SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

HARRY’S HOUSE HARRY STYLES HHHHI

One of the most anticipated albums of the year, Harry’s House is the former One Direction heart-throb’s third studio album and ticks all the right boxes. A self-consciously mature record, these tracks eschew the epic melancholia of 2019’s Fine Line in favour of something more restrained.

Late Night Talking is the Golden of this record, with an addictive hook, laid back bass and choir of Harry-on-Harry backing vocals.

Elsewhere, whisperings of Falling-era Harry (and some literal whisperings) mix with brighter and lighter production and sunny pop melodies.

Styles finds depth in pairing conflicted and gloomy lyrics, like those of lead single As It Was, with upbeat and optimistic melodies.

Harry’s House may lack the romance and drama of Fine Line but it offers listeners something else – sophistication and a deeper look at the man himself.

C’MON YOU KNOW LIAM GALLAGHER HHHII

The first weekend in

June marks the return to Knebworth for Liam Gallagher, 26 years on from Oasis’ record-breaking sets, but now it’s Liam alone taking the plaudits. So expect a selection of songs from his latest album, especially the title track with its slow building verses and catchy chorus.

Better Days will no doubt be one of the summer’s indie anthems, while Too Good For Giving Up is an instant classic likely to be played at many weddings, and alongside World’s In Need and the Dave Grohl-penned Everything’s Electric – one of the songs of the year – they make an album worth a listen and a step up from his previous two.

UNDERSTUDY BOO HEWERDINE HHHII

Boo Hewerdine is one of the UK’s quiet giants – a member of English rockers The Bible, songwriter to the stars and a solo singer-songwriter with many albums to his name.

Understudy is him at his most vulnerable. Written in his Glasgow flat in lockdown, the songs are dedicated to his late father David, whom he was unable see in his care home, but spoke to most days on the phone.

This is an intimate album but not a pessimistic one. Men Without A War reflects on the complexity of modern masculinity, while The Day I Fell In Love With The World is a bittersweet ode to opening your eyes to things previously ignored.

There’s no better songwriter to codify the confusing mix of emotions we have all felt in the past two years.