Dr Zeus is back from with a new hit disc that has been dubbed as a candidate for 'album of the year'. Record company Envy delayed its release for what seemed like a lifetime, but it has finally hit the streets. When I opened the cd, out dropped a little flyer for 'Shake What Ya Mama Gave Ya', a tune Zeus has produced with Bally Jagpal for reggae star General Levy and looks to improve the regard that the mainstream holds for Asian music. Zeus's production is always top draw, and it's no surprise to see him teaming up with artists from other genres.

'Unda Da Influence' has a definite mainstream presence as Zeus's hip-hop influence is rife throughout, but it does not detract from the desi feel that remains with the music. The Birmingham based producer deserves credit for crediting media personalities individually for promoting him, not just the regular "thanks to all at Zee, Asian network et al". There is a strong urban feel to the album art, a provocative photo of Zeus with his finger up on the inside cover symbolising that. However, I withdrew all respect I had for the artwork when I noticed on the same page there are pictures of him wearing a Manchester United shirt and I'm not an Arsenal fan either, I know that's what your thinking. In the shouts it says 'Sanj MAATHERCHOOORD!' (Referring to DJ SANJ). Having got this translated either they got some serious animosity or it's a joke!

'Ah Ni Kuria' is the opening track, sampling Craig David's voice from old garage classic 'What Ya Gonna Do?' which had me apprehensive thinking this was going to be a sample-filled album but I was mistaken. The tune itself has a good tempo, although a little stop/start and is sung confidently by Lambher Hussainpuri, who features heavily on the album, with the flute harmonies and beats working well. For those of you have followed Zeus will instantly know it's one of his tunes from the style of production and the superb bass line.

After the fadeout comes the current radio favourite, 'Kangna', featuring Shorty Littlelox rapping and Master Rakesh supplying vocals. Littlelox's gruff style is very similar to Ja Rule although less clear. The tune itself is nice and bouncy, an anthem, with the tumbi maintaining tempo and complimenting all the vocals aptly. This tune is going to get some serious play in the systems of all the desi bad boys up and down the country. It's definitely one for all the UK G's!

The wind is blown out of the sails by track three, a ballad called 'Mil De Yaar'. Sai Priya joins Hussainpuri on vocals for the song, which is very easy on the ears and demonstrates versatility in Zeus's varying styles. The lyrics tend to get repetitive but Sai Priya's voice is heavenly.

'Mele Wich Jatt' gets the pace going again, Hussainpuri opening up in a good vocal performance. I liked this tune from the off, and it changes harmonies consistently to maintain interest. The hook is infectious and this desi dance floor tune is one to get moving to.

The next track is my favourite on the album. 'Naina' employs Hussainpuri, Littlelox, Sai Priya and Kingsley in a devastating array of vocal variety. The dhol intro grabs the listener's attention and Zeus's scratching with the mandolin is euphoric in its dreaminess. The tune builds up in production and vocals and comes to a climax when Sai Priya comes in with English vocals to give the best seven seconds of the album ("Baby can't you see when you're with me it's no surprise look into my eyes…").

A remix of 'Gwandian Da Dholl' has a tough act to follow but has a good vibe and Amar Arshi's vocals are bouncy. I do feel that Shorty Littlelox demonstrates himself to be 'lyrically challenged' in this short track and his flows lack the dynanicism of some of his peers.

'Dil Goriay' is another slower tune with more of a desi vibe. It's easy on the ears but when it steps up in rhythm you have to stand to attention. Canadian singer Soni's voice butters up the music with production typically tight. Like a few tunes on the album, it is one that gains more deference if it is listened to a couple of times.

An acoustic edition of 'Kangna' follows with Shorty Littlelox and heavy beats replaced by mellow guitars and Sai Priya's soothing voice. This is very similar to Jassi Sidhu's choice to include an acoustic 'Chargay Jawani' on Reality Check, but Zeus goes one better by giving his mix a different tempo. Jassi's was at the same tempo with identical chords, but Zeus slows down Master Rakesh and adds sedate flutes to the piece.

Another dhol intro heralds 'Tin Cheejha' which samples a classic B21 track that Zeus obviously 'sweeted' out of the Jagpal brothers while working on the Levy project. Lambher Hussainpuri caps a good vocal performance on the track which I must say doesn't capture my imagination. Again, I am hindered by being unable to understand the lyrics, so I'll tell you that musically it's not as catchy as other desi tunes but if the lyrics are meaningful then I'll apologise.

I paid £10 for the album from an online store, which I think is good value for the quality of music on the cd, but it actually only amounts to 37 minutes of Zeus's music. What is there is very good; although I didn't get that impression from the first time I listened through. Like all well-produced music, it's music that grows on you and the more you taste it the more you want. The Doc has shown his diversity as a producer with original beats and reaching bass lines that other artists would only dream off achieving. I'd give it an 8.5 out of 10 and it's most definitely a contender for desi album of the year!