Rocket Man – The Definitive Hits – Elton John (Universal Music) Rs. 395/-

Launched in celebration of his 60th birthday, the piano man works up a fine collection of toppers from his career, but sadly misses out on some.

Merry Christmas, Baby – Rod Stewart (Universal Music) Rs. 295/-

If you look at the discography of this British singer – songwriter you will find that this is his 28th studio album. The singer who gave us Some Guys have all the luck, Downtown Train, and other such toppers, brings on his first ever Christmas album. If you know how Rod Stewart sounds, and are aware of these songs’ traditional arrangements, then you already know what Merry Christmas, Baby has in store.

Home for Christmas - Susan Boyle (Sony Music) Rs. 399/-

Thanks to the latest digital innovations, Grammy nominated vocalist Susan Boyle collaborates with the late Elvis Presley and Johnny Mathis on her Christmas album.

Wrapped in Red – Kelly Clarkson (Sony Music) Rs. 399/-

This is the termed as the biggest album this season which debuted at #3 on the Top 100 Charts. Clarkson, first of all is the only title holder of the first ever American Idol to have released a Christmas album. That should be some achievement we must say, though her pop career is also doing pretty well, her Christmas album has a bunch of traditional tracks and a few original compositions as well.

Free Me – Emma Bunton (Universal Music)

Former vocalist with The Spice Girls, Emma Louise Bunton almost comes close to her debut ‘A Girl like Me’ and in this album includes R & B, a lot of guitar work and swinging moments. Her new offering has a lot of attitude phrasing, spoken asides, and sly syncopation, which comes as a follow-up rather than a knockoff from her earlier work.

Dangerously in Love – Beyonce (Sony Music)

After their Christmas album in 2001, Destiny’s Child decided to take a break and let each member do their thing. And so they did. Back then Beyonce Knowles, the 21 year – old Houston native, multi-platinum-selling pop/urban recording artist and also founding member of Destiny’s Child, was the first from the three to take the step with her debut solo album.

My Own Best Enemy – Richard Marx - Virgin Records (EMI Music)

Marx has been making records for other people, between albums and is back after over six years with his fifth album backed up with a new band. At the very first listen of ‘My Own Best Enemy’, Marx fans would make out that he has given a much more rocky edge to this album, but at he same time still retaining the beautifully crafted balladic tunes. Marx’s tonsils are still years later, remarkable indeed, soother and one of the attractions working splendidly on the 12 tracks. The lyrics are very personal, self - indulgent.

Guilty – Blue (Virgin Records)

London based lads Duncan James, Antony Costa, Lee Ryan, and Simon Webbe that make Blue, have come a long way since their first release in May 2001. Two albums, and upteen music awards, Blue are officially one of the biggest pop acts, not only in India, but all over the world.

The Cookbook – Missy Elliot (Atlantic Records)

Missy’s sixth effort is a feast of tantalizing songs, in an all natural collection of musical recipes guaranteed to fee the mind and energize the body. While each and every one of Missy’s previous albums has smash hits that catapulted her career beyond superstar status, this present album is a work of pure artistic innovation. A fusion of inventive instrumentals, dynamic and diverse deliveries, and creatively constructed musical movements are what this Virginia native is trademarkedly known for and cooks.

Now or Never - Nick Carter - (HMV)

We first met Nick Carter, the sweet, blonde, blue-eyed member of the Backstreet Boys. Now that he is a bit older, we find him digging a little deeper to show us a side we’ve never seen before.