Premium Content:

Ben Lee – Ripe – INERTIA

Australian pop prince Ben Lee continues to play tunes that will make most listeners (or at least this one) want to ruffle his curls and pinch his cheeks. Beyond the poppy rhythms, however, lies a fascination with American culture, prompting songs about television and Jay-Z as well as a less than impressive collaboration with Mandy Moore on what is easily the worst track on the record, Birds and Bees. The bizarre chorus of Sex Without Love passes as Ben Lee’s best Bon Jovi impersonation, and in an even stranger twist, the 80s throwback actually works. However, it is tracks like American Television and Blush – infectious tunes that will get in the head of anyone within earshot and keep them smiling – that make this album worth owning. –Megan Smith  

Latest

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from St Lucia, Anna Calvi and Perfume Genius, Melody's Echo Chamber, Mika and Evann McIntosh.

Queer playwright Jeremy O Harris detained in Japan on drug charges

Jeremy O Harris has been behind bars since mid-November after authorities allegedly found drugs in his luggage.

Calls for federal government to allow doctors more funding to support those at risk of HIV

The RACGP says its time for rethink about how doctors and health services support those who are most at risk of contracting the virus.

On This Gay Day | Marriage equality Bill passes through Parliament

Australia's long fight for marriage equality ended on this day in 2017.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from St Lucia, Anna Calvi and Perfume Genius, Melody's Echo Chamber, Mika and Evann McIntosh.

Queer playwright Jeremy O Harris detained in Japan on drug charges

Jeremy O Harris has been behind bars since mid-November after authorities allegedly found drugs in his luggage.

Calls for federal government to allow doctors more funding to support those at risk of HIV

The RACGP says its time for rethink about how doctors and health services support those who are most at risk of contracting the virus.

On This Gay Day | Marriage equality Bill passes through Parliament

Australia's long fight for marriage equality ended on this day in 2017.

Former Eurovision representative Montaigne calls for boycott

Montaigne says Australia should join Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands and Slovenia, and get out of Eurovision 2026.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from St Lucia, Anna Calvi and Perfume Genius, Melody's Echo Chamber, Mika and Evann McIntosh.

Queer playwright Jeremy O Harris detained in Japan on drug charges

Jeremy O Harris has been behind bars since mid-November after authorities allegedly found drugs in his luggage.

Calls for federal government to allow doctors more funding to support those at risk of HIV

The RACGP says its time for rethink about how doctors and health services support those who are most at risk of contracting the virus.