Bonga's Beats - Wild soul

THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS - DOLLS DOMINATION

These dolls are really dominating! Whilst many critics thought that The Pussycat Dolls were all about looks and no talent, these girls are proving that there is so much more to them than just that. The album is catchy, fun and young. But I was a little disappointed to realise that Nicole (who is the lead doll) is on lead vocals throughout the album. But this doesn't necessarily make it a bad album. It's just that the other dolls can sing too and it would have been great to hear them too. Some of the world's best producers were enlisted to assist; like Will.I.Am (of the Black Eyed Peas), Timbaland (Justin Timberlake), R. Kelly and Ron Fair (Christina Aguilera).

Notable Songs: Baby Love, Love the way you Love Me, Out of this Club

SOLANGE - SOL-ANGEL AND THE HADLEY ST. DREAMS

This is the second album by Beyonce's little sister. That association alone puts her at a disadvantage, but Solange's music is nothing like her commercial sister's. With this new sound, some have gone as far as calling her the retro-soul-diva-in-training. If you enjoy Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings; you'll definitely enjoy this. Many of the songs will sound like songs you listened to in the 60s, 70s and 80s. She fused a new funky sound with an old vibe. This is no Sunday afternoon music (ballads) but something you'll play when you want to feel good.

Notable Songs: Sandcastle Disco, I Decided, I Told You So

RAY LaMONTAGNE - GOSSIP IN THE GRAIN

If you don't know this man, do yourself a favour and look him up. He's certainly not a newcomer, and while he may not be the most successful commercial artist, Ray has an avid fan base. His new album proves why he was once called one the most soulful men the world has seen. Intelligent, perceptive lyrics, mesmerising melodies, and just the right amount of rasp to his voice to really show off the emotion.

Notable Songs: Let It Be Me, I Still Care For You, It's A Shame

SEAL - SOUL

Previously, it used to be the older singers doing this (Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, George Michael). But now, the younger singers are also doing it, singing cover songs by legendary history-makers. This could be very dangerous, especially if a number of other artists have covered the same songs. Seal has decided to pay tribute to some of the fallen legends (Sam Cooke, James Brown, etc). There's no denying the fact that Seal is a great singer and while he does justice to most of the songs, the burning question is why sing songs that have already been done to death?

Notable Songs: Stand By Me, A Change Is Gonna Come, It's A Man's Man's World

CRAIG DAVID - GREATEST HITS

Back in the day, an artist had to have tons and tons of albums and decades of experience before they even considered releasing a greatest hits album. Well now, they don't wait for as long as they used to because there's literally a new artist releasing everyday. U.K. R&B singer/songwriter Craig David emerged in the late 1990s as the smooth, soulful voice. All R&B lovers immediately fell in love with him and many of his songs did well on the charts. But just in case you'd never been exposed to his music, and if you want to avoid buying all four CDs, then this would be a great place to start. The album also has 3 brand new songs.
Notable Songs: Rise & Fall (ft Sting), Walking Away, Rewind