Back catalogue: Pop

Review: In the newly reissued (on bone vinyl, no less) Cher album Closer to the Truth, the pop queen made a triumphant return to her pop roots with an electrifying display of vocal prowess. The album is a dynamic blend of contemporary anthems and heartfelt ballads that showcase Cher's enduring relevance in the music world. From the empowering title track to the pulsating beats of 'Woman's World,' each song exudes charisma and confidence that reaffirm Cher's status as a pop icon. With its catchy hooks and infectious rhythm this is fine reminder of Cher's unparalleled talent and enduring legacy.

Review: Cher's Living Proof is a dance-pop extravaganza that showcases her iconic voice amidst a blend of disco and house beats. The album's infectious energy and undeniable hooks make it a standout in Cher's extensive catalog. Singles like 'The Music's No Good Without You' and 'Song for the Lonely' exemplify Cher's ability to command the dance floor with her powerful vocals. Now, with its reissue on Coke-coloured vinyl, fans can experience the album's electrifying sound in a whole new way.

Review: The age-defying Cher continues to turn out new music but this new one from Warner revisits her classic It's A Man's World album from 1995. It featured some of the American singer's biggest ever singles such as the easy to sing along to 'Walking in Memphis', plus more like 'One By One', 'Not Enough Love In the World' and 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore'. They have all been remastered from the best available sources 30 years after the album made it into the Top 10 in the UK, where it was also certified Gold.

Review: Cher's new compilation Forever is a comprehensive celebration of her legendary career, now available on 2LP crystal clear vinyl with a stunning silver foil cover. This is the first vinyl collection of its kind since 1992, featuring a remastered selection of 19 iconic tracks. Spanning decades of hits, the album includes fan favorites like 'Believe,' 'If I Could Turn Back Time,' 'The Shoop Shoop Song,' and 'Strong Enough,' capturing the essence of Cher's enduring appeal. Sequenced non-chronologically, Forever brings together Cher's biggest chart-toppers, including 'Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves,' 'Dark Lady,' and 'You Haven't Seen the Last of Me,' along with her beloved ABBA covers and other timeless classics. Each track has been carefully remastered from the original tapes, ensuring the highest sound quality for this release. For fans seeking even more, the digital-only Forever: Fan Edition offers an additional 19 tracks, including rarities like 'A Woman's Story,' produced by Phil Spector, and the long-out-of-print 'I'd Rather Believe in You.' Cher continues to prove that her influence on music is unmatched, and this collection is a fitting tribute to her lasting legacy.

Review: Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head back in 2002 was a move on from their debut that showed deeper emotional and sonic complexity. With Chris Martin's distinctive voice at the helm, the album features anthems like 'Clocks' and 'The Scientist' which blend atmospheric rock with introspective lyrics. Tracks such as 'God Put a Smile Upon Your Face' and 'In My Place' highlight the band's ability to fuse melodic hooks with poignant themes and the album's exploration of love, loss and introspection, supported as always by grand and dynamic arrangements and epic production, remains a standout in the band's catalogue.

Review: They're the biggest but most hated band on the planet, but that will never stop Coldplay. The band has long been at the top of the pop-rock world and once again Music of the Spheres is likely to keep them there. It is an album rather less wrought with emotional tension than they are known for but still has one eye firmly on the cosmos, like much of their material. In fact, there is a loose concept here that revolves around a distant solar system. The lead single, 'My Universe,' features K-pop kings BTS and is already a number one, and the rest of the tunes are so unashamedly big they will likely follow.

Review: Reissued on yellow vinyl, Home by The Corrs marks a fitting tribute to their Irish heritage and late mother, capturing their classic blend of Celtic roots with polished pop sensibility. Originally released in 2006, this album reflects the band's true embrace of traditional Irish music, produced by Mitchell Froom and backed by the BBC Radio 2 Orchestra. The album elegantly balances traditional favoruites, like the haunting 'Black is the Color' and nostalgic 'Spancill Hill', with lively jigs such as 'Old Hag' and 'Haste to the Wedding'. Andrea Corr's angelic vocals shine, especially in Gaelic tracks 'Buachaill on Eirne' and 'Brid og Ni Mhaille', infusing the album with authenticity. Songs like Richard Thompson's 'Dimming of the Day' and Anna McGarrigle's 'Heart Like A Wheel' are soulful additions, while 'Old Town' feels slightly at odds with the folk theme. Avoiding overt sentimentality, Home stands as a lovingly crafted and intelligent collection of Celtic-inspired pop that fans and newcomers alike will find captivating.

Review: The Corrs return to their Celtic roots with their seventh studio album, blending familiar folk elements with their signature soft rock sound. Opening with 'Son of Solomon', the album features the tin whistle and violin that defined their early hits, with Andrea's emotive voice taking center stage. The album shines when the three sisters harmonise, evoking the charm of their early classics like 'Runaway'. Now pressed on red vinyl, tracks like 'SOS', addressing the Syrian refugee crisis, showcase the band's growing social awareness. 'Dear Life' cleverly blends lyrical wit with traditional instrumentation, while 'No Go Baby' offers a heartfelt, minimalist reflection on loss. The album closes with the melancholic, nearly eight-minute 'The Sun and the Moon', highlighting Andrea's vocal artistry. The band's harmonious rapport and Andrea's captivating vocals keep their sound fresh, is a nostalgic yet satisfying experience for longtime fans.