Back in stock: Pop

Review: Lady Gaga's brand new album Mayhem documents yet another modification in look and feel for today's North Star of pop music: the 'Bad Romance' conquistador has described her latest record as "utter chaos", fusing influences from 90s alt-rock, electro-grunge, Prince and Bowie-esque melodies, funk, French electro-house, and analog synths. Headed up by the lead single 'Disease', Gaga's visually striking yet newly gothicized turn is quite unsettling, offering a fresh "era" in the pop pantomorph's approach, which invites comparisons to Taylor Swift and David Bowie, yet more latexy.

Review: Marc Collin hit lucky when as Nouvelle Vague he decided to interpret some post-punk classics in a bossa nova style over 20 years ago. Initially thought of as a one-off project, Nouvelle Vague was hugely successful and led to further albums, critical acclaim, TV adverts and riches beyond his wildest dreams (maybe). The fifth instalment proves that 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' by once again re-working post-punk era classics into a laid-back easy listening style. 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' is a shockingly well-made addition to the project, and, this being 2023, is the crispest and cleanest selection no less.

Review: NOW - Millennium 2006-2007 celebrates the brilliance of post-millennial pop with a collection of back-to-back hits. This double album set features 31 unforgettable tracks from these two standout years in music, pressed on stunning opaque orange and white vinyl. LP1 begins with Amy Winehouse's iconic 'Rehab' from her Back To Black album, followed by Gnarls Barkley's massive hit 'Crazy.' Nelly Furtado's collaboration with Timbaland on 'Maneater' and LL Cool J's 'Control Myself' with Jennifer Lopez keep the energy high. The Black Eyed Peas' 'Pump It' and the Scissor Sisters' 'I Don't Feel Like Dancin' lead into tracks by Robbie Williams and the Pet Shop Boys. Other great hits include Snow Patrol's 'Chasing Cars,' Britney Spears' 'Gimme More,' songs by Keane, The Killers, Fall Out Boy's 'Sugar, We're Goin Down,' and The Zutons' 'Valerie.' P!nk and James Morrison set the stage nicely for the relaxed vibe of Corinne Bailey Rae's 'Put Your Records On.' Hit after hit, enjoy the years most popular tracks of 2006 and 2007.