Singles

JAN JOHNSTON: Silent Words, (Perfecto) -- Salford-born Jan Johnston follows up her Top 40 hit Flesh with this more reflective track. Making a clear departure from the widescreen trance of Flesh, here she's more a reflective mode. Seducing us with her sultry vocals, the lyrics carry the strong emotions of two besotted lovers. (8/10)CL

JESSICA SIMPSON: Irresistible (Sony) -- From Sony come the Britney Spears cloney -- only with attitude and bags more appeal. A funked-up tune from American teenager Jessica, this disc combines good lyrics, sexy dancing and an awesome video! (7/10) DH

Albums

VARIOUS: Tomb Raider Soundtrack (Elektra) -- It was inevitable that Tomb Raider would swap the computer screen for the big screen. The soundtrack features a diverse array of music including the fantastic Nine Inch Nails, Basement Jaxx and a remix of Missy Elliot's Get Ur Freak On, with Nelly Furtado. Whether the film will live up to expectations remains to be seen but this is a damn good start. (7/10) SB JESSICA SIMPSON: Irresistible (Sony) -- The multi-platinum artist shows how she has grown up. Blending pop, rhythm and crossover, there is an ease and passion which makes this addictive. (8/10) DH

VARIOUS: Hut Recordings 1991-2001 (Hut) -- This is the first chance fans of Blackburn band The Burn will have had to hear their studio work. And although their track, Facing The Music, is only a demo it's a testament to the quality of the group that it's not overshadowed in the presence of star names like Smashing Pumpkins and The Verve. The acoustic driven track, penned by Danny Davidson, shows they're developing a more chart-friendly style without compromising their principles. With Embrace, Gomez, David Gray, Placebo and Richard Ashcroft included, there's hardly a weak link in the Hut chain. (9/10) CL