Review: Celebrate a decade of holiday magic this festive season with Ariana Grande's beloved Christmas hit 'Santa Tell Me' which now makes its debut on 7" green vinyl. Originally released in 2014, this festive pop classic has become a firm and warm favourite for the way it blends Ariana's soulful vocals with a catchy, heartfelt melody. It is perfect for any holiday playlist or for some's stocking, especially given the seasonal colour of it. A great collector's item for Ariana enthusiasts and holiday music lovers alike.
Review: Four years on from her last full-length outing, Ariana Grande returns with her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine. In keeping with many post-pandemic albums, Grande apparently drew on her own personal experiences during the writing process, keen to deliver something that mixed "vulnerability" with entertainment. Musically, it also follows current and recent pop trends, combining r&b and hip-hop roots with nods to disco ('Bye'), 80s synth-pop ('Supernatural', 'This Boy'), trap ('True Story'), EDM (the house-tinged 'Yes and?' and colourful 'We Can't be Friends (Wait For Your Love') and classic balladeering ('I Wish I Hated You', with its expansive musical palette and intricate instrumental flourishes).
Review: Ariana Grande's gorgeous Eternal Sunshine album radiates with shimmering pop perfection. Bursting with celestial melodies, lush production, and Grande's powerful vocals, it's an ethereal journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. From the dreamy allure of 'Sunset Serenade' to the introspective depth of 'Midnight Memories,' each track exudes true emotional resonance and sonic brilliance as Grande effortlessly navigates between vulnerability and empowerment to craft a deeply personal yet universally relatable record. With its seamless blend of r&b, pop, and electronic influences, this album solidifies Grande's status as a pop icon while offering listeners escape into a world of eternal bliss.
Review: Conan Gray has spoken openly about the catalyst for Found Heaven - an ill-fated toe-step into the murky world of relationships and, then, love, followed by painful heartbreak. The American singer-songwriter was still processing the fallout when the first promo interviews for this record hit the presses. That he says the trauma was worth it speaks volumes about who he is, and the mindset that feeds into his music. It might also be due to the fact Found Heaven is a glorious beast. A thoughtful curveball thrown by a man whose reputation for melancholia is well-known, this is almost like the musical version of what happens to us all after an intense emotional experience - transformation. So, think power balladry, synth-soaked anthems and a kind of 1980s nostalgic experimentation. It's weird and wonderful.
Review: Only a year after concluding his ambitious 'Man On The Moon' trilogy, Kid Cudi is already reissuing the third and final instalment in the saga, 'The Chosen', in 2xLP format. Demonstrating the artist's bold sidestep into cloud rap (as opposed to stark classics like 'Day N Nite'), this album contains slow-chugging dreamers like 'Mr. Solo Dolo III' and playful gut-bouncers a-la 'Tequila Shots', spanning collabs with Trippie Redd, Skepta, Pop Smoke and folk pop sensation Phoebe Bridgers. For those invested in Kudi's artistic progression, this is a concept album finding the rapper in an internal struggle against his evil alter-ego, Mr. Rager - whether Cudi prevails is up to the listener's interpretation.
Superhero (Heroes & Villains) (feat Future & Chris Brown) (4:07)
Too Many Nights (feat Don Toliver & Future) (3:17)
Raindrops (Insane) (feat Travis Scott) (3:06)
Umbrella (feat 21 Savage & Young Nudy) (3:39)
Trance (feat Travis Scott & Young Thug) (3:12)
Around Me (feat Don Toliver) (3:21)
Metro Spider (feat Young Thug) (2:55)
I Can't Save You (feat Future & Don Toliver - interlude) (1:18)
Creepin' (feat The Weeknd & 21 Savage) (3:52)
Niagara Falls (Foot Or 2) (feat Travis Scott & 21 Savage) (3:26)
Walk Em Down (Don't Kill Civilians) (feat 21 Savage & Mustafa) (2:44)
Lock On Me (feat Travis Scott & Future) (2:21)
Feel The Fiyaaaah (feat A$AP Rocky & takeoff) (2:52)
All The Money (feat Gunna - bonus track) (5:57)
Review: Heroes & Villains is the long-awaited new album from Metro Booming and fans will not be disappointed. The widescreen and cinematic long player features the likes of Chris Brown, Travis Scott, The Wknd, 21 Savage, John Legend and Don Tolliver so really does draw on the best of hip-hop talent. The 15 tunes flow well despite the many different names on it and intricate yet accessible beats define much of the rhythms. There are dramatic and dark moments next to moments of real hope with plenty of humility from Metro along the way.
Metro Boomin & Swae Lee, Lil Wayne, Offset - "Annihilate" (3:51)
Metro Boomin & ASAP Rocky, Roisee - "Am I Dreaming" (4:14)
Metro Boomin & Future, Lil Uzi Vert - "All The Way Live" (3:49)
Offset & JID - "Danger (Spider)" (3:36)
Metro Boomin & James Blake - "Hummingbird" (5:15)
Metro Boomin & Swan Lee, Nav - "Calling" (feat A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie) (3:38)
Ei8ht & Offset - "Silk & Cologne" (2:48)
Metro Boomin & Don Toliver, Wizkid - "Link Up" (feat Beam & Toian - Spider-verse remix) (3:16)
Metro Boomin& Coi Leray - "Self Love" (3:06)
Metro Boomin & Don Toliver, Lil Uzi Vert - "Home" (3:15)
Metro Boomin & James Blake, Asap Rocky, 21 Savage - "Nonviolent Communication" (3:26)
Don Toliver & 21 Savage, 2 Chainz - "Givin' Up (Not The One)" (3:52)
Metro Boomin & Nas - "Nas Morales" (2:48)
Review: With a superhero like Spiderman being recognised the world over by those who've legitimately never even held a comic book, it makes sense that any film adaption should rely on the current sounds of the modern era to deliver an entertaining and reliably engaging soundtrack. Where 2002's game-changing Sam Raimi adaptation boasted a retrospectively cheesy bevvy of nu-metal adjacent radio rock with the film's lead single even being penned by Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger, the music selection on this latest experimental animated series of films; Across The Spider Verse, turns to the current realms of radio dominating pop-rap. Overseen by acclaimed trap producer Metro Boomin and enlisting a who's who of modern artists such as Don Toliver, Lil Uzi Vert, Future, Nas and A$AP Rocky to name just a small handful, the collection serves equally as an of the time and on the pulse soundtrack, but also as a banging collaborative compilation of some of the best hip-hop acts in the scene today.
I Am Your Leader (feat Cam'ron & Rick Ross) (3:34)
Beez In The Trap (feat 2 Chainz) (4:28)
HOV Lane (3:15)
Roman Reloaded (feat Lil Wayne) (3:15)
Champion (feat Nas, Drake & Young Yeezy) (4:56)
Right By My Side (feat Chris Brown) (4:25)
Sex In The Lounge (feat Lil Wayne & Bobby V) (3:28)
Starships (3:34)
Pound The Alarm (3:31)
Whip It (3:16)
Automatic (3:18)
Beautiful Sinner (3:45)
Marilyn Monroe (3:16)
Young Forever (3:08)
Fire Burns (2:57)
Gun Shot (feat Beenie Man) (4:39)
Stupid Hoe (3:21)
Review: More than a decade on from the release of her second album, Nicki Minaj enjoys a stratospheric reputation as one of the queens of contemporary American pop. It is in part thanks to this album, too, as it moved her away from there sounds of her debut into something more overtly fun. The first half is all hip-hop, the seance a mix of dance-pop, all of it with a variety of collaborators taking production credits. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and went on to be certified double platinum with singles like 'Starships' defining its sound.
Review: After more than 26 years, Pearl Jam triumphantly claimed the top spot on the mainstream rock airplay charts in the US with the lead single from their latest album. Released 1000 days before the album itself, the single 'Dark Matter' marked Pearl Jam's return to chart-topping glory for the first time since 'Given To Fly' in January-February 1998. The album, now finally released, has swiftly garnered praise from fans old and new. Laden with the band's signature riffs and powerful grooves, every track, including 'Dark Matter,' showcases Eddie Vedder's iconic vocals and confirms they still have what it takes to make a mark in the metal world.
Review: Once-breakout hip-hop star Post Malone has come a long way since ‘White Iverson’, as he here follows up his 2023 album Austin with yet another full-length offering F-1 Trillion. His sixth album to date, and characteristic of the genre-hopping propensities of the late-stage capitalist, liquid modern condition, this record is an out-and-out embrace of country music, after the aforementioned Austin just as adventurously heard Malone go full synthpop and alt-rock. Flaunting his freedom, Malone said to Howard Stern, "To be honest, there's nothing stopping me from taking a camera or setting up in my studio in Utah and just recording a country album to put on YouTube. I'm allowed to do that. I'm a human being”. So he did. This is actually a stunningly bright record, never once letting up the crispy, neon aututuned blitzes endemic to the hip-hop Malone is known for, providing (neo-)neo-country a fresh soundworld all unto its own.
Review: Folklore was a surprise album from American singing sensation Taylor Swift, who only 11 months previously put out Lover. The record makes a big departure from the sounds she is mostly associated with - namely upbeat pop - in favour of a more mature and considered indie folk, alt rock and chamber pop sound. Written and recorded in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the record rightfully got widespread critical acclaim for its song writing, emotive weight and soothing sound overall. Amazing for a shock, leftfield release from a pop superstar, all 16 tracks from Folklore entered the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously,
Review: Taylor Swift's evolution from country crooner to pop sensation solidifies her status in the Tortured Poets Department as she joins the ranks of music's chief emotional architects. Through heartbreak anthems and soul-baring lyrics, Swift's discography serves as a diary of love, loss, and resilience. From 'Love Story' to 'All Too Well,' her songs resonate with listeners and capture the raw intensity of human emotion. Swift's ability to weave intricate narratives and evoke profound sentiment establishes her as a modern-day poet who navigates the complexities of life and love with eloquence and grace.
Review: Taylor Swift is a global superstar and pop icon with over 200 million records worldwide and numerous awards, including 13 Grammys. under her belt, Known for her catchy pop songs and her outspoken personality, this is the upcoming 11th studio album by her and will feature 16 new tracks plus one bonus track. The album is said to be a departure from Swift's previous work and will explore darker and more introspective themes. Nevertheless, expect more Swift goodness if you are Swiftie. This edition is pressed on white vinyl with a 24 page booklet included.
Review: Taylor Swift's latest offering presents an eclectic mix of deeply personal storytelling and sonic experimentation. Opening with 'Fortnight' featuring Post Malone, the track sets a tone that merges soft melodies with a hint of contemporary edge. The album moves seamlessly between intimate moments, like 'My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys,' and more expansive anthems such as 'Florida!!!' featuring Florence & The Machine. The acoustic versions of some tracks, like 'Down Bad' and 'But Daddy I Love Him,' strip back the production, allowing Swift's vulnerability to shine. This release reveals a further evolution of her sound, weaving together emotive lyrics and bold musical choices.
Review: In her album The Tortured Poets Department, the seemingly universally adored Taylor Swift masterfully delves into real depths of emotion with plenty of her trademark raw vulnerability. Each track is an exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery, which up to now has always resonated deeply with her fan base. Swift's lyrical prowess shines as she navigates themes of heartbreak and resilience, accompanied by rich melodies that tug at the heartstrings. The album is a fine document of the complexities of human experience that showcasesSwift's evolution as both a songwriter and storyteller. The Tortured Poets Department is another album that solidifies Swift's place as one of music's most compelling voices.
Review: After a run which has seen her re-recording her early albums in defiance of a restrictive record deal, Taylor Swift dropped a bomb at the MTV VMAs this year by announcing her tenth studio album. Since then, the information has been trickling out with the steady precision we expect from one of pop's biggest stars, and finally we can clutch Midnights. An album steeped in concept and supposedly drawing from 13 different sleepless nights from throughout Swift's life, it's a reflection on those strange places we go in ourselves when we choose to burn the midnight oil, crafted alongside her steadfast producer Jack Antonoff. There are a variety of editions of this highly anticipated record, and this Jade Green pressing is sure to be one of the most coveted.
Review: One of the most important pop albums of the last decade, responsible for shaping radio pop for many years to come, '1989' is a well-beloved part of the Taylor Swift canon. Deservedly so, featuring some of the most important hits, not just of the discography of America's sweetheart, but of the century. 'Shake It Off' and 'Bad Blood' were playing on every speaker around the world at one time, letting the world know exactly the grip Swift had, and would continue to have to this day, on the music industry. Now updated with never-before-seen alternate art and images, TS is continuing full steam ahead with the re-recordings of her iconic catalogue, reclaiming her masters for herself and giving her old tracks a new lease of life as well as including 5 previously unreleased tracks from the vault. No modern Taylor release would be complete without multiple coloured vinyl variants, the sky hue of the vinyl reflecting the vast blueness beyond the smiling 33-year-old as birds freely fly overhead. It's a far cry from the candid, faceless polaroid that the original record donned; A defiant image of freeness from the shackles of her past.
Review: It should take about two seconds to realise, if you didn't already know, that Eddie Vedder is the voice of Pearl Jam, one of the finest rock bands to come out of the US in the late stages of the 20th Century, and one of the outfit's four (yes, four) guitarists. Ranked by none other than Rolling Stone magazine as the seventh finest lead singer of all time, it's safe to say he's the kind of pedigree you want to venture out as a soloist.
Now four albums in his own name deep, Earthling may not be rewriting any rule books or pushing boundaries and our perception of what's possible, but it is an incredibly well conceived and executed heavy rock 'n' roll album, showcasing a man with seemingly infinite creative energy, here unleashing a combination of heartfelt alt, breakneck garage-grunge, and searing big room stuff that you'll struggle to forget after hearing just once. Songwriting and guitar work at their finest.
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