Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' has become an essential part of the holiday season. Originally released in 1994 as the lead single from her Merry Christmas album, the song blends upbeat love lyrics with festive elements like bell chimes and synthesisers. Written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, it received immediate praise and chart success, reaching number two in the UK and Japan. Over time, the track's popularity has only grown, now becoming a Christmas standard that re-emerges each holiday season. Topping charts in over 30 countries and even breaking records for the longest gap between release and reaching number one in both the US and UK. This 7" release captures the joyful spirit of the song, making it an ideal choice for spinning during the holiday season. With 16 million copies sold worldwide, it's a track that has earned its place in the National Recording Registry and in countless holiday celebrations worldwide.

Review: Sabrina Carpenter's 'Please Please Please' gets a luminous vinyl 7" release, adding a tangible glow to the hit single. This limited-edition format elevates the song's country pop and yacht rock blend, with its disco-pop undertones shining through on this high-quality pressing. Produced by Jack Antonoff and written by Carpenter, Antonoff, and Amy Allen, the track flows effortlessly with its catchy hooks and breezy production. The vibrant neon-green vinyl captures the song's playful yet cinematic vibe, echoing its Bonnie and Clyde-style music video that captivated fans globally. With its chart-topping success across the US and UK, the 7" version of 'Please Please Please' is an excellent collector's item for fans, serving both as a visual and sonic treat. A nod to Sabrina's artistic evolution, this release stands out as a polished gem in her catalogue.

Review: Chappell Roan burst onto the scene in 2020 with this viral hit which did a great job of introducing a vibrant and unapologetically queer pop sound. Co-written with Daniel Nigro, her debut album followed in the form of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and it captured the Missouri native's journey toward achieving her pop star dreams. This limited-edition 7" single features 'Pink Pony Club' and 'Naked in Manhattan', both pressed on stunning baby pink vinyl that reflects Roan's bold and heartfelt artistry. As a celebration of self-expression and musical passion, this is a must-have.

Review: Chappell Roan's latest single, 'Good Luck, Babe!' is a nostalgic pop anthem reminiscent of a young Cyndi Lauper. The song's retro feel, highlighted by synth instrumentation, sets it apart from other modern artists, while Roan's vocals shine as she sings about unsuccessful love affairs, delivering lyrics that are relatable and empowering. The song builds to a powerful bridge, showcasing Roan's impressive vocal range and stylistic choices. Overall, 'Good Luck, Babe!' is not just a sappy breakup song but an empowering anthem that leaves a lasting impact.

Review: Today marks a significant milestone as Coldplay's iconic Brothers & Sisters EP celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special edition release. Originally launched via Fierce Panda Records, the EP was pivotal in shaping the band's early sound and building their devoted fanbase. Released as a gatefold double BioVinyl 7", this commemorative edition includes the classic tracks 'Brothers & Sisters' and 'Easy To Please', alongside the addition of 'Only Superstition'. Recorded for a modest L450, the EP made its mark, climbing to number 92 on the charts. As an intriguing bonus, the anniversary release features a new track, 'The Story of Brothers & Sisters', offering a spoken word insight into Coldplay's formative years. Lifted from Simon Williams' audiobook 'Pandamonium! How Not To Run A Record Label', this excerpt vividly recounts the band's early days at iconic venues like Camden Falcon and Kentish Town Bull & Gate, where they caught the attention of Radio One's Evening Session and garnered their first NME reviews. Celebrating both Coldplay's journey and Fierce Panda's 30th anniversary, this release encapsulates a pivotal moment in music history.

Review: Way back in 1982, Japanese musicians and producers Yuji Toriyama and Ken Morimura joined forces to deliver Aerobics, a soundtrack for exercise classes (really) that joined the dots between boogie, disco and city pop. 'Night Together', a superb electrofunk instrumental rich in picturesque synthesizer melodies, jazz-funk guitar solos (Toriyama was a guitarist by trade), squelchy bass and drum machine beats. It's certainly well worthy of being reissued - as this tidy "45" from Pony Canyon amply demonstrates. Curiously, it's not backed by another gem from that set, but rather another slept-on Japanese classic - 'Sea Gull' from Chie Sawa's 1974 hybrid folk-rock/psychedelic rock album 23 - Twenty Three Years Old. It's decent, but the A-side is the real winner.