Josh Groban is back with an impressive new offering but this week nothing comes close to Christine and the Queens' new album, which has been lauded as "mighty works from a phenomenal artist".

CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS - CHRIS

When Heloise Letissier delivered Chris to her record label, she produced not only a collection of vividly imagined and brilliantly captured songs of self-discovery but also a 15-page dossier that portrayed her physical emancipation.

She tells of becoming "a real grownass woman" since her debut LP Chaleur Humaine - a number two hit in the UK - and has achieved that through embracing her androgynous, non-binary self, building up an athletic physique and adopting the more masculine contraction of her stage name.

Letissier scoffs at suggestions this is all an act, recently telling newspaper Le Parisien in her native France that Chris "is me, it's Heloise" and saying the role lets her "fearlessly perform my joys, my pains and my frustrations".

Chris is a fresh shell for Letissier and an unshackled confidence streams through the record, the basslines funkier, lyrics punchier, the full package strikingly sensuous. Girlfriend, the glitterball-disco single, has Chris candidly pursuing flings above commitment, and is one of several songs here that recall peak-period Michael Jackson.

Doesn't Matter and Damn (What Must A Woman Do) are mighty works from a phenomenal artist.

9/10

(Review by John Skilbeck)

JOSH GROBAN - BRIDGES

With Bridges you get exactly what you want from a Josh Groban album. Soaring melodies and a rich vocal tone that just oozes richness and comfort.

Groban's eighth studio album doesn't hold any real surprises. The emotions he evokes however are priceless. The soaring vocals in the cover of Snow Patrol's Run, here reworked as a duet with Sarah McLachlan, Groban starts in an almost classical tone then the harmony with McLachlan rises with a Celtic lilt.

Bridges also features a collaboration with flamenco composer and virtuoso guitarist Vicente Amigo on Musica del Corazon, a foot-tapping love song. Even if you don't speak Spanish you can feel the passion flowing.

Romance is on the cards again in a duet with renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli on We Will Meet Once Again and with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles the pair settle on a poppy/country crossover sound with 99 Years.

So as autumn closes in, light the fire, grab a blanket and settle down with Bridges.

8/10

(Review by Rachel Howdle)

LYNYRD SKYNYRD - LIVE FROM ATLANTIC CITY

Like all good live albums should do, this recording of a 2006 set in New Jersey by the legendary southern rock band transports you to the jubilant atmosphere of the real show.

You reach for an imaginary beer and whoop as singer Johnny Van Zant, the younger brother of late vocalist Ronnie, dedicates Red White and Blue (Love It Or Leave) to US military veterans.

During the show the band are joined by guests Hank Williams Jr, rock band 3 Doors Down and former American Idol contestant Bo Bice, which only helps to age the recording.

The band, whose only original member is guitarist Gary Rossington, play covers of their guests' songs which may leave die-hard fans wishing there were more Skynyrd songs on offer.

The wailing guitars and honky tonk keys are red hot throughout but the undoubted highlight comes with the finale of Sweet Home Alabama followed by the epic Freebird.

6/10

(Review by Andrew Arthur)

KODALINE - POLITICS OF LIVING

The Irish quartet have now come up with their first offering since 2014's Coming Up For Air. This comes after a number of instances of their music being used in film and TV shows.

This album of shiny, highly produced, indie-pop with its radio-friendly and catchy songs should now provide them with even more exposure.

Steve Garrigan's distinctive, high range vocals provide a counterpoint to the very electronic sound, making the songs stand out against the usual indie output.

6/10

(Review by Steve Grantham)

SUEDE - THE BLUE HOUR

Once the "best new band in Britain", according to the Melody Maker, Suede rose through the 90s, seen, albeit begrudgingly, as part of the Britpop movement.

After a return to live shows in 2010, the alternative rock band released new music in 2013 and now we have their eighth studio album, The Blue Hour.

Opening track, As One, sets the scene, with haunting voices and dramatic strings, and there is a sense of foreboding. This unease continues throughout, Chalk Circles stomps menacingly and All The Wild Places, with its lush orchestration, is sad and chilling.

This might not be for those who liked the anthemic pop of 90s Suede. This is a collection that works as a whole and tells a dark and unsettling story, demonstrating how the band has progressed and grown.

7/10

(Review by Lisa Allen)