Rick Pearson
As ever, there are some great singles: the synthy grooves of Best 4 U, the Kendrick Lamar-featuring Don’t Wanna Know. But the overall impression is one of a band best enjoyed in microdoses.
5y
Meaning of Life is 44 minutes of all killer, no filler songwriting, chock-full of attitude, soul and hard-earned wisdom.
5y
Truly, the road to musical hell is paved with good intentions.
5y
Don't be fooled by the silly name there's plenty to like about this pop-tinged rock album.
2y
Girl Ray's debut album showcases the brilliance and brutality of being a teenager.
2y
His debut, produced by James Ford, the man behind records by Florence and Arctic Monkeys, is a startling collection of big-picture pop that elevates McKenna high above the usual bedroom balladeers.
3y
For the most part ... this is high-quality stuff from an artist headed for the biggest of things.
5y
This album won’t change your life — but it might change your opinion of Styles.
5y
The 27-year-old moved to LA to pen his third album and you can hear the city’s influence in this selection of unhurried, sun-dappled songs.
3y
Ultimately, ÷ will sell a great deal, but it is not a truly great album.
5y
The Australian psych-rockers present ear-worm melodies in this audacious collection.
2y
Cate Le Bon takes a tentative step towards the mainstream on her third album.
5y
It’s a formula for chart success – but you can’t help but wish Perry would experiment a little more.
5y
On their fourth album, the Americans cling closely to the tried-and-tested formula of shouty vocals, loud guitars and toe-curlingly naff lyrics.
5y
The volume may have dropped but the Manics’ righteous anger is still coming through loud and clear.
5y
It’s a high-wire act but Monáe is fast establishing herself as pop’s finest trapeze artist.
5y
Sir Elton’s presence isn’t the only surprise on QOTSA’s first new record in six years: the music has changed dramatically. The Vampyre of Time and Memory is a bluesy, piano-led ballad, while the title track showcases frontman Josh Homme’s soulful falsetto.
5y
Another album as strong as this and those dreams of longevity might just come true.
5y
At 40, frontman Billie Joe Armstrong remains firmly in touch with his inner teenager, railing against society (Nuclear Family), authority (Loss of Control) and, er, disc jockeys (Kill the DJ). If the themes are familiar, the band’s music has gained new vitality.
5y
Disappointingly, her debut sees her settling for that most generic of sounds: sub-Rihanna, Auto-Tuned pop. Some of the lyrics are equally unimaginative … Then, seven tracks in, a different artist emerges.
5y