THIS WEEK’S CD RELEASES

John Legend Darkness And Light (Good/Columbia)

Nothing about his work on Darkness And Light suggests John Legend’s voice is suddenly anything less than aural gold; he is one of the best soul singers of this generation. The fifth album from the 37-year-old plays to his known strengths while occasionally giving glimpses of something with more gravitas. Penthouse Floor seemed bent on societal comment but ultimately opts for a juxtapositional fudge. The title track features Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes) and makes vague noises about better days ahead.

A Tribe Called Quest We Got It From Here... Thank You 4 Your Service (Epic)

The comeback album (after an 18-year hiatus) from the influential US hip-hop group is also their valedictory offering. Even before founder member Phife Dawg died earlier this year, the New Yorkers indicated this was to be their last. Well this is the way to sign off. It’s an accidental post-Trump album. They couldn’t have known that lyrics such as ‘All you black folks, you must go…all you Mexicans you must go’ might become official US policy. Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, Jack White and Elton John all feature. Can they still kick it? Yes they can.

Martha Wainwright Goodnight City (PIAS)

Martha Wainwright is no stranger to our shores and there’s quite a strong Irish input to her latest album. Thomas Bartlett of The Gloaming produced much of the album and she and Glen Hansard co-wrote the classic-sounding One Of Us. It is however a solemn album that you will either adore or find just too intense. She sings of putting days of excess behind her on Around The Bend. Songs such as Traveller, Franci and the similarly titled Francis, written by brother Rufus, address the death of her mother Kate McGarrigle.