ALBUM RELEASES

POLLY SCATTERGOOD In This Moment ★★★★

Soul-baring and dramatic, the fourth album from the Essex synth goddess had a chequered gestation but holds nothing back. There’s unease and claustrophobia (Red), wracked but lucid intimacy (Pearl), while Anchor and Avalanche are alternatively coy and trembling, mighty and magisterial.

Scattergood mines a persuasive and detailed backdrop of lustrous electronics, poignant piano and a vocal that haunts and enchants. A moment to savour.

PAUL WELLER On Sunset ★★★★

As he heads towards his pension, Weller, 62, is a sussed and sophisticated craftsman, his songs suffused with wisdom, imagination, warmth and comfort. Old Father Tyme takes up his bucolic side with soulful, fruity brass and triumphant chorus. There’s groove synths and folk frolics on Village and Walkin’, and invocations of bygone days in the twin peaks of Mirror Ball and On Sunset.

Slade’s Jim Lea, Madness’s Lee Thompson and Mick Talbot guest in a diverse set.

WILLIE NELSON First Rose of Spring ★★★★

Three months into his 88th year, Mr Nelson shows no let-up in his output (this is his 70th solo release) or quality control. Sticking with canny producer Buddy Cannon, the pair hit paydirt on co-written Blue Star, but whether interpreting Toby Keith’s reflective Don’t Let The Old Man In or celebrating younger writers on the title track and Stealing Home, Nelson’s masterful reach across pop, country, soul, jazz and swing remains complete and incomparable.