Filled with many surprising moments for anyone who is a fan of either Bridgers, Baker or Dacus, from the first listen 'the record' proves the 'instant classic' statement made by both Rolling Stone and NME completely true. It's undeniable that this will be the best album of the year, highlighting the talents of all three of the band's members in equal measures and even calling back to previous cut 'Me & My Dog' in such a sentimental way that any avid listener will be brought to tears

Once again baring the intense vulnerability that he has become renowned for, 6LACK prioritises self-care and honesty over the turbulence of previous relationships. Across 19 songs totalling almost an hour's worth of music, the Atlanta star explores instrumentals and sonic choices that would not have been predicted at the start of his career, largely swapping dark production for acoustic lamentations and cementing just how far he has come, as well as how far he has potential to go in future

While K-pop as a genre has never been my thing, this EP is genuinely okay, and even pleasing in some fleeting moments

Dusky's latest offering operates as a homage to the UK garage scene, boasting repetitive beats and heavy bassline galore. While it isn't groundbreaking, it's enjoyable, and would inspire many a bass face if played live

On first listen, 'My Cosmos is Mine' is a weird experiment that fails to produce concrete results. On second listen, it is a strange, sprawling, intriguing work of art. On third listen, it's a masterpiece, and this is much the same with the rest of the album.

Exactly as expected, this album is predictable, typical country music that lasts for too long. This is reflected in the lyrics, the instrumentals (which are admittedly okay in places), the album cover and even the star behind it all, but it's possible to see the appeal this has if you picture yourself as a redneck in Texas

Although Corby's voice might be harder than most to get used to, sonically and stylistically this album is pleasing and conceptually doesn't disappoint

As someone who is in no way religious, this compilation is still wondrous, spiritual and extraordinarily miraculous. Houston, as always, showcases her astonishing voice, causing this collection of gospel songs to rouse inspiration in even the most stubborn of non-believers. The legendary singer makes her listeners feel like they're a part of something bigger, an idea reinforced by contributions from The Georgia Mass Choir alongside live cuts throughout. Overall, even if her lyrics are more ... read more

Although short, Circa Waves' acoustic reworks of songs taken from their recent album (which surprised me with its quality) are possibly better than the originals, bringing back a sense of what made the band popular initially that was missing from 2020's 'Sad Happy'

On first listen, there really isn't much to say, perhaps because of its length which comes in at a whopping 9 minutes and 56 seconds. quinn's new material is in no way bad, but the nasally flow stays the same throughout most of the project, leaving many songs indistinguishable from one another.

As somebody who was once infatuated with Fall Out Boy, this album exceeded (admittedly low) expectations. Providing infectious instrumentals and catchy choruses that are bound to stick in your head all day, 'So Much (For) Stardust' calls back to the 'American Beauty / American Psycho' era which boasted various hits for the Chicago four-piece

Listening to this at an official album listening party, it's evident that the new direction Melanie takes on lead single 'DEATH' is here to stay. Inviting listeners to 'follow the tunnel into the portal', it's impossible to not oblige. Leaning away from the alternative pop she's become renowned for and into more guitar-based instrumentals, the diversity this album displays is phenomenal, and the childlike imagery Melanie's name has become synonymous with is barely present. Her statement in ... read more

I had the pleasure of listening to this album two days before its official release at a UK record store listening party, and I was completely blown away. On her latest album, Lana reconnects with family, god, and even her own material - the Venice Bitch interpolation on the last track is enough to leave even the most casual of listeners agape. Although the album's two interludes, which both come in the first half, may seem drawn out on first listen, when you dig deeper into their contribution ... read more

Slightly more listenable than expected, 'Tell Me I'm Alive' still doesn't completely impress as a 35-year-old Alex Gaskarth shouts about how he's 'tired of all the drugs and dating', as well as his tendencies to 'fuck shit up for breakfast'. Try as they might, nothing will beat the nostalgia and pure pop-punk of 2007's 'So Wrong, It's Right'

The appeal of Black Honey has always lain in their refreshing combination of propulsive energy in their heavier tracks, and stripped-back contemplation in their more contemplative cuts, both of which are led predominantly by vocalist Izzy B. Phillips and her Pale Waves-esque vocals. On 'A Fistful of Peaches', the Brighton group pull out all the punches and demonstrate just how and why they have earned, and fully deserve, their ever-growing, increasingly devoted cult following. The best thing ... read more

Although Ailbhe Reddy doesn't attempt to do anything overtly different, this works for her, and she emerges with an album that sounds nice at least and reflects effectively on her domestic boredom alongside the struggles of modern relationships. This was also released on St. Patrick's Day which feels quite appropriate for an Irish singer

Gretel Hänlyn caught my attention early in 2022 and has only continued to get better since. This project demonstrates the 20-year-old Londoner's talent for constructing fuzzy alternative rock, which arguably does her influences such as Pixies justice, and only falls short in a couple of instances throughout her work. Additionally, finishing with an interpolation of Joy Division's 'Disorder' was an incredible choice

Previously to this mixtape, I had only heard of kamal. through his collaboration with Dave and his 2020 track 'blue', and part of me wishes it had stayed that way. While some of the tracks on this project hint at potential, others remain bland and insipid

Though the latest effort from M83 may be an ethereal, out-of-this-world 'Fantasy', very occasionally its tracks fail to land on Earth despite the run time lasting longer than an hour. However, when it hits, it hits hard, with songs such as the epic 'Earth to Sea' and the transcendental 'Deceiver' proving Anthony Gonzalez's mastery in the world of dreamy synth-pop

As someone who isn't familiar with much of U2's back catalogue, these new spins on old songs are more just new spins, and unfortunately, they often fall flat. The highlights sound like they've had input from Chris Martin, which isn't meant as a compliment, and every one of those highlights is divided between two other songs which are also highlights, but because of how boring and uninspired they sound. One of very few redeeming qualities is the nostalgia element - it can't be denied that it's ... read more