David Smyth

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Music
4m

The crackers – and the turkeys – of 2023's Christmas albums

Everyone tries a Christmas album sooner or later – but which of this year's offerings are any good?

22 Dec 2023
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Raye: My 21st Century Blues - newly independent, magnificently furious

Now that she’s free of the restrictions placed on her by her major label, the singer is letting rip

18 Dec 2023
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The best Christmas singles of 2023 (and the worst)

If you fancy a break from Wham! we've got you covered...

15 Dec 2023
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Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday 2: the queen of rap still has the throne

The rapper enlists guests such as Billie Eilish, Drake and Lil Wayne – but the throne is still hers

8 Dec 2023
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Neil Young - Before and After: plenty of deep-cuts here

An intriguing selection, but newbies may be best starting elsewhere

7 Dec 2023
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Peter Gabriel - i/o: lunar-inspired, slow-burning contemplation

For his first album in twenty years, the former Genesis singer has enlisted a huge cast of stars, including Ai Weiwei, Cornelia Parker, and Brian Eno

30 Nov 2023
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Busta Rhymes – Blockbusta review: this rap giant is still thinking big

There's plenty here to suggest that at 51 Busta still has a lot to offer

24 Nov 2023
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Take That: This Life - the boys go for nostalgia over newness

The back catalogue is so beloved that it’s increasingly hard to find room for the new material.

22 Nov 2023
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André 3000 – New Blue Sun: rap? pop? Nope, experimental flute (really)

"Warning: no bars” says this album's introduction: he's not joking

17 Nov 2023
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Dolly Parton - Rockstar album review: she's in her rockin' years

She's well and truly earned her devil horns with her first ever rock album

17 Nov 2023
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Chase & Status - 2 Ruff Vol.1 album review: absolutely nasty

This is a welcome return to the duo's roots

13 Nov 2023
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Kevin Abstract, Blanket: the Brockhampton star gets out his guitar

The former Brockhampton member explores increasingly alternative sounds on his fourth solo record

3 Nov 2023
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Jung Kook – Golden: the BTS singer shoots for solo stardom

The K-pop group's most rebellious member is still too young for military service, and so instead, he's having a ball making smooth, fluid solo pop

3 Nov 2023
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Taylor Swift - 1989 (Taylor's Version): nostalgic electro-pop

How on earth does she find the time to spin so many different plates?

27 Oct 2023
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Duran Duran - Danse Macabre: mostly treats, with a few tricks

There's no sign of anybody doing the Monster Mash here

26 Oct 2023
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Sampha – Lahai: this beautiful, complex album soars

The south Londoner who has appeared on albums by artists from Drake to Stormzy is back with another solo record six years after his first

20 Oct 2023
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Bombay Bicycle Club – My Big Day: a star-studded surprise

Branching out into various solo projects has served the Crouch End indie band well

20 Oct 2023
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Bad Bunny – Nadie Sabe... no doubt this will be a gargantuan smash

Last year’s highest grossing touring artist has released an uncompromising album built on angry bragging and bitter break-ups

17 Oct 2023
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Holly Humberstone - Paint My Bedroom Black: strangely familiar

Her long-awaited debut delves into the isolation of touring the world for the first time

12 Oct 2023
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Sufjan Stevens - Javelin album review: tear-inducingly beautiful

With layers of gorgeous harmonies, Stevens has flown to new heights here

6 Oct 2023