Back catalogue: Pop

Review: This is Coldplay’s tenth studio album and delivers in being an album that can help lift you when you’re feeling down in the dumps. Chris Martin and band have tapped into something that helps listeners transcend and feel connected on a higher level. There’s an array of top-tier collaborators involved, including the mighty Jon Hopkins and Louis Cole, so it goes on a spectacular journey sonically. ‘We Pray’ (featuring Little Simz and Burna Boy among others) taps into Afrobeats and is one of the most cutting-edge major pop singles. And 'AETERNA’ lifts its backbeat from Brainfeeder signee Louis Cole’s ‘Weird Part Of The Night’, which is a great touch and indicative of an expertly A&R’d album that lifts up so many great contemporary musicians.

Review: Coldplay's tenth studio album, Moon Music, produced by Max Martin, follows their 2021 effort, Music of the Spheres, which saw great success. Chris Martin has been teasing this release for 18 months, heightening anticipation among fans and, led by the first single, 'feelslikeimfallinginlove', it won't disappoint their huge international fanbse. In line with Coldplay's commitment to sustainability, the physical release of Moon Music includes innovative packaging too and this individually numbered limited first edition is an Indie Exclusive Red rPET Eco Vinyl Edition.

Review: Coldplay's debut album, Parachutes, receives a well-deserved reissue on vinyl, marking its enduring significance in the band's discography and modern rock history. Originally released in 2000, this album propelled Coldplay to international acclaim with its introspective lyrics, melodic guitar lines, and Chris Martin's emotive vocals. The vinyl reissue maintains the album's original warmth and intimacy while enhancing the listening experience with the format's rich sound quality. Tracks like 'Yellow,' 'Trouble,' and 'Shiver' were instrumental in showing Coldplay's ability to blend alternative rock with heartfelt songwriting, capturing themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. The album's timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke both nostalgia and contemporary relevance, appealing to longtime fans rediscovering its magic and new listeners with its raw emotional depth. Whether experienced as a journey through youthful introspection or a melodic exploration of human connections, Parachutes remains a poignant debut that solidified Coldplay as a force in the music industry.

Review: Moon Music is the anticipated new album from the mega popular band Coldplay, seeing them reuniting with renowned producer Max Martin, who also worked on their 2021 hit album Music of the Spheres. The album's lead single, 'Feelslikeimfallinginlove,' will be the lead single and has fans buzzing with excitement. The cover of Moon Music has been revealed, adding to the anticipation. Following the success of their BTS collaboration 'My Universe,' which became Coldplay's first No. 1 hit since 'Viva La Vida' and earned them a Grammy nomination, expectations are high. The Moon Music EcoRecord LP is a limited edition release, featuring a printed inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and an expanded 28-page booklet filled with lyrics, imagery and credits.

Review: Duran Duran's Rio album, had a huge impact on the 80s music scene. The album is praised for its catchy choruses - despite its often nonsensical lyrics - each track is noted for its strong hooks, with even the lesser-known songs having memorable melodies. Recognized for the importance of John Taylor's bass playing that adds a unique groove to the band's sound. Simon Le Bon's vocals are praised for his ability to convey emotion, even with generally meaningless lyrics. The album features the worldwide hits 'Rio', 'Hungry Like A Wolf' and 'Save A Prayer' whose videos were some of the most popular in MTV history. Nick Rhodes' synthesisers as essential to the band's sound, along with Andy Taylor's guitar work, which, while not flashy, contributes to the overall package. 'The Chauffeur' is considered by many as the stand out track, with its spooky vibe and memorable pan flute solo. Overall, the album is described as essential for anyone looking to explore 80s pop music, with its energetic and engaging sound.

Review: The reissue of Duran Duran's self-titled debut album revitalises the iconic 1981 release, showcasing its blend of new wave, synth-pop, and post-punk influences. Standout tracks like 'Girls on Film' and 'Planet Earth' highlight the band's knack for infectious hooks and stylish production. The reissue enhances the original's crisp, polished sound with remastered audio, bringing renewed clarity to Nick Rhodes' synths and John Taylor's basslines. Additional bonus tracks and rare demos provide deeper insights into the band's early creative process. This reissue solidifies Duran Duran as a seminal work that defined an era.

Review: Has there been a more consistently on-point pop outfit than the Pet Shop Boys? They've certainly released plenty of killer singles over the course of their 40-year career, as this fresh singles collection proves. 'Smash' boasts remastered versions of every single they've released since signing to EMI in 1985 - from 'West End Girls' to 'I Don't Wanna', and everything in between - over three CDs. This version also boasts two Blu-ray discs: one that features all 50 of their videos (and they're often masterpieces in their own right), and a second featuring rare and lesser-seen videos, including 'extended versions' created to accompany the 12" versions of 'Go West', 'Domino Dancing' and 'Paninaro'. Simply essential, even for casual fans.

Review: The Pet Shop Boys' latest album arrives four years after their last release and is their 15th album in total, and as you'd expect from a pair who've been honing their craft for a good 40 years with no sign of any let up, it's packed with excellence. Sublime pop rubs shoulders with throbbing dance anthems and terrific, more introspective pieces, and - like on its first single, 'Loneliness' - you sometimes get a bit of all of them wrapped up into one. Superlative quality music from pop's elder statesmen.