Seal - Soul 2

The soon-to-be ex-husband of supermodel Heidi Klum is back with another album of cover versions of soul classics and, whisper it, it's actually very good. Seal's knack for writing original material waned a long time ago but that voice has never been in any doubt, and he is in finer voice than ever on Soul 2. In lesser singer's hands, taking on classics like these could be seen as sacrilege, but Seal does them justice, and then some. The set offers brilliant takes on songs by such luminaries as Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass and Bill Withers, among others, and nails them. There may be nothing revolutionary about Soul 2, but as a vehicle for Seal's immaculate voice it's perfect.

Rating: 7/10
Top Tracks: Wishing On A Star, What's Going On, Love Won't Let Me Wait

Release Date: 24 January 2012

Snow Patrol - Fallen Empires

The kings of middle-of-the-road arena rock are back and despite them claiming that this album is a move away from their previous style, it's not really at all. Sure, they have added some electronic elements here and there, but the album is basically the same sweeping guitar rock they have been releasing for years. There are tracks on the album that are genuinely moving and they have a way with a melody and a chorus, but what they make are tracks suitable for a Grey's Anatomy soundtrack and that hasn't changed. For fans of the bands previous work that's no bad thing, but if you're looking for wild experimentation, look elsewhere.

Rating: 6/10

Top Tracks: I'll Never Let Go, Fallen Empires, Lifening

Release Date: 10 January 2012