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Pop

Charli XCX – Wuthering Heights

Charli XCX – Wuthering Heights

How do you follow a cultural phenomenon like BRAT? Charli XCX’s John Cale collaboration hinted at a wild left turn, but the curiously conservative Wuthering Heights feels like an exercise in retreat rather than reinvention.

Tyler Ballgame – For The First Time, Again

Tyler Ballgame – For The First Time, Again

Tyler Ballgame sings like he’s possessed by the ghosts of the entire Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Roy Orbison, chiefly. But does his debut album rise above the level of pastiche?

Anna von Hausswolff – Iconoclasts

Anna von Hausswolff – Iconoclasts

Swedish experimental musician (and pipe organ enthusiast) Anna von Hausswolff goes pop, in her own unique fashion.

The Last Dinner Party – From The Pyre

The Last Dinner Party – From The Pyre

The London band’s second album sees them doubling down on their formula and utilising a strikingly familiar set of ingredients.

Charli XCX – BRAT

Charli XCX – BRAT

On the evidence of BRAT, it’s also justified to say that, right now, Charli XCX is the greatest pop star in the world.

Sudan Archives – Natural Brown Prom Queen

Sudan Archives – Natural Brown Prom Queen

Aided by a number of likeminded producers to help fulfil her vision, Parks comes across as an open book, delivering a lushly atmospheric portrayal of a woman who takes pleasure in living in the moment.

Self Esteem – Prioritise Pleasure

Self Esteem – Prioritise Pleasure

With Prioritise Pleasure, Rebecca Taylor has likely coined enough slogans to retire on t-shirt sales alone, but it’s also one of the most insightful pop records this year.