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 Deary, Muna, Marius, Eric Nam, Woodz and Pond.

On This Gay Day | Actor Elizabeth Taylor died in 2011

Elizabeth Taylor is remembered for her vocal support for AIDS research.

The final season of ‘Heartbreak High’ arrives this week

In season 3, for Hartley High’s graduating class, it’s goodbye school, hello adulthood!

In the Pines 2026 will showcase the best of Perth’s local music scene

Don't miss one of the best says of the year on the local music calendar.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Fresh Tracks |  The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Deary, Muna, Marius, Eric Nam, Woodz and Pond.

On This Gay Day | Actor Elizabeth Taylor died in 2011

Elizabeth Taylor is remembered for her vocal support for AIDS research.

The final season of ‘Heartbreak High’ arrives this week

In season 3, for Hartley High’s graduating class, it’s goodbye school, hello adulthood!

In the Pines 2026 will showcase the best of Perth’s local music scene

Don't miss one of the best says of the year on the local music calendar.

Exhibition reveals the hidden world of Huntington’s Disease

The exhibition uses the creative methodology of photovoice to empower participants to share their lived experience

Fresh Tracks |  The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Deary, Muna, Marius, Eric Nam, Woodz and Pond.

On This Gay Day | Actor Elizabeth Taylor died in 2011

Elizabeth Taylor is remembered for her vocal support for AIDS research.

The final season of ‘Heartbreak High’ arrives this week

In season 3, for Hartley High’s graduating class, it’s goodbye school, hello adulthood!