Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Short n' sweet is perhaps the prevalent ideal of pop music today. Sabrina Carpenter's nectarous new record is a delightfully brief pick-me-up, one that nails the style. Described as a "pocket-sized popstar with a larger-than-life artistic presence" by Polydor, Carpenter's depiction as an idol of convenience and portability feels apt for today's always-on, attention-frazzling zeitgeist. Quick songwriterly syrups brightened-to-perfection productions help Carpenter trade in themes of youthful exuberance and glib spirit, as echoes of country music efflux through trap and ratchet pop; a quick rinse-off in an infinity pool of post-Taylor-Swift gloss. Titles like 'Sharpest Tool', 'Espresso', '15 Minutes' and 'Bed Chem' all seem to affirm the record's effective immediacy: and Carpenter owns the stimulant shot, as she taunts a romantic rival: "you'll just have to taste me me when he's kissing you..."

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: Sabrina Carpenter's sixth studio album Short N Sweet defines an era, triply word-playing on the briefness of her first romances, media runtimes, and the artist's height. Exploring the Gen Z icon's love life and perspectives on 2020s dating, the title refers to Carpenter's shortest ever romantic relationship, as she endeavours to honour the validity of said encounter in a glacial climate of a staid romantic culture that emphasises long-termism as the only possible form of true love. And yet despite the imaginary spirit of carefreeness, Carpenter's lyrics are pretty pessimistic if you listen past the poppified blitz of sound: the sense is that generations of lovers have failed to account for the true polyvalence of love, where even the shortest of encounters can engender the worst of heartbreaks.

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


The Cure have unveiled their long-awaited album, Songs Of A Lost World. This marks the band's first studio album since 2008's 4:13 Dream. In recent weeks, they've teased fans with social media hints and postcards confirming the album's title and date, along with a poster displayed at the pub where they held their inaugural gig. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, Songs Of A Lost World marks The Cure's 14th studio album, showcasing the talents of Robert Smith, Simon Gallup, Jason Cooper, Roger O'Donnell, and Reeves Gabrels. Smith, alongside producer Paul Corkett, crafted the album's arrangements, while Andy Vella handled the artwork, featuring Janez Pirnat's 1975 sculpture Bagatelle. Smith emphasised the importance of knowing the opening and closing tracks, believing it signifies the album's progress. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, The Cure continues to blend their signature sound with profound lyrical depth, promising an emotional journey through the new record. Additionally, two live tracks from their Shows Of A Lost World tour, 'And Nothing Is Forever' and 'I Can Never Say Goodbye', will be released as part of the album. Robert Smith has indicated that the forthcoming album will delve into personal themes and darker emotions, marking a return to the band's intense roots.

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


The Cure have unveiled their long-awaited album, Songs Of A Lost World. This marks the band's first studio album since 2008's 4:13 Dream. In recent weeks, they've teased fans with social media hints and postcards confirming the album's title and date, along with a poster displayed at the pub where they held their inaugural gig. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, Songs Of A Lost World marks The Cure's 14th studio album, showcasing the talents of Robert Smith, Simon Gallup, Jason Cooper, Roger O'Donnell, and Reeves Gabrels. Smith, alongside producer Paul Corkett, crafted the album's arrangements, while Andy Vella handled the artwork, featuring Janez Pirnat's 1975 sculpture Bagatelle. Smith emphasised the importance of knowing the opening and closing tracks, believing it signifies the album's progress. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, The Cure continues to blend their signature sound with profound lyrical depth, promising an emotional journey through the new record. Additionally, two live tracks from their Shows Of A Lost World tour, 'And Nothing Is Forever' and 'I Can Never Say Goodbye', will be released as part of the album. Robert Smith has indicated that the forthcoming album will delve into personal themes and darker emotions, marking a return to the band's intense roots.

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


Songs Of A Lost World is Robert Smith and co's first studio record since 2008. In the lead-up to the release, the band dropped cryptic social media hints, mailed postcards revealing the album's title and release date, and even placed a poster at the pub where they played their first show in Crawley. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, this album is the band's 14th, featuring the core lineup of Robert Smith, Simon Gallup, Jason Cooper, Roger O'Donnell, and Reeves Gabrels. Smith, together with producer Paul Corkett, oversaw the arrangements, while long-time collaborator Andy Vella designed the album's artwork, which showcases Janez Pirnat's 1975 sculpture Bagatelle. Smith has stressed that identifying the opening and closing songs is crucial for the album's development. A record that digs deep into darker, more personal themes, echoing the intensity of their earlier work, the release also includes two live tracks, 'And Nothing Is Forever' and 'I Can Never Say Goodbye', from their Shows Of A Lost World tour.

Review: This live album captures the raw energy and emotional depth of a legendary goth band's performance, showcasing their latest work in its full, unfiltered glory to an intimate crowd (albeit with a massive global streaming audience). Debuting the entire new album for the first time to an eager London crowd, the band delivers a powerful, immersive experience. Tracks like 'Alone' and 'End Song' stand out as some of the most hauntingly beautiful and intense pieces in the band's catalogue, with the live setting amplifying their emotional weight. The band's iconic sound, a blend of atmospheric melancholy and brooding intensity, resonates deeply, drawing the audience into every note and lyric. The live rendition of these songs adds a new layer, with the crowd's energy and the band's commanding performance elevating the material. Since its release, the accompanying live album has been met with widespread acclaim, charting in the top five across numerous countries, proving that the band's impact remains as potent as ever.