How about another ten songs you need to hear? Blondie - Doom Or Destiny
Another strong song from Blondie's most recent album, with a strong driving forward beat and live-friendly chorus. (7/10) The Franklin Electric - Burning Flame
'Burning Flame' is a delightfully sweet and gentle ballad with plenty of thoughtfulness in the lyrics. (6.5/10) Gabrielle Aplin - Waking Up Slow (Piano Version)
The original version is one of my favourite songs of 2017 but this stripped-back piano version is in many ways even more beautiful, thanks to the delightful lyrics and Aplin's accomplished vocals and piano. (8/10) Green Day - Too Dumb to Die
With a sound harking back to the classic Green Day sound this fun, pop-punk number will get you nodding along with its fast and uplifting rhythm. (6.5/10) Harry Styles - Two Ghosts
Slower and more sentimental than his last single, this is actually better, its stripped back and smooth delivery working really well. (7/10) Jaded - In the Morning
Mixing in suggestive lyrics with its punchy trumpets and club sounds this is a funky and fancy club tune. (7/10) London Grammar - Non Believer
'Non Believer' is another gentle and atmospheric track from London Grammar, with loveable lyrics that really resonate. (7/10) Stereophonics - Caught By The Wind
Thankfully far better than their awful album lead single this is a much perkier and welcome pop number that sounds much more like the Stereophonics we know and love. (7/10) St. Vincent - New York
I can't say I'm a huge fan of St. Vincent but I like the vibe and attitude of this song that builds up into a strong vibe with some rather pointed lyrics. (7/10) U2 - You’re The Best Thing About Me
It's taken quite a few spins for me to enjoy this song but it's a grower with a strong chorus, that proves to be quite radio friendly. (7/10)
Ten more songs we recommend that you need to hear! Alice Cooper - Paranoiac Personality
Taking some time off from the golf course, Alice is here with a psycho-sampling pop-rock number that fits in nicely with his earlier material and is pretty fun, though his voice seems a little less powerful than previous numbers. (6.5/10) Avante Black - Make A Mess
Though the drum machine is definitely on over-time here, it provides a dramatic backdrop to this bouncy, atmospheric and quirky pop number. (6.5/10) Blondie - Too Much
Blondie continue to release some great songs, and this highlight from their most recent album 'Pollinator' is a true highlight with a really catchy chorus and a joyful feel. (7.5/10) Elkie Brooks - Forgive And Forget
The gruffly-voiced singer returns with this simple and gentle little number that will take you back to an era long-gone. Nice. (6.5/10) Fall Out Boy - Champion
Though they may have disappeared from the spotlight over the last few years Fall Out Boy are still creating some great songs, such as this uplifting song. (7/10) Francis and the Lights feat. Chance the Rapper - May I Have This Dance
There's a Phil Collins feel to this record that maybe goes a little OTT with the auto-tune but there's a tear-jerking heart to the record that works of a subtle and evolving indie track with a quirky yet enjoyable electronic backing. (7/10) Kodaline - Brother
There are hints of Maroon 5 in this quieter number than I was expecting from Kodaline. With its building drum beat and sweeping chorus this is a pleasing listen with some production tricks adding to the style. (7/10) The Kooks - Broken Vow
Taken from their new singles collection 'Broken Vow' feels like classic The Kooks. Here with a pushing rhythm, this is a strong indie number. (7/10) Rudimental feat. James Arthur - Sun Comes Up
Rudimental does the impossible on this record and makes me enjoy a song featuring James Arthur. It's not an outstanding dance track but it's a good listen. (6/10) Skinny Living - Why
A simple, yet touching, single with the lead singer's vocals a delightful listen, bringing the touching lyrics to life. (7/10)
To celebrate the passing of the first six months of the year here are is our pick of the best century of songs released this year so far. Agree or disagree? Leave your comments at the bottom! 50. Niall Horan - Slow Hands Released: May
49. K I D - Taker Released: March
48. Alex Hulme - Family Tree Released: April
47. The Chainsmokers & Coldplay - Something Just Like This Released: February
46. Gavin James - I Don't Know Why Released: February
45. Maximo Park - Get High (No, I Don't) Released: March
44. Dani Sylvia - Perfection Generation Released: June
43. JP Cooper - Passport Home Released: May
42. Mike + The Mechanics - Don't Know What Came Over Me Released: February
41. Hunter Hayes - Yesterday's Song Released: March
40. MAN WITH A MISSION - Dead End in Tokyo Released: January
39. Emma Stevens - Sing Out (Hey La Hey Lo) Released: June
38. Chlöe Howl - Magnetic Released: June
37. DJ Premier X Miguel - 2 Lovin U Released: March
36. Harry Styles - Sign of the Times Released: May
35. Dua Lipa feat. Miguel - Lost In Your Light Released: May
34. Be The Bear - Erupt Released: June
33. Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello - Bad Things Released: May
32. Hurts - Beautiful Ones Released: April
31. Hanson - I Was Born Released: May
30. Ed Sheeran - Galway Girl Released: May
29. Anne-Marie - Ciao Adios Released: March
28. Julia Michaels - Issues Released: March
27. RYDER - Nirvana Released: March
26. Kirsty Churchill - I Was Not Looking Released: March 25. Erasure - Love You to the Sky Released: March
24. Lover - Fallen Famous Released: April 23. Amy Macdonald - Dream On Released: January
22. Emeli Sandé - Highs & Lows Released: January
21. Samuel Sim and Tracy Kashi - Hourglass Released: January
20. Holly Brewer - Wish I Loved You More Released: January
19. Deep Purple - Johnny's Band Released: June
18. DNCE feat. Nicki Minaj - Kissing Strangers Released: May
17. Fjokra - Sick Kids Released: April
16. Calum Foad - You & I Released: February
15. Brenda Veila - Trouble Released: March
14. Hafdis Huld - Take Me Dancing Released: June 13. Lady Gaga - The Cure Released: April
12. Zedd and Alessia Cara - Stay Released: April
11. Blondie - Long Time Released: April
10. Robbie Williams - Mixed Signals Released: February
9. Picturehouse - Sunburst
Released: June
8. LP - Lost On You Released: May
7. Rag 'n' Bone Man - Skin Released: March
6. Steps - Scared of the Dark Released: April
5. Keith Urban feat. Carrie Underwood - The Fighter Released: February
4. Dan Auberbach - Shine On Me Released: March
3. The Killers - The Man Released: June
2. Train - Drink Up Released: May
1. Paramore - Hard Times Released: April
So what do you think of our list? Let us know in the comments below! In January we'll be presenting the full 100 songs of the year? Will the above still be in it or what about some of these impending videos out in July so missing out on this list? The Rocking Horse Club - Straight White Man
Kerri Watt - Old School Love The Allergies - Entitled To That Indalo Man - Te Quiero Mucho
Shaun Kelly and the Returned Gifts - Cadillac
(And if you're really into your stats here are some of the songs that narrowly missed out of being in our top fifty, all well worth listening to!)
Alison Krauss - Losing You (January)
Andrew Applepie & Bjurman - Drowning World (June)
Clean Bandit feat. Zara Larsson – Symphony (March)
Earl - Tongue Tied (February)
Fancy Cars feat. Foy - Heart of Stone (January)
Hannah Grace - Praise You (April)
Hannah's Yard - Doin It For Myself (May)
Hebe - Take Him Down (June)
Imagine Dragons - Thunder (May)
Imelda May - Should've Been You (April)
Jack Savoretti - We Are Bound (May)
James Blunt - Love Me Better (February)
Jamiroquai - Cloud 9 (February)
Jazz Mino - Footprints (February)
Jennifer Hudson - Remember Me (April)
Kasabian - Bless This Acid House (June)
Lady Antebellum - You Look Good (January)
Little Mix - Touch (January)
Marc Almond - A Kind Of Love (February)
Mark Villarosa - Hangover (February)
Mauro Dirago - Slave For You (May)
MissinCat - Made of Stone (February)
Nina Schofield - Beat Another Rhythm (May)
Olivia Garcia - Freedom Hearts (January)
Rodina - What If (January)
Sharon Shannon - The Machine (May)
Sigrid - Don't Kill My Vibe (March)
Someday - Clean Couch (April)
Sparks - What The Hell Is It This Time? (May)
Take That - Giants (March)
Tallia Storm - Still In Love (March)
Tape Machines feat. Sam Seg - s.t.u.p.i.d (June)
The Ghibertins - Breath For Me (May)
The Kooks - Be Who You Are
The Pocket Gods - The Perfect Blue (April)
The Shires - Drive (April)
The Slvr Tongues - Ain't Just the Whiskey (April)
The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk - I Feel It Coming (March)
Classic American rock band Blonde, fronted by Debbie Harry, return with their eleventh studio album and their fifth since their reunion almost twenty years ago. Seeing the band collaborate with more writers than on their usual records including Johnny Marr and Sia, this feels like their freshest album in a while with more big hitters on one LP than some of their more recent ones. With a consistent electronic theme tied up with their usual sound, it's another slight tweak on the Blondie formula for this album.
The album opens with 'Doom or Destiny' which introduces itself with a crash of drums that echoes back to their final release of the 20th century (No Exit) before following with a catchy chorus and a fun soft-rock rhythm. It even features Joan Jett on backing vocals. Second track and second single, is one of the best on the record with a great electronic feel and a memorable bridge and chorus, and certainly feels like classic Blondie. 'Already Naked' doesn't quite hit the heights of the opening two tracks but has a strong enough chorus to keep you interested. Track four and lead single 'Fun', however, feels like the Blondie song that stands out in the vein of 'Maria', 'Good Boys' or 'Mother' from previous recent LPs. Boasting a poppy radio-friendly chorus, this is a highlight of the album and instantly memorable. The strong opening to the record continues with a personal favourite, the driving-forward 'My Monster' whose quirky yet catchy 'heart of darkness'-themed chorus labels this as potential single number 3 for me, and its a credit to writer Johnny Marr who once more shows off his musicman-ship even for other people.
The album takes a little turn into averageness through songs like 'Best Day Ever', which is perfectly good but feels like something Sia must have had lying around in a drawer somewhere with electronic elements that sound like a cross between something from the 80s and the TARDIS failing to lift off, and the distorted production of 'Gravity' which is distracting more than appealing and again doesn't echo the usual great material of Charlotte "Charli XCX" Aitchison but some of that can be aimed squarely at the awkward production decisions which masks what could be quite a fun chorus in audio mud.
It's a similar story for 'When I Gave Up On You' which is both the album's slowest number and also the biggest contender for the more average filler. Thankfully things improve with the John Roberts-featuring, brass-triggering track nine 'Love Level', with its cool lyrical hooks and mix of vocals that freshens things up a bit at a key point, though it could do with a bit more structure. That said, the building layers of the ending bring in some valuable energy and pizzazz. Approaching the end of the album we get 'Too Much' which is potentially the contender for my favourite song on the album outside of the singles we've heard so far. With crisp production, a fun build up to the chorus, and a chorus that has a fast-paced singable vibe, this perks things up considerably and feels like one of the tracks that will stay with you after the record.
As things conclude we get the slower 'Fragments' which drops the tempo quite considerably and has lyrics that feels like they are saying something, though it's all wrapped in a rather somber and plodding start, but with a simple chorus that feels better. But when the track finally gets going the energy of a much faster delivery makes it more worthy of the album's conclusion and has some hints towards the operatic style of Meat Loaf, but seven minutes feels a little bloated and the f-bomb Harry drops in has no conviction. Fans of hidden tracks will wait for 'Tonight' featuring Laurie Anderson though, to be honest, it's not really worth the wait and is pretty ponderous and feels unnecessary. Blondie's 'Pollinator' has as many high-points as their come-back albums and there are a good four or five strong songs and plenty more that are enjoyable, though weirdly contributions from usually reliable acts like Sia and Charli XCX are not among the best, with Johnny Marr and Blondie themselves offering more interesting tracks. If you've enjoyed Blondie's last four albums you'll enjoy this one. (6.5/10)
Set to a mid-tempo swagger ‘Reasons to be Fearful’
switches up lyrics about buying beer with the sort of thing you’d expect from
the Daily Mail. It lacks a big chorus and shows its hand within the first
minute but it’s a good mix of simple, evocative production and good lyrics.
(6.5/10)
Blondie – Fun
Blondie are back with a new album (“Pollinator”) and this
is the lead single ahead of it. Catchy, poppy and danceable this is just what
you’d expect for and hope from the band, and they don’t disappoint with this
strong first-cut. (7.5/10)
Brenda Veila –
Trouble
Sometimes I get a song in my review list that immediately
jumps out at me, and this is one of them. A very promising early single from a
singer whose young age doesn’t correlate with the power of her voice, though
some lyrics are a little clunky in parts. ‘Trouble’ boasts one of the most
memorable choruses around at the moment and doesn’t spoil the party elsewhere
in the song. Great. (7.5/10)
Callaghan and Vincent Duffy - I Don't Know How To Lose You
Callaghan has a really beautiful voice and once more is showcased well on this song. Lyrically and musically it’s quite slow and dark, and rather short, but it’s nicely put together and emotive. (7/10)
Clean Bandit feat.
Zara Larsson – Symphony
Like Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of Me’, there are certain songs
that are getting overplayed at the moment, and this is one of them. But if you
can get over the overfamiliarity this feels like Clean Bandit back on form, a
strong mix of classical influences with Larsson’s delicious vocals and some
sweet, loveable lyrics. Very well done. (7/10)
Cornerstone – Northern Light
With a Fleetwood Mac-sounding rock riff this has a throwback sound to the seventies, held together with the fragile voice of the lead singer and the chunky guitars. It might lack a certain spark to make it a classic, but it’s a solid pop-rock number with a neat chorus. (6.5/10)
DJ Premier X
Miguel - 2 Lovin U
Though the single does sound like they’ve stolen the bass
riff from an Arctic Monkeys song this mix of smooth rnb vocals, throbbing
bassline, DJ effects and general confidence make this a great punchy number
that crosses genres and mashes them up into something very listenable. (7.5/10)
Don Elito feat.
Nado – You Alright Yeah (Radio Edit)
Switching up between grime and rnb, this is a poppier
sounding entry into both genres with a cheeky confidence in its lyrics, which
swerve between and around the genre clichés. The verses perhaps last a little
too long between choruses, but it’s a promising quirky little number that
embraces its London slang. (6.5/10)
Elea Calvet – Lust
Delivered in a slurry fashion, ‘Lust’ is a warbly affair
which is not usually something I enjoy, but there’s something likeable about
the flow of the lyrics and music throughout the song, not so much a structure
as a journey. Definitely a grower, but it’s not a song that fits comfortably
into a particular box. (6.5/10)
Emeli Sandé -
Highs & Lows
Emeli continues on strong form with another bouncy,
up-tempo song that gets your foot tapping and your vocal chords into overdrive.
Poppy, catchy and, to roll out another cliché, radio friendly. A great pop
number. (7.5/10)
10 more songs you really need to hear! Alex Hulme - Family Tree
With shades of Seafret in its delivery this is a surprisingly building indie-rock number. (6.5/10) Blondie - Long Time
Not quite as memorable or powerful as their last single but Blondie still prove to have an ear for a good little radio-friendly tune. (6.5/10) Clean Cut Kid - Leaving You Behind
Clean Cut Kid delivery another fun and friendly pop-indie crossover. (6/10) Dan Auerbach - Shine On Me
'Shine On Me' is one of those poppy, upbeat songs that proves catchy after just the first listen. With a catchy hook-filled chorus this is excellent and a must hear! (7.5/10)
Deep Purple –
Johnny’s Band
Back after many years in the wilderness Deep Purple are
back with this incredibly catchy pop-rock number that sounds like an instant
classic. Singable, well written and fun this is just the sort of new song
summer 2017 needs. (8/10)
Erasure - Love You To The Sky
Erasure have had a bit of a come back recently and this new song is a strong follow-up to their recent work. It's not a huge departure but it's very poppy and fun. (7/10)
Fickle Friends - Hello Hello
With hints of Tegan and Sara and Chvrches, this is a great catchy little pop-indie number with a funky, catchy beat. (7/10)
Paramore: Hard Times
Paramore are back with another great quirky pop track with interesting production and a simple, yet catchy, chorus. Great. (7/10)
Rick Astley - This Old House
Not the song you might be expecting from the title, this is another great cut from the album but with a slight club-theme added to the familiar ragga piano. Fun. (6.5/10)
Two Door Cinema Club - Lavender
It's been a while since I've heard anything from the 'club, but this is a catchy little pop hit thanks to its 'gravity's got a hold of me' chorus. Great. (7/10)
