Back catalogue: Pop

Review: ***B-STOCK: Scratch on the back side of outer sleeve, but product otherwise unopened and in excellent condition***


Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails have been called into help with the production, as well as some film score composers, on the fourth album by Halsey. The American singer-songwriter and general artistic polymath deals in powerful, emotive pop with driving guitar riffs and big walls of scuzzy sound. They are always evolving and innovating within that framework and this record comes on the heels of their US Billboard No.1 LP 'Manic'. Away from music, Halsey recently introduced a multi-dimensional makeup line for made for everyone and uses her voice to speak up for disenfranchised youth, women's rights, mental health and the LGBTQ community.

Review: Francoise Hardy En Vogue - Best Of 1962-1967 captures the peak of Hardy's iconic career during her influential years on the Vogue label. Between 1962 and 1967, Hardy emerged as a symbol of French elegance and introspective pop, captivating audiences worldwide with her distinct charm and emotional depth. This compilation features her most enduring hits, like 'Tous les garcons et les filles', 'Mon amie la rose' and 'L'amitie', which embody the heartfelt sentimentality and existential undertones she brought to the French ye-ye scene. Hardy's songs, sung in French, English, Italian and German, highlight her international appeal and versatility, securing her place as a cultural icon from France to Japan. Her timeless melodies have been featured in contemporary films (including Wes Anderson's), TV series and ads, proving her enduring influence on music and style. Known for blending folk-rock, chanson and even touches of psychedelia, Hardy's work from these years reflects her unique voice in 1960s pop culture. This collection is essential for any fan of Hardy's atmospheric ballads and a perfect tribute to her role as a global ambassador of French sophistication.

Review: By the time Heart reentered the studio to record their self-titled eighth album for Capitol, their commercial momentum seemed to be fading. Early successes, such as Dreamboat Annie and its three follow-ups, had all climbed to the Billboard Top 20, but 1982's Private Audition and 1983's Passionworks struggled to crest so highly, the latter especially failing to go gold, marking the end of their contract with Epic. Tough bargains all round! Yet, signs of resurgence emerged: the band drew fresh traction from the Passionworks single 'Almost Paradise' after it was featured in the film Footloose, motivating the follow-up record Heart. Hard hair rock and arena-bound glam metal are distilled down to an essential T here, kicking off with the medusan 'If Looks Could Kill' before moving into the Lynn Wilson lead-up ballad 'What About Love'.

Review: First released in October 1983, a stunning debut that shows Heyward's songwriting finesse and pop sensibility post-Haircut 100. Produced by the legendary Geoff Emerick, the album merges bright melodies with sophisticated arrangements, resulting in a collection of timeless tracks that solidified Heyward as a solo force. Featuring hits like 'Take That Situation', 'Whistle Down the Wind', 'Blue Hat for a Blue Day' and 'On a Sunday', the album exudes charm and emotional depth. Heyward's knack for combining upbeat rhythms with introspective lyrics shines throughout, creating a balance of warmth and wistfulness that resonates decades later. This new edition, mastered by Barry Grint at AIR Mastering, benefits from the precision of half-speed mastering. The process enhances groove detail and stereo imaging, bringing a natural clarity and vibrancy to every note. Pressed on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl, the reissue is presented in its original gatefold sleeve, complete with an obi strip, a poly-lined inner sleeve and a two-page insert. North of a Miracle is more than a nostalgic revisitithis beautifully remastered edition breathes new life into a classic.

Review: Niall Horan's The Show: Live at Madison Square Garden captures the former One Direction member in his element, balancing earnest pop ballads with confident, crowd-pleasing anthems. The live performance feels personal yet expansive, with Horan's easy charm drawing listeners in from the opening notes. The show's strength lies in its ability to meld intimate moments, like the reflective 'Slow Hands,' with soaring, feel-good choruses, all while Horan delivers with sincerity and skill. It's a celebration of his evolution as an artist, proving his capacity for both catchy hooks and heartfelt delivery.