Back catalogue: All genres

Review: The superb 'Say Yes To Heaven' by sultry singer-songwriter Lana DeL Ray was an outtake from the Ultraviolence sessions which gained viral popularity after leaking online. Because of that, it was eventually released as a single. To mark its official release, it has now been pressed on a limited edition picture disc vinyl, featuring the equally brilliant 'Black Beauty' as the B-side. This limited edition 7" picture disc vinyl is an essential pick up for collectors and fans alike.

Review: It's a match made in Balearic heaven. Ela Minus, Colombia-born, Brooklyn-based artist, best known for building synths, placing agitational statements between her carefully woven ambient melodies and her Acts Of Rebellion album, meets fellow New Yorker DJ Python, he of the hypnotic dembow stylings, for a bumper value-packed six track EP. Ghostly vocals float across stark beats and sometime gloomy, sometime edgy but cheery dayglo musical textures on the three vocal versions, and there are three instrumentals for those who prefer their grooves that way.

Review: Who can forget Maneskin's triumph for rock on the Eurovision stage as they brought the win for Italy in 2021? In Damiano David, the Italian band have a natural born frontman who is now having his Harry Styles moment and stepping out on his own and forging a distinctive solo career to rival the day job. Despite being labelled a glam rock outfit, Maneskin's pop element always shone brightly and so for his debut solo album David has tapped more heavily into that side of his. David's embraced co-writes and in terms of the production he has thrown the kitchen sink at it to get a massive sound. 'The First Time' has more hooks than a fisherman's tackle box and a sweeping epic Sprinsteen-esque feel. Another highlight 'Next Summer', lets David's vocals star, but the arrangement is unexpectedly massive. Despite its sparse beginning it turns into an orchestral showstopper indicative of the seemingly vast resources the label have had to craft this beauty.

Review: Charlotte Day Wilson's new album on XL Recordings comes in various formats and this is a gatefold vinyl version with a fold out poster. It marks a significant progression in the musical journey of the Canadian talent following her meticulously crafted debut in 2021. Cyan Blue reflects a subtle yet profound evolution of her distinctive sound and songwriting prowess. Spanning 13 captivating tracks, Wilson delves into themes of relationships, self-discovery, and existential ponderings as she melds r&b, folk, and soul elements but allows her singular voice to once again take centre stage. A timeless record that resonates with depth and authenticity, Wilson's sophomore effort promises to leave a lasting impression.

Review: London-born neo-soul sensation Olivia Dean has soared to stardom since the release of her debut album, Messy, back in the summer of 2023. By May 2024, she headlined three sold-out nights at London's iconic Hammersmith Apollo and the second performance, captured on Live at Eventim Apollo, is a fine example of her remarkable stage presence and soulful vocals. The album features fan favs such as 'Dive,' 'Touching Toes' and 'Time' which highlight her heartfelt storytelling and signature sound. This is a great testament to her talent and meteoric rise and one that celebrates Olivia Dean as one of the brightest voices in contemporary neo-soul.

Review: Over the course of her last few albums, Lana Del Ray has evolved into a significant chronicler of 21st century American life, with sharper-then-ever lyrics accompanied by fittingly haunting, downbeat and bittersweet musical arrangements. Blue Bannisters, which like so many albums released this year was written and recorded during lockdown, continues in a similar vein to its predecessors, with Del Ray's fragile, melancholic vocals being accompanied by ghostly synthesizer chords, striking piano motifs, drowsy aural textures, simmering strings, gentle guitars and occasional rhythmic nods to trip-hop. It's more bittersweet than intense, but undeniably a creative response to the most testing of times. Considered in those terms, it's a hugely impactful and entertaining album.

Review: Despite the production being beset with problems - not least the theft of her laptop, which contained all of the demo versions of the songs - Lana Del Rey's ninth studio album has been widely praised by critics, with many claiming that it's her most mature and fully-realised set to date. It's certainly an impressive set of songs, with the American artist's usual cinematic sound being expanded via nods to Americana, gospel, trap and string-laden folk. In her words, it's self-consciously 'spiritual' in tone, with Del Rey's delivery of her lyrics - notably more thoughtful and weightier than some of her previous work - being particularly impressive. This Japanese edition boasts an Obi-strip and slightly tweaked artwork.

Review: American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey's seventh album Chemtrails Over the Country Club features a cover of Joni Mitchell's 1970 song 'For Free' but otherwise features lyrics that pertain to her "stunning girlfriends" and "beautiful siblings." The sound of the record is therefore more airy and sunny, expansive and less claustrophobic that previous works. This lighter sound suits her - not that previous album aren't also essential - with an emotional innocence and vulnerability shining through each song. Folky, nuanced and atmospheric, this might be one of Del Ray's best yet.

Review: When Celine Dion dropped 'My Heart Will Go On' in 1997, and licensed it to James Cameron for his groundbreaking blockbuster film Titanic, she almost certainly didn't expect the level of hype and recognition that would follow. 'Let's Talk About Love' was the album that housed the song: a long and painful journey through heartbreak, love, loss, and everything in between.

Review: To celebrate the one-year anniversary of provocative rap and hip-hop star Doja Cat's critically acclaimed album Scarlet, this deluxe vinyl edition 'Scarlet 2 CLAUDE' is now served up on bone vinyl. This version includes 24 tracks and features hits like 'Attention,' 'Paint The Town Red,' 'Agora Hills,' and 'OKLOSER.' 'Paint The Town Red' is the real standout and a firm favourite with many having spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, which made it the first rap song to top the chart last year. It also led the Billboard Global 200 for four weeks and after that in February 2024, the superb 'Agora Hills' reached No. 1 on Top 40 Radio, marking Doja Cat's eighth chart-topper.

Review: In his recent book Major Labels, a history of popular music in seven genres, Kelefa Sanneh argues that pop is now so free of defined boundaries that's it's "barely a genre at all". Listening to LA rapper, singer and producer Doja Cat's third album, it's hard to disagree. Polished, professional and ear-catching, Planet Her is a hugely enjoyable romp whose hybrid, kaleidoscopic constructions variously synthesize elements of R&B, synth0heavy Afro-pop, dancehall, hip-hop, hyperpop, trap, 21st century bass music and much more besides. Throw in guest spots from the likes of Young Thug, Ariana Grande and JD, and you have an on-point pop album that will resonate far longer than most similarly framed sets.

Review: Southern California-based composer and improviser David Rosenboom is a figure who can't quite be aligned to one particular school, his work slipping intriguingly through the cracks. A collaboration with vocalist Jacqueline Humbert, Daytime Viewing is an extraordinary narrative poem set over a song cycle consisting of six pieces. Quietly released privately in 1983, Unseen Worlds has brought this seminal work back into view along with a full remastering. Exploring ideas of absurdist theatricality, TV soap operas, commercialism, and family, Humbert's voice and Rosenboom's production merge to create a landscape that is at once lush yet also dystopian. An entirely unique release that invites endless study.

Review: LSD’s Remixes EP channels the group’s genre-blurring ethos into a collection that thrives on reinvention. Lil Wayne’s charged verse on ‘Genius’ adds grit without overshadowing the original’s playful intensity. MK’s remix of ‘Thunderclouds’ transforms its soaring vocals into a deep house anthem, all pulsing bass and late-night allure. Banx & Ranx’s reggae-infused take on ‘Genius’ radiates sun-soaked warmth, while Dombresky’s remix of ‘No New Friends’ packs a punch with relentless house energy. CID’s rework of ‘Audio’ dials up crisp, percussive beats that slice through its melodic core. Meanwhile, The Aston Shuffle injects ‘Heaven Can Wait’ with shimmering synth layers, balancing nostalgia with dancefloor readiness. Lost Frequencies’ remix of ‘Thunderclouds’ closes the record on a euphoric high, reframing its introspection with bright, festival-ready optimism. This is LSD’s universe expanded — familiar yet thrillingly unpredictable.