Voices that soar are rare. This is Ben Christophers' third album, his first since leaving V2, and it is a lot more accessible than those, occasionally excellent, first two. The music is dark, sparse and open - a mix of pop, folk, electronica and singer-songwriter rock - but defined largely by the voice. Ethereal, a mix of Jeff Buckley and Placebo's Brian Molko, it gives this album its centre point as it takes off, like a bird playing with the thermals. Unfortunately, Christophers has gone down the solo artist route, and played most of the music, too. It does tend to remove some of the passion and performance from the mix, leaving mostly haunting, occasionally fragile melody - somewhere between pop and more downbeat emotive contemplation. This suggests his career may not be as special as it seemed set to become.

ACE rating 7/10

New Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall comes with a reputation, having toured with label-mate Joss Stone, and had this debut album produced by Steve Osborne (famous for U2, New Order and the Doves). Unlike Stone, Tunstall can actually carry a tune, and seems to possess some real soul, but what marks this album out is the classic nature of the songs, a mix of Carole King and Edie Brickell, with an occasional nod to Norah Jones. There isn't much that is terribly original here, unlike the debut of fellow Scot Angela McLuskey, but time passes easily enough, if somewhat predictably. With other unoriginal acts like Katie Melua occupying the space, there is a question about how much the world needs another 'OK' singer-songwriter. The album charts tell a different story, however, so this may fill the IKEA shelves of some of your less-discerning friends soon.

ACE rating 7/10

The Detroit Cobras first two albums (especially debut Mink Rat or Rabbit) were breathless, barnstorming slices of Detroit rock and soul, cleverly and grungily brought up to date with a knowing wink and nod, and a lot of Nancy Sinatra sass. Since Cha Cha Twist (and its use in a Coke ad) brought them some fame and a measure of cash, however, they have been getting progressively less essential. The last album, Seven Easy Pieces seemed way too formulaic. Baby sounds as though it was recorded in a semi-detached house, with the band trying to keep the noise down. There is an unwelcome restraint to the music, a by-the-numbers play through. The exhilaration of the earlier romps is missing. As if to reinforce the 'milking the moment' message, Cha Cha Twist is included here again, cleaned up and pasteurised. A shame.

ACE rating 6/10