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Self Esteem  A Complicated Woman

The UK star repeats some of her breakout album’s formula but little of its lacerating insight on a record where the Big Feminist Statements feel frustratingly basic Pitchfork

Self Esteem  A Complicated Woman

Self Esteem has returned with one of the most important albums of 2025 Clash

Femi Kuti  Journey Through Life

The album is a triumph for Femi Kuti, reflecting his tireless dedication to his father’s legacy, in addition to his own artistic vision Far Out

Femi Kuti  Journey Through Life

The apple doesn't fall far, as they say, and a 62-year-old Femi is still raging against the system on Journey Through Life. Print edition only Record Collector

Femi Kuti  Journey Through Life

Kuti plots a way forward with the high-energy "Shotan" and "Corruption Na Stealing", his message ultimately uplifting. Print edition only Uncut

Femi Kuti  Journey Through Life

Best of all is Politics Don Expose Them, which hits hard yet swings on great horn lines and a catchy call-and-response chorus. Print edition only Mojo

Femi Kuti  Journey Through Life

Femi Kuti injects fresh energy into afrobeat on Journey Through Life The Line Of Best Fit

Samia  Bloodless

What also makes Bloodless so special is Samia’s ability to find moments of unadulterated joy amidst it all Beats Per Minute

Sunflower Bean  Mortal Primetime

“Please check if I’m breathing,” they sing on the fourth song of the album. If you have a pulse, you will find something on this album to enjoy Northern Transmissions

Self Esteem  A Complicated Woman

Prioritise Pleasure, in its snarling ferocity, began with a pack of women barking, shrieking to ward off male prey. A Complicated Woman is more of a whimper Northern Transmissions

Viagra Boys  viagr aboys

Viagr Aboys dares to be stupid, smart, ugly, and sincere all at once Northern Transmissions

Sunflower Bean  Mortal Primetime

On the trio’s fourth album, the louds are louder, the quiets quieter, no power chord or lilting lullaby so fey it can't be goosed just a little bit more. Glam pivots to folk, hair-metal melds seamlessly with soft rock, yet it never once trips over itself with an out-of-place reference or hoary retread Paste Magazine

Samia  Bloodless

The New York musician’s third album may also be her best. The writing is richly human and gladly vulnerable, fearlessly interrogating what makes up a self Paste Magazine

Samia  Bloodless

For as much as the singer-songwriter has an undeniable knack for melodic hooks that permeate throughout the different shades of her alt-pop permutations, it's her lyricism that I've always found most compelling Exclaim

SUMAC & Moor Mother  The Film

For those who care, The Film is one to be treasured Sputnik Music (staff)