David Kitt, Dusty Springfield, Chris Cornell & Timbaland

David Kitt, Dusty Springfield and the Chris Cornell & Timbaland collaboration are among this week's album reviews.

Pop

Irish singer-songwriter has released his sixth studio album amid claims it is the result of "two years of late-night experimentation" - but there is little sign of innovation in the opening tracks.

The catchy Move It On has Kitt's signature James Taylor-style vocals, backed by intriguing electronic textures.

Kraftwerk influences are evident on the impressive Learning How To Say Goodbye, while other memorable folky tracks such as Alone Like That are evocative of last year's Neon Neon album.

Nonetheless, it's a strong offering from the Dubliner, who is worthy of a wider audience. *** (CL)

Pop

The beloved late British singer's back catalogue is given a fresh airing in this compilation, which coincides with two landmark dates - ­ the 70th anniversary of her birth and10th anniversary of her death.

Few artists can point to a run of stone cold classics such as I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, Goin' Back and You Don't Have To Say You Love Me.

The soul years, represented here by the likes of Son Of A Preacher Man and Breakfast In Bed, remain her creative apex and place her firmly in the company of the genre's greats. **** (CL)

Rock

Ex-Soundgarden and Audioslave vocalist Chris Cornell has teamed up with hip hop and pop superproducer Timbaland on this extraordinary record.

As collaborations go, it's as unexpected as Kylie and Nick Cave.

Of course, that Antipodean pairing was exceptional and Cornell & Timbaland also strike audio gold.

It's brave, genre-breaking, pop/rock of the highest calibre partly inspired by Pink Floyd's The Wall.

It rewrites the musical rulebook.

*** (AR)

Reviews: Andy Richardson and Chris Leggett