Andy Bell’s Solo Career Just Keeps Getting Better with ‘Flicker’
Andy Bell’s Flicker is the sound of a musician known primarily in shoegaze/Britpop circles who decided to make a singer-songwriter album, and it’s smashing.
pop rock
The Wombats (Again) Deliver One Hell of a Dance-Rock ‘Fix’
After an extended break and freak TikTok hit, the Wombats are back at their dance-rocking best on Fix Yourself, Not the World.
‘Oh, You Pretty Thing’: David Bowie’s Glam Masterpiece ‘Hunky Dory’ Turns 50
David Bowie’s Hunky Dory is self-conscious about artifice and image. It maintains a resounding undercurrent of human longing for connection and recognition.
45 Years Later ‘Blondie’ Remains a Powerful Debut
Blondie’s first LP absorbed a wide range of influences and synthesized multiple genres, including surf pop, ’60s girl groups, mod rock, and even disco.
40th Anniversary Deluxe Editions Reinforce the Pretenders’ Place in Rock History
These 40th Anniversary Deluxe Editions provide a rich trove of material for Pretenders completists to pour over while we wait for that documentary.
Genesis Ride Into the Sunset With a Compilation to Cap Their Career
Genesis compilation The Last Domino? The Hits reminds us of a time when rock music, be it progressive, popular, both, or neither, was afraid to stay stagnant.
How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Fly: U2’s ‘Achtung Baby’ at 30
In 1991, U2 risked tearing down the structure they built in the 1980s with the release of Achtung Baby and made a phoenix-like return to rock god status.
ABBA’s ‘Voyage’ Is More Than Pretty Good
ABBA have pulled off a very good reunion album with Voyage despite the odds and expectations. The bar remains where they left it nearly 40 years ago.
MIKA’s ‘Last Party’ Is a Glorious Celebration
With over 100 classical musicians and choristers, MIKA has ventured to the Royal Opera of Versailles to re-record orchestral versions of his biggest hits.
Tori Amos Is Comfortable in Her Discomfort on ‘Ocean to Ocean’
Tori Amos’ Ocean to Ocean is a cohesive collection of songs that expertly articulates and finds meaning in the deepest recesses of despair.
Paul Weller’s ‘Days of Speed’ Gets a Long-Awaited Vinyl Reissue
The vinyl reissue of Paul Weller’s Days of Speed is an inspired release, as it shows a vital new phase of his career with a live set that’s a sheer pleasure to rediscover.
Elton John Unlocks His ‘Lockdown Sessions’
Elton John brings a wildly eclectic set of collaborators together for The Lockdown Sessions. It’s pure 21st-century pop, spiked with John’s vocals and piano.