New Music Review #109

Ten more songs that you have to hear!

Anne-Marie - Heavy

Another strong showing from Anne-Marie on this lyrically-heavy thought-provoking single that eschews a bombastic music score to concentrate on the feelings behind the words. (7.5/10)

Fickle Friends - Hard To Be Myself

'Hard To Be Myself' is a catchy, radio-friendly pop track with the occasional bit more of a bite. With elements of electronic and disco this is a fun mix. (6/10)

Kelly Clarkson - Meaning of Life

Though the chorus is less poppy you'd expect from Clarkson there's plenty of power in her vocals and she's on strong form, and it's certainly a grower thanks to its big soulful and gospel style. (6.5/10)

King No-One - Constellations

With hints of Franz Ferdinand in its guitar riff this is a fun little indie song with a poppier chorus, chants and other production effects to keep you listening. (6.5/10)

The Magic Gang - Alright

With more than a little hint of Weezer in their sound this is a gentle, soft indie number with a chorus with enough rocky guitars to hold your interest. (6/10)

Men in the Sky - Motel

With hints of indie and electronic, with hints of Mama's Gun, this is a perky cross-genre song though it's a shame the vocals feel a little too low in the mix to pop. (6/10)

NF - Let You Down

Though falling into the typical rap-verse sung-chorus template this is a stripped back touchingly written song in the vein of Professor Green. Neat. (6.5/10)

PNAU - Go Bang

It might be a pretty straight forward and generic club tune but it's sunny enough to be worth a spin. (6/10)

Portugal. The Man - Feel It Still

'Feel it Still' is a funky falsetto number with a swinging swagger that will get your hips swaying! (6.5/10)

Robbie Williams - Run It Wild

Another cut from Robbie's latest b-side album this isn't quite as distinctive or memorable as the previous cuts, but for fans of his work it fills a gap. (6/10)

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)

New Music Review #42

10 more songs you really need to hear!

Alex Hulme - Family Tree

With shades of Seafret in its delivery this is a surprisingly building indie-rock number. (6.5/10)

Blondie - Long Time 

Not quite as memorable or powerful as their last single but Blondie still prove to have an ear for a good little radio-friendly tune. (6.5/10)

Clean Cut Kid - Leaving You Behind

Clean Cut Kid delivery another fun and friendly pop-indie crossover. (6/10)

Dan Auerbach - Shine On Me

'Shine On Me' is one of those poppy, upbeat songs that proves catchy after just the first listen. With a catchy hook-filled chorus this is excellent and a must hear! (7.5/10)

Deep Purple – Johnny’s Band

Back after many years in the wilderness Deep Purple are back with this incredibly catchy pop-rock number that sounds like an instant classic. Singable, well written and fun this is just the sort of new song summer 2017 needs. (8/10)

Erasure - Love You To The Sky

Erasure have had a bit of a come back recently and this new song is a strong follow-up to their recent work. It's not a huge departure but it's very poppy and fun. (7/10)

Fickle Friends - Hello Hello

With hints of Tegan and Sara and Chvrches, this is a great catchy little pop-indie number with a funky, catchy beat. (7/10)

Paramore: Hard Times

Paramore are back with another great quirky pop track with interesting production and a simple, yet catchy, chorus. Great. (7/10)

Rick Astley - This Old House

Not the song you might be expecting from the title, this is another great cut from the album but with a slight club-theme added to the familiar ragga piano. Fun. (6.5/10)

Two Door Cinema Club - Lavender

It's been a while since I've heard anything from the 'club, but this is a catchy little pop hit thanks to its 'gravity's got a hold of me' chorus. Great. (7/10)

New Music Review #20

Here's our latest pick of ten songs you should be listening to!

Fickle Friends - Brooklyn

'Brooklyn' is a great bouncy poppy number that shows promise for the band for future releases. (6.5/10)

Hifi Sean Ft. Crystal Waters - Testify

With tinges of gospel, this musically straight forward track wins you over thanks to Crystal Waters' listenable vocals and the building funky backing. (7/10)

Honey G - The Honey G Show 

Having not watched the X Factor (ever) Honey G was only familiar to me through the tabloid pieces and social media. This song will split the crowd: it's incredible cheesy and naff but hasn't a certain catchiness to it. (6/10)

Izzy Bizu - Talking to You 

Izzy Bizu scores highly with another sunny pop number highlighted by her delightfully light vocals. (6.5/10)

Kings Of Leon - Find Me

'Find Me' isn't their most distinctive ever song but it has enough indie-rock love to keep you interested. (6/10)

Lukas Graham - You're Not There 

'You're Not There' is a touching gentle like ballad that brings Graham backs into our consciousness after a while away. (6/10)

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Sick Love

Here is something a little bit different from RHCP, a retro-sounding gentler song that bypasses their usual pop sensibilities but still feels like a worthwhile listen. (6.5/10)

Rick Astley - Wish Away

After a string of single successes in 2016 Rick Astley delivers another great little single. Though less bombastic and memorable than his recent records it still has plenty of heart. (6/10)

Sage the Gemini - Now & Later 

One of the artists highlighted as 2017's must see 'Now and Later' shows there may be some truth to those pieces. A fun, understated piece. (6/10)

Zayn Malik & Taylor Swift - I Don't Wanna Live Forever

Taken from the upcoming 'Fifty Shades of Grey' sequel this doesn't have the catchiness of last year's Ellie Goulding number but it's sultry enough to keep the yummy mummies happy. (6/10)