The Killers second album isn't as good as it thinks it is, but Beck's latest release proves that he hasn't run out of ideas. Our reviewers select the best of this week's new releases...

POP

The Killers: Sam's Town
Mercury
***
The Las Vegas synth-rockers are determined to hit U2 status with their second album. Songs such as the bombastic title track and climactic Why Do I Keep Counting? were clearly composed with stadiums in mind, and as such can sound overpowering on the home stereo. Read My Mind tones things down and also has the best tune, and Bling stays the right side of overbearing, sweeping the listener along on an epic journey. The colossal production is deafening, but listen carefully and Sam's Town isn't as good as it thinks it is. David Smyth

Beck: The Information
Interscope/Polydor
****
Just when you thought it was time for him to run out of ideas, Beck has entered another period of frenetic innovation. Cell Phone's Dead boasts a headnodding Eighties electro bass line that becomes intriguingly distorted. Another high point is Nausea, with a driving slap bass and gritty air of Americana. The thundering country-flavoured piano and guitar progression of Strange Apparition is also a delight. After all these years, Beck's ability to create funky, conceptually unique music, continues to flourish. Chris Elwell-Sutton

Jet: Shine On
Atlantic
****
A cheery good-time raunch propelled Jet's 2003 debut Get Born. This time around, things are heavier, not least in the wake of the death of John Cester, father of Jet drummer Chris and frontman Nick. So, while the priapic Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is exudes the riffheavy panache of yore, they've extended themselves to ballads and incorporated greater musical depth on the almost Beatles-esque Shiny Magazines and the baroque Eleanor. It's exactly the direction to take in order to avoid being stuck in a Black Crowes-style pubby rut. John Aizlewood

WORLD

Estrella Morente: Mujeres
Virgin EMI, 09646 3 6526423
****
Flamenco singer Estrella Morente comes from the heart of the tradition. She's the daughter of the great cantaor Enrique Morente and the dancer Aurora Carbonell. Mujeres (Women) is a tribute to great performers of the 20th century. There are homages to flamenco singers, but also to singer and activist Nina Simone. There are tangos, too, and the track that's quite rightly getting this album noticed, Volver, from Pedro Almodóvar's latest film. On screen the song is sung by Penelope Cruz, but the voice is Morente's - breathy, but strong as iron. Simon Broughton

JAZZ

EST: Tuesday Wonderland
ACT, 9016-2l
***
If emo is punk for the sensitive, sad and lonely, then EST is emo for jazz lovers. Their atmospheric albums sell in sackloads. The latest, with its usual evocative titles - Fading Maid, Dolores in a Shoestand, Brewery of Beggars - will doubtless do the same. Choose your tuneful yet suffering mood. Where We Used to Live is a ballad in early Keith Jarrett style, Beggar's Blanket sub-Loussier Bach, the title track a repetitive piano riff with a keening synth-note on top. Turn out the lights and enjoy. Jack Massarik