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Beat Street

Notes from the past rule music charts this week

Sting rules

Songs From The Labyrinth

Sting/Universal

When Sting was first introduced to the music of John Dowland in the 80s, little did he know that the music would turn out to be "gently haunting" for over 20 years and take shape of an album? Sting returns with music of the Elizabethan songwriter for a cover he describes as "a soundtrack to Dowland's life in words and music. Those who are familiar with John Dowland normally think of him as being this melancholy, doom-laden character; but he can write songs that are absolutely joyful - full of passion and happiness. I'm not a trained singer for this repertoire, but I'm hoping that I can bring some freshness to these songs that perhaps a more experienced singer wouldn't give. For me they are pop songs written around 1600 and I relate to them in that way; beautiful melodies, fantastic lyrics, and great accompaniments," says the artist.

I Love You

Diana Ross/EMI

Make way for the diva's first studio album in over seven years, and almost her 60th one at that. Each of the 14 songs chosen for this project has a very specific purpose or meaning to Diana. The foundation of the concept started with Harry Nilsson's Remember that the artiste was listening to while looking through family photo albums and became inspired to record a new CD. Diana has a connection with Nilsson's work as she performed live, songs from his acclaimed animated musical The Point. Playful and fun-filled renditions, melancholy and more, everything from the marching drums and brass, the New Orleans jazz vibe to the Brian May guitar solos, the album has it all. I Want You was originally released by Marvin Gaye in 1974. Co-written by Diana's brother T-Boy Ross and Leon Ware, this song bridges the classics with the newer generation of line dancing songs made popular by R.Kelly.

What About Love was written for and released on the soundtrack of Oprah Winfrey's stage production of The Colour Purple.

SYEDA FARIDA

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