Showing posts with label Callum Beattie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Callum Beattie. Show all posts

Wednesday, 30 August 2017

New Music Review #86

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Callum Beattie - Man Behind The Sun


Another great single release from Beattie, a poppy, sunny and catchy number with enough vocal call-outs and a fun enough beat to keep your feet tapping. Brilliant! (7.5/10)

Dua Lipa - New Rules


Another strong single from Dua Lipa that has hit the top spot. Though not as great as her last couple it has a distinctive enough chorus and production work to hook people in, it just lacks that big spark of 'Blow Your Mind (Mwah)'. (6.5/10)

JP Cooper - She's On My Mind


Built around a quirky vocal hook, this is another strong record from JP Cooper that will nest in your head pretty quickly. Very catchy. (7.5/10)

Liam Gallagher - For What It's Worth


Showing a maturity you don't get on his Twitter account (!) that has shades of older Oasis with a strong 90s indie-rock vibe. It's not as huge as his brilliant previous single 'Wall of Glass' but it's still a song in the right direction and the Beatles-vibe the band have gone for in the past is present here. (6.5/10)

London Grammar - Non Believer


Though not the most bombastic of tracks, the harmonies, electronic vibes and heartfelt delivery make for a strong indie ballad that will wash over you in a gentle wave. (6.5/10)

Lucy Rose - Second Chance


'Second Chance' is another gentle ballad from the singer with the great voice. It's not her most memorable song but whilst it's on proves to be a joyful little number. (6.5/10)

Simon Webbe - Nothing Without You


Returning after a bit of a break, former Blue boyband member Simon Webbe once more showcases his soulful voice on this sentimental ballad with a radio-friendly chorus. Another good one from Webbe. (7/10)

The Wandering Hearts - Devil


'Devil' is a fun country-crossover with a great duel between vocals and a folky-throwback sound. With a strong beat, distinctive vocals and a catchy vibe from the first moment, this is a must listen. (7.5/10)

Wildwood Kin - Taking a Hold


With occasional subtle nods towards T-Rex, this stripped back harmonised country-pop song isn't as sparky as some of their earlier songs but has enough heart to keep you listening. (6.5/10)

Wolf Alice - Beautifully Unconventional


The band's best release since 'Freazy', this mid-indie song channels Tenacious D's 'Tribute' at moments but elsewhere ticks the indie-rock boxes well. (6/10)

Thursday, 3 August 2017

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)

Monday, 15 May 2017

New Music Review #52

Another ten songs you need to hear!

Brad Paisley feat. Mick Jagger - Drive of Shame




Mick Jagger makes this surprise appearance on Paisley's country song. It might be choc-full of country cliches but it's a jaunty, upbeat little number with Jagger's guest appearance a fresh highlight. (7/10)


Callum Beattie - We Are Stars




Coming across as a cross between Coldplay and Keane this is a lovely little ballad with singable lyrics, a radio-friendly vibe and an emotive heart. (7/10)


Elkie Brooks - Love Ain’t Something You Can Get For Free




Classic singer Brooks returns with this retro-sounding love ballad that fits nicely into her already established discography, complimenting her new greatest hits. (7/10)


Imagine Dragons - Thunder



It's a complete rip-off of Mia's 'Paper Planes' but if you forget that this is actually a catchy, quirky little number that works for the band. Though it's so close... (7/10)

Kygo and Ellie Goulding - First Time



It loses a bit of its momentum when it get to Kygo's bland cookie-cutter instrumental chorus but whilst Goulding's vocals are the focus it works. (6.5/10)

Massive Wagons - Back To the Stack




Raising money for charity, this intentional Status Quo sound-a-like is a fun musical pastiche and whilst it might not have the same pop catchiness of the original band this is a fun and memorable tribute. (6.5/10)


Nickelback - Song On Fire




Nickelback have had more memorable songs recently but this mid-tempo soft-rock number still boasts Kroeger's likeable vocals and a powerful chorus. (6.5/10)


OneRepublic - No Vacancy




Ryan Tedder is a little bit on autopilot here but if you're a fan of OneRepublic it's nice to hear more from them. (6/10)


Tom Grennan - Praying




With hints of Imagine Dragons this is a dramatic indie number with rocky hints. (7/10)


Zac Brown Band - Real Thing




At the other end of the musical spectrum after their powerful 'Holiday Road' cover this is a more subtle affair and, though sounding at times like the musical equivalent of Trump's 'Keep America Great' in terms of business, is a slow yet catchy number. (6.5/10)