Album Reviews

Omar Apollo – ‘God Said No’ review: finding peace in fate, family and friendship

The singer’s second album is a scattered, eclectic soundtrack to heartbreak

Camila Cabello – ‘C,XOXO’ review: a party girl rebrand – and scrappy, intriguing earworms

Cabello tries a shiny, Auto-Tuned pop sound on for size – and indulges a “rebellious mood” with head-scratching Drake collaborations

Towa Bird – ‘American Hero’ review: queer love anthems that push back against stereotypes

The globetrotting guitarist's debut album nods towards offbeat melodrama and a theatrical flair

Been Stellar – ‘Scream From New York, NY’: smart, fresh songwriting and tender moments

Been Stellar have enjoyed a whirlwind few months. They began 2024 by announcing that they’d signed to Dirty Hit, and embarked on a European...

Gracie Abrams – ‘The Secret of Us’ review: a new type of intimacy

Abrams dives again into matters of the heart, aiming for pop catharsis and hinting at dancefloor euphoria

Peso Pluma – ‘Éxodo’ review: the Mexican superstar furthers his corridos crossover agenda – and tests his musical range

The world's biggest música Mexicana artist delivers the fiery corridos he’s known for – and starry hip-hop and reggaeton collaborations

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