Michael Bublé is undoubtedly one of the most successful and popular contemporary crooners. The pop-vocal style of his latest album, Call me Irresponsible continues to prove this. The album features the charismatic singer’s smooth, suave style and snappy big band arrangements. Many of the songs pay tribute to Dino and Frank, although the feel of the album is definitely contemporary. Bublé begins with Frank Sinatra’s famous sing “The Best Is Yet to Come” and follows with a variety of daring new song choices, including the great Brazilian duet with Ivan Lins on “Wonderful Tonight”, “That’s Life” featuring a Gospel choir, versions of Leonard Cohen, Willie Nelson and Eric Clapton songs and the 70’s pop-style “Everything.” Bublé co-wrote the latter which was produced by Bob Rock. You won’t be disappointed with Bublé’s latest album.

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Scottish singer, KT Tunstall delivers soulful folk-like songs and fragile lyrics on her debut album, Eye to the Telescope. The singer proves her star power with songs such as “Suddenly I See,” “False Alarm” and “Another Place to Fall.” The strong tune “Miniature Disasters” blends Jazz, blues and folk and reveals Tunstall’s need for self-expression. Although the opening track “Other Side of the World” may remind you of Dido, the rest of the tracks are much closer to music greats such as Elvis Costello and Carol King. Tunstall reveals subtle charm on the beautiful songs of the album, making this a satisfying, but not extraordinary debut.

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The title of the Sugababes’ latest album, Change is very appropriate; the girl band is famous for rotating its members and frequently shifting their musical tack since they first formed 9 years ago. This is Amelle Berrabah’s studio album debut, after replacing Mutya Buena. She dominates with the powerful opening track “About You Now” that has become the sixth UK number one hit for producer Cathy Dennis. The girls strike gold again with the disco-friendly ‘Never Gonna Dance Again”, followed by other gems such as the sassy “My Love Is Pink” and the surprisingly catchy “3 Spoons Of Suga.” The album also includes some slower-paced tunes such as “Mended By You” and “Change.” Although all of the tracks reflect the classic appeal of the Sugababes, this album seems to lack the appeal of hits from previous albums such as “Overload” and “Freak Like Me.”

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Snow Patrol has created a great second album chock full of songs you wish became #1 hits. In fact, three tracks from Eyes Open are vying for the same success the band experienced with “Run” on their debut album. “You’re All I Have” isn’t a bad choice for a first single, although many of the other tracks outshine it. The forceful “Make This Go On Forever” and “Open Your Eyes” will sweep listeners up, balanced by quieter tracks such as “Finish Line” or “You Could Be Happy” with the twinkle of a music box in the background. “Chasing Cars” is one of the better tracks with Lightbody’s solo vocals, and the entire album contains tunes aimed straight fro the heart of their fans. The sound of the band has grown considerably larger and broader than Final Straw, as well as more compelling and catchier. This approach seems to work for them, and for now, Snow Patrol seems to be on the verge of something undeniably big.

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Mark Knopfler’s fifth solo album since leaving Dire Straits, Kill to Get Crimson, brings you back to the 1960s and 70s British folk revival. Every song on this album is an original, and songs such as “The Fish and the Bird” and “The Scaffolder’s Wife” are reminiscent of English, Irish and Scottish folk tunes. The remarkable guitar riffs are highlighted by Knopfler’s seasoned and soothing voice. He uses his lyrics to paint a vivid picture and many of the tracks, particularly “Secondary Waltz” reflect his subtle humor. You certainly won’t find any of the epic pop-rock tunes made famous by Dire Straits. However, you will be rewarded with a revitalized version of traditional British folk-rock from this talented guitarist.

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Avril Lavigne has become the teen pop/punk princess of the music world, and her third album, The Best Damn Thing is another hit. It reflects the same anger, sass and vulnerability we have come to know and love from this young singer. The album begins with the first release “Girlfriend” – a pop hit and one of the album’s best tracks. Lavigne also belts out a unique rendition of “Mickey” made famous by Tony Basil, followed by other anthems such as “I Don’t Have to Try” and “Contagious” that just make you want to sing and clap along. In addition to the traditional pop choruses, brash lyrics and hand-clapping, the album also features a few surprises such as the slow song “Innocence.” This powerful album clearly reveals that Avril doesn’t take herself too seriously, although she continues to climb her way up to the top of the music charts.

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Kate Nash, a British singer and talented instrumentalist, has made a very impressive debut with Made of Bricks. Her collection of pop songs is dynamic and confident and highlights Nash’s sultry voice. Tracks such as “Dickhead” feature a powerful delivery that is reminiscent of Lily Allen. The playful piano tune “Skeleton Song” and the swooning “Birds” will remind you of creative female artists such as Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple. However, the highlight of the entire album has to be “Bricks.” This catchy track infused with electronica was responsible for Nash’s sudden rise to fame in the UK, and it highlights her sense of melody and biting wit.

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Life in Cartoon Motion, the debut album of Mika, a 22-year-old Brit, is as eclectic as you are going to hear. Flamboyant, sensational and original are three other adjectives that will probably come to mind after hearing some of the songs. Mika wrote and produced every one of the tracks on this pop album which combine euphoric melodies with darker undertones. Bubbly melodramas mix with tales of loss, love, happiness, hope and abandonment. However, one common thread links them all – a unique imagination and skilled pop craftsmanship. Mika is much more than a pretty-boy singer; tracks such as “Relax and Take It Easy,” “Billy Brown,” “Grace Kelly” and “Lollipop” showcase the singer’s incredible way with words and are album highlights. Slightly cheesy and high camp, the songs on the album are also fun and creative with thought-provoking lyrics. You’ll find yourself singing along with Mika’s falsetto, theatrical voice!

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The White Stripes have returned with their sixth studio album, Icky Thump – one of the most bombastic yet! Icky Thump reveals the American folk music roots of the bank, while combining a wide variety of blues styles, nouveau, garage rock and even flamenco. The title track features Jack’s falsetto lyrics, keyboard riffs and the pounding drums of Meg. The creative duo invokes Bob Dylan with some interspersed distorted guitar licks on the track “300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues.” One of the best tracks of the album, “Effect and Cause” features Jack’s trademark warble and acoustic strumming with Meg’s famous single-minded beats. The entire album contains giant guitar riffs, eerie bagpipes, rhythmic shifts, Jack’s amazing vocals and Flamenco horns. Once again, the White Stripes manage to make vintage ideas new again with the rock and roll masterpiece of Icky Thump.

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This album of original songs with the E Street Band begins with three minutes of droning treble guitar on “Radio Nowhere.” Throughout Magic, Springsteen retraces his steps and delivers many would-be hits, in fact more than on any other album other than Born in the USA. You can credit the powerful sound of “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” with produce Brendan O’Brien who sets the tone for Bruce’s incredible vocal performance. “I’ll Work for Your Love” reminds listeners of The River and it contains a great mix of glockenspiel, infinite guitars and piano. Clarence Clemons’ saxophone provides a great backup to Little Steven’s backing vocals on “Livin’ in the Future.” Springsteen includes a touching solo that acknowledges the death of one of his friends on “Terry’s Song”: “When they built you, brother/They broke the mold.” The album ends with a hidden track and for the entire 48 minutes of Magic, you’ll be transported to the magic world of the nearly 60-year old Springsteen.

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