4-track digital EP previewing the full-length album "Popular," due Jan. 15. The releases will mark Hunt's debut for Blue Note after two albums for Capitol, reports Billboard.com "The Popular Machine" will include the first two singles from "Popular:" "Turn My TV On" and "The Lowest 1 Of My Desires." It will also feature acoustic versions of "Character" and "Night Is Young," both from his sophomore album, 2006's "On the Jungle Floor." "Popular," produced by Hunt, is his "best record so far. It's the best-written one and the one with the best arrangements," the artist tells Billboard.com. "I think if I can speak artistically, it's just very well put together." The artist is planning to play some shows later this summer in advance of "Popular," and is also in the studio with Anthony Hamilton, for whom he's penned three new songs. Also on tap is a book of Hunt's short stories, which he hopes to publish by the end of 2008. Here is the track list for "Popular": 1. turn my TV on2. prelude (the dimples on ur bottom) 3. ur personal army4. popular: count's coda5. n the southern shade6. there's never a g'time 2 say g'bye7. feelings8. SNM9. the lowest 1 of my desires10. break down ur door11. ur a monster, parts 1 & 212. blood from a heart of stone13. bits & pieces14. finale (it all ends n tears) Copyright 2007 Billboard.com