We've pulled together five of our favourite CDs that are essential for every nzgirls music colleciton. So, what made our cut? Read on to find out! Lady Hawke, Self Titled Viva la 80s! Kiwi darling Ladyhawke’s debut album is electrifyingly retro and refreshingly nostalgic. Bringing the best of 80s electro pop to the ’08, Ladyhawke is a revivalist, a siren, a legend! This is a no-filler collection of tracks, so if you were down with ‘Paris is Burning’, it will not disappoint. Instantly accessible and rewarding, Ladyhawke definitely knows her way around a pop song making this the perfect intro to one of New Zealand’s brightest new talents (it's no coincidence that she won so many Tui's at this year's VNZMA!).
Kings of Leon, Only by the Night
Love at first listen. From the darker direction of opening track ‘Closer’ through to the catchy first single ‘Sex Is On Fire’, countrified rockers Kings of Leon return with an album that takes their signature sound to a more anthematic level. Lead singer Caleb’s still howling his way through the tracks and while the indie aspirations have departed for stadium sized numbers, this is still a varied album of no fillers and no killers.
Keane, Perfect Symmetry Both completely different and yet familiarly the same, the new Keane album is both ambitious in its new direction while instantly identifiable. Where they previously blended into the myriad of sound-alike outfits re: the Cold Play aftermath, this album achieves more in the first track than the band has in their whole career. Shiny synth, unshakable energy and catchy hooks make this an intriguingly fresh sound for the brit pop rockers.
All Women, Compilation Jam packed with 36 tracks from this century’s pop tarts, All Woman is the guilty pleasure of albums. Taking a walk down tragedy lane, the album features the solo efforts of Spice Girls Geri, Emma and Mel B, one hit wonders Leann Rimes and Billie Piper as well as old school classics 'Bitch' by Meredith Brooks” and Des’ree’s 'You Gotta Be'. While the impromptu hair brush solo opportunities are many, this album’s best kept at the back of the collection to be brought out at 90s parties and silly girls' nights in only.
Jonny Love, Self Titled Just in time for summer, Jonny Love’s collection of smooth tracks will get the lax vibes going with an album of chilled songs. Sweet and sentimental, this album is is classic of the singer/songwriter genre and shows a lot of promises from one of New Zealand's up and coming talents. While there’s nothing refreshing, Jonny’s smooth crooning vocals will mean he no doubt mean he swoons his way into a few girl’s hearts.
Kings of Leon, Only by the Night 
All Women, Compilation 
Jonny Love, Self Titled