New Music Review #118

Ten more songs you have to hear!

Avec - Waiting For (Remixes)

We enjoyed 'Waiting For' a few blogs ago and this trio of remixes, though not doing anything hugely revolutionary to the sweet and listenable vocals of Avec, do add some fresh flavours. The 'Robin Schulz' with its familiar Schulz-sound is the better of three  with its simple re-imaginging though the chants and bassier vibes of the 'HOUT' remix is a strong second and gives it the most energy. The 'Nora Medin' is, in many ways, just as fun but is the least exciting of the three. (7/10)


Black Needle Noise - System Bi feat. Fakeba

With hints of Enigma in its sound this is a well produced, atmospheric number with an international flava and a song that straddles well between orchestration and club. (7/10)

CliQ - Wavey

On first lesson this feels like a cliched dance track but actually has a chorus with a strong central hook and it treads its own path. Surprisingly good, and destined to be a strong club song for this season's nights out. (7/10)

Isaac Gracie - Terrified

Another strong single from Gracie, with a simple yet soaring production that compliments his voice and gives it plenty of heart. The energy of the chorus really grabs you after a few listens. (7/10)

Kongsted - Get Away

Balancing the genre cliches with a fun, bouncy production vibe this feels like a summer hit plonked down at the wrong time of the year. Sunny and bouncing, this feels like a strong club-lite number with elements of grime and rnb carefully woven in. (7/10)

Matt Terry – The Thing About Love

The former X-Factor winner returns with this string-heavy run-of-the-mill ballad. It's not going to win any big awards but it's sweet and warming enough for the time of year. (6.5/10)

Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott - He Wants To

It might take more than its fair share of inspiration from Lou Reed's 'Satellite of Love' but this is a corker of a pop track from the pair who can't do much wrong with their modern songbook of positive-sounding gloomily-worded radio-friendly hits. Great. (8/10)

Ralph McTell feat. Crisis Choir and Annie Lennox - Streets Of London

Quite possibly one of the most covered songs ever, this new version of the classic returns to the original vocalist, with the added vocals from Eurythmics' Lennox and the choir really give this even more heart. A beautiful version and for a great cause. (8/10)

The Script - Arms Open

The Script continue with a series of strong songs. 'Arms Open' is a smooth and touching ballad with a solid, heart-warming and loving central message. (7.5/10)

Sheridan Smith - City Of Stars

There's a touch of the karaoke about this performance but the big band production and Smith's smooth and sweet vocals manage to pull it off. A good take on the modern classic. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #106

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)