Bakar's 'Halo' may not be bright enough to truly innovate, but instead finds its value in the joy, consistency and contemplation it can bring. The Guardian may argue that this album leans too far into 'staid teen tropes', but it is the very sedate quality that the Camden prodigy provides that has earned him popularity. Opting for a laidback indie approach and avoiding overt ostentatiousness is what makes 'Halo' such a pleasing listening experience, supplying Bakar with the perfect landscape for ... read more

Somehow even better than its predecessor in every aspect

This album is far too lengthy and far too overblown, but it has to be said that Diddy's production shines brightly at its best, most innovative moments. Calling back to the 90s hip-hop landscape he rose to prominence in, and occasionally adapting these influences to be more accessible to the modern ear, overall the NY native leaves his listeners with a very long, very mixed bag. Additionally, high-profile collaborators fail to save this project despite being present on almost every track, ... read more

On her fourth studio album, Bailey Rae delivers a diverse range of influences which span genres, textures and aesthetics but combine to form a record which is impressive in its entirety

The southern ravers enlist collaborators such as Dead Pony, Master Peace and even Tinchy fucking Stryder to present their first collection of high-energy, club-ready floor-fillers in a series that hopefully won't be ending soon

Beautiful, introspective and sonically diverse, Mitski's 'The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We' is undoubtedly masterful, offering some of the Japanese-American prodigy's greatest work. Although it arrives only a year after 'Laurel Hell', the short space between albums has in no way injured or impaired either, as Mitski once again displays the exceptional songwriting and musical ability which may potentially cement her as one of the greats

This did not have to be an hour and twenty minutes long, and Makonnen adds practically nothing to it. Rest in peace Lil Peep, but this is far from great

Seeing that this album had such high critic scores and user scores pleasantly surprised me - Olivia Rodrigo deserves all the praise she can get as she returns with another modern tour de force, once again exploring heartbreak, infatuation, fame and general life experience with the personal touch which made 'SOUR' so simultaneously enthralling and endearing. Where she leans into the pop rock of earlier hits 'good 4 u' and 'brutal', such as on 'bad idea right?' and 'ballad of a homeschooled ... read more

This is hardly album of the year, but it has to be said that if these songs were sung by Charli XCX people would be fawning over them. Let loose, have some fun - there's plenty of it to be found in this album

From the haunting beauty of opener 'shanty' to the raw emotional vulnerability of early highlight 'andalucia plays', Slowdive's 'everything is alive' is masterful, profound and often nears perfection. The Reading band are known for being pioneers of shoegaze, but here they incorporate an ambience and optimism within their dreamy indie rock which makes their fifth studio album an incredibly pleasing, surprisingly invigorating listen

While it can feel repetitive at times, Jungle's 'Volcano' is certainly a breath of fresh air in their discography: Lloyd-Watson and McFarland's signature synth funk and nu-disco blend effortlessly with the album's wide range of collaborators to construct a project that features some of their best work to date

As usual, the Brighton duo meet expectations but fail to innovate with an enjoyable but irritatingly unvaried record. At rare moments, such as during closer 'Waves', Royal Blood demonstrate potential for growth by leaning away from their monotonous brand of formulaic rock music, but these moments are far too fleeting to make the album as a whole exciting

Impressive instrumentals and a whole lot of potential, vocals need some work though

In February of this year, The 1975 surprised their crowd, fans and critics around the world by performing their debut album in full at an intimate hometown show. On said album's 10th anniversary this September, they have now released live recordings of this, which provide a simultaneously fresh and raw listening experience. Hearing much-loved songs from a decade ago performed against a backdrop of screaming fans is nothing but exhilarating, offering an insight into the excitement felt by ... read more

Although it may be a bit too bloated, Hozier's 'Unreal Unearth' is an album of natural gems: from impressive vocals to mesmerising instrumentals, the Irish folk-rock hero proves that he still possesses the magic seen across 2019's 'Wasteland, Baby!' and 2014's self-titled debut

Far from the quality expected from one of the kings of UK hip-hop

The album's pleasing moments are unfortunately tainted by its less pleasing ones, although it has to be admitted that Hot Milk's songs translate incredibly well live

Zach Bryan undeniably epitomises the rare country star who does it right, combining the heartfelt songwriting and emotional storytelling that can occasionally make the genre pleasing. Although he slips up along the way, the Oklahoma native certainly rises to the position he's seemed to be working towards since 2019's debut 'DeAnn', enlisting names such as Kacey Musgraves and The Lumineers that he is beginning to rival in terms of popularity

Ashnikko's debut album 'WEEDKILLER' is the definition of a mixed bag. Highlights such as 'Worms' at their best demonstrate genuine innovation, and at least provide a significant dose of entertainment. However, other songs such as 'Don't Look at It' are purely unlistenable. To summarise, thank god for Ethel Cain

Princess of pop