Album Reviews

Lola Young – ‘This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway’ review: essential, captivatingly messy pop

The south Londoner's first full-length release is the most distinctive and daring realisation of her experimental tendencies yet

O. – ‘WeirdOs’ review: humour, heart and unpredictable jazz looseness

The south London duo combine ferocious drumming with merciless saxophone on their debut album

Kneecap – ‘Fine Art’ review: poetry on the cubicle wall of a wild night out

The Belfast rap trio keep the Irish language alive with a hedonistic but brave debut

Normani – ‘Dopamine’ review: belated, yes, but also brilliant

The US star broke out in 2019 with hit single 'Motivation', but her ensuing debut record entered development hell. 'Dopamine' proves, however, that good things comes to those who wait

AURORA – ‘What Happened To The Heart?’ review: a heavy, ravey call for humanity

The Norwegian art-pop sensation ups the ante on this epic career-high, throwing up shapes along with reasons to live and to love

Tems – ‘Born In The Wild’ album review: soulful, spiritual and self-assured

From Highlife to hip-hop, this stunning debut exemplifies West Africa's rich musical diversity via Tems' fluid approach to genre

Kaytranada – ‘Timeless’ review: huge features and creative evolution

The Canadian producer supplies more dancefloor heaters and a superbly-curated guestlist including Childish Gambino, PinkPantheress and more

Elkka – ‘Prism Of Pleasure’ review: contemplative yet club-ready bangers

This stirring and thoughtful debut proves that the Welsh DJ evidently finds a great sense of catharsis in sharing her world with her listeners

Charli XCX – ‘Brat’ review: pop pioneer fully embraces the dancefloor

Driven by her desire to fully embrace club music, the British artist's sixth record fuses well-earned confidence and vulnerability in thrilling fashion

Peggy Gou – ‘I Hear You’ review: flashes of dance-pop brilliance from superstar DJ

A wide-ranging mix of styles – from piano house to throwback R&B – come together on this joyful if slightly middling LP
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