Back in stock: Pop

Review: In around 2013, artists like Yung Bae pioneered the genre of future funk, which took elements from early Japanese city pop and funk from the 1980s, and turned it into hyper-compressed, dull and nostalgic explosions of sampledelic sound. But in turn, it reinvigorated interest in the particular brand of city pop that had been sampled - and those already in the know about it will know it was already danceable and driving enough. ANRI, the singer hailing from Kanagawa, was a central artist in this early J-pop sound, and unwittingly paved the way for this decades-to-come cultural routing. Funky live horns, dynamic vocal jumps and an optimistic feel cut across her 1982 opus Heaven Beach - a more laid-back and relaxed album compared to her other projects, and only her fourth. Emblematic of the Sino-nostalgia that has taken the vaporwave and future funk community by storm, it was one of her four earliest albums to be released with the timeless Japanese music trademark - the obi-strip.

Review: Japanese city-pop starlet Anri was a fixture of the late 1970s to early 80s, and renewed interest in her work has sparked something of a reissues incentive. Now her 1984, early-to-mid career album Coool sees a reissue via For Life alongside Bi Ki Ni, and further hammers home her romantic vision in disco. Unlike the aforementioned album, Coool is slightly more electronic and dancey, and meditates more on appreciating nature than romance, with standout track 'Gone With The Sadness' reflecting Anri's experience of getting away from the city and leaving the sadness that comes with urbanity by the door.

Review: Bruno Mars's 24k Magic reissue is a vibrant celebration of the more popular end of funk and r&b and it showcases Mars's charismatic vocals and infectious energy throughout. Originally released in 2016, this reissue has remastered tracks and bonus content. From the funky grooves of the title track to the sultry balladry of 'Versace on the Floor,' each song exudes undeniable charm and irresistible hooks and creates a feel-good atmosphere that's impossible to resist.

Review: Miami-born and raised, synth-pop duo Magdalena Bay relocated to Los Angeles and have been blazing a trail with their self-produced music towards the top of the pop world. To celebrate the beguiling aura of their second album, released in August 2024, there's a limited repress of it in a stunning yet chaotic and artsy clear blue. Stacked with bangers, including the ethereal disco single 'Image' and the cosmic electropop epic 'Death & Romance' - which recalls Destiny's Child as much as it does Jean Michel Jarre - Magdalena Bay are clearly brimming with ideas. That they then know how to package these ideas with a cohesive visual aesthetic helps them hugely on their way and at the pace they're going creatively, there's seemingly a glorious road ahead.

Review: Porter Robinson's third LP, Smile shows his evolution from EDM prodigy to a multifaceted artist blending singer-songwriter sensibilities with early 2000s synth pop, pop rock, and pop punk. This album features vibrant, nostalgic elements reminiscent of M83, early MGMT, and the Postal Service, delivering a sound that is both upbeat and introspective. The singles, including 'Cheerleader,' reveal Robinson's playful yet earnest approach, responding to contemporary music memes with a nod to emo pop rock. Tracks like 'Knock Yourself Out,' 'Mona Lisa,' and 'Russian Roulette' highlight his knack for crafting catchy melodies and poignant lyrics. 'Kitsune Maison Freestyle' adds an 8-bit synth pop twist, while 'Easier to Love You' offers emotional depth. Opening with 'Knock Yourself Out,' Robinson blends humor and vulnerability, reflecting on his journey and the support system that bolsters his success. The album's bright, fuzzy synthesizers and soaring choruses create a cohesive, life-affirming experience, underpinned by personal and clever songwriting. Smile will not disappoint fans looking for some pop dance music.

Review: Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood's monumental 1968 duet album gets a definitive reissue via Light In The Attic, harkening back to a time when the crossover between Americana, pop and country worked in a much simpler style. Now once again coming back to stereo, they show off a powerful duetting synergy through classic bits like 'Lady Bird', 'Sundown, Sundown' and 'Elusive Dreams'. This one also contains a new gatefold jacket, and comes with an array of exclusive content, including a brand new interview.

Review:  Back to The Future is one of the most widely love films of all time, with a similarly iconic soundtrack - not to mention the hover board, the Nike trainers - so news of it landing on vinyl for the first time ever is always going to be huge. For this heavyweight pressing, the music has been fully restored from original master recordings under the supervision of composer Alan Silvestr. The album includes two tracks from Alan Silvestri's compositions for the film, two tracks from Huey Lewis and the News, and two songs played by the fictional band Marvin Berry and The Starlighters.