Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Japanese artist Kimiko Kasai is a revered vocalist who worked in the world of jazz throughout the eighties. Her unique style made her an in-demand collaborator who worked with the likes of Mal Waldron, Gil Evans and Herbie Hancock. She released a total of 23 albums on majors including EMI which is where, in 1987, she dropped this full-length of electro-pop Japanese works. Perigo A Noite features a collection of songs all written by the lady herself and many of them have an adult and exotic style that blends pop, funk and soul with her signature jazz.

Review: The arrival of Kelis Rogers at just 20, paired with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (The Neptunes), marked a seismic moment in r&b's evolution. With its refusal to stick to formulas, the album stands out for its fearless experimentation. Tracks like 'Caught Out There,' with its unforgettable "I hate you so much right now" refrain, showcased Kelis' smoky vocals and raw energy, setting a new standard for cathartic pop. Elsewhere, 'Ghetto Children' taps into swooning urban soul, while the AOR-tinged 'Mars' and the doo-wop leanings of 'Suspended' push genre boundaries. Kaleidoscope's blend of ambition and bold production feels as vibrant today as it did on release.

Review: Keshi's new album Requiem is a powerful statement to his growth as an artist. Created across Houston, LA, New York, and Tokyo, this 13-track album showcases Keshi's exceptional talents as a songwriter, producer, and performer, with an ambition clearly aimed at arena performances. Born Casey Luong, Keshi has built a reputation for his unique blend of lo-fi hip-hop and r&b, characterised by soothing vocals and deeply introspective lyrics. Requiem, his sophomore album, follows 2022's Gabriel, which solidified him as a top debut artist. The new album delves into themes of love and loss, particularly influenced by the death of a close friend. This profound experience shaped Keshi's perspective on life and time, culminating in the album's title track, 'Requiem,' which reflects a coming-of-age realization. The album also features the single 'Say,' infused with city pop influences, adding another layer to Keshi's evolving sound. Requiem promises to be a deeply emotional and resonant project, continuing to connect with listeners worldwide.

Review: KU?KA's second album for LUCKYME, Can You Hear Me Dreaming?, showcases over a decade of studio expertise across 12 majestic tracks. Known for her laser-cut electronic production and irresistible pop songwriting, she transcends autobiographical themes to explore a 'Cartoon Brain'. Inspired by surreal creatures, rainy cityscapes, tattoos, and 'cute-ugly' pottery, KU?KA's sonic journey is a personal moodboard. Originating from Western Australia and now based in Los Angeles with roots in Northwest England, Laura Jane Lowther drives KU?KA as a self-sufficient producer, songwriter, and vocalist. Her electrifying debut EP in 2012 paved the way for collaborations with Flume, SOPHIE, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Mount Kimbie, and Vince Staples and this long awaited follow up comes on nice clear wax.

Review: Japanese singer-songwriter Junko Kudo has released just two solo albums and one EP but has many more credits having built up a reputation for her vocals on the works of others including greats like Mimori Yusa amongst others. Her debut full-length Akaneiro No Carnival gets reissued here with an insert and obi-strip 40 years after it first arrived. It features Tetsuya Komuro and Daisuke Hyuga working on the arrangements and performance and is a delightful pop gem with hints of wave and synth-pop all drawing you in while the ephemeral whispering vocals from Kudo blend with melancholic melodies and wistful chords.