New releases last eight weeks: Pop

Review: Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez's collaborative album is steeped in heartfelt emotion with catchy, contemporary pop tunes the vehicle for their expression. I Said I Love You First is a perfect example of Blanco's signature production style which mixes soft beats with smooth melodies, while Gomez's vocals portray both vulnerability and confidence. The tracks explore themes of love, heartbreak and personal growth while balancing upbeat anthems and introspective ballads. Highlights include the emotionally charged title track and the infectious rhythms of songs like 'I Can't Get Enough.' The chemistry between Blanco and Gomez is palpable here.

Review: Ariana Grande was still on the up when she released her My Everything album back in 2014. Although slightly delayed, this is a special tenth-anniversary edition that reminds of its charming mix of pop, r&b and EDM influences. The album is mostly defined by Grande's powerful vocal range and emotional depth while belting out hits like 'Problem,' 'Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart' and 'Break Your Heart Right Back' all of which remain bangers to this day. Plenty of top-tier guests also feature like The Weeknd, ASAP Ferg and Childish Gambino. As a celebration of her breakthrough era, My Everything remains a modern pop milestone.

Review: Meiko Kaji's third album sees her deepening the atmospheric world of cinematic pop she became known for, with her music garnering the same iconic status as her acclaimed roles in 70s classics like Lady Snowblood and Stray Cat Rock. A symbol of cool, rebellious femininity, Kaji blends Japanese pop, folk and cinematic grooves, often crafting songs as dramatic and intense as her screen roles. With admiration from figures like Quentin Tarantino, her music continues to resonate, bridging generations and cultures. Kaji's body of work stands not just as a reflection of her cinematic legacy, but as a genre-defying exploration of mood, melody and raw emotion. Opening with a somber yet beautiful tone, the title track leads into a journey of bold contrasts, where songs like 'Sunset' capture a melancholy, almost dreamlike quality, while 'Watashi Umarete Fushiawase' dips into light, wistful folk. 'Kiba No Ballad' marks a standout, weaving together stark simplicity and a raw, affecting vocal performance. Kaji continues to explore themes of loss, longing and defiance with 'Hagure Bushi,' while 'Shura No Hana' (famously featured in Kill Bill) offers a stirring close. The album goes beyond showcasing her voice, serving as a bold declaration of the diverse musical realms she masterfully inhabits and shapes.

Review: A new compilation which looks to celebrate the unheralded period of hugely successful Isle of Wight pop/funk band Level 42, named that after their cult funk days in the early 80s and their chart-topping victories in the middle and end of the decade. Music on Vinyl helps celebrate their 90s years with this compilation that spans the albums Guaranteed (1991) and Forever Now (1994). Originally released in 2007, this limited edition 2xLP set, pressed on vibrant 180-gram yellow vinyl, highlights the band's unique blend of funk, pop and jazz influences, with a mix of infectious grooves and introspective lyrics. The first side opens with the title track, 'Past Lives', a slick funk-driven number that sets the tone for the compilation, followed by the energetic 'Guaranteed' and the introspective 'Overtime'. Tracks like 'My Father's Shoes' explore deeper emotional landscapes, while 'Forever Now' explores the band's ability to craft smooth, soulful anthems. Side three is a ideal, featuring the infectious 'Model Friend' and the jazzy 'Romance'. Meanwhile, 'One in a Million' is a perfect example of the band's ability to blend pop hooks with sophisticated arrangements. Side four closes the compilation on a high note with 'If You Were Mine', a catchy, uplifting finale. The four-page booklet provides context for this fruitful period in Level 42's career, and the limited yellow vinyl adds an extra layer of collectible charm.