Thomas Smith

Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
NME
80
On the US star's third album, there's upbeat bangers and a clear vision established for her artistry in the years to come.
Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism
NME
60
The superstar’s third album, produced with Tame Impala and Danny L Harle, chases hedonistic and carefree vibes – yet the results are mixed.
Bullion - Affection
NME
80
Over a decade down the line, Jenkins remains a vital and intriguing force.
Justice - Hyperdrama
NME
100
‘Hyperdrama’ is a blockbuster release that meets the hype: flashy, over the top and keen to make a spectacle.
Lucy Rose - This Ain't The Way You Go Out
NME
80

These are some of the most interesting and sonically varied songs of her entire career.

Khruangbin - A LA SALA
NME
80

The Houston trio are a formidable, fierce live force, but their latest takes a spacier approach to their signature sound.

Brittany Howard - What Now
NME
80
Howard made her name in Alabama Shakes with gritty blues-rock; her second solo record is a wondrous, sonic exploration of jazz, dance, funk and beyond.
The Smile - Wall of Eyes
NME
80
The second album from Radiohead members Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Sons of Kemet's Tom Skinner features some of their best work since 'In Rainbows'.
The Kid LAROI - THE FIRST TIME
NME
60
The Australian-born artist's debut shows glimpses of greatness, but goes too heavy on the heartbreak
Kevin Abstract - Blanket
NME
60

In totality, however, the collection is more of a mood piece than of noticeable, memorable songs.

Black Pumas - Chronicles of a Diamond
NME
80
After critical acclaim the band return with a grounded, expansive second record.
boygenius - the rest
NME
80
Following the success of their huge debut album 'The Record', this four-track EP rounds out 2023 in fine style.
Ed Sheeran - Autumn Variations
NME
40
Four months after the soul-baring ‘Subtract’, Sheeran returns with a cloying, seasonal-themed endeavour.
Jorja Smith - falling or flying
NME
80
On her second album – featuring dancefloor heater 'Little Things' – the Walsall-raised star finds her rhythm with an expanded sonic palette.
The National - Laugh Track
NME
80
The band follow up April’s ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’ with a surprise companion record that’s louder, more immediate and rawer than its predecessor.
Madison Beer - Silence Between Songs
NME
60
Following decade in the spotlight, Beer channels ‘60s pop and her love of Lana Del Rey and Kevin Parker on this purposeful second album.
Cautious Clay - KARPEH
NME
80
The New Yorker's development on this magnificent jazz odyssey is bold, potent and memorable.
Jungle - Volcano
NME
60
The duo’s fourth album sees them nail down their sound and vibes, but often struggles to do the soul it looks to evoke justice.
Blur - The Ballad of Darren
NME
80
The band's joyous reunion only gets more emotional with this tear-jerking, soaring epic.
Gabriels - Angels & Queens
NME
100
The trio's debut album touches upon soul, gospel and beyond, powered by an astonishing vocal performance from frontman Jacob Lusk.
Queens of the Stone Age - In Times New Roman...
NME
80
Informed by a turbulent period – including a messy divorce, cancer treatment and the deaths of several of Josh Homme's close friends – the band’s eighth album is suitably bleak.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Council Skies
NME
80
The elder Gallagher's fourth solo album was inspired by his formative days growing up in Manchester. No wonder it shows flashes of the glory days.
Arlo Parks - My Soft Machine
NME
60
The Mercury Prize-winner's second album treads familiar ground, though the turns of phrase remain remarkable.
Lewis Capaldi - Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent
NME
60
The break-up ballads sound tired, but when he turns inwards there’s clear growth in Capaldi’s capabilities.
Durand Jones - Wait Til I Get Over
NME
100

The Durand Jones & The Indications frontman's solo venture is a deeply personal one, detailing the Southern Black experience in his Louisiana hometown.


April Playlist