The latest CD releases reviewed

RIHANNA
We Ride Def Jam **

The Caribbean r'n'b queen has enjoyed huge success with such hits as Pon de Replay and Unfaithful. But, despite its racy title, this Nelly-type tune lopes along like a pushbike with a flat tyre. It ain't gonna get my engine revving.

Beck
Cell Phone's Dead Interscope ****

From his new album, The Information, here's a Tropicalia-tinged eulogy for a missing mobile phone. Or maybe it's a really clever metaphor for the dysfunctional mode of modern life. Heavy concept, man.

DAB HANDS
Do Your Own Thing Gusto **

One of Pete Tong's essential tunes, this new one by the trio behind last year's Supergood anthem sounds like a strange mix of Xpress 2's Lazy and The Age of Aquarius. Well, they're obviously dab hands at this sort of thing.

JAMES MORRISON
Wonderful World Polydor **

He's got one of the finest voices in British rock; pity he doesn't have the great songs to match. This one, from his best-selling album, Undiscovered, threatens to become Otis Redding, but keeps slipping into Simply Red.

BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH
When the Night Feels My Song Side One Dummy **

These Canadian rasta-heads have already done a reggae version of U2's New Year's Day, and here's one of their own, although it could just as easily be an old Desmond Dekker tune. Perfect for a late-night campfire session in Jamaica.

JUST JACK
Writer's Block Mercury *****

While Mike Skinner's out getting pranged, Jack Allsopp is sitting at home trying to squeeze a few rhymes out of his dictionary. Then comes inspiration in a burst of dreamy strings, unblock-rockin' beats and smart lyrics about Mary Jane and Lois Lane.

KILL CITY DEFECTORS
Messed Up Protection Racket Records **

What's that coming over the hill? It's a Kildare band blending Humanzi's electroshock rock with The Killers' poptones, and hoping to have a monster hit like The Automatic. All very admirable, but I've a horrendous feeling this won't be it, though.