Lioness: Hidden Treasures, Amy Winehouse
It's hard to believe Amy Winehouse only released two albums, and although this was produced after her death, it feels like the fitting conclusion to her musical career. There are a few familiar tracks - the original version of Tears Dry On Their Own and a version of Valerie stand out, while a few new songs act as a rare glimpse into Amy's world in her final months - Our Day Will Come and her Nas collaboration, Like Smoke, are strong. The track notes say that this is the album Amy would have put out - just as it is.
Rating 4 out of 5
Dh60, Virgin Megastores
Black and White America, Lenny Kravitz
There was a long wait for Lenny Kravitz's ninth studio album, and it was worth it! With all the walking, talking, guitar-strumming attitude you'd expect from the funk superstar, the hits on this album vary from hard-hitting soul-with- a-message title track, Black And White America, to the gospel-esque Push. There are a few unexpected collaborations that mean the album goes beyond its ‘funk' definition. Drake pops up on the slightly reggae, Sunflower, and new dad Jay-Z features on Boongie Drop. This is genre-hopping Kravitz at his best.
Rating 4 out of 5
Dh60, Virgin Megastores
At Your Inconvenience, Professor Green
The potty-mouthed Professor has returned, and the second album from Hackney-born rapper Stephen Paul Manderson - billed as the UK's answer to Eminem - certainly doesn't disappoint. The album has everything from rap ballads such as Read All About It, featuring Emeli Sandé, to the now slightly overdone but almost obligatory dubstep tracks, one of which is the superior How Many Moons. The album is more grown up than his debut, with clever analysis of life in the public eye, collaborations with relative unknowns and tight lyrics.
Rating 3 out of 5
Dh60, Virgin Megastores
Universal Religion: Chapter 5, Armin Van Buuren
If you're a fan of pure trance, you'll go mad for this double album from the master of house, Armin Van Buuren. The CD comes straight from the source, recorded live over two nights at Ibiza's famous Space, and boasts tracks that will appeal to lovers of vocal trance, like Fight The Fire by Andy Moor, with amazing vocals from Sue McLaren, and An Angel's Love by Alex M.O.R.P.H. with Sylvia Tosun. This probably isn't the CD to relax to on a Saturday afternoon, but on Friday night, it's the best bet to keep your party going.
Rating 3 out of 5
Dh110, Virgin Megastores
