Sony Legacy レコード& CD

Review: In 2019, self-described "boy band" hip-hop collective Brockhampton released their most commercially viable album with Ginger, but that same year, creative mastermind and leader Kevin Abstract would begin laying the groundwork for his future solitary ventures. While Arizona Baby marked Abstract's third solo endeavour, it would be the first since his group's signing to Sony RCA, which naturally meant an increased budget, wider distribution and far more attention than any previously released output baring Ian Simpson's stage moniker. Primarily produced by Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey) and Brockhampton's Romil Hemnani, the project would initially be released piecemeal in three chapters, sonically moving from experimentalist hip-hop to increasingly hazy neo-psych r&b and avant-pop, before finally being re-released in its entirety. Unpacking the intensity of his newfound fame, the homophobia still rife within the hip-hop community, as well as delving into the controversial ousting of former bandmate and high school friend Ameer Vann; Arizona Baby covers a plethora of musical and personal ground in its half-hour runtime, while the retrospective lens of Brockhampton's abrupt demise in 2022 adds further depth and an air of interpersonal tragedy to the material's confessional nature.

Review: Long before the 13 record was even considered, it took many a false start to get Ozzy back with Black Sabbath for a proper reunion tour, which began somewhat in earnest with their two hometown shows on 4th and 5th December 1997. These performances were captured for the now iconic, aptly titled live album Reunion. Marking the first official release with the original line up since 1978's Never Say Die! and garnering the band their first ever Grammy Award in 2000 for the live rendition of 'Iron Man' taken from this collection, the work is a flawless compilation of greatest hits and fan favourite deep cuts, performed with a veteran's vigor.

Review: Carole King's second album holds the title of being "the 81st best-selling album of all time," having sold more than 14 million copies around the world and picking up Diamond status in 1995. It was a multi-Grammy Award winner including Album of the Year and spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It features two covers written by King, and demonstrated her technical style and the full range of a voice that was said at the time to be liberating for other female singers. A creative album of pop with real intimacy, it also shows a high level of musical accomplishment.

Review: Whether or not it is a perfect example of nominative determinism we're not sure but it is fair to say that by now, John Legend is indeed a legend. Not only does he seem like a lovely bloke, but he has a heart-melting voice and the ability to write carpeting songs that will transcend temporal boundaries. Proof of that comes with this reissue of his now ten-year-old album Love in The Future. The double album is a rich soul work full of romantic sounds, heart-rending lines and singable hooks.