Back catalogue: Pop

Review: The reissue of Cagnet's Love Generation soundtrack is a nostalgic treasure for fans of 90s Japanese drama music. Originally composed for the hit series Love Generation (1997), starring Takuya Kimura and Takako Matsu, this soundtrack beautifully captures the show's emotional depth. Cagnet. led by Daisuke Hinata, crafted a unique blend of smooth jazz, pop, and wistful melodies that perfectly mirror the highs and lows of the drama's love story. Ahead of the time for then, now fits well with the Japanese reissue focus on smooth City Pop sounds. What sets this soundtrack apart is its balance between atmospheric background music and catchy, memorable tunes, which play an integral role in heightening the emotional resonance of key scenes. These tracks show Cagnet's ability to weave together soulful rhythms with melodic sophistication, making this reissue a perfect trip down memory lane. Now available on clear red double vinyl, Love Generation is an ideal piece to fit in with the classic Japanese drama soundtracks.

Review: Mariah Carey's Rainbow celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a vibrant reissue on rainbow-colored vinyl, marking a milestone for one of her most beloved albums. Originally released in 1999, Rainbow showcases Carey's versatility and enduring appeal with a mix of r&b, pop, and soulful ballads. This special edition not only captures the nostalgia of Carey's chart-topping hits like 'Heartbreaker' and 'Thank God I Found You,' but also includes memorable collaborations with Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and Snoop Dogg. The album's blend of infectious melodies, powerful vocals, and poignant lyrics continues to resonate with listeners, reaffirming Carey's status as a pop diva. This double vinyl pressing also features extra treats like her appearance on the VH1 Divas show in 2000. The choice of rainbow-colored vinyl adds a playful touch to the physical release, enhancing the album's celebratory spirit and visual appeal. For fans and collectors alike, this anniversary edition of Rainbow is a delightful homage to Carey's musical legacy, offering a colorful journey through her timeless hits.

Review: Mariah Carey's new showstopper 'The Rarities' is a treasure trove for stans of the pop diva. Finally, we're showered in all the best rare and previously unreleased tracks, demos and obscurities the singer has to offer from over the years - the best music fans know these are as instrumental to an artist's career as their hits. Selected with "personal relevance and meaning" to Carey, there are no repetitive Christmas hits or too-soft-to-touch love songs here; rather, these cuts are semi-autobiographical, having been paired with her memoir, The Meaning Of Mariah Carey.

Review: 30th Anniversary Expanded Edition; 36 tracks in total. Mariah Carey's latest compendium features the original album Music Box in its entirety with the noteworthy addition of 'Everything Fades Away' (previously available only as an international bonus track). It premieres a variety of previously unreleased tracks including 'Workin' Hard', "All I Live For (Extended Version)', 'My Prayer', 'Hero (2009 Version)', 'Anytime You Need A Friend (Extended Mix)', 'Music Box (A Capella)' and two live performances from Top of the Pops: 'Dreamlover' and 'Without You.' It also includes Mariah Carey's duet with Luther Vandross on 'Endless Love', as well as two brand new remixes from DJ Terry Hunter: 'I've Been Thinking About You' and 'Workin' Hard.'

Review: Chappell Roan's deeply personal debut album, 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,' is a 14-song journey four years in the making that now comes as a special Collector's Edition on gatefold vinyl including a one-sided LP in an embossed die-cut sleeve Chappell says of the record that it "tells the stories of discovering my true self and fearlessly embracing my queerness. It reflects the contrast between my Midwestern upbringing and life in one of the biggest U.S. cities, capturing the rollercoaster ride of becoming the pop star I always dreamed of being." It is an effortlessly delightful work that will more than stand the test of time.

Review: Roan's debut LP, released in 2023, has catapulted her to stardom, poised to top the UK charts and marking her set at Lollapalooza as one of the festival's most-attended. Her meteoric rise, fueled by her support role on Olivia Rodrigo's Guts tour and the success of the single 'Good Luck, Babe!', has been impressive. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is a showcase of Roan's fearless songwriting, blending intense revelations with irresistibly catchy choruses. To commemorate the album's one-year anniversary, Island Records has announced a limited-edition 2xLP in 'my kink is coral' vinyl. This release celebrates the album's cultural impact, from its iconic 'Pink Pony Club' costumes to the viral 'HOT TO GO!' dance, solidifying Roan's is here to stay.

Review: The Corrs' Talk on Corners stands as a high point in the band's career, blending their Irish roots with pop and rock elements. Originally released in 1997 in Ireland and 1998 in the US, the album became a staple for many, featuring hits like 'Only When I Sleep' and the dreamy cover of Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams', which is given a Celtic twist with tin whistle and fiddle. Other standout tracks include the energetic 'I Never Loved You Anyway' and the instrumental 'Paddy McCarthy'. While comparisons to other family acts like Wilson Phillips might surface, the Corrs' sound is more distinct, thanks to their mix of traditional Irish instruments with savvy pop production. The album was re-released in 1999 with remixes of tracks like 'What Can I Do?' and 'So Young', which added more digital production and radio-friendly polish, but many fans still prefer the original's organic feel. Now available on gold vinyl 2xLP, Talk on Corners remains a beloved album that shows off the Corrs' unique ability to marry Irish folk with mainstream pop sensibilities.