Leila: "Like Weather" (Rephlex)

Appreciating the tastes and flavours of an album takes time, but with many albums we rarely take that time: Like Weather is an 1998 release which will be dominating directions and moods for much of 1999. The work of one-time Bjork collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Leila, this is an album which challenges you to catch the break and keep up with the pace. It's the most future-sounding dance album you can possibly find, yet the components are warm, soulful and organic. Blending rhythms and beats and hints of gospel and traces of jazz into a strangely beguiling techno template, Like Weather grows in stature with every hearing and with each new discovery. Tracks such as the gorgeous Won't You Be My Baby, Baby? and Something are the ones which ring bells today, but that will undoubtedly change tomorrow. Soul music never sounded sweeter. Jim Carroll

Timbaland: "Tim's Bio Life From Da Bassment" (Virgin)

Tim "Timbaland" Mosley is the leader of one of hiphop's many new schools. Based in Virginia and working with Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Mel B and Ginuwine, he has merged hip-hop and R&B into an edgy, foxy, bitter-sweet sound which has launched hit after hit. For this debut album the beats resemble mid-1980s electro, but streamlined and sheened until it's eerily clipped and disjointed, while a galaxy of rhymers such as Twista, Mocha and Baby Blue work the mic with varying degrees of innovation. Twista, in particular on the rocking Here We Come, has what it takes; and Timbaland's spruce skill in planting the beats for R&B divas can be seen on What Cha Know About This. Jim Carroll

David Holmes: "Essential Selection" (ffrr, 2 CDs)

The mix-CD which dominated so many house parties in December, this is David Holmes showing us once again that he can out-freestyle anyone you care to mention. Taken alongside his funky-as-they-come soundtrack for George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez in Out Of Sight, it's obvious that this Belfast cowboy's quest for the perfect beat continues with a fervour. A wicked collection of rare and eclectic soul gems, weird-beard tunes and marvellously wide-screen grooves, it's the tune selection rather any particularly wonderful mixing which lights all the fires. Marlena Shaw, Brigette Bardot, Jurassic 5, Percy Faith, Plaid - Holmes has an ear for tunes which can turn a set and a night into an uplifting experience. And respect is due to him for including Googie Reno Combo's Smokey Joe's La-La, the tune he "borrowed" for My Mate Paul. Jim Carroll