Lady Gaga surprises fans with a return to her more pop beginnings on new single, The Cure. The production feels derivative of current pop sounds, but a strong chorus and Gaga’s delivery make it a charming bubblegum hit. Harry Styles (pictured) makes a bold start as a solo artist on Sign of the Times, a stadium sized earworm that is a little bit Rolling Stones, a little bit Elton John, and every inch a hit.

Lana Del Rey teams up again with The Weeknd on Lust for Life, a swooning melodramatic indie-pop number that recalls the sheen of her early hits. Irish star Soulé brings the heat once again on new track Troublemaker; a mid-tempo ear-worm with an undeniable groove, it’s smart, well delivered pop from a star on the rise.

Lea Michele built a fan following as a part of TV musical Glee and on second album Places she attempts to marry Broadway style vocals with moody, down-tempo pop ballads. It’s an uneven affair; for all Michele’s vocal flair the songs are middling and frequently oversung.

Kendrick Lamar continues to be one of music’s most prolific talents on new album DAMN. An exhilarating ride that’s both intensely personal and unafraid to touch political topics, it’s a hip-hop masterclass that will win over even the most casual listener.

Steps make a grab for their glittery pop throne after something of a break on Tears on the Dancefloor. While pop has shifted in sound somewhat, Steps unashamedly bring their cheesy but charming sound up to date with aplomb. If escapism, big choruses and campy thrills are your bag, this is the album for you.

Goldfrapp mesh both their electro pop sound and their folk-pop sensibilities on Silver Eye. A canny mix of their many influences, fans will find plenty to love here.