He's had well publicised problems with drugs, girlfriends and the authorities, and for a while you could have been forgiven for forgetting that Pete Doherty is a talented musician. Ramshackle debut album Down In Albion had highs and lows, but Babyshambles are now signed to EMI, have worked with legendary producer Stephen Street, and displayed the first sign that they meant business when the brilliant Delivery charged into the top ten. So, does the rest of the album provide the same thrills?

With Pete doing well in rehab things are looking up for concerned Babyshambles fans and listening to this album makes it clear that Pete, Patrick and co have been on the ball for a lot longer than the past few weeks. Shotters Nations has got huge, catchy, sing-along tunes like Unstookietitled, Deft Left Hand and the massive Baddies Boogie, but also has beautifully tender moments like Unbilotitled. The punk spirit's still there, but this time Mr Doherty's focussed and succeeded in making the album his army of fans always knew he could. Those Christmas arena gigs don't seem as big anymore.