Music Reviews - January 2011

Sounds of Summer

Hit The Dancefloor With...

So Fresh: The Hits Of Summer 2011 & The Best Of 2010. Featuring Black Eyed Peas, Pink and Adam Lambert, it also showcases anthems that will dominate dancefloors in 2011 from Usher, Taio Cruz and Nelly. So Fresh Summer (Universal) is out now.



Work Up A Sweat With...

Ultimate R&B 2010. Boasting one of the series' strongest track lists, urban lovers will feast on a sonic smorgasbord of beats from Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Jason Derulo, Kelly Rowland, Lady Gaga and David Guetta. It also includes a DVD of some steamy R&B clips. Ultimate R&B 2010 (Universal) is out now.


Cool Down With...

Ministry of Sound's Chillout Sessions XIII. From Angus & Julia Stone, Washington and The Temper Trap to The Chemical Brothers, Robyn and Groove Armada, this year's Chillout is perfect for lazy days.
Chillout Sessions XIII (Ministry of Sound) is out now.



Rock Dust Light Star

Jamiroquai (Universal)
Jay Kay, the UK's favourite Ferrari-driving funkster, hasn't made an album in five years (he's been learning to fly helicopters, apparently). The break seems to have done him good because Rock Dust Light Star is one of the best things Jamiroquai has ever recorded. Why? Because the songs are great and we hear his distinctive voice in new ways. If you download only one track, make it "Hurtin'".

He Will Have His Way: The Songs Of Tim & Neil Finn

Various artists (EMI)
After the success of 2005’s She Will Have Her Way, it's the men's turn to put their stamp on the illustrious Finn songbook. The line-up of talent is truly eclectic: everyone from Jimmy Barnes to Boy & Bear, who turn "Fall At Your Feet" into a harmony-drenched folk song.
Buy this if you like Neil Finn!

Couleurs sur Paris Nouvelle Vague (Cartell)

This Parisian collective has a talent for turning post-punk hits from the UK and US into evocative French chanson. On their fourth album, the producers reinterpret French New Wave songs from the ’80s into smoky ballads and slow-burn pop. The cynicism and romance of tunes such as "Dereglee" and "Je Suis Déjà Parti" are channelled perfectly by a line-up of contemporary French vocalists, including Olivia Ruiz and Vanessa Paradis.
If you download only one track, make it "Weekend A Rome".

You heard it here first...
Miss Teal From Adelaide, the city of churches and hot R&B singers, comes Miss Teal and her excellent debut single, "Sleep Deprivation". An edgy, passionate ode to all-night parties, it showcases a fine voice and some slick production. Check her out at www.myspace.com/missteal.