Heart ‘n’ Soul – Tina Charles

Tina Charles born as Tina Hopkins changed her name to Tina Charles by adopting her father’s name on launching her music career. The reason for this she said was that many would confuse her for Mary Hopkin, who was well known at that time. Charles' big break came in 1975, when Indian – British composer / producer Biddu, who had just enjoyed massive success worldwide with the disco, hit Kung Fu Fighting for singer Carl Douglas, happened to meet her. The rest they say is history.

The Confluence: Piano and Santoor – Richard Clayderman and Rahul Sharma – EMI Music - Rs. 795/-

Piano lovers would love this work of fusion, and that too especially if you are a big fan of Richard Clayderman who is considered the Prince of Romance the world over. The great pianist playing the western instrument takes up space next to the santoor and who better to play it than the very talented Rahul Sharma.

Rubber Soul – The Beatles

The world of music is divided in two halves, before Rubber Soul and after Rubber Soul. And same is true for the music of The Beatles.

Saxophone Colossus – Sonny Rollins

The 1950s was the Golden Age of Jazz and this particular album sparkles more than many others made during that time. Created by saxophone genius Sonny Rollins and his distinguished set of musicians (Tommy Flanagan on piano, Doug Watkins on bass and Max Roach on drums), this album is complex, yet easy to access hard bop Jazz. Its catchy, its melodious, its bluesy, its melancholic and its foot-tapping.

In Session – Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan

Imagine you are an Urdu poetry lover and you get hold of a recording of a literary conversation between Sahir Ludhiyanvi and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. That’s exactly how any blues lover will feel about this great recording session between the two guitar legends.

Dire Straits – Dire Straits

The year was 1978 and the world of music was sounding punk, prog-rock and somewhat aggressive. Enter Dire Straits, a British band with their eponymous debut LP, full of tasteful, blues/rock inspired guitar licks, everyday-life lyrics and something called Sultans of Swing. Rest, as they say, is history.

Together Through Life – Bob Dylan

It’s not a Dylan classic alright, but it’s worth several whiskey-soaked visits. Released in 2009, ‘Together Through Life’, the 33rd studio album from Mr Bob Dylan once again displays his love for quintessential American music and his poetic prowess.

Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

It’s a pop album. No, it’s a Jazz album. Wait…its got country sounds too, along with some soul elements. But then, does it really matter? Whatever it is, it sounds beautiful.

The Works – Queen

This is a pretty solid studio album by Queen, which skyrocketed them back on top of the charts in the UK. Featuring a few hit singles, this marked Queen's use of synthesizers excessively. This is a surefire hit for any diehard Queen fan.

Thriller – Michael Jackson

It was an evening of revelry when I was with some of my musician friends, chilling at my place, making some music and listening to some vinyls. A few hours into the evening, things had become a little mellow and that’s when someone yelled, ‘Let’s spin some Thriller’ and there was a unanimous and almost euphoric ‘Yes’ in reply.