Lady GaGa (Polydor)

The January lull allowed unknown Lady GaGa to hit the top of the singles charts last week.

For once, the Madonna comparisons are rooted in truth: like latter-day Madge records, The Fame throws the last year’s worth of pop and clubland trends into a blender, adds an ounce of attitude and hopes something good comes out the other end.

It doesn’t, but its mix of Stefani feistiness and Pussycat Dolls bubblegum should ensure sales hit the stratosphere. WILL FULFORD-JONES