Music reviews

Jess Glynn Always in Between

Four years after arriving in the charts as the featured artist on a number of hit dance songs, Jess Glynne has more proved her worth as one of this generation’s best pop singersongwriters. The 28-year-old Londoner became the first British female solo artist to score seven number one singles thanks to I’ll Be There. The new album’s lead single, it is admittedly a strong song. However, her second album, Always In Between, offers up so much more than this as Glynne mixes it up, offering several pleasant surprises that go above and beyond its lead single. More of this please, Miss Glynne. 8/10

Johnny Hates Jazz Turn Back the Clock 30th Anniversary Edition

As a celebration of the original release, the band have released this luxury three-CD set that features a remastered version of the original album, an acoustic version of the full album, plus a mix of demos, B sides and alternative mixes. The original album highlights the group’s ability to produce smooth, chart-friendly pop to a high standard which stands up well today.

The acoustic CD gives an interesting counterpoint to this. These versions have a more intimate feel to them that suits the material well. It also gives the songs a more contemporary feel, with a laidback, jazzy twist.

Anyone with a liking for quality 1980s chart pop would be well advised to try out the new version, but don’t miss out on the acoustic set. It’s worth the price of the album in itself. 8/10

Rick Wakeman Piano Odyssey

After nearly 50 years of touring, travelling and recording with stars like David Bowie and Cat Stevens, you could be forgiven for thinking Rick Wakeman deserves a chance to indulge himself. And that’s exactly what the renowned keyboardist does on his new album, Piano Odyssey. Under his deft fingers, tracks like While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Strawberry Fields Forever come alive as voices soar over horns and strings. It won’t take listeners anywhere uncomfortable, but it is satisfying to hear a virtuoso like Wakeman get his hands on classic songs. 6/10

A Star is Born Official Sountrack

The third remake of A Star Is Born has been in the pipeline since 2011 and two years ago Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper signed up to the project. The film has received critical acclaim so expectations are high for the music.

There is quite a divide in musical style, but the listener will get the gist of the tale. Cooper gives a bluesy performance on the grinding opening track Black Eyes and Alibi. Meanwhile Gaga transforms from club singer to a pop/R&B artist. Heal Me and Why Did You Do That? are highlights, but Gaga truly shines in the ballads Always Remember Us This Way and the closer (and possible spoiler) I’ll Never Love Again.

These songs are good enough to stand alone but will no doubt work best in context of the film. 7/10