Take That: Rule The World
Download / stream  |  Beautiful World Tour photos

The theme tune to hit movie Stardust and already tipped for an Oscar, this typically soaring Barlow ballad has number one written all over it.

LCD Soundsystem: Someone Great
Download / stream  |  Watch video

The third single from James Murphy's Sound Of Silver album is a tender tale of loss set to faultlessly glittering, Human League-style electro-pop.

McFly: The Heart Never Lies
Download / stream

A new track from the boy band's forthcoming Greatest Hits package, this predictable, plodding, platitude-packed power ballad feels pointless.

Melanie C: This Time
Download / stream  |  Watch video

What is it with ballads this week? Ms Chisholm joins in the melancholic emoting on this credible, if somewhat pedestrian MOR number.

Mutya Buena: Just A Little Bit
Download / stream

The best track from the Real Girl album is a slinkily smooth slice of horn-soaked neo-soul that oozes charm and confidence.

Leona Lewis: Bleeding Love
Download / stream

The X Factor winner returns with a sparse and soulful anthem, surprisingly underpinned by harsh industrial beats. It'll grow on you.

Backstreet Boys: Inconsolable
Download / stream

Yet more melodramatic boy band balladery from the US four-piece (now sans Kevin Richardson), taken from the forthcoming album, Unbreakable.