FOUR (Deluxe)

The early-’00s rivalry between Backstreet Boys and ’N Sync was ostensibly ridiculous frivolity, even if it continues to have a prickly side rooted in actual sour feelings. Still, the perceived competition had the effect of pushing each group to step up its pop game, whether with juggernaut radio singles (Backstreet…

The early-’00s rivalry between Backstreet Boys and ’N Sync was ostensibly ridiculous frivolity, even if it continues to have a prickly side rooted in actual sour feelings. Still, the perceived competition had the effect of pushing each group to step up its pop game, whether with juggernaut radio singles (Backstreet…

The latest album releases reviewed by the Evening Standard's music critics

The latest album releases reviewed by the Evening Standard's music critics

Check out our album review of Artist's Four on Rolling Stone.com.

Check out our album review of Artist's Four on Rolling Stone.com.

With its debt to the big guitar pop of the 80s, the boy band’s latest album is their most mature yet, writes <strong>Kitty Empire</strong>

With its debt to the big guitar pop of the 80s, the boy band’s latest album is their most mature yet, writes <strong>Kitty Empire</strong>

The album is a painful reminder of One Direction’s status as a manufactured, focus-grouped pop entity.

The album is a painful reminder of One Direction’s status as a manufactured, focus-grouped pop entity.

Simon Cowell’s charges take a skinny-jeaned step from bubble-gum pop to soft rock for their fourth outing, writes <strong>Tshepo Mokoena</strong>

Simon Cowell’s charges take a skinny-jeaned step from bubble-gum pop to soft rock for their fourth outing, writes <strong>Tshepo Mokoena</strong>

Anthemic choruses; power chords; epic drums – Neil McCormick finds an unlikely comparison to Bruce Springsteen in the X Factor quintet’s latest offering

Anthemic choruses; power chords; epic drums – Neil McCormick finds an unlikely comparison to Bruce Springsteen in the X Factor quintet’s latest offering