New releases last two weeks: Pop

Review: Recorded during the final year of her life, this posthumous release finds Marianne Faithfull looking both backwards and forwards - reconciling the weight of legacy with the intimacy of reflection. Across these four new tracks, she honours the dual foundations of her 60-year career: chamber pop and traditional British folk. 'Burning Moonlight', co-produced with long-time collaborator Head, echoes the melancholic grandeur of 'As Tears Go By', while 'Love Is (Head version)', written with her grandson Oscar Dunbar, floats with tender defiance. The flip side turns to lineage and tradition: 'Three Kinsmen Bold' is stark and ancestral, passed down from her father and 'She Moved Thru' The Fair' is sparse, aching, and spectral. Faithfull was born in Hampstead and came of age in 60s London, and here, on what is now her final release, she returns to the very start - not out of nostalgia, but with grace and resolve. It's the completion of a circle, yes, but it still leaves a faint line trailing off into the air.

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: To mark its 15th anniversary, Hurts' debut album Happiness receives a long-awaited vinyl release as a rather special limited-edition picture disc. The synth-pop duo's breakthrough was originally released in 2010 and is revisited in full here with all the hits, featuring such as 'Better Than Love,' 'Wonderful Life' and 'Stay.' This debut vinyl pressing adds further value with a side of deluxe edition highlights including the festive fan favourite 'All I Want For Christmas Is New Year's Day' and Arthur Baker's remix of 'Wonderful Life.' It's a sleek and nostalgic listen that reminds of the moody glamour and melodic punch of Hurts' defining debut.

Review: Originally released in 1987, this album featured Level 42 at their commercial and creative peak, blending pop, funk and jazz with impeccable musicianship and slick production. Now reissued on striking red vinyl, this album, their seventh at the time, remains an important piece to the band's signature sound and their ability to craft infectious, sophisticated pop. At the heart of the album are its massive singles. 'Lessons in Love' is a timeless pop-funk anthem, driven by Mark King's signature slap bass and soaring melodies. The title track, 'Running In The Family', combines a polished groove with reflective, autobiographical lyrics, while 'Children Say' has become a cult favorite for its smooth, atmospheric quality. On the softer side, 'It's Over' is a beautifully crafted ballad. The album's production is sleek and radio-ready, yet it never sacrifices the band's instrumental virtuosity. From the intricate basslines to the jazz-infused keyboard work, Running In The Family strikes a perfect balance between complexity and accessibility. This reissue not only highlights Level 42's most successful era but also serves as a reminder of their unique ability to fuse technical skill with mainstream appeal and nearly 40 years on it sounds as fresh as ever.