Album Reviews

Queens of the Stone Age – ‘In Times New Roman’ review: dark, sludgy, brutal

Informed by a turbulent period – including a messy divorce, cancer treatment and death – the band’s eighth album is suitably bleak.

Christine and the Queens – ‘PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE’ review: pop auteur’s operatic gamble

Presented as a 96-minute opera featuring guest spots from Madonna and 070 Shake, the French artist's fourth studio album is often weighed down by its own folly

Taeyong – ‘SHALALA’ review: a pixelated dreamscape of intimate anecdotes

On his debut solo mini-album, the NCT leader is afforded a long-awaited opportunity to really shine – and does

Amaarae – ‘Fountain Baby’ review: electric anthems from a fearless cultural disruptor

On her thrilling second album, the 28-year-old pushes the boundaries of African music to new, glorious highs

Janelle Monáe – ‘The Age Of Pleasure’ review: an unabashedly sexy sonic voyage

With their fourth studio album, the superstar takes us along on a vibrant pleasure trip

Jenny Lewis – ‘Joy’All’ review: one of pop’s foremost storytellers

Inspired by a pandemic songwriting challenge set by Beck, Lewis' fifth solo LP sees her come to the conclusion that joy is paramount

Hak Baker – ‘World’s End FM’ review: live and direct from the edge of the apocalypse

With appearances from Kurupt FM's MC Grindah and Connie Constance, Baker's songwriting doesn’t lose its intoxicating touch on his debut

B.I – ‘To Die For’ review: coming full circle on a fearless and purposeful release

On the second half of his sophomore studio album, B.I brings his exploration of love, resistance and youth to a close with masterful execution

Squid – ‘O Monolith’ review: a monument to daring artistic growth

Bolstered by a newfound sense of self-confidence and appreciation for melody, the five-piece's more experimental second album reveals more of itself with each enchanting listen

King Krule – ‘Space Heavy’ review: nomadic dispatches from a generational artist

Archy Marshall’s fourth King Krule album breaks new ground while further enriching his tried-and-trusted soundscapes
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