Back catalogue: Pop

Review: A special remastered version of Blunt's album Back To Bedlam, on its 20th anniversary. The album, originally released in 2004, includes the global hit 'You're Beautiful' and was one of the best-selling albums of the year. This special edition has been remastered for 2024 by Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis. Blunt humorously acknowledges that while he's released seven studio albums, Back To Bedlam is the one that resonates most with listeners. With his trademark honesty and charm, Blunt quips about re-releasing the album to "milk it for all it's worth," highlighting his self-awareness and enduring popularity.

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: 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: Dainty but global pop star Bruno Mars is a veteran of many chart hits and loveable party singles but can also pen a solid album. This one was his multi-platinum sophomore and it came laden with jams like 'When I Was Your Man' and 'Locked Out of Heaven' along with fan favourites such as 'Treasure' and 'Gorilla.' They all showcasing Mars' versatility and across the record, he blends r&b, pop, reggae, rock, disco, funk and soul. The dynamic production lineup includes talents such as Mark Ronson, Jeff Bhasker, Emile Haynie, Diplo, Supa Dups and The Smeezingtons who all add their own touch to Mars' fine pop artistry and ability to seamlessly explore a wide range of styles to make for a fun collection of high-energy music.

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: 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: 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.