Dangerously in Love – Beyonce (Sony Music)

After their Christmas album in 2001, Destiny’s Child decided to take a break and let each member do their thing. And so they did. Back then Beyonce Knowles, the 21 year – old Houston native, multi-platinum-selling pop/urban recording artist and also founding member of Destiny’s Child, was the first from the three to take the step with her debut solo album.

My Own Best Enemy – Richard Marx - Virgin Records (EMI Music)

Marx has been making records for other people, between albums and is back after over six years with his fifth album backed up with a new band. At the very first listen of ‘My Own Best Enemy’, Marx fans would make out that he has given a much more rocky edge to this album, but at he same time still retaining the beautifully crafted balladic tunes. Marx’s tonsils are still years later, remarkable indeed, soother and one of the attractions working splendidly on the 12 tracks. The lyrics are very personal, self - indulgent.

Guilty – Blue (Virgin Records)

London based lads Duncan James, Antony Costa, Lee Ryan, and Simon Webbe that make Blue, have come a long way since their first release in May 2001. Two albums, and upteen music awards, Blue are officially one of the biggest pop acts, not only in India, but all over the world.

The Cookbook – Missy Elliot (Atlantic Records)

Missy’s sixth effort is a feast of tantalizing songs, in an all natural collection of musical recipes guaranteed to fee the mind and energize the body. While each and every one of Missy’s previous albums has smash hits that catapulted her career beyond superstar status, this present album is a work of pure artistic innovation. A fusion of inventive instrumentals, dynamic and diverse deliveries, and creatively constructed musical movements are what this Virginia native is trademarkedly known for and cooks.

Now or Never - Nick Carter - (HMV)

We first met Nick Carter, the sweet, blonde, blue-eyed member of the Backstreet Boys. Now that he is a bit older, we find him digging a little deeper to show us a side we’ve never seen before.

Chicago (Music from the Miramax Motion Picture) – Various Artists (Sony Music)

If you’ve seen this movie, then chances are that you would have to head straight for this album that relives the magic, soon after the curtains close. The 6 Academy award winner including Best motion picture of the Year ‘Chicago’, brings out a tuneful, mature, and lyrically brilliant John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb score, with an old-time vaudeville touch which eschews sentiment and a love story. The stage performances notched over 1000 performances between New York and London, while the 1942 film version had equal success.

Up! – Shania Twain (Double Disc) (Universal Music)

The multi-Grammy winning singer/songwriter ‘Up!’ album is released as a pack of two – for the price of one. The two CDs/MCs are called the Red album and the Blue album both of which has been produced, arranged and co-written with her husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange.

C21 – C21 – Virgin Records

With a name such as C21, at first thought it could be short for Catch 22. But now with mobile phones in the market, C21 is now not only band name, but also a brand model name of a leading mobile maker. Back then when the boys took the name of C 21, they surely had not expected to hear this. But let’s get into the band and their debut album and what it’s all about.

Willie Nelson. Stars and Guitars and Friends – Willie Nelson (Live) (Universal Music)

The beauty of mountain music i.e. fleet picking, sophisticated strumming and a generally genial vibe, is all over Willie Hugh Nelson’s acoustic classic album that fits in the amiable mood created by him and his guests. 18 classic hits from the virtuoso, tests the waters of country music with modern day and old legends from various genres of music.

Who you Fighting for – UB 40 (EMI Virgin)

2005 marks the 25th anniversary since UB40 released their first album ‘Signing off’. Now after a gap of 7 years the 8 original members who have always been together, once again jam to create a refreshing and vibrant 13 track reggae style album that speaks about the evils of war and at the same time brining about a love touched flavor into the album. The album jacket suggests that war weighs heavy on these reggae minds. While Bob Marley spearheaded the fight for rights, UB40 speaks about war and its consequences. This gives a balanced mix of moods to the album.