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: The 2023 film Wonka has delighted audiences with its fantastic original soundtrack featuring performances by lead actor Timothee Chalamet and an exceptional ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Calah Lane, and Keegan-Michael Key. Composed by Joby Talbot and penned by songwriter Neil Hannon, the score captures the essence of the golden age of Hollywood musicals while paying homage to the beloved classics of the past. Director Paul King's vision of a prequel to the iconic 1971 film comes to life with enchanting melodies and vibrant arrangements, inviting listeners on a whimsical journey through the fantastical world of Willy Wonka.

Review: It's album number three from Maya Hawke, daughter of Hollywood veteran Ethan, herself both an actress, a singer, musician and songwriter. Signed to New York indie Mom + Pop Music, which has offered a home to artists such as Alicia Keys, Tom Morello, Porter Robinson, and Tycho, among others, the pedigree of the imprint speaks volumes about Hawke's prowess in the studio. Landing late-May 2024, Chaos Angel sees the woman up top reunite with regular collaborators Christian Lee Hutson, Benjamin Lazar Davis and Will Graefe, names some will be familiar with from preceding LP, Moss. A warm, swoon-y trip into soft pop-rock, lyrically it's as sweet as it is reflective and heartfelt, while musically things range from twee folk-leaning chart stuff through to rawer garage guitar stylings.

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: Heaven 17's 1981 classic Penthouse and Pavement has been remastered at half speed for an even more fulsome listening experience. It blends synth-pop with socio-political commentary and effortlessly captures the essence of the early '80s sound. The album juxtaposes corporate greed and working-class struggles, with tracks like 'We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang' addressing political themes through catchy, danceable beats. Comprised of former Human League members Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh, along with Glenn Gregory, Heaven 17 crafted a distinctive sound characterised by lush synthesisers and sharp lyrics. Penthouse and Pavement therefore remains a seminal work, reflecting the era's tensions and innovations while maintaining a timeless appeal.

Review: A pivotal moment in the band's career. The album opens with 'Crushed by the Wheels of Industry,' a mix of industrial sounds and soulful vocals that sets the tone for the record's unique blend of artistry and social commentary. Tracks like 'Let Me Go' and 'Temptation' showcase the band's ability to craft catchy, poignant songs that transcend time, while 'Come Live with Me' stands out as a highlight, with memorable lyrics and infectious melodies. The album's closing track, 'The Best Kept Secret,' provides a fitting conclusion, echoing themes from earlier tracks and leaving a lasting impression. Overall, The Luxury Gap is a strong album for fans of 80s synth-pop. The reissue, with its half-speed mastering process, offers optimal fidelity and a chance to rediscover this classic album.

Review: Heaven 17's Penthouse and Pavement deluxe double CD album commemorates the iconic debut of Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh after leaving Sheffield's Human League. Joined by Glenn Gregory, they formed Heaven 17, drawing their name from a list of bands favoured by the anti-hero of Anthony Burgess's 'A Clockwork Orange'. Their debut single, '(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang,' stirred controversy and earned a BBC Radio 1 ban in March 1981. Released in September 1981, the Penthouse and Pavement album quickly achieved gold status and featured hits like 'Play to Win,' 'Penthouse and Pavement', and 'The Height Of The Fighting.' Disc One contains the original album, while Disc Two offers six non-album A and B sides, five original demos, and four 12" versions. Packaged in a new 7" deluxe gatefold with an eight-page booklet, this set includes album lyrics and credits, making it a very eye appealing package.

Review: Although not as lauded as its predecessor, the brilliant Anti-Thatcher masterpiece Penthouse and Pavement, The Luxury Gap remains Heaven 17's most commercially successful album. As this expanded reissue proves, it is also the Sheffield trio's most impeccably constructed and produced work - a successful attempt to fuse their love of soul, synth-pop and Black American dance music culture. It boasts a string of fan favourites - 'Crushed By The Wheels of Industry', 'Temptation', the TB-303 sporting 'Let Me Go', with its' proto-acid squelches and the Moroder-esque 'We Live So Fast' - with this edition also sporting a second disc of extended versions, re-recordings and dancefloor-focused 12" interpretations.

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: This eagerly awaited album delves deeper into Becky Hill's passion for underground dance music, solidifying her position as a leading voice in the genre. It marks her debut on Astralwerks and follows her acclaimed 2021 album, Only Honest on the Weekend. Believe Me Now? features hits like the U.S. airplay chart-topper 'Side Effects' with Lewis Thompson, 'Disconnect' with Chase & Status, and her latest single 'Never Be Alone' featuring Sonny Fodera. Hill describes the album as reflective of her transition from her turbulent twenties to a more confident woman in her thirties. Drawing on influences from drum & bass, anthemic house, and techno, Hill infuses her powerhouse vocals, creating an album rich with personal integrity and global appeal.

Review: Paris Hilton's return to music is a vibrant exploration of her personal journey, packed with introspective lyrics and catchy beats. The album talks about her resilience, as she bravely shares her experiences, from her ADHD diagnosis to navigating the complexities of love and fame. Tracks like 'Chasin'' showcase her growth, offering a deeper, more heartfelt side that resonates with listeners. Her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on 'BBA' adds an exciting dynamic, with a contagious rhythm that stands out. The album's production shines, especially in the upbeat and polished pop tunes, while the gatefold baby pink vinyl adds a charming, collectible touch to the release. While the album may not push boundaries, it's clear that Hilton's evolution as an artist is genuine, as she successfully blends personal reflection with catchy, accessible pop. For fans of pop music with an authentic heart, definitely an enjoyable listen.

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.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Whitney's 1998 album My Love Is Your Love is one of a few being reissued right now and on several different formats. This one is a teal blue vinyl version that looks as good as it sounds. The album was a first in almost a decade for Whitney and one that she used to introduce some subtle hip-hop elements into her work. It sold over 10 million copies worldwide and was a particular favourite in Europe with the title track being one of its biggest tunes.

Review: Whitney Houston's self-titled debut album, released in 1985 by Arista records in the US, was one of the biggest records of the decade, selling millions of copies worldwide. The album featured four top-five hits: 'You Give Good Love', 'Saving All My Love for You' (which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female), 'How Will I Know', and 'Greatest Love of All'. These songs showcased Houston's amazing, young voice and her raw talent for pop and dance music. With its mix of catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and catchy production, Whitney Houston's debut album remains a classic of the 1980s and a testament to the enduring power of her voice.