New releases last eight weeks: Pop

Review: ABBA's Honey Honey is a delightful pop gem that unfortunately didn't receive the recognition it deserved due to label decisions. With its catchy melody and infectious energy, ABBA's trademark harmonies and playful lyrics are displayed in full. While it may not have been a chart-topping hit like 'Waterloo,' 'Honey Honey' still charms listeners with its upbeat rhythm and memorable hooks. Paired with the B-side 'King Kong Song,' this 7" release offers a glimpse into ABBA's early catalogue and timeless sound.

Review: ABBA's 'Waterloo' single - now an incredible half a century old - presents a dynamic blend of pop brilliance, a Eurovision-winning anthem characterised by its catchy hooks and uplifting melodies. On the B-side, 'Honey, Honey' exudes a playful and romantic vibe, with its irresistible blend of harmonious vocals and upbeat instrumentation. The song captures the excitement and anticipation of new love, resonating with listeners through its relatable lyrics and infectious charm. Together, these tracks exemplify ABBA's unparalleled talent for creating timeless masterpieces.

Review: Waterloo, by ABBA, is an iconic song that catapulted the Swedish pop group to international fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. With its catchy melody, energetic rhythms, and infectious hooks, Waterloo became an instant classic and remains one of ABBA's most recognizable hits. Musically, Waterloo is a masterclass in pop craftsmanship. From its memorable guitar riff to its soaring vocal harmonies, every element of the song is meticulously crafted to create a euphoric listening experience. The driving beat and jubilant chorus make it impossible not to dance along, while the lush production adds a touch of glamour and sophistication. Overall, Waterloo is a timeless pop gem that encapsulates everything that made ABBA one of the greatest pop groups of all time. With its irresistible hooks and infectious energy, it's no wonder that Waterloo remains a beloved classic decades after its release. This tribute on picture disk, makes it extra special.

Review: Mumford & Sons drop a surprise single release alongside Pharrell Williams, 'Good People', delivering on a long-awaited promise to hop in the studio together after years of knowing each other. Finally falling back on their immediate instincts, 'Good People' hears the band and the solo wunderkind sing of tiredness and revelation, making adept use of a dry, driving, sportsmanlike instrumental palette (think hand claps, stomps, gospel harmonies). Though cryptic in theme, the mood on this one-off is one of triumph and impending miracle works to come.

Review: Q.A.S.B. is a Japanese funk and soul ensemble with a.yu.mi. handling lead vocals, a singer celebrated for her funky style reminiscent of James Brown but captured here in a more romantic and subdued mood here. 'Will' is a new single on Soul Garden that offers up soulful and pop-leading sounds with elegant vocals and graceful grooves backed by big band horns. Interestingly, the same tune gets served up again on the flipside, only sung in English. It neither improves nor detracts from the original but proves to be an interesting experiment for that reason.

Review: Not long after a lovely 7" from Ryusenkei in the form of 'Spring Rain', CMT is back with more beguiling and beautiful sounds from the Japanese artists. As always she mixes up elements of jazz funk, city pop, disco and more next to swooning instrumentals while her delicate voice soars. 'Timemachine Love' has a nice upbeat disco feel and rolling bass that never lets up on on the flip of this special sealer vinyl is 'Rainy Cinderella (radio edit) which is a more slow and sentimental soul sound that has poised bass and melancholic horns.

Review: CMT hits its tenth release and serves up a super sweet 7" featuring a fascinating fusion of sounds from Ryusenkei. The A-side here, 'Spring Rain' is a mix of jazz funk, city pop, disco and plenty more, with lush instrumentals and her own delicate vocals sung in Japanese, though she appears to sing the title in English. On the flip is 'Tokyo Sniper' which is a more slow and sentiment soul sound with neat keys and riffs, lush arps and plenty of rich pianos that frame the vocals - which pair off Ryusenkei with a male response - perfectly.