Both Beverley and Brandy are almost veterans. Affirmation is Wolver-hampton's favourite soul sister's fourth CD, and Afrodisiac is American Diva Brandy's fifth.

This is quite a feat in this age of disposable pop. Although well respected by their peers and the soul fraternity, neither has truly broken into the first division, which is a shame.

Beverley delivers her best set yet. Much is down to the material. Ms Knight co-wrote all but one of the tracks.

Interestingly, Robbie Williams's former mentor Guy Chambers partners Beverley on the best four tracks: Come As You Are, Till I See Ya, Salvador, which tackles the AIDS epidemic, and the tender, heartbreaking ballad No-one Ever Loves You In Vain, concerned with coming to terms with the death of a close friend.

Despite the heavy content of these songs, Ms Knight is also a good-time girl. The funky rocky workout Supasonic is slinky and sexy with more than a taste of Prince's Cream.

Brandy has a softer, slinkier approach. Her best songs are the more melodic poppier tunes, in the vein of the single Talk About Our Love.

Unfortunately, Brandy bows to the current vogue of being urban and tough, which really do not suit. Afrodisiac is produced by Warren Campbell, Timbaland and Kayne West, none of whom has bought out her best qualities, as achieved recently by both Babyface and Kool & The Gang.

But never mind, Brandy is still a major talent and will be around for a long time yet.

Updated: 08:54 Thursday, July 29, 2004