SINGLES

Latest CD releases reviewed

GERI HALLIWELL
Desire Innocent
**

"Oi, why is Kylie selling more records than me? I'm only a few years older, and I can sound like her and be all seductive too. I'd like to see her try to be a United Nations ambas-sador!" Face it Geri: Kylie is sexy - you're just scary.

COLDPLAY
Speed of Sound Parlophone
***

EMI execs are wetting themselves at the prospect of a new mega-selling album from the (allegedly) incontinent rockers - but will it p*** all over the competition? This tune follows the template of God Put a Smile on Your Face, but it sounds like Coldplay want to wipe the smile off U2's faces.

KEITH URBAN
Days Go By Capitol
*

You just know by this guy's Hardy Boys hairstyle and cowboy jeans that he's a true blue redneck rock 'n' roller, and yep, there's the Garth Brooks yodel and barnstormin' country beat. This tune can't go by fast enough.

DAVID HOPKINS
Amber & Green Reekus Records
***

Hoppo used to be the keyboard player with Irish neo-prog rockers Lir - that must have been 15 years ago, so his debut solo EP is a bit overdue to say the least. Here are three charming, folksy ditties that should appeal to Damien Rice and Nick Drake fans. He definitely shouldn't wait another 15 years for the next one.

EMILIANA TORRINI
Heartstopper  Rough Trade
****

A late-night coffee and cigarette-stained tune from Iceland's own Björk Runga. She may have written Kylie's Slow, but this one could only be sung by Emiliana herself. A cold, lonely pleasure.

THE BRAVERY
Fearless Loog
***

With a riff to rival The Hives' Main Offender and The Strokes' Reptilia, The Bravery are hoping this one will put paid to those Duran Duran comparisons. And then they can start on the Flock of Seagulls jibes.

THE MAGIC NUMBERS
Forever Lost Heavenly
****

Two guys, Romeo and Sean, and their two sisters, Michele and Angela, make for one happy, jangly, rock 'n' roll family. It's like The White Stripes joining forces with The Carpenters. This is all about lost love, but it's so damn summery I've forgotten my frowny face.