Hindi music album reviews

Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks
Last year's American Idol winner – and the youngest ever winner at that – Jordan Sparks is finally out with her first album, an album that includes This Is My Now, the song that made America fall in love with this girl.

However, unlike the music she sang on Idol, her self-titled debut crosses over to hip-hop and R&B. Surprising, but well-done. Perhaps my favourite track is Shy Boy. I'm not too sure why, but I kept this song on repeat for a bit and finally realised why it sounded so familiar. Jordin's using the funk style of music Prince is famous for. That's probably what gives the song its edge.

Fans of her voice (that is, after all, why she won Idol) will enjoy No Air, her duet with Chris Brown. It's a ballad. It's beautiful. It's catchy. It's unique. Much like Ms Jordin Sparks herself.

Little Voice
Sara Bareilles
Although this is Sara's second album, not many have heard of her. Which is a pity cause her voice is breathtaking. Besides, unlike other singers of her generation today, Sara actually writes her own lyrics. The lyrics are sweet, young and mature all at the same time. The album features the heartfelt ballad Love Song, and the relatively famous Gravity. The best way to describe those, as well as all the tracks on the album, is simple: Flawless.

Alive 2007
Daft Punk
Although it's not official, everyone's calling Alive 2007 a tenth anniversary celebration of the Parisian duo's limited edition live album Alive 1997. 2007 is an electronica fan's delight. There are no new tracks featured here, all 27 numbers were recorded live from their 2007 international tour. However, you might not recognise all the songs. The band has taken tracks from their past and meshed one into another, so artfully, that it's hard to tell where one begins and the other ends. It's also very aptly titled Alive. 'Cause that's how it will make you feel.

Rasa Sunset Music for cocktails and dreams
Donna D'Cruz
As Rasa Music likes to says, "Rasa Sunset is the perfect soundtrack for leisurely sunsets, blamy evenings and sultry nights." Sounds about right for Dubai. The album is created by Donna D'cruz, the DJ darling of the jet set, yoga lovers and fashionistas. As a result the music reflects those vibes. There's Claude Challe and Adam Plack on Carmenita Lounging, Double Zero doing the James Bond Theme, Tosca on Chocolate Elvis plus similar laidback tracks you're guaranteed to enjoy.