This past year has been nothing short of incredible for both rising stars and seasoned artists alike. From the bold vibes of ‘brat summer’ to the caffeine-fueled energy of Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, female artists have truly made their mark. So, let’s dive into some of the standout albums from the past year that you won’t want to miss!
Sabrina Carpenter / Short 'N Sweet
The follow up to "Emails I Can't Send" Sabrina's 6th album contains the massive summer hits, "Espresso" and "Please Please Please". This album is not heavy or self indulgent like some current pop, but cheeky, clever, effortlessly executed with a superb sense of humour. It's not just about two hits though, highlights include "Lie To Girls" that showcase her impressive vocal range delivering the usual sharp lyrics. The country lite "Slim Pickins" is such a fun song and encourages her lyrics should be screamed too as well as sung. And a favourite of mine "Sharp Tool". A simple song that packs such a punch. The current hit "Taste" shows again how unexpectedly addictive this album is.
By Tony F, Music Manager
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Billie Eilish / Hit Me Hard and Soft
Hit Me Hard And Soft is a poised, understated collection where acoustic guitars and hushed vocals create a dreamlike atmosphere. Eilish and Finneas gradually shift the tone, adding intensity throughout. Tracks like "Skinny" set a quiet mood, while "Chihiro" adds 80s synth vibes. "Birds Of A Feather" showcases beautiful, subdued pop melodies. It's an album that unfolds with repeated listens, offering a refreshing contrast to instant-gratification hooks.
By David A, Head of Music and Tech
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Charli XCX / Brat
With a certain je ne sais quoi, this summer has seen the rise and rise of Charli XCX. She's taken the music that grounded her - aggressive hyperpop, mixed with virtuosic and achingly vulnerable songwriting, developing that club classic sound into something iconic. With glee & audacity she's taken this worldwide. Brat is a celebration of what remains when you're left ciggie in hand with the crystalised core of a musical tour de force.
By Connor W, Community Manager
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Joan as Police Woman / Lemons, Limes and Orchids
Joan as Police Woman's new album showcases a masterful blend of exceptional songwriting and depth, creating a perfect fusion of sweet tones and sophistication. With its ethereal qualities and rich textures, this is a career-defining album you simply cannot miss.
By Saoirse H, Community Executive
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Cat Burns / Early Twenties
Cat Burns’ Early Twenties captures the highs and lows of growing up. With songs like “Low Self-Esteem” and “Boy Crazy,” she offers heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies, reflecting on love, mental health, and self-acceptance.
By Kamil H, Marketing Manager
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Taylor Swift / The Tortured Poets Department
Taylor Swift has been busy! In February 2024 (11 months into the Eras tour), while accepting her 13th Grammy (out of 14), she announced a brand new album, surprising even the Swifties. Taylor does not hold back in her 11th studio album, it takes you on a 16 track emotional rollercoaster. Working again with Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, the album has some of the familiar sounds of Midnights but the feelings hit deeper this time. Not many artists can translate pain to pop, but it’s what she does best. This album touches on a wide spectrum of emotion - deep sadness and grief (So Long, London, loml), genuine fury (But Daddy I Love Him, The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived), hopefulness and triumph (The Alchemy, I Can Do It With A Broken Heart). It’s a raw and honest piece of work, and you don't have to be Swiftie to appreciate it. Taylor wraps up her Eras Tour in December in Canada after almost 2 years, but she'll be sure to come back with more surprises soon - what a legacy to leave.
By Charlotte L, Central Operations Co-ordinator
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Kylie Minogue / Tension II
‘Tension II’, the high-energy, high-octane partner of the Number 1 album and global smash ‘Tension’, sees Kylie head further into the electronic space, and is packed full of dance floor anthems. The collection of 13 songs includes 9 brand new Kylie studio tracks featuring lead single 'Lights Camera Action', plus ‘Edge of Saturday Night’ with The Blessed Madonna and further collaborations with Orville Peck, Bebe Rexha, Tove Lo and Sia.
By Chris H, Senior Music Buyer
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Gracie Abrams / The Secret of Us
Gracie Abrams’ second album ‘The Secret of Us’ is full of catchy tunes and heartfelt expressions. With a more sophisticated sound than ever before, the record is introspective and open. Production by both Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner ensures the album has the perfect balance of upbeat pop and slow ballads. She sings about her relationships, friends and self all with her soft-spoken voice, yet the compelling lyrics hit exceptionally hard. It is raw but also refined, specific but also relatable.
By Saoirse H, Community Executive
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Peggy Gou / I Hear You
Peggy Gou's "I Hear You" pulses with infectious energy, seamlessly merging deep house grooves with lush synths. The hypnotic vocals evoke a sense of intimacy while celebrating connection on the dancefloor.
By Steven F, Music Buyer
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Adrianne Lenker / Bright Future
The intimacy of Big Thief singer Adrianne Lenker's latest solo album feels almost intrusive, with raw, personal lyrics and the sound of background shuffles left exposed. The fragile accompaniment highlights her reflections, pulling listeners into her indie movie-like world.
By David A, Head of Music and Tech
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