New Music Review #115

Ten more songs you have to hear!

Calum Scott - You Are The Reason

It's slightly familiar lyrics and heart-string pulling choral effects and soaring verses may feel at times a little clawing and overly emotional but Scott's delightful vocals and the building production make this a seasonal-sounding emotive song with plenty of heart. Beautiful. (7.5/10)

Choirs With Purpose feat. Michelle McManus - We All Stand Together

Former X-Factor winner Michelle McManus returns with this delightfully seasonal offering. Simply produced and backed by a chorus, this is a sentimental yet rousing charity number that builds nicely. (7/10)

Dan Owen - Hideaway

With a distinctive sounding voice this dramatic and thumping indie-rock number pushes along with serious gusto and energy. (7/10)

Enter Shikari - The Sights 

After a really strong last single, the synth and fast pace of 'The Sights' makes for a poppier entry into their discography and though it doesn't have the big hook of it's predecessor there's enough variety in here to keep you entertained. (6.5/10)

Jamie Lawson - A Little Mercy

You usually know what you get from Jamie Lawson and 'A Little Mercy' is no different, a beautifully written and sung heartfelt ballad. If that's your sort of thing then this will tick all the boxes for you. (7/10)

JP Cooper - Closer

Another artist who can be relied upon to deliver a strong song, 'Closer' is another nicely produced and sung mid-tempo ballad. It's not hugely memorable but gives you a warmth whilst it flows. (7/10)

Not3s - My Lover

Shakespeare it isn't but Not3s deep voice and the simple production values work well together to form a cool, chilled-out number. (6.5/10)

Sigrid - Strangers

In a week where Sigrid has been announced as one of the stars to look out for in 2018 she drops this electro-pop number with a catchy beat and upbeat feel that will get you bouncing along. Fun. (7/10)

Stereophonics - What's All The Fuss About?

Quite an unusual sound for the Stereophonics but all the more intriguing because of it. With a strong western-influenced sound, this is quite a dark sounding number and its soberness is beautifully echoed in the mournful trumpet and production sound. (7.5/10)

Tom Walker - Leave a Light On

With a few nods towards Imagine Dragons, this is a joyful indie track that matches a slower, more introspective set of verses with a building a bridge to a distinctively gruff chorus. (7/10)