AS the first year of the millennium draws to a close, Pulse writers and readers reflect on the crop of the year's releases, both the crackers and the turkeys.

No less than three of our choices are all from musicians releasing debut albums, which must be healthy for music.

Below, three Pulse readers submit their choices of best and worst artists of 2000. A chart album from HMV Worcester to each - well done!

Jill Scott Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol 1

THE title of this debut album could easily have been a cynical marketing ploy to boost interest for a less talented singer.

But the question was on the lips among listeners of a Philadelphia station when they demanded airplay of her songs hitherto consigned to the station's phone-line background music.

Her lyrical deftness culled from a background in poetry- is the key to this fantastic album, which is at once soul, hip hop and jazz.

She makes the everyday intriguing, from warding off the lingering attentions of her new man's ex-girlfriend to the mundane routine of eating breakfast, each song steeped in romance and heartbreak.

Owen Fairclough

Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP

THE white trailer-trash bad boy has come good this year with a cracking self-titled third album.

Em has hit the headlines - and other things - with his unforgettable style and refusal to be forgotten.

If you're in any doubt, how about his hijacking of Dr Dre's tune Forgot About Dre, or the singles Real Slim Shady and the angry The Way I Am.

This album certainly stirs up emotions that are the hallmark of our Em, so no-one is likely to say this year has been a dull one.

He may not be the most tasteful artist, but he's done his hardest to make sure he's one of the most popular.

Alison Fraser

Crashland Glued

IN the era of the boyband (Pondlife and Boilsown spring immediately to mind) it is refreshing to have one's faith in pop and rock restored.

Crashland do it fantastically, triumphantly and barnstormingly with an album of 12 nuggets mined from the best seams of rock 'n' roll history.

The songs are so good they're like The Jam, Clash, Smiths and Stereophonics wrapped up in one with loads to spare.

Familiar yet fresh and original as Lennon said you'd be crazy if you didn't rip other bands off (that's what they're for) these boys are gonna be big if there is any justice left in a world which fetes poncy manufactured boy bands who can mime, sing a bit and dance (mind you, so could Vera Lynn).

From the stupendous gutsy guitar single Modern Animal with its hypnotic chorus, to the sweet The Sun In My Eyes it is just one good song after the other and is rock 'n' roll as it was meant to be phrrrrrrrr.

Nat Sylvester

Coldplay Parachutes

COLDPLAY'S debut album Parachutes has been critically acclaimed and, if they build on this, could go on to become one of the best bands of the new decade.

What separates them from fellow shoegazers is the distinctive haunting voice of Chris Martin, displayed magnificently on the album's finest track Trouble, together with mature thoughtful lyrics.

There are brilliant tracks throughout, with other highlights the catchy Spies and Yellow.

I also found that despite their introspective melancholy style they don't have you reaching for the razor blades.

Michael Nolan

And the crackers and turkeys go to...

Helen Dean, aged 24, of Cole Hill, Worcester nominates Badly Drawn Boy as her cracker of the year.

HE might be an abrasive, scruffy Northern boy, but he's got a lovely voice. He could sing me to sleep any day of the week.

And her turkey: Robbie Williams. He's resting on his laurels and churning out garbage. Anyone who turns out a Christmas song like that should be ashamed of themselves."

Deana Esprey, 34, of St James Close, Littleworth, Worcester, nominates Moby as her cracker.

MOBY is still wiping the floor with the opposition. The quality of his songs easily beats the competition from Robbie Williams, Coldplay and the rest.

And her turkey:The Beautiful South for their latest, awful, trivial mind-numbing offering. So bad, it makes Steps look like a class act"

Lillian Keiten, 26, of Northfield Street, Arboretum, Worcester, nominates Jill Scott as her cracker.

SHE'S got everything a bit of soul, a bit of poetry, a bit of dance and some hip hop. What more could you ask for?

And her turkey: Steps and S Club 7. Both, because you can't chose between them. They appear to be one and the same.