Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Rebecca Lucy Taylor blows stormy second wind our way with A Complicated Woman, her first full-length release as Self Esteem since the critically lauded Prioritise Pleasure. The record finds Taylor, who cut her teeth with Sheffield indie hopefuls The Slow Club, expanding her signature lyrical honesty and emotional intelligence over an increasingly vivid, ambitious landscape, convoking a potent collective of mostly female voices: friends, bandmates, and collaborators Nadine Shah, Moonchild Sanelly, Sue Tompkins, drag queen Meatball and actor Julie Hesmondhalgh all feature. Recalibrating the well-worn trope of female hysteria in indie rock terms, lead single 'Focus Is Power' channels a mantra first scribbled on a sticker in her parents' shed during lockdown into a full-bodied affirmation of self-worth, echoed by a moving choir and a communal performance in its accompanying video.

Review: Rebecca Taylor arrives at third album A Complicated Woman in a very different place to where she was before the release of her previous full-length, the Mercury Prize-nominated Prioritise Pleasure. Now a bona-fide pop star, the South Yorkshire chanteuse now has to deal with heightened expectations and her own experience of fame. By the sound of A Complicated Woman, she's handling both with aplomb. That's not to say that the lyrics avoid difficult subjects - her own worries remain front and centre - but the delightfully grandiose production, extensive use of choirs and orchestras, and Taylor's own penchant for penning stadium-sized sing-alongs deliver a maximal pop gem fitting her genuine star status. Rotherham's finest has never sounded so good (or, it should be added, explicit - there are some genuinely adult themes on display).

Review: The latest project of the singer Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who cur her teeth on the Sheffield musioc scene before heading south, sees her continuing to evolve her sharp, emotionally honest brand of pop. This album leans further into lush, layered production while keeping the confessional, anthemic spirit that made her previous work resonate so deeply. Tracks like 'Big Man' explode with bold rhythms and crisp, shimmering synths, pairing vulnerability with fierce, almost theatrical energy. Meanwhile, 'Love Second' rides a smoother, soulful groove, highlighting Taylor's ability to balance playfulness and pain within the same breath. Her vocal performances are even more dynamic here i full of defiant strength one moment and tender intimacy the next. 'Insert Girl' and 'Hard To Love' deliver some of the album's most affecting moments, weaving percussive pop beats with lyrical reflections on identity, expectation and resilience. There's an undeniable polish across A Complicated Woman, but it never feels cold; instead, the production wraps around Taylor's words like a protective armor. Brief but potent interludes and clever lyrical turns keep the album moving with a strong narrative flow. A Complicated Woman feels like both a natural continuation and a bold new chapter for Self Esteem i pop music that's brave, bruised and utterly alive.

Review: The arrival of any album by the mighty Snoop is a major moment in hip-hop history but this feel even bigger than usual. With the more than capable hands of Dr Dre on the production tiller alongside Snoop, there's a real royal roll call of talent lining up to guest, from Eminem, 50 Cent, Method Man, Jelly Roll, BJ the Chicago Kid, Jhene Aiko, Alus, K.A.A.N., Smitty, Dem Jointz, Cocoa Sarai, Stalone, and Fat Money. Rather inexplicably, Tom Petty and Sting feature, making this an unusual and memorable moment even within the illustrious confines of his career to date.

Review: Snoop Dogg's highly anticipated Missionary reunites the iconic duo of Snoop and Dr. Dre, delivering a nostalgic yet forward-looking album. Marking their first full collaboration since Doggystyle in 1993, the project promises the timeless synergy that defined West Coast hip-hop, featuring Dre's signature g-funk production infused with fresh, modern twists. The 15-track album boasts an impressive roster of guest artists, including Jhene Aiko on the lead single 'Gorgeous', Eminem, 50 Cent, Method Man, BJ the Chicago Kid and a posthumous contribution from Tom Petty on a reimagined version of 'Last Dance with Mary Jane' featuring Jelly Roll. Dre himself steps out from behind the boards, appearing as a guest on three tracks. Notable samples from Sly & The Family Stone's 'Thank You' and The Police's 'Message in a Bottle' enhance the album's funk-rich, melodic soundscapes. Missionary reaffirms Snoop and Dre's legacy as hip-hop pioneers.

Review: Snoop Dogg's Missionary delivers a captivating blend of nostalgia and innovation, weaving his signature West Coast vibe into contemporary narratives. The album, produced masterfully by Dr. Dre, resonates with intricate beats and smooth grooves that harken back to the essence of Doggystyle while exploring fresh themes. Standout track 'Gorgeous,' featuring the soothing vocals of Jhene Aiko, illustrates Snoop's lyrical maturity and emotional depth. Available in an exclusive indie vinyl edition, this release comes with a collectible poster, making it a notable addition for both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Prepare for a sonic experience that reaffirms Snoop's iconic status with everyone from Tom Petty to 50 Cent and Eminem and many more guesting.

Review: Snow Patrol's The Forest Is The Path marks a poignant return after six years, delving into themes of love from a distance and introspective reflection. Gary Lightbody's lyrical strength shines as he explores the haunting yet distant memories of past relationships, encapsulated in the lead single 'The Beginning.' The song's drifting melodies and powerful chorus, recorded in a single, raw take, offer a glimpse into the soul. Produced by Fraser T Smith, the album juxtaposes emotional intensity with a serene acceptance of past mistakes. This mature perspective, coupled with the band's characteristic sound, solidifies The Forest Is The Path as a reflective and cathartic journey. Expect this album to be a welcomed comeback to their fans and a successful charts run for the band. This version is pressed on marbled vinyl and housed in a beautiful gatefold that honours the abstract artwork perfectly.

Review: Jumping back to the early days of Steely Dan, it's easy to forget they were still a rock band at heart. Drop the needle on Countdown To Ecstasy and let 'Bodhisattva' kick in - sure, the jazzy tendencies of Becker and Fagen elevate this above traditional bluesy fare, but it's still a kicking, overdriven sound on the guitars front and centre. Such obsessing over the details is part and parcel of Steely Dan, the band so fabled for their own obsessions in the studio, and so adored by nearly everyone in the world. There will never be enough reissues of these albums to reach the ears of everyone who needs them, but be thankful you can cop yourself a pristine piece from one of the greatest of all the bands.

Review: Steely Dan's Katy Lied, released in 1975, marks a pivotal point in the band's trajectory. Known for their meticulous approach to recording and their increasingly complex fusion of rock and jazz, the album sits at the crossroads of their evolution, representing both the height of their creative powers and the growing dissatisfaction of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen with their work. This album sees Steely Dan's transition from a traditional rock band to a more sophisticated, jazz-inflected studio project. The departure of guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and their decision to stop touring, freed Becker and Fagen to focus entirely on studio work. Without the need to accommodate a touring lineup, Katy Lied became a playground for an array of top-tier session musicians, including drummer Jeff Porcaro and vocalist Michael McDonald, who would go on to define yacht rock's lush sound. The album's opening track, 'Black Friday', encapsulates Steely Dan's knack for blending lyrical wit with biting social commentary. It's a jaunty rock tune about apocalyptic scenarios and cashing in on chaos, with Fagen's sly delivery making it unclear whether he's advocating rebellion or simply observing it with a smirk. This tension between cool detachment and grim humor runs throughout Katy Lied, lending the album its disorienting charm. Tracks like 'Bad Sneakers' and 'Doctor Wu' mix cryptic narratives with immaculate musicianship. 'Doctor Wu', one of Steely Dan's most beloved tracks, balances between a love triangle and drug addiction with a saxophone solo from jazz great Phil Woods that ties the song's knot of ambiguity into a gorgeous, bittersweet bow. While Katy Lied features some of Steely Dan's most intricate compositions, it also hints at the moral ambiguity that would become a hallmark of their later albums. Katy Lied holds up as one of Steely Dan's most interesting records, a liminal album that bridges the gap between the rockier early years and the slick perfectionism of later efforts like Aja and Gaucho. It captures Becker and Fagen still in the process of refining their vision, grappling with the frustrations of the studio, but channeling that tension into songs that remain sharp, enigmatic and unflinchingly human.