POP

Kings of Leon
Only By the Night (RCA)
****
It's hard to explain why certain US bands end up being huge here and nobodies back home, but Tennessee quartet Kings of Leon don't seem to mind. The fourth album from this year's Glastonbury headliners has U2 in its sights — it sounds like it was recorded in one of the stadiums in which these songs are intended to be performed. The Coldplay-style chorus of Use Somebody stands out, though the added polish has the inadvisable side-effect of making Caleb Followill's prosaic lyrics more audible. Nevertheless, it's a big, rock record. If the Americans don't fall in love this time, they never will.
David Smyth

Katy Perry
One of the Boys (Capitol)
*
In 2001, Katy Hudson released a self-titled, unashamedly Christian debut album. Seven years later, she's evolved into the unashamedly secular Katy Perry, who sings of kissing girls, but only to bait a boyfriend. The career change may have brought her the attention she so desperately craves, but for all the songwriters bussed in to burnish her basic skills, the clinically constructed One of the Boys is feeble fare. There's faux girl power, unspeakable ballads, childish homophobia on Ur So Gay, cod rebellion on Waking Up in Vegas, but nothing to suggest an iota of worth.
John Aizlewood

Mogwai
The Hawk Is Howling (Wall of Sound)
***
Six albums in, fans of these Glasgow post-rockers will know just what to expect: slowly shifting instrumental guitarscapes, a mix of contemplative beauty (Kings Meadow), head-rattling volume (The Precipice) and song titles that prove all is not as gloomy as it may seem (Batcat, I Love You; I'm Going to Blow Up Your School). The chiming loveliness of The Sun Smells Too Loud stands out as the track you could safely play to the person who doesn't normally like this kind of thing.
David Smyth

JAZZ

Asaf Sirkis
The Monk (Sam Productions)
***
This combination of London talent is a direct result of the musicians' grapevine. Asaf Sirkis, talented composer and left-handed drummer, is an admirer of Gary Husband, a reclusive piano genius whose brilliant work too seldom reaches the record racks. A reminder of his dashing postmodern style, as recently heard on tour with John McLaughlin, adds at least one star to Asaf's power-trio with bassist Yaron Stavi and Greek guitarist Tassos Spiliotopoulos. Their gothic rock touches aren't up my street, but the overall jazz feel most definitely is.
Jack Massarik

WORLD

Victor Démé
Chapa Blues Records
****
It's a joy to discover a new artist making a debut album of such unpretentious quality. But Victor Démé, from Burkina Faso, is no new kid on the block — he's in his mid-forties. His voice is warm and his splendidly lyrical songs are supported by his excellent guitar playing. The music isn't particularly innovative but it's very beautiful and a reminder of Africa's unknown musical talent.
Simon Broughton