Back catalogue:

Review: GRAMMY-nominated and Emmy Award-winning multihyphenate Labrinth builds on the success of scoring the first season of Euphoria with another high octane score for the second series. The HBO series was a huge hit and that's in part because of the music. Labrinth himself has said this one is more than just soundtrack music and he's right. It is a visceral listening experience in its own right and one with 22 well crafted tracks including the fan favourite version of 'I'm Tired.' Whether or not you have seen this series, this album is well worth hearing.

Review: Returning after a veritable splash in the chart-topping world of pop nearly ten years ago - and having laid down three full studio albums already - Zara Larsson fleshes out her brand evermore with the upcoming fourth LP, Venus. In keeping with a full Larsson coming-of-age, the Swedish it-girl fulfils her promise of an album chock-full of "uptempo, fun dance songs", albeit with an glitzier edge, and the sound of an artist assuming more ownership over her output, centring on the theme of feminine autonomy in the form of tracks like 'Can't Tame Her' and 'On My Love' with David Guetta. She's come a long, long way from 'Lush Life', exploring a multi-temporal brand of electronic pop and reclaiming her place in the limelight.

Review: Avril Lavigne's debut album Let Go remains a significant pop punk milestone. Emerging from Napanee, Ontario, Lavigne swiftly transitioned from singing Pentecostal hymns to winning a singing contest to perform with Shania Twain. By 2002, she transformed into a pop-punk icon, delivering hits like 'Complicated' and 'Sk8er Boi.' Her collaboration with the Matrix production team brought forth a blend of scrappy attitude and polished pop melodies, resulting in genre-defining tracks. Songs like 'I'm With You' and 'Anything but Ordinary' showcased her emotional depth and vocal prowess. Let Go's success, now certified platinum seven times over, paved the way for alternative-influenced pop, influencing a generation of artists and solidifying Lavigne's legacy. Now reissued on turquoise vinyl, Let Go continues to resonate as a raw and vibrant portrayal of teenage angst and authenticity.

Review: Avril Lavigne's Under My Skin stands out as an underrated album in her career. While lacking big hits like her debut, this album has higher-quality songwriting and a more refined execution of her signature sound. The album's ballads, though fewer in number, feel more sincere and impactful, with tracks like 'Don't Tell Me' resonating even today. The pop-punk tracks also shine, with songs like 'He Wasn't' and 'I Always Get What I Want' surpassing her previous hits in energy and grit. Lavigne's vocal performance is a highlight, especially evident on tracks like 'Forgotten' and 'Slipped Away,' where her range and emotion shine through. Under My Skin not only fixes issues from her debut but also elevates her songwriting and performance, making it a record of the 2000s that deserves more recognition. Now on marbled grey vinyl, another reason to dive in and purchase.

Review: Goodbye Lullaby, Avril Lavigne's fourth studio album, reissued on white vinyl, delves deeply into the emotional turmoil following her divorce from Sum 41's Deryck Whibley. The album oscillates between defiant anthems like 'What The Hell' and 'Smile,' and heartfelt ballads that reflect a pervasive sense of lost love. Tracks like 'Not Enough' and 'Push' showcase Lavigne's struggle with discontent and failed expectations, while the bittersweet 'I Love You' poignantly captures the inevitability of love's demise. The closing track, 'Lullaby,' encapsulates the album's overarching theme of defeat and departure, leaving listeners with a sense of unresolved melancholy. This reissue celebrates Lavigne's ability to convey genuine heartbreak.

Review: A vibrant collection capturing the essence of the multi-Grammy Award star's storied career. Featuring iconic tracks like 'Complicated,' 'Sk8er Boi' and 'Girlfriend,' this compilation showcases Lavigne's knack for catchy hooks and rebellious spirit. The album traverses her evolution from angsty teen anthems to more mature, reflective songs like 'When You're Gone' and 'Keep Holding On.' Each track is a testament to her ability to blend pop, rock and punk elements seamlessly and, as such, serves as a nostalgic journey for longtime fans and a great introduction to new to the Lavigne party.

Review: Avril Lavigne's The Best Damn Thing marked a return to her pop-punk roots when it dropped in 2007, shedding the sombre tones of her previous album, Under My Skin. Embracing an unapologetically energetic and bubblegum sound, Lavigne delivers an album filled with catchy, anthemic tracks. The lead single, 'Girlfriend,' with its infectious hook borrowed from Toni Basil's 'Mickey,' sets the tone for a record bursting with potential hits. Songs like 'I Can Do Better,' 'Everything Back But You' and the title track showcase Lavigne's knack for crafting empowering, high-energy anthems. The Best Damn Thing proves Lavigne's ability to navigate pop-punk territory with confidence, ensuring her place as a standout in the genre - fans of early Sum 41 and Pink will find much to love here.

Review: Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Jollification by The Lightning Seeds returns on a stunning 'Jump Into The Blue' marbled vinyl. Known as the band's most successful album, it houses hit singles like 'Lucky You', 'Perfect', and 'Change'. Ian Broudie's knack for crafting irresistibly catchy, guitar-driven pop shines throughout, with each track offering its own earworm-worthy melody. The upbeat and infectious 'Lucky You', is brimming with joyful energy, while 'Perfect' creates a dreamy atmosphere with its lush instrumentation. The production may lean into the sweeter side of Britpop, but that's part of its charm. Broudie's smooth vocals and layers of harmonies and synths add a warmth and optimism to each song, making the album a breezy, feel-good listen. Other tracks like 'Marvellous' and 'Feeling Lazy' highlight his playful lyricism, with a sound that's both polished and nostalgic. Though some moments are more whimsical than others, the album remains a beloved pop masterpiece. Jollification is packed with vibrant, sing-along tunes that make for an uplifting listening experienceiperfect for any fan of infectious, feel-good music.

Review: Tomorrow's Here Today celebrates 35 years of Lightning Seeds with a stellar compilation showcasing the band's mastery of modern pop songwriting. Led by Ian Broudie, the album kicks off with their iconic debut single 'Pure' and continues to deliver hit after hit across 20 tracks. From classics like 'The Life Of Riley' , All I Want' and 'Change' to fan favorites such as 'Lucky You' and 'Sugar Coated Iceberg,' Lightning Seeds' knack for crafting catchy melodies and feel-good songs shines through. With over eight million albums sold, their music has undoubtedly provided a soundtrack for an entire generation. The compilation is a testament to Lightning Seeds' enduring popularity and their ability to resonate with listeners through their infectious tunes and relatable lyrics. Tomorrow's Here Today is a must-have for fans old and new, encapsulating the band's impressive career and leaving a lasting impression as a true greatest hits collection.

Review: The reissue of The Lightning Seeds' album Sense brings back a cherished gem from the early 90s. Released in 1992, this album showcases Ian Broudie's knack for crafting infectious, melodic pop songs. Standout tracks like the smash hit and every popular 'The Life of Riley' and the title track 'Sense' blend jangly guitars with lush, shimmering production. Broudie's lyrics, often reflective and introspective, add depth to the album's catchy tunes. The reissue offers a fresh opportunity to experience this classic album, highlighting its enduring appeal and the timeless quality of The Lightning Seeds' signature sound. As such, Sense remains a vibrant, uplifting collection of pop brilliance.

Review: The Lightning Seeds' 1999 album Tilt signaled a departure from their cheery indie-pop origins, embracing a more electronic vibe and delving into deeper lyrical themes. Collaborating with talents like Terry Hall, Stephen Jones, and Mike Pickering, and under the production guidance of Simon Rogers (with Tim Simenon overseeing "Get It Right"), the album unveils a shift towards a somber, introspective musical landscape. Despite garnering acclaim for its bold experimentation, especially evident on singles such as 'Life's Too Short' and 'Sweetest Soul Sensations', "Tilt" faced commercial challenges, prompting Ian Broudie to put the band on hiatus thereafter. This record captures a pivotal moment for The Lightning Seeds, navigating uncharted musical waters while staying true to their knack for crafting resonant melodies and thought-provoking compositions that resonate deeply with listeners.

Review: Cloudcuckooland, the 1990 debut by The Lightning Seeds, is a delightful exploration of nerd-pop, infused with whimsical and earnest lyricism. Spearheaded by Ian Broudie, the album features 12 tracks that blend imaginative daydreams with Casio presets, creating a twee, sentimental atmosphere. The standout track, 'Pure,' achieved significant success, charting in both the UK Top 20 and the US Billboard Top 40. Its gentle strumming, synth arpeggios, and Broudie's evocative lyrics evoke a sense of innocent love. The follow-up single, 'All I Want,' continues this trend with its protective, poetic tone and toy harpsichord melodies. While some tracks, like 'Control the Flame' and 'Bound in a Nutshell,' experiment with genre to unique results, others, such as 'Joy' and 'Frenzy,' offer catchy synth-pop moments. Though not as danceable as contemporaries, Cloudcuckooland remains charming for its dainty sentiments and hopeful suitor's perspective, making it a timeless piece of twee pop.

Review: With their almost-sickly sweet vocals and incredibly catchy riffs, it's safe to say The Lighting Seeds were pop personified for a while - and this, their second studio album and a follow up to the acclaimed Cloudcuckooland, was right at the height of that period. One listen to opener and title track, 'Sense', should be enough to invoke memories of a bygone era in music, at least in those who were actually there, while the follow up, 'Life Of Riley', will bring back more vivid recollections thanks to that gold-standard guitar hook. Listening to this simply as a retro or nostalgic exercise isn't really fair, though. Framing Sense as a record worthy of reappraisal reveals a lot about what really captured attention and imagination at the time. These background details that add depth and resonance to otherwise relatively light arrangements betray Iain Broudie's storied track record as a studio producer.

Review: The Lightning Seeds' Dizzy Heights is a shining example of mid-90s Brit-pop brilliance. Led by the talented Ian Broudie, known for his production work with Echo & The Bunnymen, this album beautifully blends light pop-rock with majestic acoustics and New Order/Pet Shop Boys-esque keyboards. While the music exudes a happy and upbeat vibe, Broudie's lyrics reveal a deeper, more introspective side. Songs like 'Touch And Go' and 'Imaginary Friends' explore themes of friendship and loneliness, adding layers of emotional depth. The track 'Waiting For Today To Happen,' co-written by Nicky Wire of the Manic Street Preachers, is a poignant piece likely influenced by the disappearance of Richey Edwards. The cover of 'You Showed Me' is both chilling and sexy, offering a fresh take on a classic song. Despite a consistent sound throughout the album, each track brings its unique charm. Dizzy Heights is perfect for those moments when you want elegant pop music that resonates emotionally. While it might not revolutionize the genre, its sheer listenability and thoughtful composition make it a standout in any music collection.

Review: "This could stand a little more bite," The Chicago Tribune wrote of Cloudcuckooland back in 1990. Suffice to say, Greg Kot hadn't listened to enough by The Lighting Seeds before penning his thoughts on their debut album. As we all know, the Liverpudlian combination of Ian Broudie and Original Mirrors never really had much bite, and instead preferred to float on the wave of sweet and often soft indie pop. Nevertheless, despite the lack of weight and heft, The Lightning Seeds did make a big impact back in the day, with this, their debut album, even managing to bag a spot in the US Top 40. Listening to it now, Broudie's enviable credentials as a producer for the likes of Echo & The Bunnymen, Wall of Voodoo, and the Fall are more than audible in the pitch perfect polish, each tracks boasting that infectious, singalong quality.

Review: On Alter Ego, LISA steps into a darker, more experimental space, leaving her pop roots behind while retaining that undeniable vocal presence. 'Shadow of Love' pulls you in with its moody synths and subtle tension, setting the tone for the rest of the release. Each track feels like a new layer of her artistic evolution, exploring soundscapes that are as introspective as they are compelling. It's a clear statement of growth, with LISA working with producers who help refine her sound while giving her the room to experiment.

Review: Thai rapper and singer Lisa drops her debut studio solo album Lisa, marking her first RCA Records release after her split from South Korean entertainment group YG Entertainment. With breakout rockstar energies and edgy hyperpop production, Atler Ego is a culminant musing on what it means to be a popstar or rockstar in 2025: like Taylor Swift, Lisa explores many different eras, with the album moving in five phases, each one representing a unique personality: in turn, Lisa appears in front of: a monolithic black rock structure, an outer-space catwalk, an enchanted garden, a green laser-beam motorcycle track and a volcanic red runway.

Review: American singer Jennifer Lopez's third album This Is Me Then trend 20 years old in November 2022. On the day of its anniversary, Lopez announced she would be releasing a sequel in 2023, and we can't wait, frankly. This is a classic soul, R&B and hip-hop fusion with plenty of effortlessly catchy grooves and silky top lines from Lopez. 'Jenny From The Block' will always be the album's most iconic tune but the likes of 'Loving You' and 'Dear Ben' (Affleck, presumably, with whom is now back once again) sit up there with the likes of Brandy and Ashanti as classics of the era.

Review: The self-titled name of the debut album featuring Luther Vandross is reissued for the first time by Sony. Originally released in 1976, Luther was a five person soul, disco and rhythm and blues ensemble with Luther Vandross as the lead vocalist. A popular session singer at the time, Luther eventually outgrew the band and went solo, but not before two full albums worth of material - this being the first. At the time, the record flew under the radar with the singles 'It's Good For The Soul' and 'Funky Music (Is A Part Of Me)' not making much of an impact on the charts. As the years have gone on and with the success of Luther as well as the resurgence in music of the period, the two albums have gained a lot of interest.