Back in stock: Pop

Review: Loredana Berte's unmistakable voice meets the glittering finesse of French touch as Dimitri From Paris spreads her 1980 hit 'In Alto Mare' across a hot griddle of club-ready disco. The track launches a new remix series celebrating Berte's legacy through the lens of contemporary producers and DJs: Dimitri, known for his stylish refits of Jamiroquai, Chic and Dua Lipa, now leans into a comparatively classic funk groove, elevating it with a cinematic glide and streamlinear post-prod polish. Long a staple of his DJ sets and broadcasts in bootleg form, this official release feels fated. "It's melodic, disco-flavoured, cinematic, and emotionally powerful - all the things I love," he says, as it manifests as the first of seven reworks dropping over the course of May 2025.

Review: Emma Noble, the emerging soul singer from London, delivers a powerful performance on the girl group soul anthem 'Unstoppable'. Her second single, it's poised to become a next-gen floor-filler; catch us playing it on repeat, *in flagranti*, after it premiered on Craig Charles' BBC6 Soul Show in early 2025. 'Going Going Gone' backs it up on the B-side, as the first single from FPE's upcoming album Waves. Hearing rising Australian singer-songwriter and pop genius J Mahon on vocal duties, the track's catchy brass sections combine with J's androgynous soul vocals, and evokes the sounds of young Motown artists in the style's 60s adolescence.

Review: Hall and Oates, known for their classic You Make My Dreams, found new life in their lesser-known album, Abandoned Luncheonette. Recorded in 1973 at Atlantic Studios with producer Arif Mardin, this album captures them during the early points of their career, blending expert songwriting, beautiful harmonies, and top-tier musicianship. The standout tracks on Side-1, such as 'When the Morning Comes' and 'She's Gone,' highlight their Philly-soul sound and sublime production. 'Abandoned Luncheonette' on Side-2 also shines with its poignant storytelling about a derelict luncheonette, inspired by the album cover photo. These deep tracks are gaining appreciation from new generations, uncovering diamonds in their discography. This album is a testament to their youthful creativity and musical brilliance, inviting us all to explore beyond the hits and discover the true essence of Hall and Oates.

Review: Miami-born and raised, synth-pop duo Magdalena Bay relocated to Los Angeles and have been blazing a trail with their self-produced music towards the top of the pop world. To celebrate the beguiling aura of their second album, released in August 2024, there's a limited repress of it in a stunning yet chaotic and artsy clear blue. Stacked with bangers, including the ethereal disco single 'Image' and the cosmic electropop epic 'Death & Romance' - which recalls Destiny's Child as much as it does Jean Michel Jarre - Magdalena Bay are clearly brimming with ideas. That they then know how to package these ideas with a cohesive visual aesthetic helps them hugely on their way and at the pace they're going creatively, there's seemingly a glorious road ahead.

Review: Porter Robinson's third LP, Smile shows his evolution from EDM prodigy to a multifaceted artist blending singer-songwriter sensibilities with early 2000s synth pop, pop rock, and pop punk. This album features vibrant, nostalgic elements reminiscent of M83, early MGMT, and the Postal Service, delivering a sound that is both upbeat and introspective. The singles, including 'Cheerleader,' reveal Robinson's playful yet earnest approach, responding to contemporary music memes with a nod to emo pop rock. Tracks like 'Knock Yourself Out,' 'Mona Lisa,' and 'Russian Roulette' highlight his knack for crafting catchy melodies and poignant lyrics. 'Kitsune Maison Freestyle' adds an 8-bit synth pop twist, while 'Easier to Love You' offers emotional depth. Opening with 'Knock Yourself Out,' Robinson blends humor and vulnerability, reflecting on his journey and the support system that bolsters his success. The album's bright, fuzzy synthesizers and soaring choruses create a cohesive, life-affirming experience, underpinned by personal and clever songwriting. Smile will not disappoint fans looking for some pop dance music.