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MUSIC FEATURE THE BEST OF BRITISH Brew yourself a pot o' tea (and “add a bit o’ sugar, bit o’ milk, stir it, stir it, stir it, wring it out,” if you're doing it Adele's favourite way) and read on to discover or reacquaint yourself with the absolute best of British music! Words Zoe Radas, Bryget Chrisfield, Alex Burgess, Jacqui Picone

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Harry’s House – which arrived in 2022, three eventful years after 2019’s Fine Line – draws us deeply into the domicile of Harry Styles’ world. Though there are parties in some rooms, the English pop phenom spends just as much time meandering through his abode’s more contemplative spaces. This album presents life in beautiful, unabashed motion, and offers a reminder that there’s always more to be lived. Queen, Greatest Hits (1981) If you keep an eye on JB's vinyl chart, you'll know that a week without spying Queen's Greatest Hits somewhere within the top 10 is rarer than the tooth of a hen. And that's because, of course, you can drop the needle anywhere at all on this connsumate collection and find yourself in sonic bliss. Last year, Greatest Hits spent its 1,000th week on the UK albums chart – long may Freddie reign! The Cure, Greatest Hits (2001) Behind that magical cover art of Robert Smith wielding fallen stars lies the English goth-new wave act's most superb songs, from across albums Japanese Whispers ('83), Disintegration ('89), The Head on the Door ('85), and more. Dropping in 2001, the record was released to fulfil the conditions of the band's contract with longtime label Fiction Records, though Smith insisted on one condition to its release: that he choose the tracklisting himself.

Wham!, The Singles: Echoes from the Edge of Heaven (2023) As one of the most beloved pop acts of all time, Wham!'s recent singles collection is one die-hards have been waiting for; this massive compilation celebrates 40 years of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's songwriting prowess, including remixes of Last Christmas and Freedom , and a stunning a capella version of 1985's number one smash I'm Your Man. Nothing But Thieves, Dead Club City (2023) Dead Club City is the latest daring project from this Essex five-piece; each time the record turns a corner, we're sent down a fresh sonic detour, thoughtfully guided. While nothing unusual for this troupe – who over the years have continually tinkered with and refined their measured blend of electro-fied indie rock – the experimentation feels a leap more ambitious here. Robbie Williams, XXV (2022) The phrase “Let me entertain you” came across as a manic plea on Robbie Williams’ debut solo album. But here – as the opener of a generous collection of orchestra- and choir augmented hits from the English superstar’s extensive catalogue, to celebrate

Amy Winehouse

She directly channelled the savvy style of a time when seven-inches ruled the roost, and her vision – along with Ronson's R'n'B-licked production and co-writing knack – saw Back to Black emerge at once timeless and incredibly modern. The Police, Greatest Hits (1992) The Police's punk 'n' reggae-stung catalogue is on full display in all of its effortlessly cool glory on this Greatest Hits compilation, which takes listeners on a journey through Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, Don't Stand So Close to Me, Every Breath You Take, Walking on the Moon , and the song with arguably the

25 years in the biz – it’s more like a distinguished suggestion from the now mature (but still electric) artist. XXV is a genuine rediscovery, from the guy who's all about reworking his material. Harry Styles, Harry's House (2022)

Amy Winehouse, Back to Black (2006) When speaking to her soon-to-be producer Mark Ronson before recording Back to Black in 2005, Amy Winehouse used examples from pop and soul girl bands from the '60s – like The Ronettes, and particularly The Shangri-Las – to explain the sound she was seeking.

Harry Styles

74 SEPTEMBER 2023

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