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)

New Music Review #26

Here are ten great tracks you don't want to miss!

Blondie - Fun

Blondie continue their modern period with this electropop number. It's not a huge departure from their previous recent singles but the catchiness and pop-rock feel are present in spades. (7/10)

Calum Scott - Rhythm Inside

'Rhythm Inside' is a bouncy, soulful number delivered by the Sam Smith-esque singer. With a little bit of bite from the drum machine this is a toe-tapping little number. (7/10)


The Divine Comedy - To The Rescue

'To The Rescue' is a gentle, string-led ballad that is more subdued than you'd expect from the band but is nicely layered in the production and chilled-back in its delivery. (6.5/10)

Imelda May feat. Jeff Beck - Black Tears

'Black Tears' is a gentle, emotive little ballad with May's powerful vocals rightfully thrust into centre stage. Beautifully sung. (6.5/10)

Jo Harman - When We Were Young

'When We Were Young' is a catchy mid-tempo ballad with vibes of Tina Turner. Catchy, beautifully sung, and very uplifting. (7.5/10)

Matt Boroff - What a Shame 

'What A Shame' moves along nicely with some gritty guitars and a chorus delivered by Boroff's gravelly vocals. It lacks any big moments but the rock and power elements work well. (6/10)

M.O. feat. Kent Jones - Not In Love

With a sunny electro-reggae vibe this is a fun upbeat little number that's level of poppiness will perk you up. (6.5/10)

Shaun Escoffery - Healing Me

Another artist who can be relied on to bring out some catchy soulful numbers, 'Healing Me' is one of his best, and is at its own best with its catchy temperature-based closing riff. (7/10)


Sound of the Suburb - Wild Weekend

'Wild Weekend' is a retro rock-a-billy throwback but if this doesn't get your hips swinging and your foot tapping I don't know what will. Something classic sounding for the new year. (6.5/10)

Train - Drink Up

'Drink Up' is a great catchy, poppy summer song all about celebrating with a tipple or two. It's tricky to listen to this and not smile! (7.5/10)

New Music Review #015

Ten more great tracks we'd recommend!

AronChupa feat. J & The People - Bad Water 

For a change AronChupa bring something inspired, with this gospel-tinged country-sounding ode to beer. A great, bouncy number with a unique sound. (7.5/10)

Calum Scott - Rhythm Inside

This stripped back, string-led ballad is well written and toe-tapping with its beat. (7/10)

Craig David - Change My Love

Craig David's come back continues with this good, funky little number with a strong chorus. (6.5/10)

Daya - Words

Though not as good as the main a-side this is still a strong slice of pop-rnb with the loveable voice of Daya and the strong production values taking centre stage. (6.5/10)

Gabrielle Aplin - Miss You

Though not her best work this is a welcome return from Gabrielle Aplin who can often be relied on for a fun pop song. (6.5/10)

Jack Killen - Genevieve

From its perky pop credentials to its saxophone breakdown, this is a great catchy little tune that would do well on the radio (7.5/10)

Jack Savoretti - I'm Yours

'I'm Yours' is another great touching, well written ballad from Savoretti. (7.5/10)

RAY BLK feat. SG Lewis - Chill Out

Recently hailed as one of the stars for 2017, this mid-tempo number showcases her good voice, the hooky bridge and ethereal production. (6/10)

Sløtface - Bright Lights

'Bright Lights' is a punky indie number with plenty of attitude in its simple structure. (6/10)

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Wild Forever

It doesn't really do much different to her established formula but it's hard to go wrong with this fun pop number with a hooky chorus. (7/10)