SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

CERTIFIED LOVER BOY Drake

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Over the course of almost 90 minutes, the 34-year-old revisits his favourite subjects, including how he still doesn’t get enough respect despite his vast success. He samples the lyrics of The Beatles’ Michelle on first track Champagne Poetry, as if underlining how he belongs in A-list company, and talks about himself in the third person as he outlines his power and influence.

There’s a vast array of producers and numerous guest appearances including Jay-Z and Lil Wayne.

Drake is at the top of his game on tracks like Knife Talk, Fountains and No Friends In The Industry, but no-one is editing Drake at this stage of the game, and most of the time Certified Lover Boy is almost as good as he thinks it is.

BACK IN LOVE CITY The Vaccines HHHHI

After a shaky third album and the departure of drummer and founding member Pete Robertson, the indie rockers have settled into a new creative groove. Combat Sports in 2018 saw them deliver a solid suite of inventive garage rock and now, after a two-year delay due to the pandemic, they are releasing Back In Love City.

Their most wide-ranging album yet, it encompasses spaghetti western drama (Paranormal Romance), stomping glam rock (the title track) and dreamy FM rock (El Paso). They’ve managed to capture a new inventive spirit.

GROUND CONTROL Rudimental HHHII

The British drum and bass quartet’s fourth studio album is packed with energetic tracks which will keep the dancefloor full.

It opens with the catchy and familiar 2020 release Come Over, and Hardy Caprio joins the band for an atmospheric version of their 2019 hit Ghost.

Ground Control largely sticks to Rudimental’s successful formula of mixing dance beats with emotional lyrics while keeping things fresh with plenty of guest artists bringing their own flavour. A great party album to keep people moving.