SOUND JUDGEMENT

THE LATEST ALBUM RELEASES RATED AND REVIEWED

ALISON MOYET – THE OTHER LIVE COLLECTION ★★★★★ IF you were ever in doubt that Alison Moyet has a beautiful voice, her latest live album will make it very clear: she really, truly is the proud owner of some stunning vocals. Her bluesy tones ooze richness and depth in The Other Live Collection, a live reworking of her biggest hits, including All Cried Out, Whispering Your Name and, of course, Only You, from her days in synthpop duo Yazoo.

Backed with the sounds of a cheering crowd, and somehow with even more emotion pumped into every note, this record is a delight.

In an album of highlights, and some lesser-known and new tracks – such as the satisfyingly epic The Rarest Birds – 56-year-old Moyet proves that she is still at the top of her game following a career that has so far spanned more than three decades. STING AND SHAGGY – 44/876 ★★★★★ HOW did this happen? One of showbiz’s most unlikely duets since Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe sees Northumberland songsmith Sting teaming up with It Wasn’t Me hitmaker Shaggy. The result is 44/876 – referencing the dialling codes of the protagonists’ respective nations.

The 12 tracks by the duo – who will perform for the Queen’s 92nd birthday – drip with serotonin, even when Sting’s occasional bash at Caribbean patois feels like covering a Chippendale cabinet with emulsion. Overall, it is a joyous and catchy collection. Sometimes it’s best not to ask how or why. THE SHIRES – ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE ★★★★★ THE British country duo have achieved phenomenal success, in the UK and the US, where they became the first UK country act to be signed to a major Nashville label and the first to receive an award from the American Country Music Association. It’s no surprise they have been embraced by the home of country music as they do US country pop very well.

Lead single Guilty is an upbeat, catchy tune, showing the band can get your feet moving as well as stir the emotions on ballads such as Speechless and Loving You Too Long. Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes’ voices blend beautifully and the strength of their songwriting powers shine through.

Country fans will love this album.