New Music Review #78

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Arcade Fire - Electric Blue

Not quite as catchy as their other single on circulation but the falsetto and electric-funk work really well and make for a catchy and quirky original hit. (6/10)

Echosmith - Goodbye

Though not quite having the pop credentials of 'Cool Kids' this more subdued number with a catchy electronic riff still has much to enjoy after a few listens. (6.5/10)

Galantis - True Feeling

A fun and optimistic dance tune brought to you by the power of autotune and a synthesizer. Familiar and generic but enjoyable enough as part of a dance playlist. (6.5/10)

Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry

A little generic for Lovato but there's enough bite in the production and lyrics to keep it on play, though the potty mouthed bridge feels a little unnecessary. (6/10)

Enrique Iglesias feat. Sean Paul - Subeme La Radio (Remix)

It can't do any harm to jump on the coat-tails of Despecatio with this very similar sounding track. Though not as distinctive as that hit, Sean Paul does at least 'do a Bieber' and make this a good balance of languages even if he's on fag-packet writing duty. (6.5/10)

Louis Tomlinson feat. Bebe Rexha and Digital Farm Animals - Back to You

The next single from a former 1D member lands and it's a tad generic musically and the swearing feels a little tacked-on to make an impact, but it has enough pop-rnb crossover to keep the fans happy. It feels more like Rexha's single than Liam's though and autotune should be credited as the fourth member of the line-up. The video plays out like the worst Doncaster tourist board video though. (6.5/10)

OneRepublic feat. Tiziano Ferro - No Vacancy

Ignoring Ferro's inability to sing the word 'vacancy' in the chorus correctly and that OneRepublic have moved away from their more familiar sound, this is quite a catchy, summery track. (6.5/10)

Prophets of Rage - Living On The 110

Not quite as heavy as the band's title would suggest, this is a strong light-rock song that rests more on its lyrics and what they say rather than its music. Has quite a Rage Against the Machine feel to it though. (6/10)

PVRIS - Half

A gentle, unassuming track with a rocky heart. Not their best but it's got a strong heart behind it. (5.5/10)

Shy Luv - Time 

'Time' is a funky dance number with some bite to it, though it's perhaps a little bit generic for the genre. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #017

It's another selection of ten songs we'd recommend you listen to!

Banks - This Is Not About Us

Banks can be often relied upon to deliver a great electro-pop tune and 'This Is Not About Us' is no exception, cranking up the catchiness alongside her great vocals. (7/10)

Hannah Trigwell - Filthy Rich

Leeds-based Hannah Trigwell is a good bet for a catchy, touching, well written song and though 'Filthy Rich' doesn't quite reach the heights of her recent 'Another Beautiful Mistake' it's still beautifully sung and delightful. (7/10)

Jerry Williams - Boys Don't Cry

'Boys Don't Cry' is a beautiful stripped-back song that is well sung, nicely written and produced into a strongly mixed package that is touching and smooth in equal measure. (7/10)

Jessie J - Can't Take My Eyes Off You X Make Up For Ever

Jessie J returns after a considerable absense with this sexed-up and funked-up take on the classic song. Purists will hate it but this is surprisingly interesting and fresh from its cut-up vocals to DJ skips. (7/10)

Loop - Losing My Mind

Boasting some great vocals and a simply, but funky, electronic riff, this has a great pop vibe with hints of RnB. (6.5/10)

Sia - Angel By The Wings

'Angel by the Wings' doesn't have the same buzz as her big ballad belters, but it's another great showcase of her vocal chords on a nicely touching song. (6.5/10)

Sigala x Digital Farm Animals - Only One

It might not be exactly the most revolutionary in today's column but it has enough joy and club funk to keep you moving for its three minutes of electro-club-pop. (6.5/10)

Simple Minds - Sanctify Yourself (Acoustic)

Another great acoustic take on a Simple Minds classic, this is a fast, bouncy take on the song. (6.5/10)


XL feat. Elesia Limura - Down Low

Far too summery in sound for this time of year, perhaps this will be a good antidote to those of you sick of mince pies and snow. Catchy and with a great beat, you will indeed want to 'turn it up'. (7/10)

Vei - Rolling On Your Romeo

With a delightfully listenable voice, 'Rolling On Your Romeo' is a smooth, gentle, laid-back track that is the definition of laid-back pop. (7/10)