Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Beyonce's Cowboy Carter is a bold and poignant exploration of American roots music, marking a departure from her previous works while asserting her dominance across genres. Inspired by her 2016 experience at the Country Music Association Awards, where she faced criticism and racism despite her Texas roots, Beyonce delves into Louisiana Cajun country, the rivers of Alabama, and the streets of Memphis, reimagining Americana, folk, and country in her own image. The album serves as a powerful statement on the erasure of Black contributions to country music and American culture, with Beyonce reclaiming her rightful place in the genre's history. Through collaborations with legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, as well as emerging Black country and rock musicians, Beyonce highlights the enduring legacy of Black artists in shaping these musical forms. Cowboy Carter is both a sonic journey and a cultural commentary, blending elements of folk, country and rock with Beyonce's signature style and vocal range. From the haunting cover of the Beatles' 'Blackbird' to the electrifying trap beats of 'Ya Ya,' the album showcases Beyonce's versatility and musical dexterity. No doubt, 2024 will be another strong year of Beyonce led by this album.

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: A 2024 reissue of Bruno Mars' multi-platinum sophomore LP. Including the back-to-back number one smash hits including 'When I Was Your Man', 'Locked Out Of Heaven', 'Treasure' and 'Gorilla', this is the most up-to-date sonic account of the pop heartthrob yet. With production credits shared between Mark Ronson, Jeff Bhasker, Emile Hayne, Diplo and Supa Dups, the album notably contains no guest vocalists, going in with the full-on solo intentionality that marked Mars out as a chart-bound talent in the first place. Also a logical successor to 2010's Doo-Wops & Hooligans, it too concerns similar themes to the former record's dealings in whirlwind relationships and explicit subject matters.

Review: Bruno Mars's 24k Magic reissue is a vibrant celebration of the more popular end of funk and r&b and it showcases Mars's charismatic vocals and infectious energy throughout. Originally released in 2016, this reissue has remastered tracks and bonus content. From the funky grooves of the title track to the sultry balladry of 'Versace on the Floor,' each song exudes undeniable charm and irresistible hooks and creates a feel-good atmosphere that's impossible to resist.