Back catalogue: Pop

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


The 5 Seconds of Summer (10th Anniversary Edition) is a nostalgic celebration of the band's pop-rock origins, the infectious melodies and energetic rock vibes that marked their rise to fame. Featuring classic hits like 'She Looks So Perfect' and 'Amnesia', the latter showcasing their versatility with its stripped-down acoustic sound, while deeper cuts like 'Voodoo Doll' and 'End Up Here' remind listeners of the band's growth over the years. 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me' stands out with its infectious energy and the live arrangements add an extra layer of excitement to the song's performances. This anniversary edition not only revisits the chart-topping hits but also reminds listeners of the enduring quality of the entire album. This album became the soundtrack of countless lives, particularly during the mid-2010s and this picture disc is a great added touch to the package for fans.

Review: Early arrivals don cardboard masks of 5 Seconds of Summer, blown up to thrice their usual size. It's as close as many will get to the Aussie lads tonight, with dry ice and a low stage obscuring them from view. This visual absence, coupled with the venue's steamy atmosphere, creates a pop-punk rave vibe - fitting for 5SOS's pivot to arena-ready anthems on their debut. The set spans their evolution from YouTube covers to teen idols. Wildcard moments like the psychedelic 'Voodoo Doll' and acoustic 'Amnesia' punctuate the night, but new material dominates. Opener 'She Looks So Perfect' sets the tone, channelling Blink-182 for a new generation. 5SOS amplify their pop sensibilities: 'Don't Stop' drives a simple riff to emotional heights, while 'Good Girls' repurposes 80s power ballad synths into tear-stained pop-punk.Despite radio-friendly polish, 5SOS's shift to mainstream pop feels genuine. Their vocals transform them into heartthrob crooners on 'Kiss Me Kiss Me'. This pop pivot suits their songcraft, with melancholy no less affecting when paired with power chords and arms-aloft choruses.their yearning songcraft perfectly, the melancholy heart of 5 Seconds of Summer no less affecting when tethered to power chord orthodoxy and following the shortest laser-guided path to the arms-aloft chorus.

Review: The 5 Seconds of Summer (10th Anniversary Edition) is a nostalgic celebration of the band's pop-rock origins, the infectious melodies and energetic rock vibes that marked their rise to fame. Featuring classic hits like 'She Looks So Perfect' and 'Amnesia', the latter showcasing their versatility with its stripped-down acoustic sound, while deeper cuts like 'Voodoo Doll' and 'End Up Here' remind listeners of the band's growth over the years. 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me' stands out with its infectious energy and the live arrangements add an extra layer of excitement to the song's performances. This anniversary edition not only revisits the chart-topping hits but also reminds listeners of the enduring quality of the entire album. This album became the soundtrack of countless lives, particularly during the mid-2010s and this picture disc is a great added touch to the package for fans.

Review: Swedish pop legends ABBA seem to be as talked about these days as ever, largely down to the fact that the holographic stage show proved such a huge success with all those who continue to pack it out in the capital. They were very much at the peak of their powers back in 1981 when The Visitors, their eighth studio album, arrived. It actually saw the group move away from their super light and airy and catchy pop of previous works and enter more mature and complex musical worlds. The fact that Benny and Frida had recently split up coloured some of the tunes such as 'When All Is Said And Done' and even topical Cold War themes were explored.

Review: Boy George was a key figure in London's Blitz Club scene of the early 80s and with Culture Club he helped define the New Romantic movement that led the so-called "Second British Invasion" of the US with their 1982 debut album, Kissing to Be Clever. A number five hit in the UK and a global success at the time, the album featured the smash hit 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me' and the lively 'I'll Tumble 4 Ya'. Blending new wave, pop, reggae and soul, their genre-crossing sound and bold fashion continue to influence today's artists which is why this one now gets a special reissue for National Album Day.

Review: Empire of the Sun's Two Vines envisions a city reclaimed by nature, blending lush, tropical imagery with their signature electro-glam pop sound. Recorded in Hawaii and Los Angeles, the album features contributions from notable artists such as David Bowie's Blackstar band members and Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham. The album opens with the serene 'Before' and the enchanting 'ZZZ,' showcasing Luke Steele's ethereal falsetto and the band's seamless fusion of beats and melodies. Tracks like 'High and Low' and 'Friends' feature catchy EDM choruses, while the title track, 'Two Vines,' stands out with its acoustic sound and prominent vocals. Two Vines is another arrow in Empire of the Sun's artistic vision, combining futuristic themes with natural beauty. This reissue on beautiful green vinyl matches the awesome artwork to the tee.

Review: Nelly Furtado's debut album, Whoa, Nelly!, is a unique blend of pop, folk and r&b, establishing her as a distinctive voice in early 2000s music. The Canadian-Portuguese singer-songwriter stunned audiences with her breakout single 'I'm Like a Bird,' a dreamy, folk-infused pop anthem that soared to the top of the charts. Furtado's lyrical introspection and emotional delivery, combined with the production talents of Gerald Eaton and Brian West, created an album filled with heartfelt melodies and infectious rhythms. Tracks like 'Turn Off The Light' and 'On The Radio (Remember the Days)' further exhibit her versatility and knack for catchy hooks. Whoa, Nelly! is not only a commercial success but also a creative triumph, blending genres and showcasing Furtado's unique artistry. Now, enjoy the album reissued on beautiful vinyl.

Review: UMR reissue Nelly Furtado's third studio album Loose, notable for its stature as one of the foremost pop collisions between a doe-eyed starlet and the 21st-Century production mastermind, Timbaland (this time in cahoots with his protege Danja). An all-out genre tour, this is the Furtado record responsible for such r&b, reggaeton and funk-inflected ditties as 'Promiscuous', 'Say It Right' and 'Maneater', enduring additions to her everlasting canon.

Review: 90s pop favourite Gabrielle's Find Your Way was released in 1993 and was the debut studio album that established her as one of the UK's standout r&b and soul artists of the era. Now reissued, it features the hit single 'Dreams,' which topped the UK charts. The album blends smooth soul with pop and dance influences while Gabrielle's distinctively husky voice, emotive delivery, and relatable lyrics about love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment continue to resonate widely. Tracks like 'Going Nowhere' and 'I Wish' are further proof of her skills and help make her a major voice in British pop.

Review: By the time Heart reentered the studio to record their self-titled eighth album for Capitol, their commercial momentum seemed to be fading. Early successes, such as Dreamboat Annie and its three follow-ups, had all climbed to the Billboard Top 20, but 1982's Private Audition and 1983's Passionworks struggled to crest so highly, the latter especially failing to go gold, marking the end of their contract with Epic. Tough bargains all round! Yet, signs of resurgence emerged: the band drew fresh traction from the Passionworks single 'Almost Paradise' after it was featured in the film Footloose, motivating the follow-up record Heart. Hard hair rock and arena-bound glam metal are distilled down to an essential T here, kicking off with the medusan 'If Looks Could Kill' before moving into the Lynn Wilson lead-up ballad 'What About Love'.

Review: Hozier's 'Take Me To Church' was the ineluctable indie pop staple of 2013, finding the Irish singer-songwriter explore gothic and religious themes, bringing a confessional feel to a tired relationship amid intrafaith discrimination. This was despite short shrift for Hozier himself, where at the time, Hozier's queerness unfairly barred him from full participation in life as an orthodox Catholic. With a turbulent music video complementing the song, Hozier's accompanying album was sure to ignite the sympathies and passions of many an indie rock fan, cementing the artist's career and earning him several nominations. This new reissue from UMR sheds light on that same moment over a full decade on.

Review: Dedicated from May 2019 is a shimmering, synth-pop gem that builds on the emotional depth of previous album Emotion while refining Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen's signature sound. Packed with all the infectious hooks, lush production and heartfelt lyrics you would expect from a pop album, it also offers euphoric dancefloor anthems (such as 'Now That I Found You', 'Want You in My Room') with introspective, melancholic moments on 'Too Much' and 'The Sound'. Jepsen's knack for capturing love's highs and lows with sincerity and charm makes Dedicated an irresistible listen packed with playful grooves and 80s-inspired beats as well as joyful and bittersweet emotions.

Review: Mind Games, John Lennon's fourth solo album released in late October 1973, arrived amid personal turmoil and political unrest, reflecting Lennon's ongoing battles with US immigration and his anti-Vietnam war activism. Recorded at NYC's Record Plant with a stellar lineup of musicians, the album is overseen by Yoko Ono Lennon and produced by Sean Ono Lennon, offering a fully remixed and expanded audio experience. Lennon's songwriting delves into his relationship with Ono, showcasing heartfelt tracks like the title song and 'Aisumasen (I'm Sorry),' imbued with sincerity and emotion. Other highlights include the politically charged 'Bring On the Lucie (Freda People)' and the '50s-inspired 'Tight A$.' The album excels in composition, production, and lyrical depth, epitomizing Lennon's creative strength. Mind Games sees Lennon's resilience and artistic evolution. Its eclectic mix of themes and musical styles, from rock to balladry, renders it a timeless classic. With its heartfelt sincerity and imaginative flair, Mind Games remains a great listen through Lennon's multifaceted artistry.

Review: Gwen Stefani's debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., released in late 2004, remains a cornerstone of early 2000s pop. Featuring hits like 'Hollaback Girl', 'Rich Girl' and 'What You Waiting For?', this album achieved massive commercial success, selling over five million copies. Its vibrant mix of genres and styles reflects a chaotic yet captivating blend that mirrors the era's pop landscape. Stefani's playful yet pointed lyrics confront the music industry's misogyny and her own struggles with identity. Tracks like 'What You Waiting For?' showcase her internal conflicts about success and self-expression. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary with a reissue on hot pink vinyl, the album invites listeners to reconsider its legacy: a colorful blend of nostalgia, cultural references, and conflicting messages that resonate beyond its pop veneer.

Review: National Album Day 2024 is here and as part of it, Sugarbabes' Angels With Dirty Faces album has been pressed up to limited translucent yellow vinyl. The second album by the group marked a pivotal moment in their career. Released in 2002, it showcased a fresh, mature sound that blended pop, r&b and electronic influences into standout hits like 'Freak Like Me' and 'Round Round,' both of which helped the trio solidify their place in the UK pop canon. The album's edgy production and catchy melodies helped it achieve critical and commercial success and it eventually went triple platinum. Angels With Dirty Faces not only redefined the Sugababes' image but also cemented their reputation as pop legends.

Review: In light of the latest Bridget Jones flick comes Bridget Jones's Diary: The Mixtape, a curated collection of unforgettable tracks from the beloved film series. Released alongside the fictional, happy-go-lucky 30-come-50-something's latest film, Mad About The Boy, this mixtape celebrates the final chapter in Bridget's story. Expect Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, and Ed Sheeran, facilitating a ride through love, laughter, and respite, as we watch the unforgettable Renee Zellweger portray a relatable conjuration of wit and error.

Review: Moana is one of the modern day classic animations. A powerful and empowering tale with a female lead who bows to no one. The second instalment in the series had a lot to live up to and didn't fall short, and the soundtrack to it is just as filled with fun as the first with another wave of enchanting melodies and powerful anthems capturing the spirit of adventure and Polynesian heritage. This collection blends traditional instruments, soaring vocals and modern rhythms to tell Moana's next chapter and features contributions from returning talents like Lin-Manuel Miranda alongside fresh voices. From heart-pounding oceanic themes to reflective ballads, the soundtrack dives deep into themes of self-discovery, courage and connection and is a great celebration of Polynesian culture and storytelling.

Review: Long since gone but never to be forgotten, there remains no one quite like the troubled talent that was Amy Winehouse. Her songs seem to grow better with age if anything so they are always going to keep reappearing on vinyl. This is a particularly special version of her legendary Frank long player that comes on a double picture disc with images of a young, happy Amy on each slab of wax. The music you will be well familiar with by now - heartbreaking and heart-rending soul sounds with a Motown twist and jazz inflection. Tunes like 'I Heard Love Is Blind' and 'Know You Now' will always resonate.