New Kids On The Block: The Block,  Ne-Yo: Year of the Gentleman, John Legend: Evolver.

New Kids On The Block - The Block - released September 8th

Fourteen years since their last outing, New Kids On The Block could be forgiven for being a bit rusty and wanting a few shortcuts. Predictably following Take That, The Spice Girls, Boyzone...Elvis, and...um...Jesus onto the "reunion-comeback-tour" bandwagon, it was going to take something special to mark this album out as anything other than a dubious money-making exercise. However, while 'The Block' is a likeable enough imitation of a contemporary R&B/urban pop album, it ultimately fails to rise above the pedestrian.

A big-money contract from major label Interscope paves the way for the obligatory raft of heavyweight guest stars and producers, with music provided by Akon & his new right-hand man, RedOne; the ubiquitous Timbaland; New Jack Swing demigod Teddy Riley; and current man of the moment Polow Da Don. R&B crooner Ne-Yo also guest stars on the decent second single - entitled, aptly enough, "Single". Other guest stars include the returning Pussycat Dolls, fellow 80s boy band relics New Edition, and the aforementioned Akon.

Fair enough, you might think. Ultimately though, the fundamental problem comes from the peculiar position 'NKOTB' find themselves in. They had a choice between following Take That's dignified re-entry into the public eye with 'grown up' ballads to match their now grown-up teenybopper fan base, or by trying to play Usher, Craig David, et al at their own game. Unfortunately they went for the latter option and sadly they come off a bit too much like Dirty Old Men Crouching Round The Corner. I mean, "Girl I ain't no phoney/you know you da only" - who needs lines like that? You're nearly 40, guys. Time for a rethink, methinks.

For more information on New Kids On The Block’s latest movements check out their official website

Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentleman - released September 11th

Ne-Yo's third album in as many years, 'The Year of the Gentleman', sees him consolidate his image as the resident thoughtful R&B lover man that has established him as a songwriter to the stars (Rihanna - "Take A Bow"; Beyonce - "Irreplaceable"; Mario - "Let Me Love You"), gained him an adoring fan base, and - incredibly for an American R&B balladeer - secured 5 Top 5 UK hits within 3 years.

The album itself is second to none, with upbeat numbers like the successful single "Closer" and the excellent follow-up "Miss Independent" proof that Ne-Yo is not afraid to mix it with the likes of his perfectly-choreographed competition - namely Chris Brown and Usher. Returning to trusted producers like Stargate, Shea Taylor and Chuck Harmony is also a wise move.

In terms of creating an instantly recognisable sound and consistent thematic content, Ne-Yo is undoubtedly a success - but a worry remains. The fact that many of these songs could easily have been taken from either of his previous two albums might not necessarily be such a great thing (see "So You Can Cry" and "Why Does She Stay"). While still churning out the hits, perhaps Ne-Yo is being lazy or - worse still - out of ideas, rather than deliberately staying close to one particular ideal.

The 'R&B Gentleman' motif Ne-Yo pursues is certainly an admirable one, and provides welcome relief from the hyper-sexed, chopped-&-screwed and auto-tuned onslaught currently strangling R&B - which will kick back into full force next month when the new T-Pain and Akon albums drop. This album sees him continuing the informed, sensitive balladry practised for years by the likes of Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight but crucially delivering it in a more accessible manner.

In the absence of a new Michael Jackson album anytime soon, Ne-Yo does a pretty damn good interpretation of what MJ should be aiming for if he ever does resurface. With current singles by Jennifer Hudson ("Spotlight") and NKOTB ("Single") in rotation, and future work with Lindsay Lohan, Whitney Houston and R. Kelly coming up, his welcome rise seems no sign of abating.

For more information on Ne-Yo’s new releases check out his official website

John Legend - Evolver - released October 28th

Sadly not the most original of album titles and sadly not the most original of albums from a man capable of so much more. Legend consistently shows flashes of Stevie Wonder-level brilliance on each of his albums (see 2004's "Get Lifted" & 2006's "Once Again") but seems to be happy to largely stick to turgid, MOR ballads which will doubtless entertain all the lifeless fans who inexplicably hail 'Ordinary People' as Legend's finest work to date.

When he does challenge himself the results are marvellous, as he shows in parts on this album - meaning there are still points of interest to take away for those of us below the retirement age as well.

Lead single "Green Light" is a fantastic departure with a predictably oddball cameo from Outkast's Andre 3000, proving modern advances in R&B haven't completely passed Legend by. When this funky, futuristic number first leaked critics were salivating at the prospects for this album but it proves to be the exception rather than the rule.

The new, improved robo-voice Kanye West pops up to resuscitate his superficial partnership with Legend courtesy of a phoned-in guest rap on the Neptunes-produced "It's over". Curiously displaying a role reversal of sorts, while this original version has definite New Jack Swing tendencies thanks to the Freedom/SWV sample, when Teddy Riley's own more contemporary version pops up as the final track,  Pharrell & his mentor TR appear to have switched styles with Legend stuck in the middle of this identity crisis. This will doubtlessly emerge as a follow-up single, although that honour should truly go to the album's standout track, "Everybody Knows".

On the whole, Legend is to be commended for at least attempting different ideas, but he all too often remains in his comfort zone - and when he does divert, the tricks don't always come off. Duets with soul divas Estelle and Brandy are pleasant enough but the cod-reggae of "No Other Love" and "Can't Be My Lover" are downright bizarre.

Want to know more about John Legend? Check out the website.