Music reviews: Snow Patrol and more

Blue Sky Blue, Pete Murray

The fourth album from Australian singer-songwriter, Pete Murray, is of the ‘if it ain't broke, don't fix it' school of thought - and thank heavens for that! With his last three albums all certified platinum in his native Oz (with 2003's sublime, Feeler, going six-times platinum), Murray's soft, thoughtful vocals, autobiographical lyrics and staccato chords return here, with Always A Winner, the standout you'll have on repeat. Let You Go, is another, thanks to its wailing guitars and female backing vocals. Fans will discover there's not a weak link on this offering.
Rating 4 out of 5
Dh60, Virgin Megastores

Fallen Empires, Snow Patrol

The band that fell into the not-quite-Coldplay category could easily have found themselves dubbed ‘also-rans', were it not for some pretty iconic song writing and tunes in the likes of Chasing Cars, Run and Spitting Games. Having looked to U2 for inspiration for their sixth album, find bolder instrumentals on Fallen Empires in the likes of Symphony with it's dance-influenced beats; and while lead singer, Gary Lightbody's distinctive vocals dominate, they don't always travel well. But salvation is to be found in New York and In The End.
Rating 3 out of 5
Dh60, Virgin Megastores

Radio 1 Presents Fusion Arabia

Radio 1's own DJ Humaid Al Amiri is fast becoming known as the go-to guy for our latest thirst for fusion music, and this album takes a selection of your favourite pop, dance and R'n'B hits and gives them an Arabic twist. As well featuring tracks by some of the biggest international artists, including Britney's Till The World Ends, Faithless's Insomnia and Beyoncé's Run The World (Girls), home- grown talents such as Taleen Marie and Omar Basaad, also manage to sit happily besides Shakira and Usher - a testament to Al Amiri's skills.
Rating 4 out of 5
Dh60, Virgin Megastores