Dark Passion Play

Published on February 26, 2008

"The Poet and the Pendulum" is a grand and glorious track that leaps from ballet to battle music in an overture that's reminiscent of the "Lord of the Rings" soundtrack. The closing tracks - "Last of the Wilds" and "7 Days to the Wolves" - are in a similar vein, with a pleasing and uplifting guitar-meets-violin sound. New vocalist Annette Olzon sings well, bringing warm tones and an edgy rock feel to "The Islander" and "Master Passion Greed".

On the Net: Nightwish.com

Rock and Roll Jesus

The new album from Kid Rock sees him moving away from the rap-rock that has dominated his last few outings although there is still enough underlying hip-hop to appeal to his legions of fans. On "All Summer Long", he successfully marries the piano sounds of Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" with the chorus of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama", then switches to country blues for "New Orleans" and "Half Your Age". "Amen" comes with folk guitar and "When You Love Someone" has some great banjo-picking. The Kid is at his rap-rockin' best on "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sugar".

On the Net: Kidrock.com

The Art of Love & War

"The Art of Love and War" marks Angie Stone's excellent return to soul. The standout songs are "Baby", with gospel great Betty Wright, "Half a Chance", and the ballad "Make It last". "Sometimes" and "Go Back to Your Life" had me thinking of the great gospel and a cappella numbers of the 1970s. The funky "Play Wit It" and the upbeat "Pop Pop" should get you on your feet and dancing, and "My People", a duet with James Ingram, is a colourful tune with tribal drums and African chants.

On the Net: myspace.com/angiestonemusic

Versatile Heart

This album is a collection of Linda Thompson's early hits, and was recorded with her son Teddy, who co-wrote four songs as well as the intro and outro. Her daughter Kamila also features, on the guitar-driven bluesy folk number "Nice Cars". The title track is catchy with plenty of horns, and then there's the honky-tonk sound of "Do Your Best for Rock And Roll", which I loved. "Beauty" was the track that really struck a chord, though, with its  bluesy feel, while the accordion-backed "The Way I Love You" leads the listener onto even more melancholic ground.

On the Net: myspace.com/lindathompsonmusic

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by mr badboy, The Nation