 | It's Not a Rumour by Akala
Buy new: £10.98 / Used from: £4.64 Hip hop but not as we know it; Akala's searing lyrics are delivered in blazing style. Akala seems to think a lot of himself, and on this showing he's got a point. Adult lyrics.
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 | Loose by Nelly Furtado
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £0.61 Ms Furtado has produced some worthy singles down the years, but I like this whole album - at least when stopping before the bonus tracks.
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 | Extinction Level Event (The Final World Front) by Busta Rhymes
Buy used from: £1.50 The sense of humour even within the rap pose is refreshing and Busta's brand of rap is challenging and varied enough to keep you listening between the stand-out tracks. Adult lyrics.
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 | One Touch by Sugababes
Buy new: £3.78 / Used from: £0.45 Their debut before Siobhán Donaghy and then later Mutya Buena left. I think this is underrated R&B with musical depth and angular harmonies that the current Sugababes will never recreate.
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 | Live by Erykah Badu
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £1.13 Showcases Erykah Badu's quicksilver vocals and big grooves brilliantly; prepare to become a fan. Adult lyrics.
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 | Musicology by Prince
Buy new: £10.98 / Used from: £0.37 A surprising comeback for those who like Prince's earlier work. I find this great when driving for some reason.
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 | Justified by Justin Timberlake
Buy new: £5.58 / Used from: £0.67 Great R&B grooves, swagger and snap, but it's the lyrics that draw you in.
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 | Telegramm für X by Xavier Naidoo
Buy used from: £4.88 Naidoo uses first-rate music to deliver his spiritual message (rather than using the spiritual angle as an excuse for second-rate music) which is why he's the German domestic chart meister.
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 | Seal IV by Seal
Buy new: £7.68 / Used from: £0.43 Squeezed into this list as 'laid back R&B', usefully the wife likes this too.
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