Ten more songs you have to hear! The Academic - Bear Claws
Sounding more mature than they look in the video 'Bear Claws' is a radio-friendly indie-pop number with a perky, singable chorus. Very promising! (6.5/10) Bryan Adams - Please Stay
A ballad is the order of the day for this latest entry into Adams' catalogue and though it's perhaps a little familiar it's gentle pace and touching lyrics and delivery help it along. (6.5/10) Ed Sheeran - Perfect
If you are a fan of Sheeran I'm sure you've already swayed along to this, and though the lyrics might be perhaps a little saccharine it's string-led stripped-back production brings out the love. (6.5/10) Elkie Brooks - Rising Cost Of Love
Lyrically a little bit forced in parts this is still actually pretty funky and memorable, with Brooks' gravelly vocals and the upbeat rhythm bringing a smile to your face. (6.5/10) Franz Ferdinand - Always Ascending
It could be arguing that Franz Ferdinand are getting less and less poppy as the album's go by - not that they were ever that 'mainstream' - but their first post-FFS track has a Goldfrapp and Jamiroquai feel in its synthy riffs, switching up from the choral opening to something catchier and on more familiar territory. A definite grower. (7/10) Isaac Gracie - Silhouettes Of You
With hints of Chris Isaak and Coldplay, this gentle piano-led ballad is a great smooth and soothing listen with Gracie's gentle vocals a delight to listen to. (7/10) Leading Ladies - One Night Only
Originally from the 'Dreamgirls' musical this disco-enthused song sounds like a Meat Loaf song mixed with Diana Ross, and its camp yet powerfully sung credentials work well for us. (7/10) Steps - Dancing With A Broken Heart
It's a little bit like Steps-by-numbers but if you've enjoyed their previous songs then this chunky pop-dance number with its catchy chorus will tick those boxes. Not sure about the forced post-chorus section though. (7/10) Stormzy feat. MNEK - Blinded By Your Grace (Part 2)
At atmospheric, gospel-tinged number where the lighter vocals of MNEK stand well next to Stormzy's gruffer raps. A slow but strong ballad number with a higher power. (7/10) Texas - Can't Control
Perhaps a little bit of a change in direction for the sound of the band, sounding more like Madonna crossed with Cheryl. Lacking Texas' usual huge radio-friendly chorus this is something a bit different, but plays out nicely and grows with a few listens. (6/10)
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)
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)
