New Music Review #80

Another ten great songs to listen to!

Amy Macdonald - Down By The Water

Though not as perky as her big comeback single, 'Down By The Water' showcases a smoother, quieter side to Macdonald and the sudden switch to the larger gospel-fuelled chorus works really well, as does the gospel-tinged breakdown. (6.5/10)

Callum Beattie - Man Behind The Sun

Sounding like a poppier Manic Street Preachers, this upbeat and jaunty pop song combines a catchy chorus, vocal chants and some strong production effects to make this a larger than life number. (7.5/10)

Cedric Gervais feat. Liza Owen - Somebody New

Dipping its toes into dance and electronica, this is a catchy fusion of various genres that, even though it throws a lot into the pot, hooks you in. (7/10)

The Chainsmokers - Honest

It's certainly sounds like a song by the Chainsmokers but also has more heart than their usual off-the-shelf records. Perhaps their work with Coldplay has rubbed off on them? (7/10)

Fickle Friends - Glue

Switching the style with pizzazz, this is a strong pop-electronic number that will get your feet moving and an urge to karaoke coming in. Great. (7/10)

The Fizz - Dancing In The Rain

Sounding like a cross between Abba and Steps, this new pop number from the band formerly known as Bucks Fizz is a fun slice of camp Eurovision pop, but is a great upbeat listen. (7.5/10)

Jamiroquai - Superfresh

The man of many hits returns with this Daft Punk and seventies fused track. It lacks the memorability of his big hits and the sound is a bit too familiar and bland, but whilst it's on will get you moving. (6.5/10)

Rhys Lewis - I Know The Feeling

With lyrics that will certainly resonate with some generations, the sharp words are wrapped up in a Kooks-meets-George-Ezra pace and vibe, and feels remarkably summery and funky. (6.5/10)

Snakehips and Anne-Marie feat. Joey Bada$$ - Either Way

The musical cooking pot might be overflowing a little on this track, but the sweet vocals of Anne-Marie works well against the cool swagger of Snakehips' production and the rap breakdown of Joey. (6.5/10)

Suburban Symphony - Stepping Stones

With hints towards the Editors this indie hit has a building enjoyment that lifts it up from its quiet dark and sombre production style. A grower. (6.5/10)

Our Contenders for the best videos of 2017 (so far)

The MTV VMAs have revealed their top five nominees for their music video of the year and we feel, frankly, that this is a rather lacklustre set of videos. Outside of the Alessia Cara video having a strong message in it the rest are pretty bland and unexciting!

What do you think? Check out the nominees on the BBC website and post your favourite videos for 2017 below.

We've assembled our five contenders so which are best - the MTV choices or ours? Vote now!

(That said, do you long for the time when music videos were clever or interesting, like Fatboy Slim's 'Weapon or Choice' and those type?)

Amy MacDonald - Dream On

Be The Bear - Erupt

Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean  - Feels

Dirty Heads - Vacation

K.I.D - Taker

The Killers - The Man

Paramore - Hard Times

Album Review: Amy MacDonald – Under Stars

Scottish singer-songwriter Amy McDonald returns with eleven new songs that once more showcase her brand of fun, upbeat indie tunes, kicking off with the lead single ‘Dream On’, an energetic pop song that is an instant favourite thanks to its unashamed poppiness. ‘Under Stars’ is a little more soaring but its rocking swagger offers a distinct flavour to the opener, but is no less catchy. Second single ‘Automatic’ follows which is not quite as memorable as single number one but has a great attitude to it and a hooky chorus.

‘Down by the Water’ is a more soulful addition to the album, a slow call-out section with gospel undertones suggesting this will be a sing-a-long live favourite. ‘Leap of Faith’ which follows is another up-tempo bouncy number held together by McDonald’s loveable vocal style and its driving pace, with the lyrics continuing the water theme set up in the preceding track. ‘Never Too Late’ is a soaring power ballad with some very empowering lyrics and a subtle and peaceful production style that gives room for the words to breathe.

‘The Rise & Fall’ has shades of the opening song and will get you singing along with its chant-able titular chorus quite quickly whilst follow-up ‘Feed My Fire’ is similar in its hooky nature and feels like it could well be her next single thanks to its up-tempo and happy feel and catchy style. ‘The Contender’ continues the theme of strong mid-tempo ballads that get your foot-tapping. ‘Prepare to Fall’ is another of my favourites on the album, a well written and stirring song that resonates lyrically and builds musically. The album wraps up once more in sing-a-long fashion with the stirring ‘From the Ashes’, tying up a collection of eleven great singable pop-indie songs that are just as good as anything from her previous albums. Welcome back Amy! (7.5/10)

New Music Review #40

Ten more tracks you need to hear today!

Amy Macdonald - Automatic

'Automatic' is another great indie-pop song from Macdonald that fits in neatly with her older material. (7/10)

Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) - Runnin' Home To You

Taken from the Flash TV show, there's something a little bit Disney about this release but it's a simple, stripped-back, little love song with a pun in the title. (6.5/10)

DNCE feat. Nicki Minaj - Kissing Strangers

After the catchy 'Cake in the Ocean' comes another fun, tongue-in-cheek little pop tune. Minaj doesn't really add much to it, but elsewhere it's a nice little radio-friendly ditty. (7/10)

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes - Vampires

With a strong breakdown, a hook-filled chorus and a driving rhythm this is a surprisingly perky soft-rock song. (7/10)

Imelda May - Should've Been You

A little bit of a change of direction for Imelda but this is a catchy, spunky little number. (7/10)

Little Mix feat. Machine Gun Kelly - No More Sad Songs

It's a little bit generic as per their recent material but it's got enough of a poppy heart to win you over. (6.5/10)

Michael Bolton - Cupid

Let's be honest, it's not a million miles away from the original but it suits Bolton's voice and the gruffness in his delivery gives it a new angle. (7/10)

The Shires - Drive

'Drive' is another catchy pop-country crossover from the Shires that is, fittingly, a good tune to put on whilst you go and drive. (7/10)

Texas - Tell That Girl

'Tell That Girl' is another bouncy slice of pop from a resurgent 'Texas'. (6.5/10)'

Tinashe - Flame 

'Flame' is a laid back little number that showcases Tinashe's sultry vocals. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #23

Here are our latest ten recommended tracks!

Amy Macdonald - Dream On

It's been a long time since we've heard from Amy Macdonald but this is a very welcome return. Bouncy, poppy and very singable this is a great comeback track and now one of her best. (8/10)


Biffy Clyro - Flammable

Biffy Clyro's recent singles haven't been their best but this feels more like a return to form. It doesn't have the huge chorus that we expect from them but it's good for a quick spin. (6/10)

Bon Jovi - Born Again Tomorrow

'Born Again Tomorrow' is another one of those uplifting little numbers that Bon Jovi occasionally whip out, and if you can overcome the cliched vibe and lyrics it's actually pretty fun. (6.5/10)

British Sea Power - Bad Bohemian

Stripped back and so indie it hurts, the latest from 'British Sea Party' never really steps up above a one-level tune, but it's chorus is pretty catchy and it's one of their best recently. (6/10)

Hayley McKay - Unspoken

'Unspoken' is a beautifully sung track with verses and a chorus that both compliment each other, with plenty of heart injected into the lyrics. Beautiful. (8/10)

Jesse & Joy - Helpless

Their last single 'More than Amigos' was an absolute joy and whilst this doesn't stand up to that song (it was a real corker) this is still a great follow up, delivering a smoother more heart-felt ballad with a bigger country sound and a touching chorus. (7.5/10)

Maximo Park - Risk To Exist 

Even speaking as a big of the Park, it's difficult not to feel that there's been a law of diminishing returns on their albums and though 'Risk To Exist' is in the band's mold and a strong enough listen it's still pretty average compared to their heights. (5.5/10)

St. Paul & The Broken Bones - All I Ever Wonder

'All I Ever Wonder' takes a little bit to get going but when it hits the chanty, layered vocals of the chorus then the heart of this gospel-tinged number shows itself. Nice. (7/10)

Tom Walker - Play Dead

With his husky voice, 'Play Dead' is the breakthrough single from Tom Walker and it's a great little showcase of what is to come. (6.5/10)

Una Healy feat. Sam Palladio - Stay My Love

Here at KBPS we have a soft spot for country, and this ballad is a beautiful example of the genre when the lyrics and vocals are spot on. Beautiful. (7.5/10)