Sam Smith takes a seemingly less commercial approach to his sophomore album, but does it pay off?

Music writer Jack Greeney reviews the biggest show of the emerging indie singer-songwriter’s career so far

Elizabeth Gibson reviews Gabrielle Aplin in a unique setting: Manchester Cathedral

Zara Larsson talks Beyonce, feminism and pop with Deputy Music Editor, Yasmin Duggal

Lorde dazzles in her first show of the Melodrama tour

Elizabeth Gibson looks beyond the hype to the quiet beauty of Indigo Girls’ fifth album

Mancunion readers are in with a chance to win an exclusive vinyl edition of Marika Hackman’s new album, as well as a signed personalised postcard

Rebekah Shaw affectionately looks back at the Canadian singer’s 15-year-old skater-rock debut

This week brings new releases from both well established and upcoming artists. Despite it being the beginning of spring, across all tracks darkness certainly prevails, writes Amy Matthews

The Shins’ latest record will be a welcome return for their dearest fans, but others will find another record to add to the backend of a summer Spotify playlist, Christian Hurry writes

Nick Jeyarajah looks back on John Lennon’s solo debut, a painful and raw record that establishes a new identity for the former Beatle

The quirky Swedish artist returns with a more mature album that’s as entertaining than ever, writes Calum Pinder

Love and uncertainty: melancholy music and intriguing themes prevail in a week of releases from the old and new of the musical spectrum

On the eve of their farewell tour, Christian Hurry speaks to the beloved folk-pop group about their career highlights and future trajectories

Rounding off the year on home turf, Shura’s catchy dance-pop is unfortunately let down by a static performance that lacks variety, writes Cassie Hyde

Tara Bharadia reflects on the legacy of pop star and gay icon George Michael, who died on Christmas Day

Sleigh Bells fourth album is an underwhelming attempt to deviate from the style they’ve established, writes Calum Pinder

The French pop troupe pop the question, writes Ben Lomax — and the answer is a resounding ‘yes’

Lady Gaga’s new album is a Wild West shock to the Little Monsters’ systems, writes Alexandra Bickell

Hana Kelly bids a sad farewell to Two Door Cinema Club’s former glory on their third LP