Ministry Of Sound Schallplatten & CDs

Review: In his recent book Major Labels, a history of popular music in seven genres, Kelefa Sanneh argues that pop is now so free of defined boundaries that's it's "barely a genre at all". Listening to LA rapper, singer and producer Doja Cat's third album, it's hard to disagree. Polished, professional and ear-catching, Planet Her is a hugely enjoyable romp whose hybrid, kaleidoscopic constructions variously synthesize elements of R&B, synth0heavy Afro-pop, dancehall, hip-hop, hyperpop, trap, 21st century bass music and much more besides. Throw in guest spots from the likes of Young Thug, Ariana Grande and JD, and you have an on-point pop album that will resonate far longer than most similarly framed sets.

Review: Doja Cat went big on her recent album Planet Her, which was the qui follow up to 2019's well received Hot Pink. It came on Ministry of Sound and saw the American singer, rapper, producer and songwriter collaborate with superstars such as The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Young Thug, SZA and others. This 19 track deluxe version has them all and made for a thrilling ride that showcased her eclectic style, chaotic nature and kaleidoscope take on pop. Across the record Doja raps with flair, switches up her style along the way and manages to range from anguish to soul and back.

Review: After hitting on something of a formula with 'Only Human', this A-side banger is further proof that Four Tet is onto a rich vein of side hustle action with his KH alter ego. 'Looking At Your Pager' is a cheeky slice of '90s throwback-ism in jackin' house form, and in a heuristically Hebden-esque style, makes deft use of the hilariously autotuned opening verse heard in 3LW's girl band hit, 'No More'. It's a very clever tune; just as no-one uses pagers anymore, nor do people use the kind of dubstep wobbles heard underneath the track's clacking groove... Mr. KH makes them cool again!

Review: The Greatest Love is a fourth studio album from London Grammar, their first since October 2021's Californian Soil and one that comes 11 years after their groundbreaking debut album If You Wait went double Platinum. The band say it is a celebration of artistic freedom and comes after a period of chance in which some of them have had children, they have toured the world and sold tree million albums, had two number one hits and picked dup accolades like the Ivor Novello award and BRIT nominations. It embodies newfound confidence and creative liberation amidst personal challenges and industry scrutiny, and features a boundary-pushing sound that blends electronica with pop.

Review: This is a special yellow vinyl version of The Greatest Love, London Grammar's long awaited fourth studio album, which arrives almost three years after following 2021's Californian Soil and a full decade plus since the group burst onto the scene with debut album If You Wait. Described by the band as a celebration of artistic freedom, it arrives amidst personal milestones like parenthood, global touring, and industry recognition, including two number-one hits and prestigious awards like the Ivor Novello and BRIT nominations. With a boundary-pushing blend of electronica and pop, the album reflects newfound confidence and creative liberation and signals another bold evolution in London Grammar's musical journey.

Review: The Magician and A-Trak join up once more and this time add in Griff Clawson for their latest new single, 'Love On You.' It is the sort of big, inescapable record that radiates good energy and positive feels from the off. The expansive rhythm section comes with some heartfelt piano keys and makes an indelible impact. This collab came together when these artists made mates in Oasis Wynwood during this year's Miami Music Week and it finds them bring their considerable know how into one potent new cut.

Review: Since the early 90s, Ministry of Sound's yearly Annual compilations have done an excellent job in chronicling crossover dance hits, mainstream dancefloor killers, and popular underground workouts that make their way into the wider public consciousness. This year's edition (confusingly dated 2024, despite being released in late 2023) continues the successful franchise via two unmixed discs of radio-friendly dance favourites. It naturally ticks all of the usual boxes, contrasting breakout big room hits by underground heroes (Young Marco, Adelphi Music Factory, Ewan McVicar) and sizable tracks from established dance heavyweights (Chemical Brothers, Sub Focus and Dimensions, Rudimental, MK), with gigantic EDM works (Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding) and the odd out and out dance-pop hit (Kylie Minogue).