Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Icons of the New Romantic movement and synth pop pioneers Visage were a phenomenal live act right up until their untimely demise. Lead singer Steve Strange sadly passed away in 2015. An organisation known as The Steve Strange Collective was announced shortly after his death and are touchingly releasing this album in his honour. 2013 was the year Visage toured their first album in 28 years - Hearts and Knives - and this compilation features the best recordings from their 13-date tour. Even though they had a lot of line-up changes over the years, their iconic reputation meant they could piece together a terrific band. With Robin Simon of Ultravox on guitar, Logan Sky on synth and Barney Johnny Marter on drums, vocalists Steve Strange and Lauren Duvall's had the ultimate backing for a party vibe full of swagger and style. And it still sounds cutting-edge to this day.

Review: Vanessa Williams' Survivor marks her return to music after a 15-year break, where she focused on acting and other ventures. In this album, Williams seamlessly blends the many facets of her career, from pop and r&b to jazz and theatre. The lead single, 'Legs (Keep Dancing)', is a bold, confident dance track that reflects her enduring energy, while the house-pop track 'Bop!' entertains her fanbase with cheeky humor and vibrant beats. The album's range includes pop standards like 'Junk Man' and the jazzy 'Zaz Zuh Zaz,' where Williams showcases her sultry, polished vocals. Her love for classic music shines, especially on 'Come Dance with Me' and 'Being Good Isn't Good Enough', where she brings an elegant, theatrical touch. With thoughtful production, Survivor revisits Vanessa Williams' signature sound while incorporating fresh elements. Despite its familiar themes, the title track carries a personal resonance, illustrating her journey and resilience. Williams' versatility and her ability to evolve while staying true to her roots, proving that she's still a commanding presence in music. This comeback reaffirms her as a talented performer across multiple genres.

Review: The late, great and still sorely missed Amy Winehouse performed one of her famously absorbing live shows at Presqu'île de Malsaucy, Belfort, France for the Eurockeennes de Belfort Festival on June 29th 2007. Four years before her death, it was when she was quite possibly in the form of her life, before her battles with addiction and mental health woes truly took hold and she was able to dig into her emotional reserves and translate that through the mic. That means her renditions of the likes of her own classic tracks 'Back To Black', 'Valerie' and 'Rehab' have rarely sounded better.