Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Mariah Carey's tenth studio album stages a triumphant reclamation, not just of her voice but her autonomyicreatively, emotionally, and professionally. Rooted in Atlanta's crunk renaissance and steeped in New York r&b melodrama, it cuts through the excess of early-2000s pop with a steely sense of control. 'It's Like That' sets the tone: sharp, percussive, almost defiant. But it's 'We Belong Together' that cements the comeback, all tightly-wound longing and near-whispered devastation, sounding like midnight heartbreak on Hot 97. Neptunes collaborations 'Say Somethin'' and 'To the Floor' stretch her sound into slicker, clubbier territory, but never lose grip. Even on the gospel closer 'Fly Like a Bird', she dials back the melisma, letting space and breath do the work. From the brushed-off dismissal of 'Shake It Off' to the midnight crawl of 'Mine Again', there's a considered minimalism throughoutirestraint not as limitation but as liberation. Freed from industry baggage and tabloid distortion, Carey reasserts herself with quiet mastery, sounding not just back but unbothered, undefeated and utterly in control.

Review: Sabrina Carpenter's sixth studio album Short N Sweet defines an era, triply word-playing on the briefness of her first romances, media runtimes, and the artist's height. Exploring the Gen Z icon's love life and perspectives on 2020s dating, the title refers to Carpenter's shortest ever romantic relationship, as she endeavours to honour the validity of said encounter in a glacial climate of a staid romantic culture that emphasises long-termism as the only possible form of true love. And yet despite the imaginary spirit of carefreeness, Carpenter's lyrics are pretty pessimistic if you listen past the poppified blitz of sound: the sense is that generations of lovers have failed to account for the true polyvalence of love, where even the shortest of encounters can engender the worst of heartbreaks.

Review: A compelling epilogue to the already legendary Brat, an exploration of sub-mainstream pop stardom, delving into anxieties around commercial success via tracks like 'Rewind' and 'Sympathy Is a Knife'. Musically, it's a diverse and experimental space, as Bon Iver, Jon Hopkins, The Japanese House and more take on remix duties, and although the songs are pushed into unexpected sonic territories the influence of a key producer remains clear. Glitchy electronica, pure pop moments and surprising combinations create a dynamic listening experience - the collaborations on tracks like '360' and 'Girl, So Confusing' are particularly effective.

Review: Chase Atlantic's fourth album offers a more mature sound than previous LPs while exploring themes of loneliness, depression and fear. The title reflects the paradox of being in an ideal place yet feeling miserable and the music showcases the band's evolution into a fusion of pop, rock and r&b in their signature genre-defying style. The lead single quickly gained popularity by amassing millions of streams and views and follow-up 'Doubt It' continues the trend with addictive melodies and fresh sounds. Although Chase Atlantic pushes boundaries here, their original fans will still remain happy with the signature energy of this album.

Review: This soundtrack was originally released in 2006 and is a great reflection of the Disney Channel movie's rich and candied musical journey. Featuring songs that blend pop, r&b and dance beats, the album showcases the talents of the Cheetah Girls themselves aka Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams as they take on new challenges in Barcelona. Highlights include the upbeat 'Strut' the empowering 'Cheetah-licious Christmas' and the catchy 'The Party's Just Begun'" The soundtrack perfectly mirrors the film's themes of friendship, self-expression and following dreams as well as being full of infectious tunes.

Review: The age-defying Cher continues to turn out new music but this new one from Warner revisits her classic It's A Man's World album from 1995. It featured some of the American singer's biggest ever singles such as the easy to sing along to 'Walking in Memphis', plus more like 'One By One', 'Not Enough Love In the World' and 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore'. They have all been remastered from the best available sources 30 years after the album made it into the Top 10 in the UK, where it was also certified Gold.

Review: Formed in Kirby in Liverpool in 1979, China Crisis are a band with some of the most devoted fans, with even long time admirers Vampire Weekend taking them on the road for support spots as late as last year. This album brings together a reworked selection of their greatest hits and fan-favourite deep cuts, and the the tracklist reads like a love letter to the band's legacy. 'Animals In Jungles' is a cult favourite from one of their most cherished albums, 1983's wonderfully titled Working with Fire and Steel - Possible Pop Songs Volume Two. 'Wishful Thinking' i a top ten UK hit no less i remains an enduring classic too. Other highlights include the atmospheric 'Arizona Sky' and the smooth, heartfelt ballad 'You Did Cut Me', a gem from their 1985 catalogue. 'Black Man Ray' and 'King In A Catholic Style' show the band's ability to balance pop sensibilities with lyrical depth. Arranged by Jack Hymers and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Mark Phythian, the reworking of these tracks breathes new life into familiar songs with lush arrangements and warm production.

Review: Was there anyone who combined soul and synth pop this well with such expert instrumentation as this band?! This collection captures two iconic sessions for the John peel show recorded during the early 1980s, showcasing a beloved band at their creative peak. Remastered for a fresh listen, the album highlights their ability to craft memorable melodies and intricate synth-driven soundscapes. The funky, melodic opener boasts a strong chorus and infectious groove, setting the tone for an engaging journey through soulful pop. An upbeat, feel-good gem in 'Some People I Know To Lead Fantastic Lives ' follows, blending frenetic rhythms with shimmering synth textures that radiate warmth and optimism. An important hit for the band, 'Wishful Thinking' demonstrates clever songwriting and a catchy structure that's impossible to resist, solidifying its place as a synth pop classic. The collection also includes a stunning downtempo track with 'Watching The Rainclouds' , rich with soulfulness and unique instrumentation, showing the band's range and ability to evoke deep emotion through delicate melodies and expressive keyboard work. This compilation is a fantastic snapshot of their evolution and a reminder of their enduring influence. Fans old and new will find much to love in this expertly curated and beautifully remastered release. China Crisis continues to be more respected as time goes on.

Review: Cicciolina. Now there's a character. Disco-pop singer, porn star, politician, and ex-wife/muse of legendary shiny balloon artist Jeff Koons i it's fair to say the Italo-Hungarian icon has worn a few hats over the years. Perversion features a selection of reissued tracks from her 80s heyday, including the magnificently titled 'Sexy Porno Shop', which in itself renders the record worthy of consideration. If you hadn't already guessed from the preamble, the music is kitsch, to say the least, with bubblegum vocals, earworm synth lines and generally pulsing tempos. But there are hidden gems: the (ahem) innocent vocals and twinkling melodies of 'Goccioline', the rousing congas and inspired 'no drugs, I love sex, much more sex' vocal of 'No Drugs', and the brilliant cover of the Rolling Stones' 'Satisfaction'. Echoing far, far simpler times, it's either politically incorrect nostalgia or pioneering, sexually liberated abandon. Either way, it's bags of fun.

Review: Kelly Clarkson's latest and eighth studio album Meaning Of Life is a powerful statement for the longtime Nietzschean pop singer, being one of her first to be explicitly influenced by American soul and r&b. Aiming to bring back the vivacity of certain vocal greats like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin - memories of whom are now crystallized into the American subconscious as intractable parts of the nation's history - Clarkson aims to summon a rejuvenated spirit for an otherwise divided, turbulent, bitter country.

Review: Marking its 40th anniversary with a special new remaster, The Colour Field's seminal Virgins and Philistines by returns and shows a whole new generation why the band's sophisticated blend of new wave, pop, and introspective songwriting made such a mark, Originally released in 1985 and fronted by former Specials and Fun Boy Three vocalist Terry Hall, the album features standout tracks like the UK Top 20 hit 'Thinking of You', which alongside the rest of the originals have been taken from the original tape. However this edition also includes a bonus disc with early singles and B-sides appearing on vinyl for the first time making it a must-cop for '80s alternative pop fans.

Review: On her ambitious ninth album, American pop queen Miley Cyrus delivers a genre-spanning collection that highlights her desire to constantly evolve and challenge convention. Something Beautiful blends soulful ballads, shimmering 80s pop and dancefloor-ready anthems, all pop which are anchored by her unmistakable, raspy vocals. From the emotionally rich title track to the high-energy sparkle of 'Every Girl You've Ever Loved,' the album brims with dynamic songwriting and bold sonic choices. While its conceptual aspirations sometimes feel abstract, the music is polished, confident and often euphoric. With strong collaborations, vivid production and a clear love for performance, the record reaffirms Cyrus as a fearless pop innovator exploring new emotional terrain.