Album Reviews

Bree Runway – ‘Woah, What A Blur!’ review: pop polymath celebrates her breakthrough year

Hopping from Baltimore club sounds to slow-burning Afropop, this surprise release flaunts the London artist's boundless creativity

SZA – ‘SOS’ review: a comeback album well worth the wait

The US star's first album in five years – and her last ever, she says – is sprawling, superb and rarely puts a foot wrong

Sam Ryder – ‘There’s Nothing But Space, Man!’ review: the year’s feel-good breakthrough act

The Essex-raised musician's stellar Eurovision appearance earned him a place in the nation's heart. An overly earnest debut album ought to keep him there

ITZY– ‘Cheshire’ review: girl group find their footing after a year of indecision

On their latest mini-album, K-pop’s most confident girl group tease a mature new sound and a bold, playful approach to romance

RM – ‘Indigo’ review: BTS leader makes emphatic bid for timelessness with remarkable solo debut

Described as “the last archive” of the rapper’s twenties, ‘Indigo’ incisively and imaginatively captures the uncertainties and unpredictability of life

KARA – ‘Move Again’ review: K-pop stalwarts return with a warm, nostalgic hug

On their first new album in seven years, KARA dip back into familiar sounds to look back on their past

Red Velvet – ‘The ReVe Festival 2022 – Birthday’ review: a promising step to an exciting new era

Celebrating their strengths while keeping the element of surprise, this mini-album is better than Red Velvet’s other recent releases

Stormzy – ‘This Is What I Mean’ review: levelling up on his own terms

The south Londoner’s contemplative third studio album features his most mellow and mature moments yet

BoA – ‘Forgive Me’ review: a veteran artist blazes thrilling new trails

The “queen of K-pop” returns after two years with an EP that proves she still has exciting new roads to go down

Honey Dijon – ‘Black Girl Magic’ review: an expert demonstration of fierce house music

The house superstar's second studio album is full of freeing tracks that'll enable you to leave your worries on the dancefloor