S1rBrooks

As many have already pointed out, this re-recording oddly sounds worse than the original, a fact not helped by the rather lacklustre and sluggish vault tracks. A strangely disappointing effort that maybe shouldn't have been churned out so soon after the rather excellent Speak Now re-recording.

A disappointing album that never truly takes off; it has its moments ('Set' is probably my favourite) but it never seems to form itself into anything truly memorable.

I love the production on this album: it's so tactile and full of character, and perfect for Billy Woods and Elucid's smart and incisive bars.

I liked Sour a decent amount but this is a remarkable step forward. Guts is funnier, smarter, more self-aware and more heart-wrenching than its predecessor, and by far the best pop album of the year.