Back catalogue: All genres

Review: It's difficult to describe to those too young to have been there and to those too old to give a toss, just how rife the anticipation was for the sophomore full-length from nu-metal giants Linkin Park following on from the global success of their multi-platinum selling debut album Hybrid Theory in 2000. Following what felt like an eternal three years, both shortened and lengthened by the bloated remix album Reanimation, 2003's Meteora was nothing short of lightning striking in the same place twice. Debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200, certified 8xPlatinium and currently ranked as the 8th highest selling album of the 21st century, to call the band's second album a success seems like a very muted understatement when anthems such as 'Somewhere I Belong', 'Faint', and, 'Numb' are still some of the highest charting and most world-renowned metal singles to ever blare out across the airwaves. While musically drifting further away from their nu-metal beginnings with each subsequent project, both Meteora and its predecessor belong to a subset of genre-defining classics that appear to become more embraced and less maligned with age, as the nu-metal subgenre becomes less of a dirty word. It also goes without saying that the incomparable vocal presence of late frontman Chester Bennington as well as his vulnerable and cathartic lyricism take on a far more bleak and oppressive shade with the folly of hindsight.

Review: It's been seven years since the tragic passing of Chester Bennington and the abrupt end of nu-metal legends Linkin Park, while their legacy remains praised and intact by avid fans. Papercuts offers up a career-spanning greatest hits collection, yet rather than sequencing each bundle of tracks chronologically in terms of specific album release, the cuts are mixed with the design of flowing as naturally as possible, with the anthemic 'Faint' from 2003's Meteora rubbing shoulders with their iconic Jay-Z Collision Course collab 'Numb/Encore'. Elsewhere, 'One Step Closer'; the breakout single from 2000's genre-defining debut LP Hybrid Theory is followed directly by 'New Divide', which served as the lead single from the Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen soundtrack. From their rap-metal beginnings to their signature style of nu/alt-metal to the their calmer accessible later era, this compilation delivers a succinct yet sprawling distillation of Linkin Park's most vital contributions to the several dynamic scenes they helped to elevate.

Review: Following the tragic passing of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017, many presumed the natural end of nu-metal turned alt rock giants Linkin Park. Rattling their fanbase with news of a resurgence with Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong, as well as new drummer Colin Brittain (replacing Rob Bourdain who opted not to join the reunion), From Zero nods to the band's original moniker of Xero while also ushering in this new era for the group, whereas sonically, the band do their best to simultaneously pay credence to their heavier origins whilst naturally progressing towards their newfound vision. Their first full-length since 2017's pop-oriented One More Light may come as a shock to many devout to the Bennington era, but the earnestness in composition sees a retrospective embracing of nu-metal motifs yet modified and extrapolated to embolden this entirely new compositional framework. Attempting to compare to prior releases is naturally par for the course yet won't do much to alter this new musical trajectory, as From Zero swells with the breath of an entirely fresh project that owes humble countenance to the Linkin Park of yesteryear. At 11 tracks clocking on at just over a half-hour, the mission statement is one of succinct brevity and urgency, but whether it truly fills the Bennington shaped void is down to each unique set of ears.

Review: Originally released in 2014 and now celebrating its ten year anniversary, The Hunting Party served as the sixth full-length from nu-metal turned alt rock heavyweights Linkin Park. Marking their first full-length since 2003's Meteora to not be produced by the iconic Rick Rubin (with members Mike Shinoda and Brad Delson opting to handle production duties inhouse), the material bore a notable turn from their more accessible electronic-tinged U2-esque stadium rock and saw a rediscovery and embracing of their more aggressive nu-metal roots. Certified platinum and praised for their ability to still replicate their feral early days, the album is also noted for being the band's first LP to feature guest musicians such as Page Hamilton of Helmet, Daron Malakian of System of a Down, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and hip-hop artist Rakim. This new anniversary edition comes as side-4 etched 2xLP pressed on aquatic translucent blue vinyl.

Review: There are few nu-metal bands from the formative late 90s/early 00s scene who achieved the monumental crossover appeal of Linkin Park. From their turntable spinning, frenetic rap-metal beginnings on 2000's global breakout Hybrid Theory, to the refined maturation of their formula on 2003's career-height Meteora, to their Jay-Z collaborative album Collision Course to the shedding of skin and rebranding as a genre-less alternative rock entity on 2007's Minutes To Midnight; as popular and accessible as they were, the band clearly constantly strived for sonic progression. Papercuts collects the highest charting singles from the group over two decades, with the most recent contribution being the previously unreleased 'Friendly Fire' recorded during the sessions for 2017's One More Light, which ultimately serves as the final new piece of recording from the band and vocalist Chester Bennington who would tragically take his own life later that same year. Ignoring the standard sequencing of a greatest hits which often lists the tracks in chronologically released order, here the cuts are compiled to sonically complement each other and reflect the band's ethos rather than a single line commercial pattern. Here is why the anthemic double platinum 'In The End' is juxtaposed with the minimalist rap-rock of MTM banger 'Bleed It Out', or why the previously unreleased fan favourite demo 'QWERTY' lands right between the U2 indebted 'What I've Done' and the original breakout single that started it all 'One Step Closer'.

Review: With the tragic, untimely passing of lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017, it naturally appeared to be the end for nu-metal/alt rock juggernauts Linkin Park, until recently shocking their fans with the confirmed news that Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong would be taking Bennington's place, while new drummer Colin Brittain would step in to replace Rob Bourdain who decided not to join the reformation. Serving as the follow up to 2017's pop focused One More Light, the band's upcoming eight full-length LP From Zero takes its title from their original early day name Xero whilst highlighting this newly defined creative origin the members have found themselves cornered into, bearing clear signs of a desire to celebrate their nu-metal beginnings without undoing the decades worth of progression they have accomplished since. With 11 tracks and just over a half-hour runtime, it's evident the project appears to be prioritising brevity and a succinct introduction to this new era without losing site of what sonically drew their legions of fans to them in the first place. It's a brave, delicate time for Linkin Park with From Zero championed as the heralding of this new chapter, aiming to hopefully bridge and appease listeners from all spectrums of their back catalogue.

Review: Many a music lover will have gone through a rebellious teenage rock phase, and if so there is a good chance that for a short period at least they were well into Linkin Park. The stadium-sized rockers were a seminal act in the naughties and their ground-breaking second album Meterora was released in March 2003. It now gets a special 20th-anniversary reissue and comes with global hit singles such as 'Somewhere I Belong', 'Faint' and 'Numb' all of which have the big energy riffs the band became known for. This 4 x 12" bumper pack comes with some extra rare and unreleased material.

Review: Pop sensation Dua Lipa went through an early-career reinvention by the point of her second album Future Nostalgia, whose title will surely go on to provide much theoretical fodder for the musicologists of 2045. Embracing the now deemed "retro" influences of funk, disco and synthpop (though their redemption as such is contestable, given that there are modern examples of each and every one of these still being made), Lipa worked with a range of producers, including hitmakers like Greg Kurstin, Stuart Price, and Ian Kirkpatrick, to create a femme-forward bannering of almost every pop sound that has "hit" so far. This new 3xLP set further expands on the implied scopic ambition, pulling listeners into a titivated soundscape chock-full of alternate versions and visions.

Review: Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism marks an exciting evolution in her artistic journey, showcasing a richer soundscape while embracing fresh influences. Collaborating with Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Lipa explores diverse musical styles, incorporating elements of acoustic indie pop alongside her signature disco flair. Tracks like 'End of an Era' and 'Houdini' highlight her knack for catchy melodies, while songs such as 'These Walls' and 'French Exit' reveal her willingness to experiment with different textures and arrangements. Hard to live up to her previous album's heights, the album stands out well with individual moments that sparkle with creativity and depth. The lush instrumentation and vocal versatility illustrate Lipa's growth as an artist, making it clear she is unafraid to take risks. The album is an enjoyable experience overall and might just surprise many critics.

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: Seven years ago, Dua Lipa's debut album marked a confident, powerful entry into the pop scene. The British-Albanian singer effortlessly fused tropical house, EDM,and sleek pop with a distinct sense of self-assurance. Tracks like 'New Rules' and 'Hotter Than Hell' highlighted her knack for crafting catchy, anthemic hits, while 'Blow Your Mind (Mwah)' showcased her unapologetic style. Collaborations with Miguel and Chris Martin added depth, but it was her commanding presence that stole the spotlight on tracks like 'Lost in Your Light' and 'IDGAF', an empowering anthem of self-worth. While moments like the vulnerable 'Homesick' brought a quieter, introspective side, the album remained a consistent celebration of confidence, joy and resilience. This limited-edition picture disc version offers a tangible connection to this defining moment in pop music, celebrating an artist who knew exactly how to own her moment.

Review: Dua Lipa's performance from the Royal Albert Hall captures the exuberance of a superstar at her peak. With a voice that soars through the iconic venue, Lipa brings her dynamic pop anthems to life in a way that adds new layers to their already infectious sound. The set's slick production is complemented by her commanding stage presence, offering a reminder of how effortlessly she dominates the mainstream pop landscape. It's a celebration of Lipa's artistry, offering both intimacy and grandeur in equal measure.

Review: Many fans feel that Feats Don't Fail Me Now stands as the pinnacle in Little Feat's career, showing their unparalleled blend of funk, rock, and jazz influences. The album captures the electrifying energy of their live performances while maintaining a cohesive sound from start to finish. Tracks like 'Rock & Roll Doctor' and 'Oh, Atlanta' exemplify the band's playful yet funky attitude, while Skin It Back demonstrates their tight musicianship and jazzy funk groove. Lowell George's bluesy slide guitar work shines on songs like Down the Road and the gem Spanish Moon, which features an irresistible brass section adding to its dynamic excitement. The title track, 'Feats Don't Fail Me Now,' is a great example at their spontaneous performance style. George and Payne's 'The Fan' expands the band's horizons with its jazzy time signature and spirited instrumentation. The album's highlight is the 10-minute medley of 'Cold, Cold, Cold' and 'Tripe Face Boogie,' which effortlessly blends slow funk with energetic shuffle and features captivating instrumental sections dominated by Bill Payne's jazzy piano. Feats Don't Fail Me Now represents the moment when everything came together for Little Feat, resulting in an album of mirthful, enchanting and exuberant music that maintains a high level of integrity throughout.