The Tension and The Spark – Darren Hayes (Sony Music)

Singer / Songwriter Darren Hayes who sold millions of records worldwide between 1997 – 2001 as one half of the multi – platinum duo Savage Garden (with Daniel Jones) and in 2004 came out his second solo effort after 2002’s ‘Spin’.

Trouble – Akon (Universal Music)

Aliaune Akon Thiam better known in music circles as Akon would’ve been just another hip hop artist trying to break ground, but it took him just one song to make him a star overnight. Senegalese – American Akon pays homage to the early hip hop music which influenced him, and on this his debut work, he also includes women, the lack of them or just trouble with them in general as his album name suggests, everything you hear on this album is about himself and his life.

Here for the Party – Gretchen Wislon (Sony Music)

If you want to see a young Sheryl Crow and her young band (yes they look very young) perform in London, this is the DVD to watch. You also get to see Ms. Crow playing the accordion on Strong Enough, and Eric Clapton doing his guitar thing on Ordinary Morning.

Damita Jo – Janet Jackson – (EMI Music)

Multi – million selling pop superstar Janet Jackson is out to tease you in 16 songs of pure pop funk fusion. The album is her 4th with Virgin Records and 8th studio album overall. Janet once again joins forces with longtime friends and creative allies Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who’ve worked with her since 1986’s ‘Control’.

Room Service – Bryan Adams (Universal Music)

After dabbling in soundtracks, Adams finally settles down in a hotel room and writes out his album. One listen to the album and its pure Adams - adrenaline all the way. Tracks shift from raging guitars to harsh vocals, to skilful drumming, to more down tempo cool melodies and yes sappy and mushy lyrics – its all there.

Rocket Man – The Definitive Hits – Elton John (Universal Music) Rs. 395/-

Launched in celebration of his 60th birthday, the piano man works up a fine collection of toppers from his career, but sadly misses out on some.

Merry Christmas, Baby – Rod Stewart (Universal Music) Rs. 295/-

If you look at the discography of this British singer – songwriter you will find that this is his 28th studio album. The singer who gave us Some Guys have all the luck, Downtown Train, and other such toppers, brings on his first ever Christmas album. If you know how Rod Stewart sounds, and are aware of these songs’ traditional arrangements, then you already know what Merry Christmas, Baby has in store.

Home for Christmas - Susan Boyle (Sony Music) Rs. 399/-

Thanks to the latest digital innovations, Grammy nominated vocalist Susan Boyle collaborates with the late Elvis Presley and Johnny Mathis on her Christmas album.

Wrapped in Red – Kelly Clarkson (Sony Music) Rs. 399/-

This is the termed as the biggest album this season which debuted at #3 on the Top 100 Charts. Clarkson, first of all is the only title holder of the first ever American Idol to have released a Christmas album. That should be some achievement we must say, though her pop career is also doing pretty well, her Christmas album has a bunch of traditional tracks and a few original compositions as well.

Free Me – Emma Bunton (Universal Music)

Former vocalist with The Spice Girls, Emma Louise Bunton almost comes close to her debut ‘A Girl like Me’ and in this album includes R & B, a lot of guitar work and swinging moments. Her new offering has a lot of attitude phrasing, spoken asides, and sly syncopation, which comes as a follow-up rather than a knockoff from her earlier work.