All for a Reason -- Haven

Briefly touted as serious contenders in 2002, Haven's star seems to have gone out. This, their second album, will excite nobody, it's lumpy AOR treading a very well worn path.

The tracks are competent and melodious but consistently fail to spark. Johnny Marr's production adds some life to proceedings but cannot hide the soulless and empty hole at the heart of this album.

This po-faced collection has one eye keenly on the US market where its use on a sugary teen drama could give them a fluke hit. Back home however, its unlikely anybody will take much notice.

Tedious.

Manny Grillo

John Frusciante - Shadows Collide With People

It is easy to forget that John Frusciante, whose youthful exuberance helped to breathe new life into the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is now 33.

His own problems with the needle have been well-documented, not least by himself, but the creative genius he so elegantly stamped on the RHCP is in clear evidence here.

Those death-defying highs and lows of his life are brought to the fore once again in a beautifully crafted but lyrically negative fourth solo album.

At 18 tracks, it threatens to drag on for too long, but with pulsating songs -- Ricky and This Cold -- there is always something superb around the corner.

Accompanied by close friend and fellow Chili Flea, the closing number The Slaughter does not live up to its name and instead provides a thrilling climax to complete this evolutionary masterpiece.

Paul Cook

Ministry of Sound -- Sound of Smoove

If you're into garage and hip hop then this is the album for you.

This mix of urban club tracks is packed with head-nodding favourites and serves as the perfect soundtrack to those pre-night out activities.

Mixed by the Mobo Award winning DJ, Shortee Blitz, the 41 tracks are mixed together over two discs and re-mixed putting new slants on these familiar chart hits.

From the softer tones of Raghav, Ashanti and Lumidee to the harder edge of Eminem, 50 Cent and Fatman Scoop, this album will have you bouncing all the way to the club.

Gemma Berry