U2: Carnaval de Luz review – rousing, restorative rock from a band ready to take on the world again
On their first album of new songs in nearly a decade, even earnest Bono-isms carry weight amid music that is impassioned and rejuvenated
Spice Girls: The Singles Collection review – stop fleecing your fans right now, thank you very much
The reunion that fans were hoping for turns out to be a cash-grab box set – though there is a worthwhile curio featuring Posh on lead vocals
La Roux: Old Flames review – a breezy, hook-packed twist on a breakup album
Devastating moments are dressed up with warm production and kinetic 00s R&B in the now quiff-less singer’s grownup fourth album
Bassvictim: Peace + War review – like a thrillingly chaotic house party that goes on too long
On their fourth buzzy project in two years, the gobby and combustible US-Polish pair are best when they’re leaning into the roughness of their sound
Sampa the Great: Nu Zamrock review – a full-circle moment for a world-class act
Sampa Tembo’s genre-hopping third album meets the moment with charisma and cheek
The Big Moon: Forever review – the hell of hearing loss inspires a defiantly hopeful pop-disco marvel
After frontperson Juliette Jackson lost half her hearing, she wrote sad songs and felt frustrated. So she pivoted, writing herself a happy ending. The results are joyfully convincing
Macklemore’s Free Palestine tour review – a triumph of a show with performances from Hozier, Kneecap and more
3Arena, DublinSeveral unannounced guests feature on the first European date of the rapper’s sold-out benefit tour, including video messages from Mark Ruffalo and Cynthia Nixon
Mac DeMarco review – glowing melodies and shirtless antics at Carnegie Hall
After winning over gen Z, the cult indie rocker makes the historic venue swoon with introspective anthems and a Michael Jackson cover
Super Graphic Spectacular review – Chappell Roan dazzles at her gloriously gay mini-festival
With performances by Christina Aguilera, Lola Young and Tinashe, the pop star brings a colorful vision to life in support of LGBTQ+ charities
Amy Winehouse: Back to Black 20 review – trying an all-star Amy tribute show is a losing game
With Jorja Smith, Mark Ronson and others reinterpreting Back to Black for its 20th anniversary, most of the singers are eclipsed by the memory of Winehouse
Michael Kiwanuka: Fudge review – rough and instinctive, but also lush and alive with melody
Its release delayed by ill health, Kiwanuka’s latest was made in tandem with 2024’s Small Changes – but it’s much more than a mere companion album
Worldpeace DMT: Stick Around for Tea review – ‘laptop twee’ duo keep things goofy but strengthen songs
Bringing back the hyperliterate sound design of their acclaimed 2025 debut, the London duo explore childhood with whimsical humour and terrific musicality
Angèle: Instinct review – Belgium’s biggest star is determined to do pop differently
Massive in her home nation but less so outside, Angèle is aided by Justice, Soulwax and Caroline Polachek in a bold bid for broader appeal – but her resultant album can be generic as well as daring
Stevie Wonder review – playing his greatest album in full, he knocks everyone sideways
The opening night of Wonder’s tour marking the 50th anniversary of Songs in the Key of Life leaves jaws on the floor, thanks to sumptuous tracks carrying still-urgent messages
The Mary Wallopers review – legs and pints go flying to the sound of rowdy folk ragers
Irish six-piece embark on their biggest tour yet, turning grisly old stories into a knees-up with politically astute, spit-and-sawdust energy