SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

We look back at some of the year’s strongest releases.

VOYAGE – ABBA HHHHI

Abba provided some much needed excitement in

September when they announced their first album of new material in nearly 40 years.

There was a comforting familiarity to fresh songs like Don’t Shut Me Down, which repeated the classic Abba formula of raw emotional lyrics coupled with a catchy tune.

The joyful Just A Notion used new instrumentals to showcase the original 1978 vocals while the slower I Still Have Faith In You speaks of maturing resilience and celebrates everything Abba achieved together.

In uncertain times, Abba’s return was even more welcome.

SEVENTEEN GOING UNDER – SAM FENDER HHHHI

Sam Fender is a rare breed who simultaneously manages to reinvigorate the man-withguitar template while keeping things decidedly classic.

From the opening track, drums clatter at marching pace, a saxophone squeals and

Fender alternates between soaring choruses and searing social commentary. His songs touch on issues rarely addressed in mainstream rock: how working-class people are the big losers in the culture war, the pressures of young manhood and the callousness of the state. His mixture of remorse, anger and worldweariness is a potent one.

SOUR – OLIVIA RODRIGO HHHHI

Expectations were high for Rodrigo’s debut album after worldwide hit Drivers License, and it didn’t disappoint.

The lyrics are cleverly observed and have an honesty about the bittersweet nature of life, which suggests the 18-year-old is wise beyond her years. She also tackles other emotional challenges of modern life. In the catchy Jealousy, Jealousy, Rodrigo describes having poor self-esteem, envying girls “with paper-white teeth” and thinking too much “about kids who don’t know me”.