Album

Dizzee Rascal is the best rapper this country's ever produced, period. His words are as sharp as prime Tricky, his delivery sharper; he's got bags more personality than anybody in the British rap scene. These local comparisons add up to faint praise, though, so how about this: 18-year-old, East London-bred Dizzee Rascal is as good as any MC currently active on Earth. Every UK garage MC brags about how his style's unique, and virtually every MC does it using the same flow and timbre.

Karaoke homages from punk's fourth division

Aussie's 'difficult' period with help from Manics, McAloon and Neil Tennant; plus extra remix/rarities CDs

Brisk debut from Danish buzzpoppers

Initially electrifying, ultimately frustrating solo debut by Destiny's Child mainwoman

UK popsters catch heaven in a bottle on second album

Brilliant collection of contemporary dub instrumentals

His Royal Toddness breezes into Sun Plaza, Tokyo to promote Nearly Human

A mixed bag of late period reissues from the ancestors of S Club

Mid-price reissue of '90s R&B landmark