Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Who doesn't like a freebie? Nice move from the Daughter of Cain label here (an imprint of Prescription Songs) they offer a free poster with this limited run of Ethel Cain's debut album. With Cain, real name Hayden Anhedonia, having kicked off 2025 with the release of her second album; her debut, which paved the way for a massive cult following that's her into a mainstream alt-pop figure, is earning renewed attention. Sonically, this is befitting to the Sad Girl Summer movement which became a craze on social media. Think Mitski, Lana Del Rey, Phoebe Bridgers, but with more of an alternative and shoegaze undercurrent. Lyrically, Anhedonia delves into her past, growing up in a staunchly religious family - and her most iconic line of any song on the album has to go to 'American Teenager': "God loves you/but not enough to save you".

Review: Chapman's magnetic voice and stark storytelling create an atmosphere both intimate and politically charged on this, her 1988 self-titled debut, made famous by hit single 'Fast Car', but ultimately a far deeper affair. Songs like 'Talkin' Bout a Revolution' channel the protest spirit of folk legends like Woody Guthrie, delivering an anthem for those marginalised by economic inequality. Her blend of folk, blues and rock feels timeless, with lyrics that still moves listeners today. The haunting 'Behind the Wall', can move one to tears for its raw portrayal of domestic violence and the systemic failure of the police to intervene. Chapman's trembling contralto gives life to the repeated line 'Last night I heard the screaming', transforming it into a powerful condemnation of indifference. In contrast, 'If Not Now...' is a personal perspective, urging listeners to live and love in the present with its delicate acoustic arrangement. Chapman's storytelling is a triumph of nuance, balancing bleakness with hope. Decades later, Tracy Chapman remains a powerhouse in songwriting, deserving renewed attention. It is not just an album of its time but a work of enduring relevance, offering a poignant reminder that music can still be a catalyst for change.