Metallica: Death Magnetic

With this clean, no-frills production, Metallica deliver their most raw and satisfying album for several years

David Zinman: Mahler Symphony No 5

Zinman's collaboration with the Tonhalle Orchestra continues to offer insights into Mahler if not depth of colour

Josh Rouse: Best of the Rykodisc Years

The prolific Nebraskan offers an overview of his career that shows that his success should have been greater

Alison Balsom: Haydn Trumpet Concerto

This former BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist delivers Haydn's Trumpet Concerto with dazzling virtuosity

Metronomy: Nights Out

A mixed, unsatisfying second album of guitar themes, disco jangles and folorn songs, just saved by its sense of humour

David Sanborn: Here & Gone

The saxophonist and his A-list artists stay within their comfort zone to produce an album best described as fogeyish

The Big CD: Glasvegas - Glasvegas

It nails the Zeitgeist, but this outstanding debut from the Glaswegian four-piece will certainly stand the test of time

Yo Majesty: Futuristically Speaking Never be Afraid

Politicised, angry and drawing on a huge range of influences, the rap duo's debut album is inventive but hard to love

Rodriguez: Cold Fact

Summing up its era perfectly, this 1969 debut album from the Detroit singer-songwriter deserves its exhumation

Calexico: Carried to Dust

With the band's Mexican influences strongly back in evidence, this sixth album marks an ambitious return to form

Steven Osborne: Britten Piano Concerto

An often dazzling performance from the pianist, full of fire and wit and capturing Britten's youthful self-confidence

The Dufay Collective: The Play of Daniel

Bright instrumental colour and lively responses by the singers to the bare melodic lines laid down in the medieval manuscript

David Holmes: The Holy Pictures

This evocative collection explores how music sparks the imagination, it’s like hanging out in a Seventies record shop

Chloe Hanslip: Antonio Bazzini

Hanslip’s passion and technical bravura are palpable and exciting but the piano accompaniments need more sparkle

Britten: Piano Concerto, Young Apollo, Diversions - The Sunday Times review

Steven Osborne (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, cond Ilan Volkov

Miley Cyrus: Breakout - The Sunday Times review

Is Cyrus simpering at her Disney legions, or edging towards Britney/Christina, filthy-schoolgirl/leather-chaps territory?

Gerard Grisey: Le Temps et l’écume, Les Chants de l’amour - The Sunday Times review

Ensemble S, WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln, Schola Heidelberg

Rokia Traore: Tchamantché - The Sunday Times review

Is Cyrus simpering at her Disney legions, or edging towards Britney/Christina, filthy-schoolgirl/leather-chaps territory?

Brett Anderson: Wilderness - The Sunday Times review

His voice is mainly mannerisms and so works fine as part of an overall onslaught, but grates when you hear it for extended periods laid bare

Michael Franti & Spearhead: All Rebel Rockers- The Sunday Times review

Is Cyrus simpering at her Disney legions, or edging towards Britney/Christina, filthy-schoolgirl/leather-chaps territory?