Review: Chappell Roan burst onto the scene in 2020 with this viral hit which did a great job of introducing a vibrant and unapologetically queer pop sound. Co-written with Daniel Nigro, her debut album followed in the form of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and it captured the Missouri native's journey toward achieving her pop star dreams. This limited-edition 7" single features 'Pink Pony Club' and 'Naked in Manhattan', both pressed on stunning baby pink vinyl that reflects Roan's bold and heartfelt artistry. As a celebration of self-expression and musical passion, this is a must-have.
Review: A quirky, addictive gem that captures the essence of pop's disco revival with flair and ingenuity. Produced by Julian Bunetta, the track combines sunny reggae-inspired rhythms with a sparkling nu-disco groove, echoing the vibe of Carly Simon's Why while carving out its own eccentric identity. Sabrina Carpenter's playful lyrics are delightfully strange, channeling the evocative charm of 80s Italo-disco. Clever, fizzy and undeniably fun, this track feels like a breath of fresh air amid a crowded pop landscape. Perfect for a quick spin or a DJ set, his gem might just stretch disco's summer renaissance a little longer.
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: Billie Eilish has been uncharacteristically secretive about her upcoming LP 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' despite the past whirlwind success of her career that has catapulted her into having heaps of Grammy awards - least of all the current reigning song of the year for the Barbie movie. In truth, all we know about this album is that it's her third, that (as with everything the singer has done) her brother and fellow artist FINNEAS is the executive producer and that the album has reportedly got ten tracks, no thanks in part to a leak by magazine Rolling Stone that drew the public ire of Eilish. Part of the rollout was Eillish's public condemnation of the out-of-control music industry practice of excessive vinyl variants, which has resulted in her offering eco-only discs - though of course she will be releasing multiple variants herself, her point still stands. It's a rare opportunity to get on board with an album without the raging industry tactics behind it, just an album dropped all at once on the day - as it should be, we'd venture.
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: Sabrina Carpenter's latest release offers a mix of catchy pop melodies and introspective lyrics, perfectly captured on this limited edition olive green vinyl LP. Each track feels like a personal reflection, blending playful pop elements with deeper emotional moments. Carpenter's vocals transition effortlessly from light-hearted to deeply resonant, mirroring the complexities of self-discovery and relationships. With its honest lyricism and vibrant production, the album presents a refreshing take on pop. The indie-exclusive edition comes with a postcard, making it a must-have for collectors and fans who appreciate a blend of engaging music and tangible, personal touches.
Review: Roan's debut LP, released in 2023, has catapulted her to stardom, poised to top the UK charts and marking her set at Lollapalooza as one of the festival's most-attended. Her meteoric rise, fueled by her support role on Olivia Rodrigo's Guts tour and the success of the single 'Good Luck, Babe!', has been impressive. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is a showcase of Roan's fearless songwriting, blending intense revelations with irresistibly catchy choruses. To commemorate the album's one-year anniversary, Island Records has announced a limited-edition 2xLP in 'my kink is coral' vinyl. This release celebrates the album's cultural impact, from its iconic 'Pink Pony Club' costumes to the viral 'HOT TO GO!' dance, solidifying Roan's is here to stay.
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: Sedsoul welcome back one of their mainstays, David A Tobin, with a fresh new tune, emblematic of a soul supremo reared in the gospel tradition. Tobin's nominal credits stretch as far back as the early 1990s, when he operated as a house music vocalist working under the stage name Phoenix, but his more recent efforts under his own name have seen him steer in a determined soul direction, post-2010. 'Fallin' In Love' is an amorous cascade and an homage to sea-changes, with the titular "falling in love" coming backed by refrained urges to "turn your life around".
Review: Desire I Want To Turn Into You is the latest career-redefining album from pin-up poptimist Caroline Polachek, swiftly moving on from the style of her prior opus Pang by treading into several completely new musical territories for the artist (albeit working with her same, favourite producers). This version of the album, along with the standard edition, comes as a unique metallic copper metal vinyl record.
Perry Farrel - "Go All The Way (Into The Twilight)" (3:28)
Collective Soul - "Tremble For My Beloved" (3:47)
Paramore - "I Caught Myself" (3:55)
Blue Foundation - "Eyes On Fire" (4:57)
Rob Pattinson - "Never Think" (4:30)
Iron & Wine - "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" (3:59)
Carter Burwell - "Bella’s Lullaby" (2:16)
Review: A full Twilight soundtrack reissue campaign is well underway, once again bolstering the staying power of the teen emo-gothic vampire brand. As with the entirety of the series, the score for the first edition in the film franchise was overseen by music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas, with its original elements composed by Carter Burwell and also featuring curated songs from the likes of Muse, Paramore, Linkin Park and The Black Ghosts.
Review: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, this iconic release, which was the UK's best-selling album of 2004, returns on a limited green edition coloured vinyl. Known for their eccentric style and high-energy, feel-good lyrics, the album's original release on February 2, 2004 propelled the band to global fame. Featuring fan favourites like 'Take Your Mama,' 'Laura,' and 'Filthy/Gorgeous,' the album has sold nearly four million copies worldwide, racked up 300 million streams and won 'Best International Album' at the 2005 Brits.
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 10th 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 Lavender pressing is sure to be one of the most coveted.
Baby (You've Got What It Takes) (with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings) (3:14)
Fever (3:52)
Quando, Quando, Quando (duet with Nelly Furtad) (4:42)
Save The Last Dance For Me (3:39)
Bring It On Home To Me (4:37)
Moondance (4:13)
Spider-Man (3:03)
It's A Beautiful Day (3:19)
Hold On (4:03)
Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (3:13)
Higher (3:07)
You & I (3:56)
Review: Michael Buble's The Best Of Buble offers a comprehensive look at the remarkable career of the Award-winning, multi-platinum singer. The album spans 21 tracks, including iconic hits like 'Haven't Met You Yet,' 'Feeling Good,' and 'Sway.' It also introduces two new, never-before-released songs: 'Don't Blame It On Me' and 'Quizas, Quizas, Quizas.' 'Don't Blame It On Me' stands out as a classic Buble anthem, blending handclaps, stand-up bass, and acoustic guitar with a boisterous horn section and an instantly memorable chorus. The song embodies the lovestruck spirit and energy that have become synonymous with Buble's sound. The Best Of Buble not only celebrates his past successes but also hints at the exciting future of this timeless entertainer. With a career spanning two decades, Buble continues to excite audiences with his unique style and unforgettable performances.
Review: American singer and former Disney starlet Sabrina Carpenter delivers her sixth album, Short n' Sweet, following up 2022's Emails I Can't Send. It's only natural that Carpenter swerve terse after said prior record dealt in lengthier themes of abjection and unsent, gushing letters; this time around, Sabrina appears purged of her former gripes with love-life, its lead single 'Espresso' manifesting as the neo-funk ode to give-a-fucks sent flying ("I can't relate to desperation" she croons). A stark and carefree contrast to the longing for belonging potrayed on her last record.
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: Kiss Klassics is keeping all you party DJs supplied with the best tackle once more here as this time they spotlight a trio of standout tracks from Montero Lamar Hill aka Lil Nas X's debut LP. Montero came back in 2021 and these cuts haven't been available on wax before now. There is the celebratory pomp and hefty distorted low end of 'Industry Baby' as well as the more deep sounds of 'Montero' with its strings, finger clicks and Afro-tinged beats, then the high-speed party pomp of 'That's What I Want' with its epic chorus and summer festival feel.
Review: It may be true that not many UK music fans are aware of Savage Garden, but that truth says nothing about the undeniable quality of their uniquely trip-hoppy dream-pop-rock sound. Their 1997 self-titled debut album gave rise to the sung-rap songs 'Truly Madly Deeply' and 'I Want You', which have since become exemplary slices of the '90s sonic cake. Lead singer Darren Hayes' soaring vocals are backed by lush, cinematic production, resulting in an album that is both bombastic and intimate. The pair's sultry leather-jacketed image has aged just as well.
Review: Taylor Swift's latest double album delivers an expansive collection of 35 tracks, showcasing her signature storytelling and emotional depth while exploring fresh sonic territory. Featuring collaborations with Post Malone and Florence & The Machine, the album blends introspective ballads with vibrant anthems that highlight Swift's versatility. The record sets a reflective tone, delving into themes of loss, anger and resilience. Tracks like 'So Long London' provide a poignant narrative closure, paralleling earlier songs from her discography while embracing the bittersweetness of moving forward. 'I Can Do It With A Broken Heart' captures the juxtaposition of public strength and private vulnerability with upbeat production reminiscent of Midnights. Collaborations shine throughout; 'Fortnight' finds Swift and Post Malone harmonising beautifully over a wistful melody, while the lively 'Florida!!!' bursts with summer energy, enhanced by Florence Welch's dynamic vocals. The stripped-down 'I Look In People's Windows' emerges as a standout, pairing raw lyricism with delicate guitar work to convey profound grief and longing. The project is a testament to Swift's ability to blend personal reflection with universal themes. With its balance of experimentation and emotional candor, it marks a bold chapter in her ever-evolving career.
Review: Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head back in 2002 was a move on from their debut that showed deeper emotional and sonic complexity. With Chris Martin's distinctive voice at the helm, the album features anthems like 'Clocks' and 'The Scientist' which blend atmospheric rock with introspective lyrics. Tracks such as 'God Put a Smile Upon Your Face' and 'In My Place' highlight the band's ability to fuse melodic hooks with poignant themes and the album's exploration of love, loss and introspection, supported as always by grand and dynamic arrangements and epic production, remains a standout in the band's catalogue.
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: Tears For Fears return with Songs For A Nervous Planet, their first-ever live album. This 22-track collection captures the band's iconic live performances from their 2023 tour, with recordings from a show at FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin, Tennessee. Spanning their career, it includes classics like 'Shout', 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World', 'Mad World', and 'Head Over Heels', as well as several tracks from their 2022 album, The Tipping Point. The album also features four new studio songs, including the lead single, 'The Girl That I Call Home'. Written by Roland Orzabal as a love song for his wife Emily, the track blends dreamy synths, soft drums, and tender vocals, showcasing the band's warmth and emotional depth. Curt Smith remarked, "Many don't realize we're a strong live band," while Orzabal noted, "This album is 40 years in the making."
Review: Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism, shows off her innovative blend of dance-pop and psychedelic sounds, embodying a message of radical optimism. As her third studio album, it marks a vibrant return after the success of Future Nostalgia. The album effortlessly fuses genres, including electropop, soft rock and Europop, delivering a dynamic listening experience that nods to the vibrant 80s. Notable tracks like 'Houdini', 'Illusion' and 'Maria' transport listeners back to the 80s, combining nostalgic melodies with modern pop sensibilities. Each track transitions smoothly, creating a cohesive flow that keeps listeners engaged. Radical Optimism is an excellent album with this version being pressed on zoetrope picture disc to make it an exciting package to support the great music inside.
Review: This Erasure album is a masterful album that show how good the electronic duo is 35 years into their career. The first single, 'Elevation', is an uplifting anthem that exemplifies the duo's knack for blending heartfelt lyrics with soaring melodies. Vince Clarke's signature synth work is ever-present, crafting lush soundscapes that complement Andy Bell's emotionally resonant vocals. Tracks like 'Reason' and 'Promises' burst with infectious energy, while ballads like 'Be The One' and 'Smoke and Mirrors' reveal a deeper, introspective side. Richard X's production adds modern polish without overshadowing their distinctive sound. Nearly three decades into their career, Erasure delivered a vibrant and multilayered album that's both timeless and forward-thinking. Ten years since first released, this version comes on white vinyl.
Review: George Michael's timeless Careless Whisper is an iconic pop record which this year marks its 40th anniversary. It was released in 1984 and soon topped charts in 25 countries while also achieving multiple Platinum certifications globally. To celebrate the milestone, a limited edition Careless Whisper EP has been compiled and features all versions of the song in one exclusive release. This special 12" includes instrumental and extended mixes along with a previously unreleased live version recorded at Madison Square Garden, New York. It is an EP that reminds us of the late great Michael's skills and reworks the single in club ready format for DJs.
Careless Whisper (live At Madison Square Garden, July 2008)
Careless Whisper (instrumental)
Review: George Michael's Careless Whisper 40th Anniversary Edition on CD is a nostalgic treasure for fans of one of pop's quintessential anthems. Released in 1984, the track's lush saxophone riff and Michael's emotive vocals made it an instant classic, topping charts worldwide and becoming a (slow) dancefloor staple. This commemorative CD presents four versions of the iconic song: the newly remastered original, an extended mix that amplifies its steamy appeal, a previously unreleased live performance from Madison Square Garden capturing its live charm and an instrumental version that highlights its exquisite musicality. While Michael himself was critical of the track's lyrical simplicity, viewing it as a minor achievement compared to his other work, the song's enduring appeal remains undeniable. This edition celebrates its lasting impact with a collection that offers fans both a trip down memory lane and a deeper appreciation of its musical legacy.
Review: 'Brat' is Charlotte Emma Aitchison's sixth studio album as Charli XCX, the follow-up from her "sell-out era", 2022's 'Crash' which topped multiple charts and gave the British pop singer a newfound notoriety that she had long been deserving. A longtime collaborator with PC Music founder and Beyonce-credited producer A.G. Cook, whose production can be found in the album's latest double single 'Club Classics/B2b', Charli is returning to her roots of dance music and electronic pop - a far cry from the hazy alt-pop she launched her career with. Following the launch of 'Von dutch', the lead single produced by PC Music producer EASYFUN (aka Finn Keanne), Charli has gone on record saying that this is her best body of work - a title that once belonged to the cult classic mixtape 'Pop 2' - and it's easy to see why, the blaring synths and honed in club music focus is unlike anything anybody in the mainstream pop sphere is doing right now. Pressed on a translucent black vinyl, and coupled with one of the best album covers maybe of all time, it's never been a better time to be one of Charli's angels.
Review: Bjork and Rosalia team up for the limited marble vinyl edition 12" double-sider, 'Oral', now coming packed with a stunning remix by Olof Dreijer from The Knife. The record is described by its releasers OLI as not just a single release but a "call to arms", with 100% of the profits being funnelled directly to AEGIS, the Icelandic charity dedicated to eradicating intensive fish farming in the country. 'Oral' itself is now a staple of the latest incarnation of Bjork's ever-mutant career, consummating her and Rosalia's recent rapport; a sabre-wielding, purblind aesthetic - befitting also of another of Bjork's collaborative contemporaries, Arca - fits seamlessly with the elegiac reggaeton of the song. Dreijer's remix is rabid and wonky by comparison, its draggy, morphemic rhythms belying Bjork and Rosalia's equally wetted vocals, producing a wacky litany of faunal electronics and whizzing FX.
Review: Finneas's Blood Harmony album was originally reals din 2019 and now gets a special deluxe treatment that spreads it across two slabs of blue wax with an original insert. It also includes a new version of 'Let's Fall in Love for the Night' entitled 'Let's Fall in Love for the Night (1964)' and 2018 single 'Break My Heart Again.' The album rather underperformed at first but has since grown in popularity with its contemporary pop production and Finneas's accessible lyrics resonating with fans old and new. 'I Lost a Friend' is a strong electropop ballad with minimal bass guitar, piano and drums under layered harmonies and is archetypal of this record's sound.
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