Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Meiko Nakahara, a celebrated figure in the city pop revival, returns with a reissue of her eighth studio album, originally released in 1988. This captivating collection showcases Nakahara's signature blend of sophisticated pop, jazz influences, and smooth grooves, capturing the essence of the late 80s Japanese music scene. The album features the title track, 'Kagami no Nakano Actress', which served as the opening theme for the popular anime series 'Kimagure Orange Road', as well as the ending theme, 'Dance in the memories'. With its blend of catchy melodies, lush arrangements and Nakahara's expressive vocals make this a real, rediscovered classic.

Review: Jupiter is a radiant return for Noa that signals a new quality to her artistry. Following her 2021 album, And Then Life Was Beautiful, which was shaped by personal challenges and a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Nao embraces joy and healing on this fourth outing. Tracks like 'Elevate' and 'Wildflowers' express optimism with others like 'Better Days' and 'Happy People' underscoring the theme of growth. The album blends funky guitar solos, delicious drum patterns and nostalgic sounds throughout and manages to show up great musical versatility across a rich, emotionally powerful album.

Review: Nayeon's second mini album, NA, marks a triumphant return with a mature and confident sound. The title track, 'ABCD,' is a standout, showcasing a more adult concept than her previous hit 'POP!' With its infectious pre-chorus and chorus, the song spells out a catchy message of love and assurance, perfectly fitting Nayeon's evolving artistic style. The music video amplifies the track's impact, featuring dynamic outfit changes and a powerful dance break that exudes Beyonce-level energy. The rest of the NA album continues this high standard. 'Magic,' featuring Julie of Kiss Of Life, is memorable with its mystical production and strong bass, blending Nayeon's vocals and raps seamlessly with Julie's contributions. ,'Heaven' featuring Sam Kim, highlights Nayeon's vocal versatility, offering a harmonious blend of male and female perspectives. Each track on the six-song project is nicely produced, capturing the vibrant energy of summer and showing off a different take on pop music.

Review: Nena's second album, released in 1984 and now reissued on striking red vinyl, was a shift from the assertive sound of their debut, presenting a more romantic and introspective approach. The album cover, featuring a shadowy band photo against a black backdrop and a simple question mark as its title, hints at its deeper emotional themes. While the opening track 'Rette Mich' carries forward the energy of their first album, the overall mood embraces love and longing, with Nena's voice revealing a touching vulnerability. The music leans toward 70s Baroque rock, combined with the catchy simplicity of 80s pop, as all band members contribute to the songwriting, ensuring a rich tapestry of melodic sophistication. The title track, initially released as a mellow single, captures the emotional complexity of desire and resonated deeply with fans, further solidifying Nena's status in the German pop scene. Following the unexpected success of '99 Luftballons', which became a worldwide hit, this album helped elevate Nena and her band beyond the constraints of the Neue Deutsche Welle movement, marking them as a unique force in pop music history. Its timeless appeal ensures that Nena remains a classic in German music.

Review: This festive season, the soothing and angelic voice of Olivia Newton-John returns with a heartwarming collection of reimagined holiday classics. Featuring collaborations with beloved friends like John Travolta and Michael McDonald, this album brings a fresh take on timeless songs such as 'White Christmas' and 'All Through the Night'. A standout moment comes with the new duet of 'O Come, All Ye Faithful', featuring Jane Lynch, adding an extra layer of joy to your celebrations. The album also includes Olivia's signature renditions of 'Silent Night' and 'We Three Kings', reimagined with lush arrangements that highlight her unique voice. With tracks like 'Angels in the Snow' and 'Christmas on My Radio', it perfectly captures the warmth and spirit of the season. Whether playing in the background during holiday gatherings or adding to your collection, it's sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Review: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of If You Love Me, Let Me Know, Olivia Newton-John's third North American album, this stunning picture disc vinyl pays homage to the iconic cover and features a limited-edition numbered sticker unique to each copy. Originally released in 1974, this beloved collection has tracks from her earlier international albums and marks her first Billboard 200 chart-topping success. The album includes standout hits like 'I Honestly Love You', 'Let Me Be There' and the title track, 'If You Love Me, Let Me Know'. With production from John Farrar and contributions from Bruce Welch, the album maintains a polished sound. Songs like the introspective 'Changes' and the captivating rendition of Brian Wilson's 'God Only Knows' add depth, while 'You Ain't Got the Right' offers a catchy country-pop vibe that highlights Newton-John's vocal prowess. Ultimately, If You Love Me, Let Me Know is a testament to Olivia's ability to bridge country and pop, making it a significant entry in her discography. Its mix of heartfelt ballads and lively tracks ensures it remains a timeless favourite.

Review: Celebrate the holiday season with Olivia Newton-John and friends on Angels In The Snow. This festive album features timeless classics like 'White Christmas' with John Travolta and 'All Through The Night' featuring Michael McDonald. Adding to the holiday spirit, Newton-John delivers a brand-new duet of 'O Come, All Ye Faithful' with Jane Lynch. Angels In The Snow is the perfect soundtrack for your festive season, wrapped with beloved voices and heartwarming melodies to make this time of year even more special.

Review: Jakarta-born, LA-based singer-songwriter NIKI has announced her third studio album, Buzz, set for release on August 9th via 88rising. Alongside this exciting news, she has unveiled the lead single, 'Too Much Of A Good Thing.' Co-produced with Ethan Gruska, known for his work with Phoebe Bridgers and Bon Iver, the flirty track features sardonic lyrics and a sinewy bass guitar, speaking about the excitement of a new crush. NIKI describes the song as a fun, tongue-in-cheek exploration of desire and imagination, with a groove inspired by classic rock from the 60s and 70s. Emerging from a profound inner journey, this album delivers warm folk-rock songs that crackle with intimacy and introspection. Reflecting on an identity crisis, NIKI blends influences from Joni Mitchell to Liz Phair, crafting a personal narrative through elastic guitar melodies. Collaborating with seasoned producers, she captures a wandering spirit that resonates with hard-earned wisdom and resilience.