Jamiroquai review – hat-sporting acid jazz superstars are slick but lack substance
The novelty headgear tally is high and frontman Jay Kay is in impressive voice – but strong material is smothered by polished playing and flashy production
Watch Simon Cowell’s TV search for a new boyband – and see how our world has changed
Twenty years on, the social media-savvy contestants will have greater power. His brutal approach to judging them will have to change, too, says Guardian columnist Emma Brockes
Pop, smut and Swift: what Spotify Wrapped 2025 reveals about Australian tastes
Lack of local content is notable this year in the music platform’s analysis of users’ personal music, podcast and audiobook choices
The 20 best songs of 2025
This year’s outstanding tracks – from post-punk rap to indie-disco and operatic pop – as voted for by 30 Guardian music writers
Brat-core tees, butterfly bling and a hot-to-go hat: the best UK Christmas gifts for pop girlies
Shopping for a Swiftie, a Brat or a Short n’ Sweet superfan? We’ve rounded up the ultimate pop-girlie gifts of 2025, inspired by everyone from Chappell Roan to Olivia Rodrigo
Sabrina Carpenter condemns ‘evil and disgusting’ ICE video that uses her song
Pop star calls out White House’s ‘inhumane agenda’ after post that soundtracks immigration raids to her song Juno
Life in One Chord review – the Dunedin sound through the eyes of a music maverick
Based on a memoir by Straitjacket Fits frontman Shayne Carter, this documentary maps out the New Zealand town that birthed an indie movement
‘I can’t hear Mariah Carey for the 1,000th time!’ Professional Santas on their most loved – and hated – Christmas hits
A flock of Father Christmases share the seasonal songs that capture the magic, merriment and occasional heartbreak that comes with donning the red suit
Jorja Smith’s label requests share of royalties from ‘AI-cloned’ TikTok viral song
Uncredited vocals on song I Run by British dance act Haven alleged to infringe copyright as impersonation of Smith
‘We didn’t think Back to the Future sounded plausible – or good’: Huey Lewis and the News on The Power of Love
‘I told the producers I didn’t know how to do a song for a film – and added that, frankly, I didn’t fancy writing one called Back to the Future. They said, “No problem, just give us one of your songs”’
Wolf Alice review – indie chameleons sparkle on a glam-rock bender
With 70s rock references, tinselly backdrop and some full-on cabaret-theatre vibes, the four-piece have undergone their most fun and complete reinvention yet
‘It has made me live life more’: Jessie J on cancer, comebacks and cracking China
Endometriosis, failed relationships, suicide and gaslighting … they are all laid bare in the singer-songwriter’s new album. But just as she finished recording it, she found out she had cancer. She talks about why it’s made her more determined
‘An engineering feat’: the 26-year-old Australian making costumes for Lady Gaga
Samuel Lewis had to push his limits for the pop star’s global tour, set to hit his home town Melbourne next week
O come out ye faithful: a joyful roundup of UK culture this Christmas
Beauty and the Beast or Wolf Alice? Queen Marie Antoinette or Count Arthur Strong? Come and behold: the holiday season offers stage, film, music and art that’s worth singing about
Olivia Dean fans refunded by Ticketmaster after singer criticises ‘vile’ resale practices
Ticketmaster said they would ‘lead by example’ after Dean called out companies when tickets for her North American tour appeared on resale sites at prices in excess of $1,000