First up is the main man of “unsigned hype” himself Tinchy Stryder who offers up his debut album “Catch 22”. It’s a solid effort but I wouldn’t say it was an amazing album, there are a few standout tracks which could be earmarked for singles however the rest are not up to that standard.

01. Take Off (Produced By Tinchy Stryder)
02. I’m Landing (Produced By TMS)
03. Take Me Back feat. Taio Cruz (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)
04. Spotlight feat. Tanya Lacey (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)
05. Number 1 feat. N-Dubz (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)
06. Shake Me (Produced By Rapid)
07. Stryderman (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)
08. Warning (Produced By Labrinth) 3:18
09. First Place (Produced By Frankmusik)
10. Pit Stop (Produced By Tinchy Stryder)
11. Halo (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)
12. Tryna Be Me feat. Ruff Sqwad (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)
13. Never Leave You feat. Amelle (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)
14. We Got Dem feat. Chipmunk (Produced By Dirty Dangerous)
15. You’re Not Alone (Produced By Rapid And Dirty Dangerous)
16. Preview (Produced By Fraser T. Smith)
17. Catch 22 (Produced By Tinchy Stryder)
18. Express Urself (Bonus) (Produced By Chase And Status)

As you can see the majority of the album has been produced by the talented Fraser T. Smith who has already notched up 2 #1 singles with “Take Me Back” and “Never Leave You” (with the possibility of a 3rd if “Never Leave You” beats the Black Eyed Peas this week). The three Tinchy Stryder produced tracks however are a major disappointment, three pointless interlude tracks which would not be missed if they had been left out.

My standout tracks which I have previously never encountered are “Spotlight” and “You’re Not Alone” which both heavily sample 2 iconic 90’s dance tracks. The former being “Azzido Da Bass – Dooms Night”, the latter is “ATB – You’re Not Alone” (which is also available to listen to below).

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The second release is Calvin Harris’ sophomore album “Ready For The Weekend”. As I’m typing, his single of the same name is currently at the #3 spot (coincidentally behind Tinchy Stryder). Harris has already enjoyed the biggest hit of his career so far with “You’re Not Alone” which stayed at the top spot for two weeks before being knocked off again by (you guessed it) Tinchy Stryder. Harris has become a household name which is also thanks to his successful collaborations with Dizzee Rascal on hits “Dance Wiv Me” and “Holiday”.

1. The Rain *
2. Ready For The Weekend *
3. Stars Come Out *
4. You Used To Hold Me
5. Blue
6. I’m Not Alone *
7. Flashback
8. Worst Day
9. Relax
10. Limits
11. Burns Night
12. Yeah Yeah Yeah La La La
13. Dance Wiv Me *
14. 5iliconeator

It’s a decent album but I don’t think it is good enough effort – I was expecting more from this album based on strength of “You’re Not Alone”. There are a few tracks I like but there are also pointless filler tracks “Burns Night” and “5iliconeator”

Listen below to “Stars Come Out”

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