The latest CDs reviewed

TAKE THAT
Patience Polydor ***

The fans have waited patiently, and now their favourite boyband from the '90s have returned, with a song that goes a way to proving that Back for Good was no fluke. Girls, why don't you just grow up? You don't see us guys waiting for a Stone Roses reunion.

WOLFMOTHER
Joker & the Thief Island/Modular ***

The title may come straight from All Along the Watchtower, but the latest tune from the Aussie retroheads is straight outta The Raconteurs' attic - but wait, what's that coming over the hill? It's Uriah Heep - aaargh!

NELLY FURTADO
All Good Things (Come to an End) Geffen ****

Nelly digs deeper into her Portuguese fado cupboard and comes out with a fragrant little folk-pop tune that sounds like Nana Mouskouri doing El Condor Pasa - a good thing, amazingly.

REPUBLIC OF LOOSE
The Idiots Loaded Dice ***

Looking for sexual healing? Then call Mick Pyro and his dirty Dublin soulboys, cos when it comes to good lovin' with a sleazy touch, they sure ain't no idiots. Play this tune on your next romantic night in, and she'll either slap you or seduce you.

JOHN MAYER
Waiting for the World to Change SonyBMG ***

Before James Morrison and Paolo Nutini there was this Grammy-winning US soulboy, and he's back to kick Limey ass with a sweet Marvin-meet-Van ballad. He's also a writer and stand-up comic - it's the way he tells 'em.

JAY-Z
Show Me What You Got Roc-A-Fella ***

Over a crashing horn break, Jigga gives Kanye a run for his diamonds, taking things to lunatic levels and, like any good CEO, keeping the confusion of beats, brass and boasts from going completely off the rails. So, he's back. You got a problem wit' dat?