Google on Wednesday partnered with Web services Lala and MySpace's iLike to give music fans an easier way to find, sample and buy songs on the Internet.

The new feature enables users to search and more easily discover millions of songs, all via a simple Google web search. When users enter a music-related query - like the name of a song, artist or album - their search results will include links to an audio preview of those songs provided by Google's music search partners MySpace (which just acquired iLike) or Lala. Clicking the result will allows users to listen to an audio preview of the song directly from one of those partners. MySpace and Lala also provide links to purchase the full song.

MFor all those who don't know the name of the song or the artist who singsit, this search feature also help them find many of those songs by entering a search containing a line or two of lyrics.

Finally, a search engine should also be able to help users discover music they'll like, even if they can't tell it what exactly they want to hear. Google has partnered with Pandora, imeem and Rhapsody to include links to their sites where users can discover music related to their queries as well.

This feature also helps people discover new sources of licensed music online while helping artists to discover new generations of fans and reconnect with longtime listeners. This tool introduces millions of music seekers in the U.S. to a new generation of licensed online music services, from MySpace and Lala to Pandora, imeem and Rhapsody.

Google said it did not work directly with any record labels -- contrary to reports that it had forged ties with the likes of Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group -- but had the industry's full support.

Google will be rolling this feature out gradually to users across the U.S. starting from today. To learn more, check out this page.

Facebook last week also expanded its musical offerings through a deal to integrate Lala into its gift store. Google's own Youtube video site is separately partnering with Vivendi's Universal Music Group and Sony Music to create Vevo, a music video service expected to launch December.