Album review overview: Katy Perry, Keith Urban and more

Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.

SERA – The Journey

SERA, best known for her hits “Hurt Me,” “Stay,” and “Head Held High,” releases her debut album, “The Journey.” Over the past few years, she has experimented with her sound, resulting in a varied album. “The Journey” opens smoothly with “Echo,” and “Head Held High” fully immerses you in her music. It’s still a strong track, sung with such conviction that it’s infectious. “Dollar” has the same powerful production but feels a bit like an outdated Avril Lavigne. SERA’s voice, however, is her strongest asset on this album. Whether she’s singing an uptempo dance track or an emotional ballad, she strikes the right tone. Her collaborations, such as “Hurt Me” and “Stay (Never Leave)” with Kris Kross Amsterdam, stand out, but they represent the album’s three highlights. You can hear SERA is still discovering her identity as an artist, making the album both surprising and unpredictable, with tracks that sometimes feel a bit directionless. A clearer focus on the powerful anthems would have made for a more cohesive album. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (7/10) (Universal)

Katy Perry – 143

Katy Perry’s sixth studio album, “143,” is a return to the dance floor but lacks the spark of her earlier work. Named after the code for “I love you,” the album explores different aspects of love but often gets stuck in clichés and shallow lyrics. Tracks like “Crush” and “Nirvana” rely heavily on repetitive phrases and predictable metaphors. The production, mainly by Dr. Luke, leans toward a synth-heavy sound reminiscent of Perry’s past hits but lacks freshness and innovation. However, there are bright spots. “Lifetimes” is a catchy dance-pop number that harks back to the genre’s glory days, and the closing track “Wonder,” an ode to Perry’s daughter, offers a more genuine sound and stands out as one of the stronger tracks. Collaborations with artists like 21 Savage, Kim Petras, and Doechii add little to the overall experience. The single “Woman’s World,” intended as an empowerment anthem, falls flat due to controversial production choices. While “143” has some enjoyable moments, it lacks the vibrant personality and witty humour that characterize Perry’s best work, resulting in a collection that’s competent but rarely exciting. (William Brown) (5/10) (Capitol Records)

Leif Vollebekk – Revelation

Leif Vollebekk’s new album, “Revelation,” takes you on a journey of introspection, fueled by his unique blend of folk and subtle soul. The album begins with “Rock And Roll,” an energetic track that immediately sets the tone with rich orchestral layers and rhythmic intensity. It’s one of those rare moments where you instantly know you’re listening to something extraordinary. When the tempo slows down, as in the intimate “Southern Star,” Vollebekk’s melancholic voice and masterful songwriting remain constant. The harmonies from Anaïs Mitchell and Angie McMahon elevate the track to another level without losing any emotional depth. “Sunset Boulevard Expedition,” an eight-minute epic, is undoubtedly the album’s highlight. The repetitive piano melodies and lush orchestration give the track a dreamy quality that lingers long after it’s over. “Revelation” is a meditation on change and the passage of time, a quest for meaning in an elusive world. This album is a quiet revelation, beautifully crafted by Vollebekk himself. It’s a musical journey you’ll want to experience over and over again. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (8/10) (Secret City Records)

Cher – Forever

With “Forever,” Cher once again proves why she’s the undisputed “Queen of Reinvention.” This compilation, featuring 40 remastered tracks spanning seven decades, is a celebration of Cher’s unparalleled career. Although the material on this album will be familiar to most fans, the new remasters bring a surprisingly modern freshness to these classics. The production spared no effort in smoothing out any rough edges, giving even the oldest tracks a contemporary shine. At first glance, “Forever” might seem unnecessary to Cher’s extensive discography. However, this compilation is the perfect soundtrack for long, late-night drives. The mix of nostalgic hits and refreshed sound creates a listening experience that makes time fade away. With her upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in October, “Forever” serves as a timely reminder of Cher’s lasting impact on the music industry. The album highlights her versatility as an artist and confirms her ability to captivate generations, even if that impact has faded somewhat in the past two decades. While “Forever” may not be groundbreaking, it’s undeniably Cher: grand, glamorous, and irresistible. For both longtime fans and newcomers, this album offers a wonderful opportunity to rediscover and celebrate the rich musical legacy of this legend. Cher truly deserves to be honoured in this way, and “Forever” does so with flair. (Jan Vranken) (6/10) (Warner Records)

Keith Urban – High

Keith Urban’s new album, “High,” marks a return to his familiar country-rock sound but unfortunately shows little artistic growth. After previous experiments with pop-oriented music, Urban opts for a safe, commercial approach that underutilizes his true talent as a composer and guitarist. The album opens strongly with “Straight Line,” an infectious track reminiscent of his earlier hits. Songs like “Wildside” and “Chuck Taylors” offer catchy melodies and nostalgic vibes but lack depth. His collaboration with Lainey Wilson on “Go Home W U” is entertaining but superficial. Although Urban’s vocal performances and production are solid, the album lacks the innovation and guitar work he’s known for. Tracks like “Daytona” and “Love Is Hard” show glimpses of emotional depth but remain stuck in predictable structures. “High” is an accessible album that will appeal to fans of Urban’s earlier work, but true music enthusiasts may be disappointed by the lack of artistic challenge. A missed opportunity for an artist of his calibre. (Jan Vranken) (6/10) (Hit Red Records)