New releases last eight weeks: Pop

Review: A classic that delivers the quintessential Euro house experience with its infectious energy and irresistible dancefloor appeal. This new yellow vinyl version brings flashbacks flooding in of the era's vibrant club scene through a mix of upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies and expansive remixes. Side-1 opens with the single version of 'More & More', a track that wastes no time diving into a groove-laden beat and euphoric synth lines. The extended mix that follows stretches the vibe even further, offering DJs and dance enthusiasts a longer ride through the track's pulsating, feel-good energy. Side-2 turns up the heat with the 'Underground' remix, which injects a deeper, more nocturnal edge into the track, perfect for late-night sets. The 'Trance Mix' closes the collection with an ethereal, sweeping take on the original, merging classic Euro house elements with hypnotic trance influences. This release is a love letter to the era of extended pleasure through remixes, capturing both the mainstream appeal and underground allure of Euro house.

Review: Madonna has got an endless catalogue of bangers from across the eras and many different styles. We certainly think 'Justify My Love's one of the ones best suited to a club rework and so it proves here with Afters doing just that on Icons. First is an extended remix with some driving drums and sweeping synths layered in next to splashy cymbals while the instrumental dial things back and radio edit gets everything packed into a shorter run time for most impact.

Review: Sweetbox's 'Everything's Gonna Be Alright' ingeniously intertwines classical motifs with contemporary pop, creating a distinctive sonic experience. The title track stands out, seamlessly blending Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Air on the G String' with modern beats, resulting in a harmonious fusion that feels both timeless and fresh. Tina Harris's soulful vocals add depth, delivering uplifting lyrics that resonate with optimism. This innovative approach not only pays homage to classical compositions but also reimagines them within a pop context, offering listeners a refreshing take on familiar melodies.

Review: Fronted by Dane-dame Sannie Carlson, Whigfield was backed by various producers and engineers over the years, main among whom was the towering Larry Pignagnoli. *The* song to commemorate Whigfield by, 'Saturday Night' is a Europop and Eurodance trailblazer, harking back, perhaps, to a more glamorous time, where fashion designers rubbed shoulders with models, PR girls and riviera DJs for Italian and Danish upper crusts. Carlson would record 'Saturday Night' after meeting fellow DJ Davide Riva, who was also part of a music production duo. In three days, an (in your mind-) sticky, bubblegum-popping opus would be written, with a nursery-rhyming refrain and a jaunty na-na-na hook epitomising the notion of a "hair-dryer song", a term coined by Simon Cowell in reference to the song as a precursor to Rebecca Black's 'Friday': "the kind of song girls sing into their hair dryers before getting ready to go out."

Review: London's singer and songwriter Lola Young (who you may know covered 'Together in Electric Dreams' for the 2021 John Lewis Christmas advert) is back with a limited edition 7" featuring two tracks from her last album This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway back in 2024. First up is 'Conceited' which has a slow motion groove and dumpy kicks with Lola's acrobatic vocals shapeshifting throughout next to bleeping synth sounds. 'Crush' is another stylish vocal delivery with languid indie guitars that bring some sleaze over live drums that build to a raw crescendo before falling away again to reveal Lola's vulnerability lyrics.

Review: Even reading the words All Saints takes us back to simmer times, when pop music seemed far more innocent and pop stars - the female ones at least - wore far more clothes. The British group's self-titled debut album was cooler and smarter than many of their candied peers (Spice Girls, we're looking at you) and blended effortlessly soulful vocals with rich, atmospheric production. From start to finish, the album lays down emotionally charged and honest lyrics. The production is lush yet minimal, allowing the powerful vocals to take centre stage, with classics like 'Never Ever', 'I Know Where It's At' and 'Lady Marmalade ('98 remix)' all still oozing a nice new soul and r&b edge.

Review: The third studio album by the Nigerian artist Asake comes to vinyl through Empire, homing back in for a second time on the artist's pioneering flurry of several modish, "now" genre fusions for 2024. Asake has already garnered a name for himself as a neo-fuji artist, building on the classic Nigerian Yoruba dance genre in electronica fusion form, as well as incorporating elements of amapiano and funk. Lungu Boy was met with critical acclaim on its digital release, and now you can hear it in its fullest physical quality on marbled vinyl; the record's best moments have to be 'Worldwide' and 'Suru' featuring none other than British rap whiz Stormzy.

Review: California-born singer-songwriter BANKS, aka Jillian Rose Banks, creates moody, alternative pop with hints of contemporary r&b adding extra depths. After emerging in the early 2010s, she gained a cross-genre following with her downtempo, alt-r&b style and her debut album, Goddess, earned critical acclaim and gold certification with hits like 'Before I Ever Met You' and 'Warm Water.' BANKS followed three more albums and now drops her fifth which is another subversive blend of all sound that have gone before with an evolved attitude and still a great number of hooky groves.

Review: A compelling epilogue to the already legendary Brat, an exploration of sub-mainstream pop stardom, delving into anxieties around commercial success via tracks like 'Rewind' and 'Sympathy Is a Knife'. Musically, it's a diverse and experimental space, as Bon Iver, Jon Hopkins, The Japanese House and more take on remix duties, and although the songs are pushed into unexpected sonic territories the influence of a key producer remains clear. Glitchy electronica, pure pop moments and surprising combinations create a dynamic listening experience - the collaborations on tracks like '360' and 'Girl, So Confusing' are particularly effective.

Review: Chase Atlantic's fourth album offers a more mature sound than previous LPs while exploring themes of loneliness, depression and fear. The title reflects the paradox of being in an ideal place yet feeling miserable and the music showcases the band's evolution into a fusion of pop, rock and r&b in their signature genre-defying style. The lead single quickly gained popularity by amassing millions of streams and views and follow-up 'Doubt It' continues the trend with addictive melodies and fresh sounds. Although Chase Atlantic pushes boundaries here, their original fans will still remain happy with the signature energy of this album.

Review: The age-defying Cher continues to turn out new music but this new one from Warner revisits her classic It's A Man's World album from 1995. It featured some of the American singer's biggest ever singles such as the easy to sing along to 'Walking in Memphis', plus more like 'One By One', 'Not Enough Love In the World' and 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore'. They have all been remastered from the best available sources 30 years after the album made it into the Top 10 in the UK, where it was also certified Gold.

Review: Was there anyone who combined soul and synth pop this well with such expert instrumentation as this band?! This collection captures two iconic sessions for the John peel show recorded during the early 1980s, showcasing a beloved band at their creative peak. Remastered for a fresh listen, the album highlights their ability to craft memorable melodies and intricate synth-driven soundscapes. The funky, melodic opener boasts a strong chorus and infectious groove, setting the tone for an engaging journey through soulful pop. An upbeat, feel-good gem in 'Some People I Know To Lead Fantastic Lives ' follows, blending frenetic rhythms with shimmering synth textures that radiate warmth and optimism. An important hit for the band, 'Wishful Thinking' demonstrates clever songwriting and a catchy structure that's impossible to resist, solidifying its place as a synth pop classic. The collection also includes a stunning downtempo track with 'Watching The Rainclouds' , rich with soulfulness and unique instrumentation, showing the band's range and ability to evoke deep emotion through delicate melodies and expressive keyboard work. This compilation is a fantastic snapshot of their evolution and a reminder of their enduring influence. Fans old and new will find much to love in this expertly curated and beautifully remastered release. China Crisis continues to be more respected as time goes on.

Review: There's a certain drama in the air when the beats kick in with an instant jolt of energy that doesn't let up. The tracks on the second album on Pete Burns-fronted crew are an exuberant mix of bold melodies and infectious rhythms, blending sharp pop with a cheeky edge. You'll know their massive SAW-produced SMASH 'You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)', but the group's unmistakable sense of theatre shines through, with each track feeling like a mini anthem. Whether it's the larger-than-life production or the slightly over-the-top flair, the sound remains unapologetically fun. It's pop at its most playful, wrapped in an unmistakable 80s glow that still carries weight today.

Review: Released in 1990, the Canadian 'Titantic' legend's ninth - and first English-language - album, was her formal introduction to a broader international audience. While later albums would showcase her powerhouse balladry, Unison is rooted in late 80s and early 90s pop, dance and soft rock, highlighting a different, more youthful side of Dion. This reissue's title track, 'Unison', is a bright, upbeat number, blending slick production with a catchy, danceable groove. Dion's voice is confident but not overpowering, riding the rhythm with an effortless charm. 'Where Does My Heart Beat Now', arguably the album's peak, is a soaring ballad that previews the emotional intensity she would later become famous for i her vocals swelling with a mix of vulnerability and strength. Tracks like 'If Love Is Out the Question' and 'Have a Heart' lean into soft rock territory, filled with shimmering synths and polished guitar work, highlighting Dion's adaptability across genres. Meanwhile, 'The Last to Know' presents a bittersweet mid-tempo groove, layered with heartfelt emotion. Unison captures an artist in transition i blending dance-pop sheen with emotional depth. It's a polished debut that lays the groundwork for Dion's meteoric rise, offering glimpses of the superstar vocalist she was destined to become.

Review: English former glamour model and pop-dance singer of the 1980s, Samantha was one of the main faces of pop driven dance music in the decade. Her debut album marked her transition from a famous British Page 3 model to a pop icon with global appeal, which included a humungous and very vociferous following in India of all places. The album blends catchy 80s pop-rock, with its title track 'Touch Me( I Want Your Body' leading the charge, showing her sultry, bold stage presence. Fox's vocal performance stands out for its authenticity and commitment. The album's second track, 'I'm All You Need', highlights Fox's ability to sing about empathy and romantic devotion, capturing the complexity of human connection. 'Hold On Tight', with its rockabilly feel, is different than most songs in Fox's discography, while 'Do Ya Do Ya (Wanna Please Me)' embraces 80s pop-rock with powerful, seductive lyrics. 'Baby I'm Lost for Words' explores the feeling of awe when meeting a crush, and 'It's Only Love' gives a soulful nod to Motown. 'He's Got Sex' wraps up the album with a bold, provocative theme, rounding off Touch Me as a collection of catchy, empowering anthems.

Review: By K-pop standards, rapper-turned-popstar G Dragon (Real Name Kwon Ji Yong) is something of a veteran. He's been a star in his native South Korea since the tail end of the 2010s, enjoying success for a trio of albums released between 2009 and 2013. Ubermensch, officially his fourth full-length, sees him return to solo action following a period spent working as a songwriter and producer for other artists. It's a typically entertaining, fun and boisterous set that sees him sing (and more occasionally rap) atop tracks that variously mix and match elements of P-funk, EDM, disco, synth-funk and 21st century pop. K-pop fans take note!

Review: This collection plunges into Godley & Creme's eccentric post-10cc years, a whirlwind of boundary-pushing pop and inventive production. Tracks like 'An Englishman in New York' burst with surreal humour and layered arrangements, showcasing their knack for storytelling through off-kilter melodies. Meanwhile, 'Snack Attack' plays with genre, blending funk-laden grooves and absurdist charm. These songs aren't just quirky diversions-they're windows into the duo's fearless approach to dismantling pop conventions. Packed with vocal harmonies, synth experiments, and a sprinkle of the absurd, this box set is a reminder of how Godley & Creme rewrote the rules for art-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: A year on from initial release, eternal sunshine remains a powerful and introspective exploration of heartbreak, growth and the aftermath of personal upheaval. As Arianna Grande navigates her Saturn return here, she transforms her very public divorce into an emotional, musically rich concept album. Inspired by the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, she confronts the lingering pain of a breakup with a mix of raw vulnerability and clever humour across tunes that blend her signature r&b sound with new, bold experimentation, including Y2K-inspired tracks like 'the boy is mine.' While her lyrics occasionally lean on familiar phrases, Grande's restraint and vocal artistry shine through and prove the fine singer-songwriter is not done evolving yet.

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: 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: Dedicated from May 2019 is a shimmering, synth-pop gem that builds on the emotional depth of previous album Emotion while refining Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen's signature sound. Packed with all the infectious hooks, lush production and heartfelt lyrics you would expect from a pop album, it also offers euphoric dancefloor anthems (such as 'Now That I Found You', 'Want You in My Room') with introspective, melancholic moments on 'Too Much' and 'The Sound'. Jepsen's knack for capturing love's highs and lows with sincerity and charm makes Dedicated an irresistible listen packed with playful grooves and 80s-inspired beats as well as joyful and bittersweet emotions.

Review: This record marks a bold return to Lady Gaga's pop roots. It fuses the eclectic energy that first captivated her fans with a new and ever-fearless artistic vision that means she delves into themes of chaos and transformation while celebrating music's ability to unite, provoke and heal. Gaga has said that the album began as a response to her fear of returning to the pop sound her early fans loved. Far from merely nostalgic, Mayhem reinvents her signature style with a kaleidoscopic approach by drawing from her broad musical influences. Gaga compared the creative process to "reassembling a shattered mirror," and has created something beautifully new from the pieces.

Review: Lady Gaga's brand new album Mayhem documents yet another modification in look and feel for today's North Star of pop music: the 'Bad Romance' conquistador has described her latest record as "utter chaos", fusing influences from 90s alt-rock, electro-grunge, Prince and Bowie-esque melodies, funk, French electro-house, and analog synths. Headed up by the lead single 'Disease', Gaga's visually striking yet newly gothicized turn is quite unsettling, offering a fresh "era" in the pop pantomorph's approach, which invites comparisons to Taylor Swift and David Bowie, yet more latexy.

Review: Many critics have dubbed Lady Gaga's Mayhem, the superstar's latest full-length excursion, as a return to her pop roots - not to mention her strongest and most coherent set since breakthrough album Fame. Recorded at Rick Rubin's studio with the help of a crack team of producers, the assembled songs variously draw on synth-pop, EDM style pop-house, gritty industrial funk, the gnarled strut of electroclash and, perhaps more surprisingly, guitar-driven alt-rock. Naturally, Gaga is in fine form throughout, sassily and confidently delivering lyrics that muse on "love, chaos, fame and desire". This Japanese CD edition comes bundled with an art card, stickers and an expansive booklet.

Review: Pop sensation Dua Lipa went through an early-career reinvention by the point of her second album Future Nostalgia, whose title will surely go on to provide much theoretical fodder for the musicologists of 2045. Embracing the now deemed "retro" influences of funk, disco and synthpop (though their redemption as such is contestable, given that there are modern examples of each and every one of these still being made), Lipa worked with a range of producers, including hitmakers like Greg Kurstin, Stuart Price, and Ian Kirkpatrick, to create a femme-forward bannering of almost every pop sound that has "hit" so far. This new 3xLP set further expands on the implied scopic ambition, pulling listeners into a titivated soundscape chock-full of alternate versions and visions.

Review: On Alter Ego, LISA steps into a darker, more experimental space, leaving her pop roots behind while retaining that undeniable vocal presence. 'Shadow of Love' pulls you in with its moody synths and subtle tension, setting the tone for the rest of the release. Each track feels like a new layer of her artistic evolution, exploring soundscapes that are as introspective as they are compelling. It's a clear statement of growth, with LISA working with producers who help refine her sound while giving her the room to experiment.

Review: Thai rapper and singer Lisa drops her debut studio solo album Lisa, marking her first RCA Records release after her split from South Korean entertainment group YG Entertainment. With breakout rockstar energies and edgy hyperpop production, Atler Ego is a culminant musing on what it means to be a popstar or rockstar in 2025: like Taylor Swift, Lisa explores many different eras, with the album moving in five phases, each one representing a unique personality: in turn, Lisa appears in front of: a monolithic black rock structure, an outer-space catwalk, an enchanted garden, a green laser-beam motorcycle track and a volcanic red runway.

Review: Madonna's fourth studio album was, and remains her most explicit artistic statement. Though aiming for a "serious" sound, the album dazzled with a kaleidoscope of pop styles from the funk of 'Express Yourself' and 'Keep It Together' to the haunting 'Oh Father' and the alluring and still classic track. Praised for its songcraft as well as for pushing so many bundlers, Like a Prayer remains Madonna's most consistent album and though it was released 35 years ago, it still resonates. Over 15 million copies were sold in the years after release and the album produced six singles, spawned four top ten hits and now gets reissued as a special Silver Edition to celebrate 40 years of her groundbreaking career.

Review: Jupiter is a radiant return for Noa that signals a new quality to her artistry. Following her 2021 album, And Then Life Was Beautiful, which was shaped by personal challenges and a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Nao embraces joy and healing on this fourth outing. Tracks like 'Elevate' and 'Wildflowers' express optimism with others like 'Better Days' and 'Happy People' underscoring the theme of growth. The album blends funky guitar solos, delicious drum patterns and nostalgic sounds throughout and manages to show up great musical versatility across a rich, emotionally powerful album.

Review: Tyla every much burst onto the global r&b scene with her breakout single 'Water.' Se quickly capitalised on summer ubiquity with a self-titled album which showcases her distinct blend of Afrobeat, pop and r&b. It's a mix of the usual tropes - sultry, steamy vocals, lovely smooth bass, rich melodic hooks and polished production that doesnt lose an intimate edge. Tyla brings an energy that's both vibrant and emotional with her vocals and while her most famous single remains her best work, her ability to weave personal experiences into her lyrics adds depth on this record which does a god job of showing her impressive vocal range.

Review: A nostalgia-packed journey through one of pop music's most exciting years, featuring an impressive lineup of extended and remixed tracks from the decade's biggest stars. This four disc collection brings together a mix of chart-topping anthems, cult classics and dancefloor staples, each in its extended 12" glory. Things start with Wham!'s infectious 'Freedom' (long mix) and keeps the energy high with Culture Club's politically charged 'The War Song' (Ultimate dance mix). New Order's 'Thieves Like Us' and Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder's 'Together In Electric Dreams' add a synth-laden sheen, while Eurythmics' haunting 'Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four)' is a bold statement piece. As the tracklist moves on, iconic tracks like Frankie Goes To Hollywood's 'Relax' (New York mix) and Duran Duran's 'The Reflex' (dance mix) capture the decade's indulgent soundscape. Meanwhile, softer gems like Talk Talk's 'It's My Life' (extended mix) and Echo & The Bunnymen's 'Silver (Tidal Wave)' provide balance. Closing with Paul McCartney's heartfelt 'No More Lonely Nights' (extended) and the ever-catchy 'Somebody's Watching Me' by Rockwell, this compilation offers a comprehensive snapshot of 1984's pop brilliance. Having these extended versions together in one set is more than a greatest hits package - it's like having all the maxi singles together like an experienced DJ ready to rock a party.

Review: In light of the latest Bridget Jones flick comes Bridget Jones's Diary: The Mixtape, a curated collection of unforgettable tracks from the beloved film series. Released alongside the fictional, happy-go-lucky 30-come-50-something's latest film, Mad About The Boy, this mixtape celebrates the final chapter in Bridget's story. Expect Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, and Ed Sheeran, facilitating a ride through love, laughter, and respite, as we watch the unforgettable Renee Zellweger portray a relatable conjuration of wit and error.

Review: The seventh and final installment of this vinyl series hones in on tracks that are sure to keep the dancefloor packed. Pressed on striking transparent blue and green vinyl, this 2LP set is a pulsating collection of club classics that defined the era's nightlife, bridging disco, funk, house, electro, pop and hip-hop into an irresistible sonic melting pot. Side-A starts off with winner and Inner City's euphoric house staple 'Good Life', setting the pace for an album steeped in dancefloor euphoria. Kym Mazelle and Robert Howard's soulful 'Wait' and Coldcut's 'People Hold On' with Lisa Stansfield show the decade's seamless blend of house and pop, while 'Pump Up The Volume' by M/A/R/R/S redefined sampling's role in dance music. S'Express's 'Theme from S-Express' and Bomb The Bass's 'Beat Dis' bring explosive energy, while Technotronic and Rob 'n' Raz keep the tempo high with their club anthems. Late-'80s remix culture shines as Chaka Khan's 'I'm Every Woman' get a modernised update while PWL's glossy, synth-driven touch on 'Sandra' shines brightly. 80s dance legends Bananarama and Samantha Fox are also have vital appearances to the collection. LP2 dives into hip-hop-infused dance with Soul II Soul's 'Back To Life', Ten City's deep-house masterpiece 'That's The Way Love Is' and Neneh Cherry's genre-defying 'Buffalo Stance'. The finale is pure club gold: 'The Only Way Is Up' by Yazz, the thunderous 'Blue Monday '88', and 'Fools Gold' by The Stone Roses. Closing with 808 State's 'Pacific State' and The Beloved's 'Sun Rising', Floorfillers is a flawless time capsule of dance music's late-80s evolution. This double pack is steeped in history while being an excellent range of styles that made the 80s so remarkable.

Review: Produced in LA by her friend and collaborator Solomonophic (who has worked with the likes of Remi Wolf, BROCKHAMPTON and Dominic Fike), this new studio LP from Young is an electrifying and fearless concept that blends passion, rage, humour and narrative flair, all while crackling with energy and surprises. As a modern breakup album, it captures the raw sound of youth navigating relentless romantic turmoil. Irresistible and unexpected, Lola's work defines the chaos of love and heartbreak and is a record that is poised to propel her musical journey to even greater heights.

Review: An electrifying, genre-blurring debut that explores heartbreak with striking honesty and musical sophistication. This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway is sure to be one of the most engaging pop albums of 2025. The artists breathy, understated vocals are the anchor, effortlessly gliding across a soundscape that blends r&b, jazz, rock and classical elements. Tracks like 'Walk On By' show Young's ability to marry modern pop touches with a soulful, timeless aesthetic, while 'You Noticed' s is a minimalist ballad that underscores her poetic lyricism. The fusion of styles is seamless, each track serving its lyrical content with precision, from the jazzy playfulness of 'Conceited' to the raw energy of 'Crush'. The album's production, with its nostalgic crackles and modern electronic accents, creates an intimate, almost journal-like atmosphere, allowing listeners to connect with Young's unfiltered emotions. With TWMFYA, Lola Young carves out a distinct voice, a riveting blend of vulnerability, wit and musical depth.