Rag '˜n' Bone Man's is waiting to be tested

Rag ‘n’ Bone Man – Human: Rory Graham – aka Rag’n’Bone Man – is tipped for huge success, but, at first listen, his debut album sounds a bit samey. Tracks like huge single Human, the powerful ballad Love 
You Any Less and bluesy Die Easy stand out immediately, while a rap livens up Ego, but some of the others need a second listen to truly appreciate them. It’s an album that really does improve with familiarity and, although the lyrics can sometimes seem a little repetitive, Graham’s distinctive, growly delivery makes listening a pleasure. Strings and gospel singers add depth to other songs and the winner of the Brits’ Critics’ Choice Award 2017 is sure to have a hit, although there is a risk he will end up turned down low as dinner party background music. By Beverley Rouse

Lowly –Heba: Modern politics bears a quiet influence on this impressive debut album from Danish band Lowly, who borrowed their Syrian friend’s name for its title. Heba means ‘a gift from God’, and liberation from the horror at home for a new life in Scandinavia must have felt that way. The band say her story partly colours their LP. It is a sober and studied set of songs. Recent single Deer Eyes is a cry for romantic attention propelled by pretty synths that swerve off in avant-pop directions. Mornings reunites friends, perhaps lovers, in a one-way conversation (“How’ve you been/I’ve been fine”) over driving percussion and a hazy, almost incongruous soundscape. Prepare The Lake is rather orthodox-preppy, with Pommerate a sub two minute sliver of a heaven-sent ballad. By John Skilbeck

Lupe Fiasco –DROGAS Light: Lupe Fiasco’s short-lived retirement has ended with an album that combines all of the rapper’s best qualities – although lacks a common thread linking the album’s two halves together. But it’s still a record that will delight fans. The album starts strong, with thumping bass and catchy hooks. The themes explored are not new ground for the artist, but lyrically DROGAS Light more than competes with the strongest releases in the 34-year-old’s catalogue - while it also offers the level of storytelling we’ve come to expect from Lupe, particularly on Jump. Victoria Monet provides one of the album’s standout features on Kill, ft. Ty Dolla, while Tranquillo, probably the album’s strongest track, sees Rick Ross back at something resembling his best. By Kameron Virk

Hanniel Khatib – Savage Times: Hanni El Khatib claims he wanted to do “something different” on his most recent batch of EPs, now collected together and also available in a limited edition 10” vinyl boxset. Fans of the guitarist’s previous grungy output should not feel too perturbed, however. Despite detours into disco (Paralyzed) and punk (Mangos And Rice), dirty guitar work and acrid vocals still dominate. Garage rock has fallen out of the limelight in recent years, so you can’t blame Khatib for dipping his toe into different waters, but he still can’t resist a moody blues riff whenever the opportunity arises. The melding of styles isn’t quite as polished as fellow pop/rock crossovers The Black Keys, but his songs nevertheless make for refreshing listening. By James Robinson

Anthem – Great British Hymns & Choral Works: In the twentieth centenary many of the most celebrated British composers added much to the library of anthems and hymns, the present disc of fourteen tracks including works by Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Britten, Holst and Finzi. It is performed by the Huddersfield Choral Society, their interpretation and and tonal quality coming from the concert hall rather than sacred surroundings, that scene immediately set in a thrilling account of Handel’s Zadok the Priest, and closing with Parry’s exuberant, I was Glad. Conducted by Aidan Oliver, they are joined by the organist, Thomas Trotter, and a small brass and timpani ensemble. Maybe a mistake to make the disc in Rochdale Town Hall, where reverberation muddies clarity, and the organ at times sounding distant. By David Denton