New releases last two weeks: Pop

Review: Having previously successfully turned her hand to house and disco - many of our top pop performers have always been shapeshifting musical magpies (hello Madonna) - Beyonce Knowles Carter has now delved into the world of country music. No doubt you'll be bored of the endless discourse around Cowboy Carter, but that doesn't stop it from being a genuinely good album - a brilliant fusion of neo-soul, r&b and, yes, country music instrumentation that wisely leaves Beyonce's incredible voice front and centre. There are some genuinely notable covers - see her takes on the Beatles 'Blackbird' and Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' (featuring an introduction from her Dollyness) stand out - but the most striking songs are by and large her own work. For proof, see 'American Requiem', 'Most Wanted' (with Miley Cyrus), 'Sweet Honey Buckin' (with Shaboozy) and 'Tyrant'.

Review: Pet Shop Boys have so much respect for what they have done in dance music over the past 40 years. The best-selling duo in UK sales history in fact. Their 15th album in total and first in four years, Nonetheless will his shelves in late April of 2024. If the lead single 'Loneliness' is any indication, we expect a powerful blend of post-disco and pop dance music that should bring original fans many enjoyable listens. Their ability to create strong anthems that balance introspective ballads that always feature beautiful string arrangements is something no one can do better. We can't wait for the opportunity to listen to this in full. This Deluxe edition features an additional CD featuring new recordings of four of the best known PSB tracks - 'Heart', 'Being Boring', 'It's A Sin' and their cover of the Elvis classic 'Always On My Mind'.

Review: Pet Shop Boys, the iconic English duo, have released their 15th album, 'Nonetheless'. The album showcases their signature dance and techno-pop style, along with introspective ballads. Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant have been at the forefront of electronic music for decades. Lowe is known for his catchy techno-pop compositions and programming, while Tennant's witty and campy lyrics have become synonymous with the band. Their involvement in DJ culture and gay culture has influenced their music and image. Pet Shop Boys have consistently embraced innovation and pushed the boundaries of pop music. Nonetheless is a testament to their enduring talent and unwavering commitment to creating music that resonates with fans worldwide.

Review: Taylor Swift's evolution from country crooner to pop sensation solidifies her status in the Tortured Poets Department as she joins the ranks of music's chief emotional architects. Through heartbreak anthems and soul-baring lyrics, Swift's discography serves as a diary of love, loss, and resilience. From 'Love Story' to 'All Too Well,' her songs resonate with listeners and capture the raw intensity of human emotion. Swift's ability to weave intricate narratives and evoke profound sentiment establishes her as a modern-day poet who navigates the complexities of life and love with eloquence and grace.

Review: Now That's What I Call Music extends its exploration of 1980s extended mixes with a comprehensive 4CD set, delving into the vibrant musical landscape of 1982 with Part 2. This expansive package boasts a staggering 49 mixes from iconic artists of the era, offering a diverse and captivating journey through the sounds of the 80s. Listeners can expect to rediscover extended versions of hits from Wham!, Duran Duran, Talk Talk, Soft Cell, Japan, Simple Minds, Heaven 17, The Associates, Thomas Dolby, Visage, ABC, Blondie, China Crisis, and many more. Each track showcases the innovative production and infectious energy that defined the decade, providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of 80s music.