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 #34

It's time for ten more great tracks that you should hear!

Creeper - Black Rain

Perhaps a little bit heavier than the music I'd normally listen to, there's something about the Evanescence-sound and building guitar work that make this much more enjoyable than the usual heavy rockers of the genre. (7/10)

The Fallen State - Nova

'Nova' is a strong slice of emo-rock with solid guitar work, clear lyrics and a building feeling to an emotive chorus. A rocker with heart it seems. (6.5/10)

Galantis - Rich Boy

'Rich Boy' perhaps wanders into the club parody territory in its sound and embracing of cliches but it has its moments of catchiness and variety that just about justify its inclusion here. (6.5/10)

Lady Gaga - John Wayne

Finally after a series of pretty lacklustre singles Lady GaGa is back with something a bit more fun and memorable. It's not her best but it has more balls and power than much of her recent stuff. (6.5/10)

Little Big Town - Better Man

Little Big Town return with another catchy country ballad with heart-felt lyrics and a gentle, involving vocal performance. Nicely done. (7/10)

Mallory Knox - Better Off Without You

Bringing a bit more energy to this clutch of songs, this new one from Mallory Knox is buzzing with power and fun and will get you moshing, perhaps. (7/10)

The Pale White - Reaction

Part of the intonation of the song title takes me back to the White Stripes' and their hit 'White Orchid', but elsewhere this indie-rock hit works on its own merits. (5/10)

SAINT MOTEL - Move

After their great track 'My Type' from a few years ago, Saint Motel are back with another catchy slice of dance pop. Give this a couple of plays and you'll be singing and moving along. Plus the video is great! (7.5/10)

Sia - Helium

Taken from the soundtrack of the new 'Fifty Shades Darker' movie this is perhaps a little bland by Sia's usual standards but it's still a strong ballad, grounded by her great voice. (7/10)

Temples - Strange Or Be Forgotten

'Strange or be Forgotten' is quite an ethereal little number that takes a few listens to show its hands but when it does it becomes a pleasingly understated little number with surprising heart. (6.5/10)