1. Kate Bush - Aerial (2005)

Kate Bush returned 12 years after the release of ‘Red Shoes’ to craft a spectacular double album called ‘Aerial’ This album contains an impressive variety of musical styles from the beautiful solo piano pieces of ‘A Coral Room’ more electronic rhythmic styles of the single ‘King Of The Mountain’. Darker brooding pieces are found in ‘How To Be Invisible’, and the atmospheric war inspired ‘Joanni’ . The second disk is another of Kate’s conceptual journeys, this time from dusk to dawn with a bird chorus theme. Its smooth jazz inflected layers of bass rhythms, piano, intricate guitar work and beautiful vocals are amazing.

2. Duffy - Rockferry (2008)

Duffy is a Welsh singer and a newcomer in 2008, along with hype for once justified with this album ‘Rockferry’. The music throws you back to the 60’s with edges of Motown and Blues and comparisons to Dusty Springfield and Sandie Shaw. The album blends in soft and sensual vocals with some wonderful orchestral string arrangements. ‘Mercy’ is the most uptempo track and was the high profile single and very much Motown in its direction. The debut single ‘Rockferry’ is more soulful and soaring musically with a neat guitar introduction near the end. This album is relaxing, vocals are beautiful and it has so many great tracks.

3. Alanis Morisette - Under Rug Swept (2002)

The 3rd studio album from Alanis and a return to top form after ‘Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie’. This is once again a lyrically astute album conveying emotional stories and thoughts of self doubt. It is a mixed affair with slower tracks ‘That Particular Time’ contrasting well with the faster paced ‘21 Things I Want In A Lover’ and the deep bass driven ‘A Man’. My favourite tracks are ‘Precious Illusions’ which outline the fears of starting a new relationship and ‘You Owe Me Nothing In Return’ which is an eye opening look at the depth of love. Lyrically this is a good equal of her debut album and is arguably musically stronger too.

4. Zero 7 -  Simple Things (2001)

One of the best chill out groups alongside Air this was their debut album and remains their best release. This album is a blend of instrumentals, with guest singers incluing Sia Furler, Mozez and Sophie Barker. Sia has gone onto delivering some great solo albums of her own. Their sounds is a blend of downtempo electronic jazz, and is both melodic and relaxing. The kind of music you put on late evening with a glass of your favourite tipple. The whole album is great and he best tracks include ‘Polaris’, ‘Destiny’ and ‘In The Waiting Line’. This is music genre i discovered in my 40’s and this is a stand out example.

5. Gary Numan - Jagged (2006)

Gary Numan after his groundbreaking early releases has re-emerged with a darker, harder sound, and ‘Jagged’ officially restored him to his creative peak. It is much heavier album, a deeper bass synth and guitar thunders through many tracks with a terminator style effect, overlaid with many layers of interesting sounds, noises and rhythms and with catchy anthemic style repeated chorus lines. ‘In A Dark Place’ and ‘Slave’ are among the more varied, clever and intricate songs. ‘Haunted’ overlays real drums to add more depth to the track, and the whispered scaryness of the title track ‘Jagged’ is truly astonishing. This is best heard on headphones though as it shows up all the little details much better.

6. Depeche Mode - Exciter (2001)

The 10th studio album from Depeche Mode, formed of 13 tracks and one that ultimately needed a little time to grow on you. The launch single was ‘Dream On’, which alongside ‘I Feel Love’ is certainly among the most immediately accessible upbeat tracks. The opening 4 songs lead you through deep bass driven ambient compositions which make for a great listen. A couple of tracks really could have been left off such as ‘Comatose’ and ‘The Dead Of Night’, but the album returns to form with its excellent closing trio ‘Easy Tiger’, ‘I Am You’ and ‘Goodnight Lovers’. Whilst not quite perfect, ignore those stranger tracks as this is a real gem.

7. Calexico - Carried To Dust (2008)

Calexico are a band from Arizona and this is their 6th album, but the first i have come across via Radio Paradise. This is apparently a bit of a departure soundwise, a southern states western feel dominates throughout with a rich and textured set of 15 songs which includes a couple of short but neat instrumentals. There are no fillers here, every track is great and superbly played. There is variety within the music here, such as the country duet on ‘Slowness’ and the Spanish style of ‘Inspiracion’ but it all blends well with some darker moments in ‘Man Made Lake’. This is a gem and i dont really own another album like it.

8. Alanis Morisette - So Called Chaos (2004)

The 4th studio album from Alanis and another great release. This abum is a little heavier overall than previous offerings with a deeper more vibrant guitar underpinning some of the tracks including ‘Eight Easy Steps’. That said there is still a mixture of all out rock and acoustic with other less usual instruments making an appearance such as the sitar in ‘Knees Of My Bees’. Every track here is a good one with the best ones including ‘Out Is Through’, ‘So Called Chaos’ and Spineless’. Alanis Morisette has grown into one of my favourite female artists especially for this decade..

9. Melody Gardot - My One And Only Thrill (2009)

A rare venture into jazz for me was prompted by hearing Melody Gardot’s fantastic voice by chance and i was quickly hooked. This album is superb, not just vocally which is sweet, sultry and just irresistable, but musically it stands out by blending mixes of jazz, orchestral and a touch of blues. There is variety here, but it hangs together so well. My favourite pieces include ‘Who Will Comfort Me’, ‘Your Heart Is As Black As Night’ and the title track, where the smooth late night jazz blues style i find very appealing. I will now be on the look out for similar artists following this purchase. A recent re-release adds in a 2nd live disk.

10. Sarah Slean - The Baroness (2008)

Sarah Slean is a Canadian singer songwriter whose vocals are sweet and enticing, and at times simply quite beautiful. She has released around 4 albums/ep’s prior to The Baroness in 2008, but it is this latest album that stands well above her previous releases. A superbly produced and lyrically strong record which is piano led but contains a range of instruments which include some lovely orchestral strings. The whole album is exceptional, although only a few tracks are faster paced ‘Euphoria’, ‘Sound Of Water’ and ‘So Many Miles’. Some of the slower tracks are breathtaking and emotionally charged ‘Shadowland’ and ‘Looking For Someone’..

11. Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree (2008)

The electronic duo Goldfrapp left some of their more up tempo disco beat behind to produce a much more interesting album with Seventh Tree. This is a mix of electronic, folk and chill out inspired tracks, with different tempos that make full use of Alison Goldfrapps sensual vocals. ‘Clowns’ for instance is dreamy and acoustic in style whereas ‘Happiness’ is bouncy and fun and ‘Road To Nowhere’ is backdropped by strings and atmospheric synths, with ‘Little Bird’ slightly of The Beatles in style. This is in someways a throwback to their debut album ‘Felt Mountain’ but lightly so with much variety and some beautiful tracks.

12. Angus & Julia Stone - A Book Like This (2007)

This is the debut album from the Australian duo, following 2 EP releases ‘Chocolates & Cigarettes’ and ’Heart Full Of Wine’. This was originally released as a 13 track album but there is a double disk version which is beautifully packaged as a hardback book and contains some of the EP tracks as well. The brother and sister alternate on the vocals, a blend of folk and acoustic but accompanied by strings. ‘The Beast’, ‘Just A Boy’ and ‘Silver Coin’ are more uptempo, but there is excellent acoustic guitar playing throughout such as in ‘Here We Go Again’. Great music and really well produced too.

13. Lou Rhodes - Beloved One (2006)

Lou Rhodes was lead singer of the electronic textured band ‘Lamb’ and following her departure she moved to a hippie commune and embarked on her debut solo album ‘Beloved One’, a folk album dominated by acoustic guitars, strings and ethnic percussion. It is a stripped down recording that sounds alive allowing her amazing vocals to really carry the songs. You will be drawn into what is an intimate recording where you really feel part of the experience of heartfelt, emotional lyrics. The pictures and artwork just seem to add and complete the feel of this album.

14. KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic (2007)

A new age rock album and her 2nd release after ‘Eye To The Telescope’. This release contains a host of hit singles including ‘Little Favours’, ‘Funny Man’ and ‘Hold On’. This is a blend of fast paced rock numbers and pop hits especially early on, but one which moves into a more acoustic feel towards the end. The stand out tracks alongside the singles include the acoustic guitar led ‘White Bird’, the stadium rocker ‘Saving My Face’ and an accordian led ‘Paper Aeroplane’. Overall this is a great listen and one that can comply with different moods if you select the tracks wisely.

15. Will Young - Fridays Child (2003)

Throwing away my annoyance of tv talent shows and admitting reluctantly that one at least actually spawned someone who would produce a great album, it was Will Young. A great voice, and a follow up to an average debut album, ‘Fridays Child’ was much much better with the singer co-writing on this one. This is a blend of R&B, gospel, and catchy pop tunes which are superby produced into a great listen. The singles ‘Love The One You’re With’ and ‘Leave Right Now’ were a success, but the added strings in ‘Stronger’ and the 11 minute ‘Friday’s Child’ steal the show. My wife bought this (i doubt i ever would have), but i really like it.