Another ten songs you need to hear! Boy Azooga - Face Behind Her Cigarette
With an ethereal mix of throbbing bass, drum work, synth and percussion this is a well layered, eclectic song with retro influences and a crisp, well built production. Smooth. (6.5/10) Fall Out Boy - Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)
It might lack the originality of a lot of their classic - and more recent - songs but there's enough buzz and energy in the quirky track to keep you entertained, with a few vocal hooks that show themselves after a few spins. (7/10) Invisible Minds - Yo Mae Leh
If you like the cool chilled-out instrumentalism of early Royksopp then you'd enjoy the laid-back electronic-stylings of this song. Quirky but cool. (7/10) LOCKS - Skin
With hints of Nina Simone in the vocals and brush drum this is a classic sounding jazzy and funky number with plenty of cool. (7/10) Manic Street Preachers - International Blue
It might be a little familiar in terms of the modern sound of the Preachers but it's upbeat perkiness and guitar licks are very welcome at this time of year and it roars along with energy and bounce. (7/10) Mr Jukes feat. Lalah Hathaway and Barney Artist - From Golden Stars Comes Silver Dew
Another cool, laid-back funky track with elements of funk expertly woven in, with a great rap and rnb breakdown thrown in. The definition of cool. (7/10) Nina Nesbitt - Somebody Special
I personally prefer Nesbitt when she's on energetic, punky form like on 'Chewing Gum' but this catchy rnb-influenced ballad is still a strong follow-up with a catchy central chorus and a good build up to the peaks. (7/10) Paul Brand - Walking Up The Royal Mile
After his contribution to a recent Christmas single we get Paul Brand working on his own solo material. 'Walking Up The Royal Mile' is a delightfully gentle ballad with a strong instrumental track and a sweet lilt. Smooth. (7/10) Shed Seven - Nothing To Live Down
With a memorable 'the change will do you good' hook this is a strong return track from the indie-rock band. A definite grower. (7/10) Tune-Yards - Look at Your Hands
With a very quirky outlook and a building, catchy hook built from the song title, this is quite a free form track but it has enough weird sunniness to keep you interested. With hints of Prince in the vocals and the Talking Heads in the break-down later on there are plenty of intriguing influences and adaptions. (7/10)
Ten more songs you need to hear! BANNERS - Someone To You
Vocally sounding like a rockier Scouting for Girls this is a upbeat and hooky pop-rock number that bounces along pretty nicely. (7/10) Bastille - World Gone Mad
As cinematic as you'd expect from a song taken from a film soundtrack this is another solid song from Bastille with crisp production and plenty of hooks that build to a sweet crescendo. (7/10) Ecca Vandal - Future Heroine
Packed with attitude this is an rnb-pop track with bite and a steady building pace with hints at a softer 'Imagine Dragons'. Well produced and a grower. (6/10) Ed Sheeran - Perfect
The lyrics may be a little saccharine and sickly sweet but as a ballad that will bring a warm glow to people's faces and hearts this works. (7/10) Fall Out Boy - Hold Me Tight or Don't
Another poppier entry in their discography, this latest from FOB boasts another catchy chorus and a jaunty, fun vibe throughout. (7/10) The Killers - Rut
One of my favourite songs off their most recent album, 'Rut' is a slower number but the personal lyrics and building production make for an emotive number that crescendos. (7/10) Liam Gallagher - Come Back To Me
Though not as catchy as his last two singles this is still head and shoulders above some of his earlier solo work and with its Oasis-sound feels like a grower. (6/10) MIKA - It's My House
Back after a considerable time away Mika returns with 'It's My House' and it sees Mika pretty much on form with another catchy radio-friendly pop track. Expect this to get some traction soon. (6.5/10) MØ - When I Was Young
With a mish-mash of elements that don't often gel this is still quite a perky and upbeat pop number with some fag-packet, but relatable, lyrics and a fun ska-feel. (6/10) Paloma Faith - Guilty
Though not her catchiest single the Bond-esque production and vocal delivery and powerful chorus give it a distinctive and dramatic feel. (6.5/10)
Let's have another ten songs you need to hear! Fall Out Boy - The Last Of The Real Ones
'Fall Out Boy' continue to release some great singles with great beats and catchy rhythms, and this is another strong one. (7/10) FELIN - 21st Century '21st Century' is a punky number with hints of the Ting Tings at the time of their first album, but with much more bite. Catchy and interesting, this is a cool little indie hit. (7/10)
Flora Cash - Roses On Your Dress
'Roses On Your Dress' is a beautifully sung and flowing ballad held up by Cash's very listenable and emotional voice, with the simple production escalating well, with the Enigma-like breakdown adding to the relaxing and touching feel. (7/10) Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso (feat. Florida Georgia Line & watt) - Let Me Go
A little bit clubbier in production than I was expecting from Steinfeld, but this collaboration of four artists works well, giving a bit more bite to their regular country sound with a powerful chorus. (7/10) Hermitage Green - Lions Share With a dark swagger in its verse leading into a more positive and faster bridge and chorus this is a building indie number that stands out as a great Kasabian meets Kings of Leon style number with strong production values and interesting use of instrumentation. (7/10)
Iffy Orbit - Not Good Enough 'Not Good Enough' is a smooth and gentle downbeat slice of electronic-indie with a chilled out vibe that compliments the introspective lyrics. (6.5/10)
Jordan Klassen - Housefly
'Housefly' is a delightfully classical sounding stripped back number with Klassen's ethereal and gentle vocals complimenting the string sounds beautifully. (7/10) Kelly Clarkson - Love So Soft
Quite different from what you'd expect from Clarkson this rnb-enfused number gives a bit of polish and variety to her usual sound. Nice. (7/10) The Moods - P.O.P (Profit Over People)
One of my favourite songs around at the moment, this is a political-heavy tune but one that will get you dancing as well, it's mix of upbeat dance and fast-paced grime and RNB work really well together with hints of the LaFontaines. Brilliant. (8/10) Tom Dibb - Hit The Road
'Hit The Road' is a delightful little pop-country number with an ear-pleasing stripped back vibe and a positive, optimistic tone that will get the edges of your mouth curling into a smile. Plus it's very singable. (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)
