Crossword Genius

Popular record, though initially awkward (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inept

'awkward' is the definition.
('inept' can be a synonym of 'awkward')

'popular record though initially' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'in'.
'record' becomes 'ep'.
'initially' says to take the initial letters.
The first letter of 'though' is 't'.
'in'+'ep'+'t'='INEPT'

(Other definitions for inept that I've seen before include "Blundering" , "pointless" , "Useless, awkward" , "Amateurish" , "Ham-fisted" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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