Month: July 2026

Week 30: Gracie Abrams- Daughter from Hell

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We are seeing Gracie Abrams further maturing as a songwriter with songs like ‘Hit the Wall’, ‘The Knife’, ‘Look at My Life’, ‘Good Reason’, and ‘Cold Goodbyes’. They have emotional depth and much sharper lyricism than on her previous album.

The National’s Aaron Dessner (yes, one of the twins) did all that was asked of him. His production blends with her record’s reflective nature.

I cannot fault Aaron Dessner and Dan Nigro’s production, but it’s just too safe.

The majority of the songs have that all-too-familiar muted, mid-tempo sound, which drags the album, and it lasts for almost an hour.

Her writing has further improved, but “Daughter from Hell” does not take any risks. Instead of capturing your ear and imagination, it acts as background music.

A well-made record, but far too often my concentration wandered. I hope next time she has some more bold ideas.

Song recommendations: ‘Hit the Wall’, ‘Cold Goodbyes’, ‘The Knife’

6/10

Week 29: The Rolling Stones- Foreign Tongues

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I loved “Foreign Tongues” from start to finish, and the long, long wait was well worth it. There’s nothing nostalgic about it; it’s full of energy and swagger. The grit and attitude are on full display on songs like ‘Rough and Twisted’, ‘Hit Me in the Head’, and ‘Jealous Lover’, which has defined their sound for more than 60 years. The Stones proved they have still got the ability to write catchy, memorable rock songs with tracks like ‘Mr. Charm’ and ‘Divine Intervention’

I loved how fun the album was. It never feels forced or tired. It sounds like a band enjoying themselves. Andrew Watt has done a great job with the production, with the songs sounding fresh and powerful, but still preserving the unmistakable Rolling Stones sound. Mick’s Jagger’s vocals are top drawer, and the rest of the band ride on the brilliant production.

Usually covers are a bit of filler on an album, but the versions of Amy Winehouse’s ‘You Know I’m No Good’ and Chuck Berry’s ‘Beautiful Delilah’ are done justice. Amy’s one is done with a bluesy swagger, and Chuck’s is a nod to one of the band’s greatest inspirations.

This record just sounds better with every listen. Energetic, strong, and plenty of memorable tracks. It has to be the best album from them in recent times. Can you imagine what they’re going to sound like live? I can’t fucking wait.

Song recommendations: ‘Hit Me in the Head’, ‘Jealous Lover’, ‘You Know I’m No Good’

10/10

Week 28: Madonna- Confessions II (Confessions on a Dance Floor: Part II)

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It is undeniable that Madonna has left a lasting impression on pop music. Since her pomp in the 80s, she has always adapted her image and style, changing the face of electronic music, dance-pop, and pop culture.

A career spanning over forty years has kept her in the limelight and flexible, which is why she is dubbed the “Queen of Pop”.

Now, after quite a lengthy wait, she has returned with the soundtrack to “Confessions II”, where she has returned to the dancefloor sound that made the first “Confessions on a Dance Floor” album a big hit, but with a more thoughtful feel.

The production is what shines the most this time. Stuart Price has done a wonderful job bringing bright electronic beats and big club rhythms to life on tracks like ‘I Feel So Free’, ‘Danceteria’, ‘One Step Away’, and my overall highlight ‘Love Sensation’. It has a catchy hook and uplifting production, making it a typical Madonna track. It isn’t up to much lyrically, but the production is enough.

The album focuses on style rather than substance. The music is absolutely brilliant, but the lyrical content is either minimal or repetitive.

Songs that had potential, like ‘Good for the Soul’, ‘Read My Lips’, ‘Everything’, ‘Love Without Words’, ‘Betrayal’, and ‘The Test ’, fell down due to the excessive use of autotune.

However, “Confessions II” may not be her best album, but it is uplifting and fun with plenty of club-influenced tracks.

The songwriting isn’t the best, but does it need to be? The record is all about uplifting production with dance beats, which more than makes up for it. If you are looking for thought-provoking lyricism, then this album isn’t for you. If you want to have fun and get lost in the music, then you are going to love this.

Song recommendations: ‘Love Sensation’, ‘Danceteria’, ‘I Feel So Free’

7/10

Week 27: Muse – The Wow! Signal

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I  cannot believe it! I actually like a Muse studio album! They have finally captured some of that explosive energy from their live shows in the studio. Something that has always been missing. Muse are fucking brilliant live, but their records always seem flat. This one finally has a live feel.

My ears pricked up from the intro of ‘The Dark Forest ’; you can feel that energy.  ‘Cryogen’, ‘Hexagons’, and ‘The Sickness in You & I’ have that dramatic Muse sound with huge riffs.

‘Nightshift Superstar’ and ‘Unravelling’ bring something new to the table, with their groovy feel, but it’s still unmistakably Muse.

The album ends on a sci-fi vibe with ‘Space Debris’ and an emotional note.

What I fucking loved about the record was that the songs had that live energy.  They are not suffocated by heavy production. They just let that raw, urgent energy that we experience live take the lead. Fucking at long last. The choruses are as usual stadium-ready, every riff has to be heard with an ever-increasing volume to hear them in all their glory. Those songs mentioned will be embraced by the fans on the tour.

This is one of their best records ever. They have finally realised they can capture a fair bit of their live magic in the studio. Whatever songs are picked for the tour will be absolutely amazing.

Song recommendations: ‘The Dark Forest’, ‘Nightshift Superstar’, ‘Hexagons’

9/10