SINGLES:
JANET JACKSON: Son Of A Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You), (Virgin) -- Taken from her number one album, 'All For You', Janet's back with an interesting new take on the Carly Simon classic. Dark pumping basslines mix with Janet's trademark velvet soul vocals and the unmistakeable lyrical sound of hip-hop's first lady Missy Elliot. CL (8/10)
MARIAH CAREY: Never Too Far Away/Don't Stop, (Virgin) -- Is this a double A side because neither track has the strength to capture a top chart spot? 'Never Too Far Away', is an under-achieving ballad delivered in a Whitney Houston style, while 'Don't Stop', has a decent groove until Mariah's candy coated vocal destroys the vibe. CL (3/10)
STEREO MC'S: Running, (Island) -- Nothing for eight years then a brilliant new album and three singles all in the same 12 months. So if history repeats itself then the Stereos are due another extended break. Here they rework the album track by stripping it down, leaving it with raw, menacing energy. CL (9/10)
ALBUMS:
SO SOLID CREW: They Don't Know, (Independiente) -- With a massive 20 tunes on offer -- if you include intros and stuff -- the controversial masters and lords of UK Garage are at least offering value for money. Already dubbed 'the Wu-Tang Clan of two step', their raw, futuristic take on the scene sounds like nothing else on the planet. As well as the number one smash hit, '21 Seconds', the anthemic, 'Ride Wid Us', and the lyrically barded, 'Haters', there's more than enough quality here to suggest their blend of R&B, Rap, ragga and garage beats will be around as long as the group holds together. CL (8/10)
VARIOUS: Smash Hits 2002: (Virgin)-- If you're bored with the vast array of award ceremonies that seem to play the same old bands doing songs we've heard a thousand times, then avoid this album like the plague. Because surprise, surprise, it carries all the obvious names , doing the obvious tunes. Kylie's there with 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head'. At least S Club7 manage to break the mould, choosing their newer track, 'Have You Ever?', but it's still not enough to ignite my interest. CL (4/10)
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