Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Two decades have now passed since the release of Back To Bedlam, James Blunt's debut album. Initially a flop, the set rocketed up the charts following the success of single 'You're Beautiful' - still the former soldier's most recognised song - and went on to become one of the biggest-selling albums of the noughties. Blunt has naturally decided to celebrate the album's 20th birthday, with this expanded anniversary edition providing a wonderfully remastered edition of the original set (CD1) and a bonus disc of previously unheard material. This disc includes lots of demos, alongside early performance recordings and - most excitingly for fans - a handful of unreleased songs recorded during the period. The definitive edition of one of the most popular albums of the century so far.

Review: A compelling epilogue to the already legendary Brat, an exploration of sub-mainstream pop stardom, delving into anxieties around commercial success via tracks like 'Rewind' and 'Sympathy Is a Knife'. Musically, it's a diverse and experimental space, as Bon Iver, Jon Hopkins, The Japanese House and more take on remix duties, and although the songs are pushed into unexpected sonic territories the influence of a key producer remains clear. Glitchy electronica, pure pop moments and surprising combinations create a dynamic listening experience - the collaborations on tracks like '360' and 'Girl, So Confusing' are particularly effective.

Review: The ingredients of Charli XCX's latest album, Brat, are clear, but intriguing: dance-pop songs arranged and sequenced to make it sound like a "club record" (a nod to her roots performing at London raves as a teenager), with lyrics and vocals that are in turn "aggressive" and "vulnerable". This approach - dance-pop with genuinely soundsystem-friendly weight - pays dividends. For proof, check recent singles '360', where Charli XCX's attitude-laden vocals rise above punchy beats, deep bass and eight-bit synth sounds; the deliciously up-tempo, grandiose and brilliantly bonkers 'Club Classics' (mutant garage meets everything-but-the-kitchen-sink peak-time madness); and growling EDM-pop of 'Von Dutch'.

Review: 'Brat' is Charlotte Emma Aitchison's sixth studio album as Charli XCX, the follow-up from her "sell-out era", 2022's 'Crash' which topped multiple charts and gave the British pop singer a newfound notoriety that she had long been deserving. A longtime collaborator with PC Music founder and Beyonce-credited producer A.G. Cook, whose production can be found in the album's latest double single 'Club Classics/B2b', Charli is returning to her roots of dance music and electronic pop - a far cry from the hazy alt-pop she launched her career with. Following the launch of 'Von dutch', the lead single produced by PC Music producer EASYFUN (aka Finn Keanne), Charli has gone on record saying that this is her best body of work - a title that once belonged to the cult classic mixtape 'Pop 2' - and it's easy to see why, the blaring synths and honed in club music focus is unlike anything anybody in the mainstream pop sphere is doing right now. Pressed on a translucent black vinyl, and coupled with one of the best album covers maybe of all time, it's never been a better time to be one of Charli's angels.

Review: Charli XCX's Brat And It's The Same But There's Three More Songs So It's Not is the deluxe edition of her genre-defying album Brat. Here her avant-pop brilliance and ability to blur the lines between underground innovation and mainstream appeal is on full display and the deluxe edition arrives just as Charli celebrates her first UK #1 single, 'Guess,' featured on this release. Charli XCX has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop, fusing experimental electronic elements with infectious hooks, and this deluxe edition is no exception. Each track brims with the creative energy and rebellious spirit that have become her trademarks. From its bold production to its daring lyrics, this album offers fans an even richer experience of Charli's trailblazing sound, ensuring her influence on pop culture continues to grow.

Review: Charli XCX's sixth studio album, Brat, marks a triumphant return to her experimental roots following 2022's Crash. Steeped in the aesthetic of the 2000s London rave scene, this album is a highly personal and intriguing nostalgia trip. The intricate beats, polished production, and confrontational lyrics evoke the underground decadence of the Myspace era. Charli and her collaborators craft each track with a rich sense of atmosphere, transporting listeners to a vividly recalled past. The opening track, '360,' sets the tone with Charli declaring herself "666 with a princess streak." The throwback rave anthem 'Club Classics' and the retroclash headtrip 'Von Dutch' show her at the top of her game, maintaining her status as a significant pop experimentalist. The sleek standouts 'Sympathy is a Knife' and 'Girl, So Confusing' tackle contemporary conflicts. Beneath Brat's deceptive veneer lies a melancholic sense of anxiety. 'I Might Say Something Stupid' reveals Charli's existential desperation, while 'So I' serves as a poignant eulogy to Sophie, highlighting her emotional depth. The introspective 'I Think About It All the Time' finds Charli at her most confessional, pondering motherhood and the fleeting nature of success. Brat is a crucial step in Charli XCX's artistic evolution, blending mainstream pop with her experimental roots. Her themes of celebrity, growth, obsession and creative liberation are articulated with biting wit and innovative vision.

Review: Charli XCX's Brat And It's The Same But There's Three More Songs So It's Not is the deluxe edition of her groundbreaking album Brat, now pressed on white vinyl. This edition highlights Charli's unique ability to merge avant-pop artistry with mainstream sensibilities and since its release on June 7, 2024, Brat has garnered widespread acclaim, earning a spot on the Mercury Prize 2024 shortlist and achieving Gold status in the UK with over 100,000 copies sold. The deluxe version coincides with Charli's first UK #1 single, 'Guess,' which is featured in this expanded release. Known for her relentless innovation in pop music. Her influence on modern pop - not to mention wider culture, as the massive viral Kamala Is Brat meme proved - and this release simply further cements her position as a trailblazer.

Review: After a longwinded brat summer, this re-iteration of Charli XCX's sixth album features 16 reimaginings of the smash success tracks from 'brat' from a star-studded list of appearances - namely Robyn, Yung Lean, Dua Lipa, Lorde and the first-ever feature from Billie Eilish. The club-influenced album became a smash success, catapulting her to become a top 100 artist overnight following a viral marketing campaign - whether you know it or not, the puke green and blurry font has definitely crossed paths with you. Whilst we have already had some great moments, with Lorde's verse on 'girl so confusing' responding to the original song, with Charli venting about a woman that she was incessantly compared to that she was jealous of and therefore couldn't be certain of the foundations of their friendship. The song of course broke the internet just like Charli foretold in the lyrics "One day we might make some music, the internet would go crazy". Many fans will just be excited to hear more in general, hardcore fans are eagerly awaiting the '365' remix by rising legend EASYFUN (aka Finn Keane), PC Music alumni, 1/2 of Thy Slaughter and producer for the likes of Bree Runway and Charli herself of course. The long-awaited remix album promises to close this era with a bang.

Review: Kelly Clarkson's latest and eighth studio album Meaning Of Life is a powerful statement for the longtime Nietzschean pop singer, being one of her first to be explicitly influenced by American soul and r&b. Aiming to bring back the vivacity of certain vocal greats like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin - memories of whom are now crystallized into the American subconscious as intractable parts of the nation's history - Clarkson aims to summon a rejuvenated spirit for an otherwise divided, turbulent, bitter country.

Review: Foster The People return with their highly anticipated new album, Paradise State of Mind, marking their first release in three years. Produced by frontman Mark Foster alongside bandmate Isom Innis, with additional contributions from Paul Epworth, Jack PeNate, Chrome Sparks, and Asa Taccone, the album was crafted in studios across London and Los Angeles, including the iconic Studio Three at East West Studios, where The Beach Boys recorded Pet Sounds. Paradise State of Mind features standout tracks like 'Chasing Low Vibrations,' 'Take Me Back,' and the infectious lead single 'Lost In Space,' blending elements of psychedelia, space-age sounds, 80s anthems and dramatic disco strings. The track's official music video, directed by award-winning filmmaker Rupert Holler, has already made waves online.

Review: Following her successful Trilogy tour, which spanned the US, UK, and Europe, Melanie Martinez has reissued her 2019 K-12 album on some mad pink and milky clear vinyl. It was a gold-selling record that also charted in the Top 10 and includes hits like 'Teacher's Pet' and 'High School Sweethearts'. Both are irresistible pop ditties that sit amongst many other seriously catchy and well polished sounds such as 'Wheels On The Bus and 'Show & Tell'. A wonderfully feel good record.

Review: The understated brilliance of this release, the first from the singer of massive K-Pop girl sensations BlackPink, lies in its quiet intensity. It's an album that feels more like a journey than a set of individual tracks, unfolding with gentle but persistent layers. The melodies are sparse yet rich, never rushing to make an impression, but slowly pulling you into their orbit. You'll find yourself caught in the understated emotion of it allimore subtle than obvious, but powerful when you let it wash over you.

Review: Sia's Everyday Is Christmas brings a fresh take to the holiday music scene with a mix of festive cheer and pop creativity. The album shines in moments of joy and playfulness, particularly with tracks like 'Santa's Coming for Us', which is upbeat, catchy, and perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. The lively rhythm and fun chorus make it one of the standout songs that can easily become a seasonal favorite. 'Underneath the Mistletoe' is another highlight, showcasing Sia's impressive vocal range and delivering a more emotional, heartfelt vibe that feels both modern and timeless. It's one of the stronger ballads on the album, allowing her voice to take centre stage without the distraction of heavy production. While tracks like 'Puppies Are Forever' may feel whimsical and geared toward a younger audience, they add a playful touch that can be enjoyable in the right context. The album overall strikes a balance between upbeat holiday anthems and softer, reflective moments, like 'Snowman', which brings a quieter, more sentimental tone. Everyday Is Christmas is a refreshing mix of fun and festive charm, with enough variety to appeal to listeners of all ages.

Review: Teddy Swims' rise continues with I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), the follow-up to his hit-packed debut album's first half. 2024 has seen Swims soar, especially with his chart-dominating single 'Lose Control' which reached #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 and #2 on the UK charts, amassing 2.3 billion streams and securing spots in Spotify's "Billions Club." Swims' blend of vintage soul, classic rock and pop, honed through years fronting Atlanta bands, finds new depth here with tracks that balance raw emotion with modern production finesse, establishing Swims as a star to watch.

Review: Teddy Swims' voice is the star of the show hereiwarm, gritty, and effortlessly soulful. As the tracks unfold, there's a clear commitment to balancing raw emotion with polished production. It's the sort of album that delivers heartfelt, introspective lyrics, yet never lets go of a sense of accessibility. The instrumentation keeps it grounded, with lush arrangements that never overpower Swims' delivery. With a balance of light and dark, this part of his journey hints at something more substantial ahead, capturing moments of vulnerability without overstating them.

Review: Telling the story of a teenage girl battling thyroid cancer which has spread to her lungs, and the amputee osteosarcoma survivor she meets and falls in love with at the support group her mother encourages (forces) her to attend, suffice to say emotions run high in The Fault In Our Stars. A bonafide tearjerker, both in its original novel and subsequent 2014 movie form, anyone who wasn't expecting the score to the latter to be filled with huge rousing and heartrending indie pop was kidding themselves. Here we have it, then, opening on Ed Sheeran, into Jake Bugg, Kodaline, Lykki Li, M83, Ray Lamontagne and Charli XCX, the track list reads like a map of Gen Z coming of age with a few treats for millennials, and plays out like a radio station that lives up to the 'killer no filler' claim. Providing, that is, you're moved by stadium-sized balladry, sing-along chart dance and shoegaze-y electronica.