REVIEW: THE HIVES - THE HIVES FOREVER FOREVER THE HIVES

4/5

Long Live The Hives

Japan's fantastic Fuji Rock festival welcomed The Hives alongside Haim, Vampire Weekend and many more to the ski mountains of the Land of the Rising Sun this Summer. And even almost fifteen years after we saw them playfully and cockily take over London's Hard Rock Calling festival in Hyde Park, the Swedish rabble rousers have not lost a single step. Fabulous frontman Pelle Almqvist still acts like his act is the best thing since sliced furniture...because it is. Remarking to the Naeba Ski Resort faithful how returning to this Japanese festival the Swedes have moved down a stage, but up a time slot (that's progress). All as their signature style and sound like, no other, stops in the middle of a song, before they break into their absolute classic. And Nicholaus Arson, Vigilante Carlstroem, Chris Dangerous and The Johan and Only never hate to tell you so...alright?!

At that July gig, The Hives announced their new album coming in August...and here it is. So say it with me, 'The Hives Forever Forever The Hives' in trademark and time-honoured humility. Their first album for the 'Veni Vidi Vicious' rockers since 'The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons' two years back. And this might be one of their best, like 'Tyrannosaurus Hives' (try curing that with cream) and 'The Black And White Album' for an act who are still your favourite band in logo all caps. Sporting royal regalia, in atrociously amazing album artwork and expressions only they could make (the guitarist looking like a Dalek), The Hives take these crowns and royal robes to the palace of their single and album title-track to close this bawdy affair. Almqvist won't stop dressing like the king he is on the actual lead single, but 'Enough Is Enough' as he screams into the trademark boxing microphone he swings around on stage. "Everyone's a little f####n' b####/And I'm getting sick and tired of this/Went to the doctor 'turns out I'm sick/Sick of everybody's bull####/And I ain't listenin', not hearing anything/Can't take no more." Actually entering the ring as a boxer, punching down on everyone...even the referee.

Don't blow the whistle, it's all fun and games for the fondly friendly group that have always sung with a tongue in their (and your) cheek. They just want to 'Legalize Living' in black and white, like "Rules on top of rules, all of this I do despise/Layers upon layers upon layers upon lies/They are putting the doubt in you/They tell you what they want you to do." Continuing to 'Paint A Picture' with more strong singles matched by amazing music videos. This one, a caricature of their best, looking like the halfway house of an a-ha- music video, or something Jack and Meg of The White Stripes used to take on. After the brackets of an introduction and some interludes, you'll be saying 'Hooray Hooray Hooray' for The Hives again and their big-three singles. All for their classic, quick-draw tracks for some of the best two minutes you'll have without your significant other complaining. Sure, Sabrina Carpenter is dancing with Colman Domingo in drag this New Music Friday. But apart from that, it's just a 'Stans' soundtrack of old Eminem records and The Fun Lovin' Criminals without Huey (no, thanks).

Yet The Hives are the same beautiful Nordic bastards who stole the show from my favourite Springsteen in London and beloved Haim in Japan. Every album of the year could have come out this weekend and 'Forever The Hives' would have still been one of the classics of the calendar. Recorded in Stockholm's studio syndromes of the bold YEAR0001 and the alphabet soup of Riksmixningsverket (owned by ABBA's very own Benny Andersson), this record like the label will really make you Play It Again Sam. A half-hour of all garage rock power, it's time to 'Roll Out The Red Carpet' again for a royal appointment with these Berry's that could make Beethoven roll over once more. Produced by longtime collaborator of the band (est. 1993) Pelle Gunnerfeldt and the Beastie Boy Mike D, this seventh seal of an album even has the Queens Of The Stone Age's very own Josh Homme rocking all over tracks like the good 'Bad Call' and the overdose of  'O.C.D.O.D.'. Mike D's presence actually made everyone so nervous, producer Pelle was tripping over wires. Murder for anyone with O.C.D.

Obsessive compulsive Hives fans will come out in exactly that though when they hear the "Crawling out from under nothing/Ears are bleeding, head is hurting/Raise a glass to every fuse I blew/Look back and see the bridges burning/Behind you, see the closing curtain/Every single friend deserting you" of 'They Can't Hear The Music'. The guys that were all 'Born A Rebel', as they are right now taking the world by a storm of a tour, told Emily Garner of Kerrang that this album is "a new record so full of energy, joy, anger and life that you will be questioning reality as you have known it... Every single song a single, every single single a hit, every hit a direct hit in the face of the man." And man, what a rollout of hits, but maybe the one that hits the hardest is the anthem of the 'Path Of Most Resistance'. "You soak in lukewarm water and you flatten the graphs/All the good feelings and none of the bad/Swimming upstreams 'cause I don't wanna be/A little bit trapped and a little free/A little bit trapped and a little free/Always something for them but there is nothing for me," Pelle urges with power that fights those who want to take yours. Now, if that isn't rock and roll in the face of the modern day, I don't know what is, or what to tell you. A forever feeling like The Hives that will stay with you as you itch for more. The Hives aren't dead, and you shouldn't be, either. Long live. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Enough Is Enough', 'Legalize Living', 'Path Of Most Resistance'

Spin This: The Hives - 'The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons'.

LIVE REVIEW: SAKANACTION - SAKANAQUARIUM @ K-Arena, Yokohama, Japan (26/08/25)

5/5

Sakanaction Days

One of the biggest bands in Japan, Sakanaction, are concluding a six-month tour in their native Land of the Rising Sun with two shows in Yokohama's K-Arena. One of the biggest venues in the world, built solely for making music. Oh, and the portmanteau for "fish" ("sakana" in Japanese) and "action" have sold out both shows of this 20,000 seater stadium. And it's easy to see why, as Ichirō Yamaguchi, Motoharu Iwadera (Mocchi), Ami Kusakari (Neesan), Emi Okazaki (Zakki) and Keiichi Ejima (Ejii) brought out their big guns. Like their latest monster hit 'Kaiju', with the Godzilla green coloured corridors and 'Exit 8' yellow adorning many of the fans t-shirts descending on the awesome arena in a city that neighbours Tokyo. Or their signature 'Shintakarajima', as cheerleaders came out with pompoms like geishas with traditional fans for 'サカナクション - 夜の踊り子 '.  And the fans loved it as they stamped their SAKANAQUARIUM cards. All the way to the closing 'Night Fishing Is Good' from the band's sophomore set 'Night Fishing'. Ensuring emotion for everyone in attendance who grew up with the Sapporo supergroup.

Eight wonderful albums adorn Sakanaction's career, eighteen years after their major label debut. Their last album being the awesome 'Adapt', coming out of corona in 2022. Their latest killer 'Kaiju' song serves as the soundtrack to the amazing anime 'Orb: On The Movements Of The Earth'. And the band that are soaring as they are touring have never stopped casting their lines out into open water. Even brilliant bassist Ami Kusakari released her own acclaimed album of ambient beauty in her inspired instrumental 'Garden Studies' at the beginning of this calendar. These studies were on sonic display as fans took their seats enveloped in a mesmerizing and meditating mist that even the 'Seeing Sound, Hearing Time' epic exhibition of the late, great Ryuichi Sakamoto would be proud of. Honestly, you could have sat there in a perfect peaceful state all night, but once Sakanaction came on stage to rapturous applause, it was time to go fish. And what better way to 'GO TO THE FUTURE', in opening, than with an act that's been doing exactly that ever since they pushed music's envelope with their dynamic debut album of the same name? Perfect penmanship graffiti greeting us with on-screen videos that met live streams seamlessly.

An amazing aquarium (this is the SAKANAQUARIUM after all), that actually looked like one as a video screen displaying an amazing actor and dancer (the revelatory Runa Miura) played out like a movie (directed by the great Yusuke Tanaka) after this show's opening credits introduced the band, separated the stage into a rectangular tank. And when it all operatically opened up, it was like that inspired IMAX scene in the best movie of this year, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan's 'Sinners', when the cinematic widescreen turns full for the final showdown. Words can't put into justice just how good this show was. How inspired it was. Yokohama is known for fireworks in the Japanese Hanabi Summer, called 'Night Flowers'. But even J Dilla would have been proud of these light works. Lasers pointed all across the arena and at one point framed an inspired Ichirō in a holy light that his incredible voice matched. Iwadera's influential, great guitar. Kusakari's beautiful bass. Okazaki's outstanding piano play. Ejima's definitive drumming. The famous five of Sakanaction work best together like bait, hook and line. And when they came back for an epic encore to DJ 'Music', behind their 'Shintakarajima' laptops and Elton John worthy glasses, you could see there was another level to these alternative rockers who know how to make a crowd move with electronic pop. The new wave is here to stay. The final show is set to turn Yokohama's K-Arena into "SaKArenaction" tonight. Time for some action. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Set-list Picks: 'Kaiju', 'Shintakarajima', 'Night Fishing Is Good'.

REVIEW: JON BATISTE - BIG MONEY

4/5

Money Talks 

Money sings. And in a time when we should all be speaking up for Colbert's show being cancelled by the powers that be (evil), Stephen's former bandleader continues fighting the good fight. It's not even been a year (November) since Jon Batiste gave us his twinkling take on his 'Beethoven Blues', the 'Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1', that came a calendar after the Oscar winning 'Soul' singer's 'World Music Radio', yet here we are. And we didn't forget his 'Saturday Night' live soundtrack, either. This week, Batiste is banking on 'Big Money' with his ninth wonder of an album, featuring nine wonderful songs that will surely track the top ten for the record. One that is reminiscent of the great Raphael Saadiq's (surely a muse) former iTunes album of the year, 'The Way I See It'. Not to mention it's fellow throwback follow-up, 'Stone Rollin''. All the way down to the guitar grabbing black and white album artwork. Singing to the heavens with the purple reign of big, bold type. 

Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Willie Nelson, Lenny Kravitz, Lana Del Rey, and Mavis Staples. Jon has recorded with them, and many more. But on this set he brings three big and diverse artists to the boil of this genre trip across the generations, closing with the No ID and Billy Bob Bo Bob assisted 'ANGELS' taking wing. Opening with the outstanding Andra Day track to 'LEAN ON MY LOVE', like when the great Bill Withers wasn't strong. But it's the friend Jon Batiste has in Randy Newman that really takes us back from a 'LONELY AVENUE'. You may know, 'Toy Story', but do you know the sheer greatness of the legend with the iconic voice behind the song that showed even a cowboy and spaceman could get along? "Now my room has got two windows/But the sun never comes shinin’ through/You know it’s always dark/It’s dreary since I broke it off with you/I live on a lonely avenue." Leaning over the piano of an instant vintage, absolute classic.

The Bible-belt thumping title-track and its throwback music video, nuanced in nostalgia, will leave you stepping. 'PETRICHOR' is a call to nature, and to nurture such ("swim in the ocean/What's left of her"). Whilst 'DO IT ALL AGAIN' circles back to "Coming and going/We reap what we're sewing/On time like a tambourine/Older and younger/You don't have to wonder what you mean to me, yeah." The 'PINNACLE' of this album is exactly that. Or maybe it's 'MAYBE'. Either way, 'AT ALL' costs, Batiste's biggest record since the one he sang for Jamie Foxx is money. Harmonizing with lyrics like, "I ain't gonna take this flight to London/Tomorrow/This is not a negotiation/I made the call/She understands me/But she's not all of y'all/If she understands me/Then you don't have to, at all." Years after his 'American Symphony' documentary movie on Netflix and all that he and his brave author partner Suleika Jaouad have fought through, there's another battle waging. One for America's heart, and who better than this man with soul to bring the big, good times back? Put your money down on it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'LONELY AVENUE (Feat. Randy Newman)', 'PINNACLE', 'MAYBE'

Spin This: Raphael Saadiq - 'The Way I See It'

REVIEW: KID CUDI - FREE

3.5/5

Scott Free

One of the craziest things that came out of the Diddy case, aside from the sheer weight of all the evil wrongdoings, was the testimony that the disgraceful hip-hop mogul planted a bomb in Scott Mescudi, AKA Kid Cudi's car. All because the rapper was seeing Sean Combs ex-girlfriend Cassie. Truly terrible. It's enough to drive a sane man crazy, there the great Scott was, showing up for his day in court to testify against the man he said looked like a "Marvel super villain" after said event. It's safe to say, after this, and the social media firestorm, Cudi could do with a breather. And he finds it 'Free' of all this, on his first album since last year's 'Insano' release. An incredible follow-up (especially with the 'Nitro Mega' version like Lupe Fiasco's 'Samurai DX', also released this New Music Friday, like Ghostface and Jon Batiste) to his 'Entergalactic' soundtrack to the man on the moon's Netflix animated movie.

This Wicked Awesome/Republic pop rock album finds itself on the green of Scott's back nine following his appearance in Adam Sandler's 'Happy Gilmore 2' (doesn't beat his one in the 'Bill & Ted' sequel though, for Keanu's classic line). Finding 'Neverland' and a 'Grave' new single to go along with the latest, 'Mr. Miracle', that should keep you up to speed on just how this Kid made it through all of this. After this epic, eleventh (WHAT?!) album's instrumental intro, 'Echoes Of The Present', Cudi starts off strong with two singles for the boards. All before this album, with no guest features a la J. Cole, gets into Scott Mescudi's 'Opiate' love addiction. "Tenderness entering/Just a kiss, damn it, it's the beginning/To mean something/Caught the flame." From there he goes 'Deep Diving' with Jean, not Jon, Baptiste. Right out the blue sky cloudy doorway of a 'Truman Show', Jim Carrey like leap of faith. And in case he doesn't see ya, good afternoon, good evening and good night.

All the way down to 'Submarine', Cudi submerges, serving "Way too deep to ever reach the summer breeze/God save me/I'm too deep, a psychedelic dream, I'm too deep" lyrics before the dust of 'Ashes' proceeds the 'Grave'. If you've heard it in a 'Past Life', like Maggie Rogers, then you know you don't even have to say it. Sometimes life is just that hard, but when you leave the past where it belongs, you can begin anew. The poet's prose gets profound from the Sia like jump of, "A chandelier on a thin string, hangin' onto reality/I'm losin' faith more than time bleeds, at least I still got some air to breathe/Grain of sand in the hourglass, havin' fun while I still can/I wanna know what the end say, but I can't rush the story." 'Picnic In Paris' is a perfect getaway, as is the 'Stargazing' that comes before the closing 'Salt Water' for the man who has no more salty tears. "Is this thing real or placebo?/Walk through the clouds out a blue door/Can't lose the dreams that I reach for." It's real Kid. Cudi is free. Like Diddy should never be. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Neverland', 'Truman Show', 'Picnic In Paris'

Spin This: Kid Cudi - 'Entergalactic'

REVIEW: GHOSTFACE KILLAH - SUPREME CLIENTELE 2

4/5

Supreme, Supreme 

Legend still has it on the Mass Appeal of real hip-hop in 2025. Following the man who gave this artist even more jewels to run with on Jay-Z's 'Fade To Black' tour, Slick Rick ('Victory'), and his own Wu-Tang Clan closest ally, Raekwon ('The Emperor's New Clothes'), Ghostface Killah is back. Following his 'Guns & Roses' album that 'Set The Tone' last year with his 'Rise Of A Killah' memoirs, it's not over for Pretty Tone. As a matter of fact, 'Iron Man' is back with a new mask and same task like Robert Downey Jr. playing Doctor Doom, whilst we still hope for that Starks and MF collaborative album. But like the red and blue Looney Tunes album artwork for the record, that's not all, folks! Ghostface, this New Music Friday, has finally given us the long-awaited and highly anticipated sequel to his most iconic work, 'Supreme Clientele 2'. Just like the sequel album, he appeared on like a chef's kiss, when Raekwon proved he was still built for Cuban linx.

Strong samples (the best being 'The Zoom' of The Commodores), skits ("paause") and singles ('Rap Kingpin', 'Metaphysics') across the board, Dennis Coles is back in that rich vein of form he had from 2004-2007 ('The Pretty Tony Album', 'Fishscale', 'More Fish' and 'The Big Doe Rehab'), with the closest to the 'Clientele' since his wallets were as bulletproof as vests across chests. Not to mention the classic collaboration records (Adrian Younge, BADBADNOTGOOD) like the ones here. Introduced by Bricks City's very own Redman, who has his own 'Muddy Waters 2' successful sequel recently, 'SC2' is executive produced by Kanye West and Mike Dean. M.O.P. mash out on a 'Sample 420' in the air as Styles P and Conway The Machine help pay tribute to 'Curtis May'. Ty Boogie and Aisha Hall throw it back to a classic 80s robotic 'Beat Box', for all of you that went to a police academy. And there's real posse cuts on 'Soul Thang' (featuring Driz, Nems, Ice, Supreme-Intelligence, Sun God, Pills, and Reek da Villian) and the Wu-Tang for the children storybook of 'The Trial' (Raekwon, GZA, Method Man, Reek da Villian, and Pills). The judge, jury and executioner of Meth also appearing on 'You Ma Friend'. 

Before he has his own Mass Appeal 'Legend' album out with DJ Premier, like Mobb Deep, De La Soul and the late, great Big L, Nas features on 'Love Me Anymore'. Shining like this sequel's silver. There's even some classic Dave Chappelle soundbites for this show. But as the '4th Disciple' opens 'Windows', when he goes it alone he bodies everybody and anybody in two minutes or less. 'George Porgy' does it like Bess and over some 'Break Beats', Ghost rhymes, "Dodgin' bullets while I'm guardin' the base like Steve Garvey/Alkaline chips in the bezel, a cold body/Calculated snipers, Eastwood vision, crispy assault rifles/Army of twelve, I call 'em my disciples, bustin' off the Eiffel." Towering even more on the inferno of hot licks on 'Candyland'. Sweet like, "Tootsie roll coke blunts is rolled to perfection/Now I lay the 8-ball, sell without question/Known for my Skittle gang, pills like a hospital/You could taste the rainbow, Dutch joints'll follow you." Drugs may be bad, m'kay (but seriously, dare to resist), but these Killah rhymes are the real addiction. Still a part of the best clientele in rap, there's no ghosting from this face. Compared to all that came before, this is truly Supreme, like the sleeve. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Rap Kingpin', 'Iron Man', 'The Zoom'.

Spin This: Raekwon 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II'.

REVIEW: CHANCE THE RAPPER - STAR LINE

4/5

Second Chance

Chancelor Johnathan Bennett takes a second chance on a Marcus Garvey inspired 'Star Line' for his first album since 'The Big Day' of 2019. Although there's been plenty of singles, features and tapes for your crates over the year. This New Music Friday also sees a new album from pop rockers Maroon 5, but this album of the week is what love is really like. For every Kendrick Lamar, Drake and J. Cole (brief) beef to see who the best in the game is ("f### a big-three", it's just big HE), there are the real artists of the genre like Tyler The Creator and Chance The Rapper. And following Tyler's surprise 'Don't Tap The Glass' a few Mondays ago, comes this train, breaking new ground.

An aurora behind him, designed by artist Brendan Breux, in amazing album artwork, this line heads for the northern lights in ALL CAPS. "Steeped in travel and personal change, incorporating different life lessons, experiences, and sounds he encountered over the past several years", as Chance told Rolling Stone at Lollapalooza. Jamaica. Ghana. Garvey's work. Art fairs. It all helped shape this second set and the rapper himself. And with no label, this self-released second album is set to share that with all his friends. Just like the 'Tree' of life single featuring Lil' Wayne (also weezing with Maroon, this Friday for Carter collaborator of the week) and Smino, sampling the great India Arie's 'Video'. Outstanding, like the opening single of 'The Highs & The Lows' (featuring Joey Bada$$) as we pass it, pass it. All whilst other singles, since 2021, have been passed on and down to the cutting room floor (the milk carton features 'Child Of God' and 'Bad Boys 2').

After an inspired intro, we get to 'Ride' with a legend in 'Do Or Die'. All before, Jamila Woods shows us that in this country there are 'No More Old Men'. Monster collaborations across the board and these boards also feature fellow Chi-town artist BJ The Chicago Kid on 'The Negro Problem' (not to mention a sweet Anita Baker and Richard Pryor sample). BabyCheifDoIt appears on 'Drapetomania'. VIC MENSA on 'Back To The Go'. Young Thug and TiaCorine put a 'Gun In Yo Purse'. Whereas LION BABE and The Chicago Kid again hit you like the 'Speed Of Light'. But for all the anti-Cole guest features. Especially the bonuses of 'Just A Drop' with the great Jay Electronica and the 'Speed Of Love' closer with Jazmine Sullivan, it's when the rapper goes alone on this seventeen track and one hour and seven minute album where he really takes a chance.

"I grew tall overnight, I woke up one day a man/walked back by the crib/Where we would one day raise a fam/I’d been around the world/Done all the things I can/I’m a giant now, I can’t wait ’til you see how big I am," Chance raps on 'Space & Time' just so you can see just how far he's come. 'Link Me In The Future' is a yearning lost lover's lament for the one that got away...and still could stay. Whilst 'Burn Ya Block' does exactly that with a basketball to concrete beat for the streets. Yet before the Chancelor of the expresser gets 'Pretty' with a sweet soul sample, he writes some 'Letters' to Emerald Avenue with a broken heart for his departed aunt. "I've watched you worship idols/Brand a Bibles, sell it for double/Brandish rifles, curse and libel/Withhold shelter from n####s for survival/First Lady's walking around with furs and titles/Watch you spit in a man's face and call it "God"/But when it's really on your dogma, it's Silent Bob." Taking it to Trump and anyone that listens to him. The number three cap on his second set is flipping off the red ones. And with that line, a reborn star shows he has more to say in his raps. And it ain't no chance, it's by the grace of the real God from a true mover of the crowd. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Ride (Feat. Do Or Die)', 'Link Me In The Future', 'Letters'

Spin This: Tyler The Creator - 'Don't Tap The Glass'.

REVIEW: MAROON 5 - LOVE IS LIKE

3.5/5

Love Is...

A burning butterfly in black and yellow adorns the blue album artwork of Maroon 5's new set, 'Love Is Like'. Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, James Valentine, Matt Flynn, PJ Morton and Sam Farrar's first since 2021's 'Jordi'. And this eight wonder (ninth if you count 'The Fourth World' as Kara's Flowers) from the Californian collective finds them hitting the sweet spot of their sound, much like when fellow LA pop rockers Haim had 'Something To Tell You'. 'Love Is' like the big-three of 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long', 'Hands All Over' and 'Overexposed' for the 'Songs About Jane' legends. Recorded in Cali's classic Conway studios, this is another half-hour album of power this New Music Friday, like The Black Keys ('No Rain, No Flowers') and BABYMETAL ('Metal Forth'), last week.

Going against Chance The Rapper's 'Star Line' this one, Five's 'Like' features big collaborations like their 'Red Pill Blues' matrix. The biggest coming from BLACKPINK's own LISA. The 'Priceless' track, which was teased like a movie for its massive music video, is exactly that. And now the monster with the Thai rapper slash singer has become a top-ten single in eighteen regions. Put it next to Maroon's best like 'This Love', 'She Will Be Loved', 'Sunday Morning', 'Wake Up Call', 'Moves Like Jagger', 'Payphone', 'Animals', 'Sugar', 'Don't Wanna Know' and 'Memories'. Hollywood name rapper's Lil' Wayne (on the title track) and Sexyy Red ('I Like It') also appear alongside the platinum blonde buzz cut of Adam, showing that their forthcoming fall world tour could prove some great guest features. From the opening 'Hideaway', to new singles, this album is set to play 'All Night' for the best pop rockers since Sting and The Police.

Yet it's the closing 'California' track and single which is saved for last, like the best from these Los Angeles Times. Like 'V's' (the fifth album, not the BTS star) 'Leaving California' this continues the trend of beautiful ballads for Levine's legacy of songwriting. Jane's 'Sweetest Goodbye'. 'Goodnight, Goodnight' ('It Won't Be Soon Before Long'), 'Just A Feeling' (from 'Hands All Over'), and even 'Woman' from the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man soundtrack and 'My Blue Ocean' bootleg LP. But this top of the ten tracks asks, "Shooting stars come and go, but I wanted you to know/That I've nеver met nobody quite likе you, woah/You were gone in a flash, never had a chance to ask/Did I make this s### up in my head or do you feel it too?" Picture perfect, like the postcard lyric video traditional to these American dreams. Or so they seem.

This 222 and Interscope record is the first one since 'Hands All Over' to feature the same line-up as the preceding LP. Not just that, it's also the first since they were 'Overexposed' to credit other band members, aside from Adam, as songwriters. Like your very own Valentine, James. So, despite the big-three collaborations, this is mostly a family affair, like Sly and the Family Stone. Most tracks hover just above the two-minute mark, like 'Burn Burn Burn' and 'My Love', and no time, nor a note, is wasted in nuance. They just give it to you straight, no chaser, like the 'Jealousy Problems' of "I know this behavior’s beneath the spokes/But I think the f##### up thing is how it brought us closer now/I know it’s crazy, but I kinda like this dysfunction/I know you probably disagree, but I won’t make assumptions/But let me tell you something, I really wanna change/But that’s impossible, ’cause bad habits live, stay/Bad habits live, stay, stay, stay/Stay, stay." "There's a reason you keep coming back", Levine keeps repeating on the outro of 'Yes I Did'. And us too. This love is like this band and their muse. And she still will be. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Priceless (Feat. LISA)', 'All Night', 'California'.

Spin This: Maroon 5 - 'V'

REVIEW: BABYMETAL - METAL FORTH

4/5

New Metal 

About a year ago, I was meant to see BABYMETAL live at the Tokyo Garden Theatre in support of American rock act Incubus. But I missed their set (deep bow). I'll level with you, I was on a date. And when lunch turns into more conversation, it's not exactly like you can be like, "well, this is great and all, but I really got to catch my train before I miss seeing three other Japanese girls. They're kawaii, you know." Well, needless to say, a calendar and change later, I regret not doing just that. And not just because here I sit typing away in a shoebox of an apartment, built for one minus one, as single as the last dollar bill in your wallet, firmly in the social media friend zone with said could have been. But also because of hearing 'from me to you'. The opening track of the Tokyo band's fifth album, 'Metal Forth', featuring Poppy. "I've had enough from your mouth/You can shove it/'Cause you know you don't stand a chance." These are the lyrics, not what I would say to my now friend. The one who never stood a chance, was me.

I missed the train (in more ways than one) when Su-metal, Moametal and Yuimetal (now replaced by Momometal) arrived on the scene a decade and a half ago, supporting the legendary likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on tour across the world and back home in the UK before their self-tilted debut in 2014). If I knew more of the metal 'Resistance' and 'Galaxy' than I would have certainly showed up on time for their show (I'll let it go now, I promise). Especially as I'm getting more into Japanese music after my Scandal-ous start, with everyone from the amazing Aimyon to the legendary Sakanaction. Now the heavy metal outfit's, with even better costumes in concert, first album since 'The Other One' (that's the name, I'm not being a lazy writer) in 2023, features a who's who of the rocking industry. Poppy, Electric Callboy ('RATATATA'), Slaughter To Prevail ('Song 3', take that, Blur!), Bloodywood ('Kon! Kon!'), Polyphia (the beautiful 'Sunset Kiss'), Spiritbox ('My Queen') and the Nightwatchmen Tom Morello of the great Rage Against The Machine on 'メタり！！(METALI!!)'. Not that these superstars themselves need any help.

Shining like the diamond encrusted cover of this legacy logo album artwork, looking like the now Instagram famous glass escalator entrance to the Tokyu Plaza mall in Harajuku (which has the best Starbucks with a view, a train away from the world's biggest, may I add?!) The red lantern of 'METAL!' introduces Morello perfectly ("踊る阿保に見える阿保/同じ阿保なら踊れでしかし/ここで踊らにゃいつ踊る/メタり！メタり！") before he rages and rips on the guitar like he did with The Boss, when Springsteen had 'High Hopes' after their 'Magic Tour Highlights' reawakening of 'The Ghost Of Tom Joad'. There are so many 'KxAxWxAxIxI' anthems from the Japanese kawaii metal band, that could go spiky toe-to-toe with all the maidens and their iron, burning bright until the 'White Flame -白炎-' reduces everything else to ash. This somewhat long delayed album, produced by Kobametal on their new Capitol Records home, is well worth the wait. Rocking for just over a half-hour, like The Black Keys return with 'No Rain, No Flowers', also out this New Music Friday.

All the collabos are singles, save the best of the set, 'Sunset Kiss' (not yet, anyway). But the real collaboration is with new member Momoko Okazaki for this "beyond metal" album that pops in all sort of genre places. The US, Canada, Germany, India and Russia all come into play, as does the UK as Bring Me The Horizon's Jordan Fish produces alongside Kobametal, following Babymetal's appearance on the band's song 'Kingslayer'. Suzuka Nakamoto, Moa Kikuchi and Okazaki don't normally feature many guest appearances, but this is no departure for the band. However, as soon as you hear their signature sound and the social media algorithm ready rhythms of 'Algorism', you'll realize nobody is quite like them. Singing, "Don't break it now, don’t turn away/Don't break it now, don't leave me now/Don’t break it now, don't turn away/Don't break it now, no pain, no gain, no pain, no gain", in a brutal and beautiful breakdown. Going forth with what's actually their fourth album (they don't count the 'Other' concept one as mainline), Baby still has the mettle. I might have not been (here I go again), but this big-three stays ready to rock. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'KxAxWxAxIxI', 'メタり！！(METALI!!) (Feat. Tom Morello)', 'White Flame -白炎-'

Spin This: BABYMETAL - 'The Other One'

REVIEW: THE BLACK KEYS - NO RAIN, NO FLOWERS

4/5

Songs In The Keys Of Life

Sinatra has a sound that is so signature you could just let his whole playlist play for hours, days maybe, and it would blend so seamlessly and beautifully together. Getting richer, like wine, as it ages. That's just the great American songbook for you. Like rock and roll. And now that one of our generation greats, The Black Keys, have hit more than a dozen albums, you can say the same for these Ohio bandsmen and kids from Akron. They've never left it that long between albums, since their 'Big Come Up' in 2002 (one year before their fellow Akron native, LeBron James, own dynamic debut). Maybe a calendar, or a couple. Only really since their big-three of 'Brothers' (2010), 'El Camino' (2011) and 2014's 'Turn Blue'. But four years after that, it's been an onslaught, like an 'Everlasting Love'. 'Let's Rock' (2019), 'Delta Kream' (2021), 'Dropout Boogie' (2022), all getting us through COVID, before last year's bowler-rama of the 'Ohio Players'.

Now just a calendar and change after that Big Lebowski with the likes of Beck, Black Keys are back. 'No Rain, No Flowers' waters their thirteenth album that is luck for us this New Music Friday. Yet, you would have forgiven the iconic duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney if they perhaps wanted to take a brief break. Like the greatest rollers of this rock generation could. "We got f####d. I'll let you all know how so it doesn't happen to you," Carney claimed in a now deleted tweet after the Keys fired their management last year. Now, this Warner Record recorded in Nashville's Easy Eye Sound studio marks changes in more ways than one. Marking their first collaboration with hit song maker Rick Nowels (he's not far off a century of classics on the Billboard 100), multi-instrumentalist Daniel Tashian and super-producer Scott Storch, who was so hip-hop in the early 2000s he once cut the roof off of a Rolls-Royce to make it a drop-top. All for the beautiful bloom of these flowers, we need, like the deserts need the rain.

Rain and flowers will give you a North American fall tour from these brothers in arms, straight out of their dire straits. Feeling refreshed for a half-hour record of all-power, there are plenty of singles to get the crowd ready before the classic comes into play. The opening title-track. The second track and first single, 'The Night Before'. The beautiful 'Babygirl'. The moving 'Man On A Mission', for a pair on a rejuvenated one. And the outstanding 'On Repeat', that will be exactly that, like the Spotify shuffling of this band's definitive discography as a perfect playlist, with no need for edit, it's so epic. But like their last few records, the Keys finish strong like the late, great Mister Cee (Scott will know what we're talking about). The King James, D-Wade and Chris Bosh like big-three of the introspective 'All My Life', the atmospheric 'A Little Too High' and the gleam of a new 'Neon Moon' ("When you’re at the crossroads/And you don’t know where to turn/And everything is backwards/From all the bridges that you burned/Don’t let yourself get down too long/‘Cause a change is coming soon/You can always find your way back home/By the light of the neon moon") really takes you home.

Black and white like a Black Rebel Motorcycle Club album artwork confirms this as a classic for a band that reach back to their raw roots. The leather clad and bare chested figure on the front almost looks like Brian Fallon from fellow legendary luminaries, The Gaslight Anthem, as a teardrop tattoo hangs from his eye like the loose cigarette from his lips. Whereas a red rose, the only colour on the cover, wrapped with the notion of 'No Rain, No Flowers' hits his sternum like a thorn. There's no more in Auerbach or Carney's side, however, as The Keys play once again like Sam for the record. On 'Down To Nothing', Auerbach still searches for hope in this love and life, singing, "Behind the clouds/Beyond the stars/Above the crowds/In some lonely bar/I’ll meet you there." All until his muse will 'Kiss It' better. It's the kind of haunted heart that will 'Make You Mine' like, "I’ve been alone/So f#####g long/I’ve cried the tears of a clown/I need a break from my mistakes/But that’s the price of starting over/How many times is one time too many?" A yearly yearn that burns. Just like Black's everlasting light. The reign is still here. So give them their flowers. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Babygirl', 'All My Life', 'Neon Moon'.

Spin This: The Black Keys - 'Ohio Players'.

LIVE REVIEW: FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '25 @ Naeba Ski Resort, Japan (27/07/25)

4/5

Haimally

I quit, no longer being able to see Haim live. I was meant to do it years ago. A gift, from my best friend, back in London. But this was during corona. The same COVID-19 that Haim's California classic, 'Women In Music, Pt. III' helped get me through. The every same 'WIMPIII' best friend got me signed. Now, all these years later, I Haim-ally get to see my favourite band. And if that wasn't enough, thanks to someone else, I'll attend a talk about their new album, 'I Quit', in Shibuya's still-standing Tower Records tomorrow. I might have missed tickets for the meet and greet potion of the evening, but I don't need their autographs anyway, do I, D? Haim weren't the headliner, Vampire Weekend were, of Japan's Fuji Rock Festival '25. But they made the White Stage their own, and actually finished following their American contemporary. Drawing one of the biggest, roaring crowds. Rocking like the 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' like eyes of these stones showcase around the ski resort.

I hated to quit on Vampire Weekend part-way through their sweet, signature sound set, yet I wasn't missing Haim this time. I'll get my teeth into the Weekend, again, much like I am the closing track off Vampire's latest album, 'Only God Was Above Us', a classic like 'Capricorn', or 'Contra'. Seeing Haim with new friends, and ones from work I bumped into was an absolute joy as Danielle, Este and Alana Haim came onto stage after the red letters of their latest album told us everything they have quit. Isolation. Nicotine. D###. Then they took us down to the wire and opened their act with some of their 'Days Have Gone' own, like the raucously approved 'My Song 5'. 'I Want You Back', like the Jackson 5, also made an appearance, but with so many classics, let alone singles off the new album, something had to give. And it was that one. All whilst 'Relationships' and 'Down To Be Wrong' were met with last album icons like 'Now I'm In It', 'The Steps', 'Don't Wanna', 'Gasoline' and 'Summer Girl' with some sexy sax. From the girl's trademark drum set, to Danielle stepping behind the skins, this was a flawless set. Now, I can't wait to see how they top this at Tower.

That wasn't it, mind you, at a festival that is like Glastonbury with beautiful scenery, and even better food. Switching between stages like those 'Relationships' Haim sang about, you were spoilt for choice in a legendary line-up of Japanese and international artists. From London's own Little Simz, to the heart of Hana Hope. I'm just glad I got to see English Teacher on stage, not just for the incredible talent, but the fact that the spotlight didn't shine on this non-singing sensei. A real treat of the evening was Swedish 'Hate To Say I Told You So' legends The Hives at the Red Marquee. It's been 19 years since they last played Japan, and almost that long since I saw them a London's Hard Rock Calling. Yet with another album out in August, they haven't lost a step. Fabulous frontman Pelle Almqvist may just be the best in the business. Classic comedic cockiness on stage with tighter set arrangements than their classic suits. When he swings the mic around and pulls it back down, like a boxing announcer, he's the champ. And his band, the law, alright? Good! Fabulous forests to walk through that are ski slopes in the fall, you'll see plenty of artwork hanging from the trees of Fuji Rock's Naeba Ski resort like the snow that will come. But the best thing about this festival is the people you share it with. Especially when they surprise you at the gate in crazy coincidence. I keep pronouncing it wrong, but Fuji well and truly rocks. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Set-list Picks: Haim, The Hives, Vampire Weekend.

REVIEW: TYLER, THE CREATOR - DON'T TAP THE GLASS

4/5

In Case Of Emergency, Break Glass

Tapping in, Tyler, The Creator, currently on a world tour for last year's classic, 'Chromakopia', will touch down in Tokyo in a matter of months. Donning that iconic black phantom mask, that is about as signature as the dark Celtic green artwork that plasters posters all around the world of towns he tours. Even so, that hasn't stopped him from dropping a surprise brand-new album, to start the week of all schedules. New Music Monday, anybody? It's got a nice ring to it like 'Ring Ring Ring', off of The Creator's latest invention, 'Don't Tap The Glass'. Breaking industry trends and shattering Spotify streams. The most anticipated album of the week...is already here. And those in Japan and the rest of the watching world may just have a two-album tour. Tyler, on the other hand, just wants you to dance, without the screening fear of being filmed.

On iconic scrunched paper white album artwork, a shirtless Creator looks like the legendary LL Cool J in gold rope and red Kangol. Not to mention, those iconic bifocals. And he's worthy of that def stature for his jams. Tyler's latest creation is up there with the classic that came before it. As a matter of fact, all the classics that came before this ninth wonder, like the producer. 'Bastard', 'Goblin', 'Wolf', 'Cherry Bomb', 'Flower Boy', 'Igor', 'Call Me If You Get Lost', and all that album artwork. And coming so closely to 'Chroma's' time, this is more than an epic 'Estate Sale' for the Grammy winner. It's a completely fresh, fire classic in its own right. Furthering the rhyme, or should we say why to the reason he was left out of last year's best rapper of the big-three debate. Until J. Cole bashfully bowed out after throwing shade at 'The Simpsons' and Kendrick Lamar turned Drake into a minoooooor thing. No matter, Tyler knows that real hip-hop and the art of it is more than war and about the words that make the music that lasts longer. And hey, any excuse for our social media reels to get refreshed with that legendary freestyle and Funkmaster Flex's reaction to why he used that line. Not to mention, Tyler's nonplussed one.

You won't question why he uses these lyrics, though, as the latest creation makes for a great fortnight in hip-hop. Beginning with the real and raw reunion of Clipse (another of Drake's fondest friends) and hitting Friday night with Wu-Tang's very own Raekwon in 'The Emperor's New Clothes'. The Mass Appeal of this album to be followed by new labelmates Nas & DJ Premier, Mobb Deep, De La Soul, Big L, and Wu closest compadre, Ghostface Killah. Not to mention, the great adventures of Slick Rick, who started all this off, last month. But legend has it... Tyler Gregory Okonma could give a signature set like that, with his own defiant and definitive discography. You only have to hear the 'Don't Tap The Glass' title-track 'Tweakin'' and the big-three that comes next ('Don't You Worry Baby', 'I'll Take Care Of You', 'Tell Me What It Is') in closing to know this is creation in its purest, raw form. This Colombia record may be less than a half-hour (which Creator record isn't), but it's all power (like Tyler, always). Running game like 'Stop Playing With Me', and all the people Tyler has taken to town, or taken home, as he gets all his affairs in order.

Unexpected, like bird s###, albums are the norm now in rap. So much so, the surprise is almost spoiled. But they hype is real, with NBA G.O.A.T. LeBron James cosigning. Even though you'd never believe it if 'Bron said he saw it coming (he didn't...relax. These are just jokes, baby). He does appear in the latest 'Playing With Me' music video alongside childhood friend and business partner Maverick Carter and the Clipse (who, like Tyler, once dissed him. "Like that, 'Bron, 'Bron?"), mind you. Tyler's shortest album yet was probably his biggest promoted, as an art installation of this album artwork's giant caricature of the Creator channelling Cool James debuted outside Brooklyn's Barclays Center, encased in glass you shouldn't touch, tap, nor break. Vinyls, t-shirts and bucket hats (hey, Raekwon) have been selling like hot cakes, ever since. And ever since it was released this morning at 6.00AM, Eastern Standard Time (we've been waiting all day in the Far East), it's been jumping off like the outstanding opening track 'Big Poe', sampling 'Pass The Courvoisier, Part II', the iconic part track featuring Pharrell and Sean Combs...erm.

Three cryptic boxes, blue, yellow and red helped tease this album that starts its breakfast with 'Sugar On My Tongue', and lines to tap your spoon to, like, "Are you from Mars? Make your arms and legs shake, uh-huh/Give me that slice of cream, is it your birthday? Uh-huh/I got a brush, give me your wallet, I'll pay, uh-huh/Don't need no air, I stay down there 'til I fade (Girl, I'm dead)" Sounds like oral is the breakfast of champions, in this 'Rush' of blood to the head, as Tyler keeps it going down. 'Mommanem' keeps this top, ten track album moving. One that is as compelling as it is cohesive. Media channel Complex made a mistake by tweeting that this album would feature Kendrick and Earl Sweatshirt. But there is no Odd Future reunion here, breaking bread like Lionel Boyce on season four of 'The Bear'. No matter, that can all wait. Tyler stays 'Sucka Free' as he raps, "Odd Future, Wolf Gang, all the bros in here/You n####s bums, you never really figured it out/You the type to let a b#### wear a shoe in your house (Hah)/You the type to buy a chain before some furniture, couch/And you the type of n#### never had a fist hit your mouth (Bink-bink-bink, huh)/You ain't got no guap, no paper, ain't no ink/See, I'm that guy, give a f### what you think." Broken glass, everywhere. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Don't You Worry Baby', 'I'll Take Care Of You', 'Tell Me What It Is'.

Spin This: Tyler, The Creator - 'Chromakopia'.

REVIEW: AMI KUSAKARI - GARDEN STUDIES

4/5

Sakanature

There are few things in this world that have the beauty, tranquillity and serenity of a Japanese garden. 'Garden Studies', the debut LP from Ami Kusakari, is one of them. You will know Kusakari as the brilliant bassist of one of the best bands in Japan, Sakanaction. From monster records like 'Kaiju', to their 'Shintakarajima' signature. Taking inspiration from bassists like Red Hot Chilli Pepper, Flea, Este Haim and Stuart Zender (formerly of Jamiroquai), Ami Kusakari has also worked with Fender, who recently opened an outstanding flagship store in Tokyo, exploring The American Professional II Jazz Bass. Outside of Sapporo's very own Sakanaction, Kusakari has featured on records by Junlzawa ('Drift'), alongside cutting an EP with Mabanua and YonYon ('Iris/Pray For Peace'). Yet, these 'Garden Studies' seem to make for Ami's most personal project yet. A perfect "portable sound garden."

Ambience is at its finest in a beautiful bloom. Close to nature, Kusakari temporarily trades her bass for an inspired instrumental album. It begins with the 'Sound Of A Pier' that will take you higher than the tree like skylines in cities that at times overwhelm even the strongest of us. It's like stepping out into a fresh breeze by the sea, after the subtle alarm like opening segues into traditional instruments that feel as Japanese as paying your respects at a shrine. Teaching us to how to achieve moments of Zen on the cool 'Icy', a state of calm begins to become second nature as you put this record on in the middle of the night, or a new break of day. It grows even more on 'Ginkgo Tree', as atmospheric sounds and perfect piano washes over you. A ginkgo tree is ornamental, yellowing in Autumn before losing all its leaves in a single day. Falling as delicately as the sounds that envelope your ears here, and on the cinematic 'rustle', up next. Growing every day like a garden's renewal. Replenishing and healing.

'Under the soil', Ami gets even closer to earth and the nature of all things. We feel not only the transience of life, like 'mono no aware', but also the notion of all these moments we go through being forever etched in memory. There's a profound stillness of studying your garden that will stay with you, even through the darkest days, as you see the light of calm on the other side. Right now, in Japan, it's hotter than the July of a Stevie Wonder album, but as the refreshing 'RainFalls' this season, you'll feel even more bliss in this terrific take from Kusakari. Bringing you a sense of peace and release, what seems on the surface as a simple recording, is the very art of nature itself, and one of this record's best. Especially when chimes curtain close this track. All before the seventh seal and eight-minute wonder, 'a Garden', is the final note of these studies. This work from the Sakanaction member even evokes similar sounds to the posthumous 'Seeing Sound/Hearing Time' epic exhibition from late legend Ryuichi Sakamoto. Not to mention his other work, as the drums come into play. Kusakari's band are about to wrap up their tour in Yokohama's K-Arena this August, and we can't wait to hear what they have in store next. But as Ami amazes with her very own album in her garden, we hope to study more. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Sound Of A Pier', 'Ginkgo Tree', 'RainFalls'.

Spin This: Ami Kusakari.mabanua.YonYon - 'iris/pray for peace'

REVIEW: RAEKWON - THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES

4/5

Change Clothes 

Fairytales, like Wu-Tang, are for the children. In Hans Christian Anderson's ('The Little Mermaid', 'The Ugly Duckling') 'The Emperor's New Clothes', a vainglorious emperor is brought down to size when he is fitted for some garments that fit so close to the skin that...they don't even exist. These "invisible" clothes, paraded all through town, were the worst wardrobe malfunction known to man. One thing that does fit, mind you, is rap legend Raekwon in your rap cipher. From Clan boiler room suits, to his famous bucket hats. This year, feels like another renaissance in rap, especially with and for the old school heads. Even the brotherhood of Clipse reunited last week as they 'Let God Sort Em Out'.

There are plenty of Wu-Tang Clan reunions on Raekwon's eight wonder of an album, 'The Emperor's New Clothes'. Meth, Rae and Ghost get back together for the '600 School' favourite featuring Method Man Ghostface Killah. Whilst the iron heart of Tony Starks also appears on the back nine's 'Get Outta Here' and finale 'Mac & Lobster', as the pair with a cool new nickname, keep backing up each other's classic albums from 'Supreme Clientele', to 'Only Built For Cuban Lynx' and their respective sequels. Back when they may as well have been collaborative albums like the animated 'Wu-Massacre'. This Starsky and Hutch and Batman and Robin still go together like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Elsewhere, after his own album Inspectah Deck bites into 'Pomogranite' with Carlton Fisk. Stacy Barthe gives us '1 Life'. And Tommy Nova 'Opens Doors' with Corey Woods. Whilst Marsha Ambrosius hooks us in with the deepest cut of 'Debra Night Wine'. But even next to the posse cut of 'Wild Corsicans' (featuring Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher), we'll save the best one for the last paragraph.

Classic down to the cover in red leather on 'Stranger Things' black, there's production from Swizz Beatz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and Nottz for the Rae's first album since 'The Wild' 2017. The Chef cooks up many a legendary line as well as the signature skits for a sensational set. "I'd rather be revered than feared" the icon proclaims on 'The Guy That Plans It' and boy is he. On the 'Heavies' he proves how much of a heavy hitter he really is with lines like, "Yo, Licatta cocktails, Bentleys, and oxtails/Catch me with the Grecian of whales, a redbone rat/What's happening?/Her ratchet ways, I had to just tame that, flip the Mulsanne back/Better off buying a jail, the luxury shit, Pakistan chef, and reps/So they can coach brothers to read scriptures and play chess." Lines as legacy making as the unmistakable voice of his that spits. Like he raps on '600', "Glass of gin for my jewelers/Too many rugas, gyms is 500/Bam, spam, I swam through Bermuda/Switches got muzzles/Soon as rebuttals happen, we guzzle/Then everything get twisted like a puzzle." And you know which piece fits.

A pioneer taking it higher. This is New York raw and uncut from the razor sharp lyricist who can make "Mafioso" rap cinematic, like a 'Goodfella'. For the hood ones, the best 'Bear Hill' is Raekwon's 'Made You Look'. Speaking of which, as previously promised, the classic collaboration of this new great LP belongs to 'The Omerta' featuring Nas ("Fascinating, appealing, underworld, but wonder girl/Dope fiends love it, shooting they nuggets up/Extreme criminality, I'm like the Rothsteins, the off-springs/All of this tucked, inside my galaxy/Frankie Yale of the jails, silks, diamond spiders, we master writers"). The Mass Appeal of this is that 'Legend Has It...' that very label will put out records from Nas & DJ Premier, Mobb Deep, De La Soul, Big L, Slick Rick (the valiant 'Victory' also came out last month), and Ghostface Killah, to go along with this one. Now, that sounds like more than just a great day in hip-hop. 2025 is going to feel like 50 years all over again. Chef's kiss. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Bear Hill', '600 School (Feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man), 'Debra Night Wine (Feat. Marsha Ambrosius)'.

Spin This: Raekwon - 'Only Bulit 4 Cuban Lynx 2'.

REVIEW: CLIPSE - LET GOD SORT EM OUT

4/5

Lord's Will

"Kids, y'all need to stay away from anything that remotely looks like this, right here," Malice says, as he and his Pusha T brother unload clips at a shooting range. This was a scene from the 2003 short film 'The Eighth Planet' documenting super producers Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams. All for a scene on a bonus DVD to their compilation album 'The Neptunes Presents...Clones'. And Malice wasn't 'Frontin''. Years later, one half of the 'Grindin'' pair from Virginia would turn to the church like Pastor Mase, and Lord knows what he has seen. After their 'Lord Willin'' debut changed the VA game like Timbaland and the late, great Magoo (Rest Peacefully), Clipse copped discs like the soaring sophomore set 'Hell Hath No Fury' and the perfect 'P###y' on the 'Barbershop' soundtrack, that you saw them freestyle, back in the business of 'The Eighth Planet' DVD. 2009's 'Til The Casket Drops' didn't hit quite the same way, but it was no death sentence. Now, a sweet sixteen years later, it's welcome back to Malice in a wonderland with his rapping partner, once again.

Clipse reload after the hiatus with 'Let God Sort Em Out', and meeting their maker, you're not going to get it for cheap any more, like a classic mixtape. Pusha T has been making solo sets and G.O.O.D.  Music for years, garnering Grammys like my man G. His most recent, 2022's 'It's Almost Dry', sealed his status. Now, God sorts them out with the blaring 'Ace Trumpets' deal of a single. Not to mention cameos from a worth the six figures Kendrick Lamar (on the flossing crack of 'Chains & Whips'), Tyler The Creator (the only 'P.O.V.' I mess with, I despise content creation, too) and John Legend (on the outstanding opener, 'The Birds Don't Sing', that paints a picture of everything Clipse have been through with the Voices Of Fire). But it's the big budget 'Inglorious Basterds', like Tarantino, that brings a re-upping old friend Ab-Liva back to the gang, scarring scalps. Elsewhere, Stove God Cooks helps heat up 'F.I.C.O.' The title-track, mind you, mixed with some Sia like 'Chandeliers', brings God M.C. Nas swinging like Ali. 

On the promo single 'So Be It', the perfect pair sample Talal Maddah's 'Maza Akool Wa Kad Hemto'. And it's perfect production like this that will keep you hooked across the set, bridge to chorus. That's what you get when Pharrell Williams is once again manning the boards, piece by piece. Vocally he even appears on a lion's share of tracks. Basically, the last half of the LP. 'E.B.I.T.D.A', 'So Far Ahead', 'All Things Considered', with The-Dream, and the classic closer 'By The Grace Of God', in all it's and His beauty. For all the initials on 'M.T.B.T.T.F.', Pusha T raps, "No confessions, questions, we contestin'/Fireworks'll send a message, iridescent/Slow him down like Robitussin, if you rush in/At your door when we address him, we gon' bless him". Whilst Malice counters, "Gunning and I'm grinning/In a Bugatti in my denim/This is the result of my vision/React with precision/But God only knows my intention." And it's just so good to hear them back together. The Gallagher's aren't the only brothers to reunite against the odds this year. This rap cipher is an oasis. And today is going to be the day that they throw it back to you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Ace Trumpets', 'Inglorious Basterds (Feat. Ab-Liva)', 'By The Grace Of God (Feat. Pharrell Williams)'.

Spin This: Clipse - 'Hell Hath No Fury' 

REVIEW: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - TRACKS II: THE LOST ALBUMS

4/5

Runaway American Dreams

Back to Boss basics. This New Music (and movie and TV show) Friday, you have a choice, between watching 'F1' and the last season of Netflix's 'Squid Game'. Binge season four of 'The Bear' on Hulu and Disney +, starring Jeremy Allen White, who's about to play Bruce Springsteen in this fall's biopic, 'Deliver Me From Nowhere'. Or, binge The Boss, Bruce Springsteen himself's 'Tracks II: The Lost Albums'. A mere month after his 'Land Of Hope & Dreams EP' took it to Trump and a concert in Manchester, England. Sure, it's been three years since Springsteen's last set, the classic covers of 'Only The Strong Survive', not to mention, a half decade since his last 'Letter To You' of original material. But this box-set, treasure trove treat for the fans, spans four decades, seven discs, 83 songs, five hours and 19 minutes. Now you know why you need to binge. This even lasts longer than the latest culinary experience with 'The Bear' for your FX.

A classic Colombia compilation and follow up to the 'Tracks' '(the perfect accompaniment to his 'Songs' book) he tore through in 1998 (featuring personal favourites like 'Happy', 'Sad Eyes' and 'Trouble In Paradise') off of the hit from the vault, 'My Love Will Not Let You Down', this is Bruce's 'Lost Tapes' sequel, like Nas. The Jersey boy has separated these selections from the collections on the cutting room floor into seven separate thematic albums. The 'LA Garage Sessions '83', 'Streets Of Philadelphia Sessions', 'Faithless', 'Somewhere North Of Nashville', 'Inyo', Twilight Hours' and 'Perfect World'. But if this is too much Springsteen for you, Donald, as we look to Make America Boss Again, you can also cop the companion compilation 'Lost and Found: Selections From The Lost Albums', much like the '18 Tracks' that came after the '98 original. But the collectors of Boss completists and purists won't be able to get enough of the perfect album (or seven seals) to accompany you on a weekend afternoon, like the 'Sunday Love' best of the bunch. Three hundred, 19 minutes and 48 seconds of rare and archival session music that feel like real records as the successful singles of 'Rain In The River', 'Blind Spot', 'Faithless', 'Repo Men', 'Adelita' and the aforementioned 'Sunday Love' show and prove.

Out in Los Angeles, the lo-fi raw recordings begin with the notion to 'Follow That Dream'. A 'Fugitives One' and a ballad version to boot, keeps everything running like Harrison Ford away from Tommy Lee Jones. There's also an original version of 'My Hometown' across the boardwalk. But 'Don't Back Down On Our Love', 'Sugarland', 'Unsatisfied Heart' and 'Shut Out The Light' are the highlights. On 'The Klansman', Springsteen sings, "Word of the trouble spread around/One day, a man came through my town/I was in the kitchen when my pa let him in/Shook my hand, said, "Son, the Klan's your friend". Telling a troubling tale of generational hate, as racism is passed down a family tree like strange fruit. There's hope to come, however, on the U2 like 'One Love', with the words formed "One girl, one love/One dream in our hearts/Two hearts as one/One hope never to be torn apart," akin to his cover of Suicide's 'Dream Baby Dream' off of 'High Hopes'.

Springsteen says they believe the 90s was his "lost" period, and he's trying to right that wrong. The 90s, 'Streets Of Philadelphia' from the Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, Jonathan Demme movie, was what got me into Bruce Springsteen in the first place, during the golden era of Americana, and everything entertainment related (see, Jordan, Michael and Park, Jurassic). As a matter of fact, 'Secret Garden', off of Tom Cruise's 'Jerry Maguire', directed by Cameron Crowe, remains not only my greatest Springsteen hit, but my favourite song, the lyrics taped up on my bedroom wall, back home. There's another sweet version of that, like the 'Blood Brothers EP' one of strings, on here, but it's the 90s as Gap commercials, 'Blind Spot' opening that will really hit you with nostalgia. 'Something In The Well', 'One Beautiful Morning' and 'Between Heaven and Earth' will make you wish for more output from this decade. Whilst you can find the likes of 'Maybe I Don't Know You' and lines like, "What's that dress you're wearing, baby?/I never seen that dress before/And tell me, what'd you do with your hair?/Is it somethin' new, somethin' you were gonna surprise me with?", down the divorced 'Tunnel Of Love'.

Those Philadelphia soul stories now just may be one of my favourite Springsteen albums. 'Faithless', like the 'Devils & Dust' for those who can't get no sleep, may just be yours. After 'The Desert' of an inspired instrumental introduction, 'Where You Goin', Where You From' will take you in like 'All God's Children'. 'A Prayer By The River' and 'The Western Sea' are also instrumental. Whereas, the theme of 'My Mater's Hand' is made for a movie, just as 'Goin' To California' charts. With the 'Nebraska' like 'Somewhere North Of Nashville' and its terrific title track coming after, these country spirits could find themselves equally on a Willie Nelson record, or Sam Shepard 'Cruising Paradise'  short story like the 'Inyo' that comes next. On 'Poor Side Of Town', an old lover returns, as the muse is warned, "To him, you were nothing but a plaything/Nothing more than an overnight fling/To me, you were the greatest/The greatest thing I had ever found/And it's hard to find nice things/On the poor side of town." The Nashville skyline shining as bright and bittersweet as it did in Dylan country.

Spaghetti western themes slap your plate from the spatula of 'Inyo', as Eno Moccirein would be proud of the cinematic likes of  'Adelita', 'The Lost Charro' and 'Our Lady Of Monroe'. With 'One False Move', Springsteen shoots, "On the streets of south Texas, I made my straight time/Workin' nights and pissin' in a cup/For my man down on State/Now I roll down the window and let in the cool, clear desert night/And that cold feelin' of my luck runnin' out." Whereas, on the 'Twilight Hours' of melancholic movie making sound tracking, The Boss directs us towards the table for 'Dinner At Eight', with reservations for two, ordering "A love, a home, a simple world of our own/Your voice on the phone/Dinner at eight, dinner at eight", which in essence is something we all want. 'Late In The Evening', 'Two Of Us' and 'September Kisses' yearn for more in this 'Lonely Own'. But it's 'I'll Stand By You', originally rejected by 'Harry Potter', before appearing on the brilliant 'Blinded By The Light' movie soundtrack, is the real great pretender, like what you and me were, before it all slipped away.

Eighty tracks, instead of eighteen, are too much to tell you about all in one review. Even if we wish we could in a 'Perfect World'. The rest is for you to explore, like this curtain call CD, highlighted by 'The Great Depression' and 'I'm Not Sleeping', which is what we wouldn't do any more, like the Counting Crows, if we took you through each record on 'Tracks II', track for track. Needless to say, it's as much a journey across America, as it is Springsteen's strong and sensitive soul, 'Another Thin Line', reaching across borders, and boundaries passed and past. 'Blind Man' and 'Cutting Knife' standout. Whereas 'You Lifted Me Up' is as beautiful as the falsetto of the truly lost track 'Lift Me Up' off of 'Limbo' and 'The Essential Bruce Springsteen'. There's so much to track, and like 'If Only I Could Be Your Lover ("If I could only be your lover/I'd never covet any other"), if only we could take it all in. Almost 75 tracks and a 17-minute accompanying documentary, with 'Tracks III' set to complete the trilogy in the next three years. Following last year's 'Best Of Bruce Springsteen', this record jacket and the linear notes to go with it, stay in. Tape up the tracks of these tears from the man who expressed every emotion in the hard worn and boot cut, jean weathered American dream. Reborn and ready to run again. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'LA Garage Sessions '83': 'Follow That Dream', 'Don't Back Down On Our Love', 'Fugitive's Dream'.

'Streets Of Philadelphia Sessions': 'Blind Spot', 'Maybe I Don't Know You', 'Secret Garden'.

'Faithless': 'God Sent You', 'Goin' To California', 'My Master's Hand'.

'Somewhere North Of Nashville': 'Poor Side Of Town', 'You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone', 'Somewhere North Of Nashville'.

'Inyo': 'Indian Town', 'El Jardinero (Upon the Death of Ramona)', 'When I Build My Beautiful House'.

'Twilight Hours': 'Sunday Love', 'September Kisses', 'Dinner At Eight'.

'Perfect World': 'The Great Depression', 'Rain In The River', 'If I Could Only Be Your Lover'.

Spin This: Bruce Springsteen - '18 Tracks'.

REVIEW: HAIM - I QUIT

4/5

Don't Quit Your Day Job

Never quitting whilst they're ahead, the sisterhood of Haim is back! Recently, I was talking to a bassist friend about the bands and albums that got us through COVID. Mine was definitely Haim's magnum California opus, 'Women In Music Pt. III', which was locked down for almost as long as we were. Ever since hearing the iconic, Lou Reed-esque, "Du-du, du-du-du-du/Du-du-du-du, du-du-du-du-du's" of 'Summer Girl' and its Paul Thomas Anderson video for The Valley Girls, I knew we had a classic on our hands, even if that does make me sound a little like LeBron James. Helping me through the isolation of social distance, halfway across the world, just one month after starting a new job in Tokyo, I needed 'WIMPIII'. Now, after Alana Haim starred in PTA's 'Licorice Pizza', award favourite movie, not to mention a bonus 'Lost Track', we get 'I Quit' from the sisters. Dealing with Danielle's break-up, and Este's, before she got engaged and broke my heart. Not to mention, all those men from the magazine who refuse to acclaim them as the rock goddesses that they are. C###s!

Haim keep it Hollywood like only they can with Anderson's fresh, dry-clean store took photo album artwork, and neon sign. Not to mention the La La Land paparazzi promotional photos for their singles, like the latest 'All Over Me' (featuring Will Poulter and co for the sexiest video since Maggie Rogers 'In The Living Room'), or the 'Relationships' first single, inspired by Nicole Kidman walking away from divorce court, with more relief than when we left our homes after quarantine. That vivid video of the summer girls features 'Queer' actor Drew Starkey. And if that wasn't enough, the second single video, and best of the set, 'Down To Be Wrong', features Percy Jackson himself, Logan Lerman, being haunted in his hotel by three ghosts that make those of Christmas past look like humbug. Bah! This is just a great slew of singles. Like the grungy, 90s take of 'Everybody's Trying To Figure Me Out' (co-written by Justin Vernon after Danielle appeared on Bon Iver's 'If Only I Could Wait'), that is just classic Haim. Or the Weezer like 'Memories' of 'Take Me Back', featuring a photo album music video that will take a s### in the back of your truck. No coke, or Molly!

A subtle, soft rock classic, that is as undeniable as it is understated, you'll hear it as soon as you're 'Gone' like the opener, that like the saxophone of 'Los Angeles' hits differently in its opening act. Sampling some of George Michael's 'Freedom'. This Colombia and Polydor album, and first in five years, is well worth the wait. Released exactly one month before my 40th (I'm just saying) and the beginnings of their tour that will see them play the Fuji Rock festival, here in Japan, alongside the likes of The Hives and headliner Vampire Weekend. Not only have they upped the ante of their definitive 'Days Are Gone' debut, and sweet spot follow-up 'Something To Tell You', they're also pushing the envelope of their signature sound that's now legacy in Cali' for all you Mamas and Papas, or Chili Peppers. The fact that they haven't played 'Everybody's Live (In LA) With John Mulaney' is a crime. 'The Farm' details these sisters having each other's backs during dark days. 'Million Years' sounds like nothing they've ever done before. Hollywood's own Alana takes the lead on '...Spinning'. Whilst the closing of 'Now It's Time' features a sick sample for your Shazams!

Remember when Haim solved a murder mystery with Este (how could anybody?) on Taylor Swift's 'No Body, No Crime', before Swiftie became the fourth sister on a deluxe edition remix of 'Gasoline'? Well, 'Blood On The Streets' has country tracks too, with its storytelling roots. Meanwhile, 'Cry' is epic and emotional. Whilst, 'Try To Feel My Pain' takes the church organs of Norah Jones' 'I Just Wanna Dance' up a notch for even more spirit. Another highlight is 'Lucky Stars', which counts on lyrics like, "I was on my own and finally/Trying to heal myself with all the/Roaring trains of change and doubt that/Pulled in the station/Your inner light beamed blue and green/Something 'bout it made you seem like/You could fill the seat next to me/Without complication." "I would take off the chain/But you wouldn't stop the rain/And now it's coming down/Flooding out this whole house", Danielle sings on 'Love You Right' as all three siblings found themselves single before making this cathartic, therapeutic album that has them ready to party now they're back in it. Quit?! Are you kidding me?! I will never quit on my best band. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Down To Be Wrong', 'The Farm', 'Lucky Stars'.

Spin This: Haim - 'Women In Music Pt. III'

REVIEW: SLICK RICK - VICTORY

4/5

Rick Flair

Ready for 'Another Great Adventure' of the one and only, Slick Rick? Because The Ruler's well and truly back behind these bars, for the first time in 26 years and 1999's, 'The Art Of Storytelling'. Call it a comeback, like LL Cool J's 'The Force', or MC Lyte's '1 Of 1', with more legends to come for this great day, no, year in hip-hop. A few calendars following its half-century celebration. As a matter of fact, call it a 'Victory' in black and white as the eye patch is back to reclaim his crown, like all those jewels that run with him. The greatest British rapper of all-time, who found a home in New York, brings it all back together with the likes of Giggs ('Stress'), Nas ('Documents') and actor/musician Idris Elba providing the visual album. From Mandy Aragones' spoken-word intro, to the 'I Did That dedication, and interludes dedicated to 'Mother Teresa' and the 'Matrix', Morpheus, Ricky D is still fresh like Doug E. A Slick Rick era begins again.

Y'all tucked in? Heeere we go! On 'Angelic', Rick raps, "Ladidadi, quick, daddy, come shipment/Another rumble in this b####, daddy, once hit chords/Do you want another hit, papi? Quick to stitch/Who told me I should quick, daddy? Bore me broad/Body starts to dip, daddy, holy s###, kid/Big time in this b####, daddy, hold the force/Who's sexier than a b####, daddy? Blast a bar/Angelic type of hit, daddy, crash me car" with a formidable flow over beautiful beats. And it goes on and on, on 'Foreign', as the British/Jamaican/American is no stranger to these shores, reworking his grandpa's old favourite to something you'll love...even if grandaddy don't. But hey, 'Come On Let's Go' and rock with rhymes like, "Sеxiness a crime, kid, what time is it?/Flying, Richard, I guеss 'bout/Gets next round 'fore we gets out/Steps out, cab route, gets 'bout/Now back to insult to intelli'/Yelling, any see the felon, shelling, killing run and tell him/What!/But there isn't, square isn't/Ya nerd!"

As real and raw as it gets, but the freshest since he got 'Irresistible Delicious' with Missy Elliott (thank you, Missy!), it gets even slicker on the "Well, it's the first of the month, my, where the time went? (Ding-dong)/Hello, you wanna give my rent? (Give me my rent)/You're three months behind, chick, I'm highly disappointed/Tired of huntin' you down like America's most wanted/Now hurry up, my car's in traffic/Oh, great, another excuse not to have it/"My poor kid's short, Rick," your excuses sure get sadder/But, chick, you're not paying my mortgage (My rent)" rhymes collected for 'Landlord' and the greatest storyteller hip-hop has ever had. It gets even deeper on 'Spirit To Cry' and down on 'So You're Having My Baby', which references Shyne, J-Lo and you know who. Hip-hop may have taken some hits lately (namely the evils of Diddy), but the best of the best still reign. 'Cux I'm Here', Ricky says with "So kid Slick Rick, here we go!/Walkin', sportin', New York, son!/Spot two chicks hop skip, ice blinging!" Victory is his! And 'We're No Losing' as "Champion еxcelsiors/Or dismantle myself is/Any opportunity/Sеnd me out to ruin these/End you, all are soon to see/Anyway, I'm bothering/Acting like a snob like something I can offer them/While on the flip side" attests. Crown it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Stress (Feat. Giggs)', 'Documents (Feat. NaS)', 'Spirit To Cry'

Spin This: Slick Rick - 'The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick'.

 

REVIEW: NEIL YOUNG AND THE CHROME HEARTS -TALKIN TO THE TREES

3.5/5

The Tree Of Life

Like a 1959 Cadillac sticking out the sand, 'On The Beach', Neil Young is back with some Chrome Hearts for you crazy horses, with power. But this time, you can find them planted in the forest for 'Talkin To The Trees', Young's 48th album on The Other Shoe and Reprise Records. Recorded in the legendary Shangri La studios of Malibu and produced by the legendary Lou Adler (The Mamas and the Papas, Carole King), a regular courtside fixture at Laker games, like Jack Nicholson. Opening with 'Family Life' in dedication, and 'Thankful' in tribute closing, this album like it's pencilled in, guitar holding cover is as real as it gets, taking it to "fascists" in "Teslas", coiling around the chords. Fearful of the 'Dark Mirage' in this upside down world, singing "Well I lost my little girl/To the darkness inside/Her mama's gone now/And there's nowhere to hide." Hoping to make it to the warmth of the 'First Fire Of Winter', where it's "time to gather wood and feeling/It's time to walk among the love."

"Time's ripe now for changin'" he laments like a lost Dylan. Flying on the same 'Silver Eagle' he ran to, through the title-track. Rocking in this world until it's free as 'Let's Roll Again' strums that notion into a devotion. "The climate is changing, why aren't you" a banner asks as Young beds peace in the sediment of the mother earth that really laid our roots. Calling Ford, GM, Chrysler and of course, America to "get in the race". Adding "China's way ahead, they're buildin' clean cars", as he lights a fire under the hood of those who need to know we can't take this same road forever. 'Big Change' is coming, like the ultimate protest song that sings, "Might be a politician/Tryna say something new/Might be your decision/Now you've got to see it through/Looks like a collision/Ain't the worst that you could do/Might be bad, might be good/Big change is coming to you." The man who took on Spotify isn't afraid of the President, as this Canadian knows you can't take his land, like Mike Myers on SNL with "elbows up!"

'Movin' Ahead', the man with almost as many bands as he has albums, keeps on trucking on chrome wheels and steel hearts. "Keep movin' ahead, wherever you go, movin' ahead/That's the way home, that's the way home/On in the future where the love is found/Where the love is found, where the love is found/Yeah, movin' ahead where the love is all 'round/That's the word, the word is good/Good for the soul to sing like it should/Movin' ahead, movin' ahead", he sings to anyone who feels they can believe again. Or wants too. Rolled up for a message in a 'Bottle Of Love'. "Open fields of heaven waiting/For that little girl, still in her eyes/Years of love we were creating/Taking the time to fly/All your tears are being saved/In a bottle of love. The man married to Darryl Hannah makes a beautiful splash as the trees sway. Musk, Trump. They can all get it, as they're falling out on Young's big and bold new album of chrome. But really, among all this mess, what he's looking for best, is peace and prosperity of this land, and the earth that makes it. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Family Life', 'Big Change', 'Thankful'.

Spin This: Neil Young & Crazy Horse - 'Early Daze'.

REVIEW: CYNTHIA ERIVO - I FORGIVE YOU

4/5

Wicked Wisdom 

Forgive me not, but Cynthia Erivo is wicked good. In the same week that the terrific trailer for her highly-anticipated sequel to her smash hit movie, with fellow pop princess Ariana Grande ('Wicked For Good'), comes out, we get a brand-new studio album from Stockwell, London's finest. All on the same New Music Friday that fellow actor Finn Wolfhard, of 'Stranger Things' fame, tries his hand at making an indie album ('Happy Birthday'). You'd be forgiven for forgetting all about Lil' Wayne's sequel to his own series, 'Tha Carter VI', when there's so much movie-making going on. Only a few months after she was off to duet with The Wizard of Oz himself, Jeff Goldblum, like Grande, on the jazzy Mildrid Snitzer Orchestra, 'Still Blooming'. Erivo's epic is her first solo set since 2021's 'Ch. 1 Vs. 1', which peaked at number Luka Dončić (77) on the Billboard Hot 100. Figure this one to do even better numbers after the 'Wicked' soundtrack became a number one hit like the movie it underscored.

Defying gravity, once again, Cynthia is as compelling as she was in playing everything from the real as it gets Harriet Tubman (sorry, Julia Roberts' publicist), to 'Pinocchio's' Blue Fairy. The 'Widows', 'Bad Times At The El Royale' and 'Luther: The Fallen Sun' star has always had a voice. And as soon as the atmospheric and classic 'More Than Twice' comes into play, you won't think twice, like the great Celine Dion's voice. Cynthia Erivo is just that much of a powerhouse singer on 'I Forgive You' as pop continues to be in the pure place of pride that recent albums from Miley Cyrus and fellow actress Selena Gomez (with production partner and hubby to be, Benny Blanco) have proven. Spreading her black swan wings, like her gorgeous and glamorous nails and baring all in black and white, the angelic, shaven head singer gives us songwriting at its most stripped down and beautiful in this script.

Singles that 'Replay' like 'The Worst Of Me' (or 'Best Of Me' beginning), take the lead on the Verve of this 20-track Republic record, all the way to the 'Grace' notes that call it a day. Inspired interludes, akin to what the likes of Carl Thomas used to do, punctuate this collection (Annie Lennox's 'Why', 'Until You Saw Me' and the title-track), feeling like songs themselves, like the cover of Marin Gaye's 'I Want You', done with yearning decadence. Building 'Brick By Brick' in the chamber of the heart, Cynthia asks, "I'll apologise, I swear I will/But you first/I'll bring back your smile, your joy to fill/But you first/I'll turn a blind eye while with your beauty you beguile/But you first/But you." Honed for two years with songwriter and producer Will Wells, this sensual and sexual album takes cues off everybody from Toni Braxton to Prince as it unbreaks your heart like the beautiful ones. Smashing any picture, that 'Wicked' would be her green day, typecast success, Erivo previewed the likes of 'She Said', 'Why' and 'I Choose Love' at a London listening event to rave reviews.

Embracing and expressing everything about herself, not to mention the grand genres of pop, R&B, folk and gospel music, this album of the week may also be the most personal and profound part of Cynthia's career. The 'Push And Pull' comes with the likes of 'Save Me From You' ("I saw how you saw me when I looked in your eyes/The hurt that you buried in the grave of your heart/And I still remember the tears that you left/They live like a scar on my mind") and 'Play The Woman' ("Do you wanna start a game where I guess where you are?/I'll close my eyes, hold my arms out and try to close the space between us/I could run these hands of mine down the map of your spine/Feel how your heat against my fingertips could make the blood in me rush"). Outstandingly operatic. Agonisingly atmospheric. This is 'What You Want' in all the devoted dedications that make pop more mature and not just a global genre. It's a 'Holy Refrain' that reaches for the Holy Ghost to tell you that you'll 'Be Okay'. We all have dark days and low points. On 'How Could I Fall', Cynthia is with us, singing in solidarity "Laughter, you feel like laughter/Rolling around in this rapture/You're a singular delight, and I'm captured." Sometimes when we fall again, it's because we fall in love...and that's when we soar. What's gravity when the wings of an angel sweep us away? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'More Than Twice', 'I Want You (Interlude)', 'Grace'.

Spin This: 'Wicked: The Soundtrack'.