Honestly, Who Needs Love Like That has been stuck in my head for a week… even from just reading the title when I added the album to my library, and then, of course, after listening to the album twice. It’s not a bad thing though, I love it! Erasure are so brilliant and this is a great dance album full of great pop tunes bringing together Andy’s incredible voice alongside Vince’s sick beats. I like that we can go from the upbeat moments to slower songs like Oh L’Amour and everything in between. Top work.

I really don’t know anything about the Beastie Boys except how well regarded they are in the music industry and of course specifically the hip-hop genre. One of the first, apparently, to make the kind of music they did. So, it was about time I gave it a listen, and broadly speaking I liked it. It’s one of those albums that is a lot for me to listen to in one go - a bit of a headache by the end. But for the most part, I liked it. Some of the lyrics and general vibes are a bit outdated but it’s inventive and catchy and powerful, so I can see why they get the respect they do.

Yay for The Bangles! Can’t believe I haven’t done this before! Obviously, the standout songs are there, and I had forgotten about If She Knew What She Wants as well. It’s a good pop rock album that I enjoyed but it’s hard to listen to now and not just want to hear the hits, I guess.

A very good album from Mr Ocean kicks off with the most excellent but long-titled first track. I was introduced to that track via the Boyzone charity version but you can’t fault the original. This is a short album, just nine songs, but they’re all well done and go together well. It felt quite dated, very in the 80s and of its time, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I don’t know that I’ll seek it out again but a good album to start wrapping up the year with.

Welcome to my first ever unrated album. The rules of the game are that I should listen to each album twice to make sure I’m not just making a snap judgement, and that those that grow on you a little have a chance to start to bed in. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get through this one a second time. I didn’t even attempt to, if I’m honest.

I’ve realised, now, that I’m not really a Pet Shop Boys fan. Obviously, I like some of the singles, and who doesn’t want a bit of West End Girls in their life? But if I’m honest, I found the rest of the album a bit of a chore. I wasn’t that keen on listening to it the second time round, but got through it. Not a favourite, unfortunately.

Loved this, it was infused with African influences which made it intriguing, tribal, wide-ranging and just a little bit jaunty in places. Clearly, You Can Call Me Al is the classic here, but I enjoyed pretty much all of it.