Robbie Williams: "I've Been Expecting You" (Chrysalis)

There's a lot to like about Robbo: he's the boy band refugee who crawled from near oblivion to become Britpop's golden lad, the incorrigible show-off who has the talent and flair to back up his flamboyant style. But there's also plenty to irritate, like the overtly laddish mentality, the nightclub bouncer chic, or that insufferably smarmy grin.

His music has its ups and downs too, and I've Been Expecting You throws them into sharp relief; Strong opens on a soul-baring note and the silhouette of Bond pops up in the background during Millennium and Grace, but the spectre of 1980s AOR appears in the sub-Oasis riffology of Win Some Lose Some, Jesus In A Camper Van and Karma Killer.

Kevin Courtney

Cliff Richard: "Real As I Can Be" (EMI)

Cliff will soon be 60. It's about time he released an adult album, right? He has. This is it. His best album in 20 years, it almost defiantly reasserts Cliff's position as the father of Britpop, a title many seem loath to give the guy despite the fact that he's celebrating 40 years in rock. Maybe that's why he hauled in producer/arranger Peter Wolf and is stretching himself, vocally, as never before. He is also writing songs again, though even the title of She Makes Me Feel Like A Man will, no doubt, call forth cynics who say our "Bachelor Boy" knows nothing of such things. He sings as if he does. In Butterfly Kisses he serenades a daughter, an experience that, apparently, made the singer himself ache from knowing he may never be a father. A perfect companion piece to The Young Ones? Absolutely. As is this album.

Joe Jackson

John Lee Hooker: "The Best of Friends" (Point Blank)

This compilation disc of new and old tracks from one of the last of the classic bluesmen features a host of well-known musicians, including one of the top younger players he has wanted to record with, Eric Clapton. The album also features Ike Turner, Ry Cooder and Van the Man. Boogie Chillen, with Clapton, kicks the album off well, and is also maybe the best song.

The remake of this track, in the hands of two of the great blues artists from two generations, proves it a true classic. This album is a great introduction to John Lee Hooker's music: for those who already know it, the three new tracks will stand out. A must for all true blues fans.

Colm Banville