There are moments dotted about this project in which Tora-i appears to have reached her full potential, yet these are undermined by moments of disappointment

On 'Gag Order', LA's Kesha is simultaneously more free, more mature and more experimental than her 22-year-old self who released 2009's smash hit 'TikTok'. Linking with legendary producers such as RIck Rubin and Hudson Mohawke, she leans into a personal perspective which has previously been subdued by the monster that is Dr Luke, and while she doesn't let her experiences define her, she explores them in an album which is incredibly introspective, vulnerable, transparent and brilliant

Ask any metal fan what they think about Sleep Token, and they will respond with one of two answers: overrated, or over-hated. As someone who probably wouldn't fit into that category, I went into this album not understanding the hype about the ambiguous London group whatsoever, and came out wholly involved in said hype. While 'Take Me Back to Eden' may not be the most innovative album out there, as some critics would suggest, the band are certainly versatile. 'Ascensionism' may be one of my ... read more

On his debut album 'The Playlist', Steel Banglez enlists pretty much every big name in UK rap, although this does not always serve him well. Contributions from Giggs, Chip, MoStack, Aitch, Not3s, Tion Wayne, Ms Banks, BackRoad Gee, Nines, MIST, WSTRN, Yungen, M24, NSG, S1mba, Ivorian Doll, Burna Boy, Clean Bandit, Wes Nelson, Stefflon Don, Unknown T, D Double E, Jaykae, BERWYN, Maverick Sabre, Ghetts and Tiggs Da Author, to name around half, often leave the project overwrought and overshadow ... read more

Lewis Capaldi has a fantastic voice. It's just a shame that, since he first released his smash hit 'Bruises' in 2017, he has consistently leant away from putting it to good use. 'Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent' sees the Glaswegian providing the same brand of breakup ballad found throughout 'Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent', with even the two albums' titles mirroring each other. Even in 2019 this was tired, repetitive and slightly bland, so a second, almost identical instalment is ... read more

While these EPs may be increasing in quality as each one is released, it's nice to know that next week will be the last instalment. Cool idea, not so cool execution, and to say that a Freddie Dredd feature makes sense in this series would not be a compliment

Constructing the perfect sound for summer 2023, KAYTRANADA and Aminé's first full collaboration project is a definitive statement of pure fun. Enlisting names such as Freddie Gibbs, Pharrell Williams and even Snoop Dogg, the duo have produced a silly smooth set of songs that are destined to soundtrack long hot summers for the rest of the decade

Featuring the smash hits 'Problem', 'One Last Time', 'Break Free' and 'Love Me Harder', alongside high-profile features from Iggy Azaelia, Big Sean, Childish Gambino, The Weeknd and A$AP Ferg, 'My Everything' is evidently created to perfectly insert itself into the mainstream. This is also heightened by the heavy involvement of producers such as Max Martin, who has worked on dozens of number ones stretching back to '...Baby One More Time', although what results for Ariana Grande is a ... read more

'Sweetener' is yet another release from Grande that proves the world needs a full Nicki Minaj collab album. However, this time around the Disney star drops her inoffensive pop backgrounds, leaning more into experimentation with the help of Pharrell Williams. Hints of N.E.R.D are laced within 'blazed' and 'the light is coming', while other highlights firmly showcase her own defining feature: the impressive, masterful vocal performances she continually exhibits, without once faltering. Although ... read more

This is an album which, unfortunately, lacks personality, and becomes a tough listen as a consequence. If it were as strong throughout as its second half, Alison Goldfrapp would have easily achieved a solid 3 stars - however, many songs fall into the region of blandness and insipidity

Cardiff rockers HIMALAYAS flourish on their impressive debut: this is an album that clearly demonstrates similarities to their influences, such as Royal Blood and QOTSA, but never leans into imitation, managing to retain a degree of originality which keeps it exciting

While SamRecks' style of music may not be the most original or innovative out there, his witty lyrics and effortless flow combine to form a solid project and a satisfying listen

Some of the songs on Jonas Brothers' 'The Album' are genuinely fun, and that should be embraced: the trio definitely know how to cater to their audience. While it may be inoffensive, and slightly bland in places, it isn't the worst thing in the world. However, enlisting fellow dull-pop-wannabe Jon Bellion as a producer and feature wasn't the wisest decision - together the four sound like an AJR rip-off

As someone who was not a fan of Lovejoy's earliest work, this is a vast improvement. 'Wake Up & It's Over' is fun, and while it may not be flawless, it has moments of high quality that suggest a potential Wilbur Soot & co will hopefully continue to tap into

Where this album is at its height, it is a collection of heartfelt, earnest songs combining introspection and social commentary with Potter Payper's near-perfect flow and delivery. 'Money Or Victims', in particular, is strikingly told, providing a clear highlight as Def Jam artist details the dark and gritty side of broken Britain through personal experience. However, the tracks that do not display the same level of quality truly hold it back, once again keeping the Essex rapper from reaching ... read more

In a very similar vein to the spring edition, 'Summer Season' is an utter disappointment. Aside from emulating the aesthetic of early Memphis hip-hop culture, which they do not do justice to, it's tough to tell what Ruby and $crim were trying to achieve here. However, this is less unlistenable than its predecessor and is, at the very least, bearable: perhaps there's an achievement even in that

Somehow, Clairo has managed to make 5 of her best songs even better. This short collection undoubtedly showcases her generational talent, and may even be the best thing she's ever released

Zella Day's flawless indie pop is at its finest on 'Kicker', an album which provides highlights as soon as it opens. Although at times her Lana-del-Rey-esque Americana lyrics don't strike the chord they hope to, overall it is a pleasant and satisfying listen as her powerful vocals allow the listener to look past the presence of cliche

Twigs' masterful third EP perfectly demonstrates the glitchy production, haunting vocals and rejection of convention that she has since become renowned for. This took her from an art pop prodigy to one of the best in the UK, and for good reason too

On their debut EP 'Outliers', Sylvan Weekends establish themselves as brand new, fresh faces to watch in the world of indie folk. From the moment opener 'Every Day' begins it's evident that they're something special: their job now is to harness the potential they undoubtedly possess, and they may go on to great things