New Music Review #117

Another ten songs you have to listen to!

The Allergies feat. Andy Cooper - Buzzsaw

'Buzzshaw' is not a huge departure from my favourite song of theirs from this year with the same rhythm and even musical hooks at times. If you loved 'Rock Rock' this feels very much like part two. (6/10)

Clara Mae - I'm Not Her

With hints of RnB amongst its pop vibes this is a cool and distinctive number which bodes well for future music from Mae. (7/10)

Empire Of The Sun - On Our Way Home

It might not be one of their most distinctive or experimental tracks but it has plenty of variety and gusto in it to offer something intriguing, even if it does run a little out of steam two-thirds in. (6.5/10)

Ephemerals - In and Out

Forgetting the pointless remixes that come with it, most cookie cutter and doing little to the original, let's focus instead on the throw-back and retro sound of the song, a gentle and focussed jazzy number that plays along nicely like a warm cup of cocoa. Smooth. (6.5/10)

Imelda May and Jack Savoretti - Call Me

A cool, jazzy, stripped back number, this is the perfect musical accompaniment to a night in front of a burning fire. Warming. (6.5/10)

Jazz Mino - Crush (Oliver Nelson Remix)

Though the remix doesn't make a huge impact on the song it gives it a slightly clubbier feel which should help this great cover reach a fresh audience. Jazz Mino's sound has definitely shifted a little over her last single but it's all still great. (7/10)

Makala Cheung - Dancefloor




Back with another new single, 'Dancefloor' is a straight forward number with a more traditional production than many of her recent releases, and though this might make it a little less unique 'Dancefloor' feels more at home with more commercial offerings, with a quickly catchy chorus and it feels like her best. (6.5/10)

Streets of Roya - All Eyes On Me

Quite a subtle little song, it's a grower with its gentle outlook winning you over after a few takes. (6/10)

Tony Humphries - Flytrap '72 

A cross between Gorillaz when they were good and the Avalanches this quirky rap number with some interesting production is fun and a fresh listen. (7/10)

Too Many T's - Neighbours

It takes a couple of spins to settle in but this tongue-in-cheek quirky pop-rap number has an annoyingly catchy chorus and some fun verses. A grower. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #87

Ten more songs that you need to hear today!

CNCO feat. Little Mix - Reggaeton Lento

Little Mix jumps on the Despacito bandwagon with this CNCO collaboration, creating one of their most fun and accomplished singles in a while, even if it's pretty much an Enrique Iglesias track in disguise. (7/10)

Dusky Grey - Call Me Over

With a strong mix of the two vocals this is a perky electronic-influenced pop song with a catchy foot-tapping lilt and a sunny feel. Nice. (7/10)

Gabrielle Aplin - Waking Up Slow

Give this song a chance as though the beginning may be quite slow and run of the mill it soon picks up the pace and bursts into a joyous chorus with great lyrics tied with a great poppy vibe. Love it! (7.5/10)

Jack Johnson - My Mind Is For Sale

'My Mind is for Sale' finds Johnson on familiar form with a gentle ballad. It's not his most dynamic work but will keep his fans happy. (6/10)

Jack Savoretti - Whiskey Tango

With his distinctive vocals, it's difficult to not recognise a Jack Savoretti song, and he's on fun form here with this building pop number. Fun. (6.5/10)

James Blunt - Don't Give Me Those Eyes 

You could quite possibly throw strong accusations at this song about it being cheesy but with its Aerosmith 'Don't Want to Miss A Thing'-esque soaring moments and harmonies it really pulls at the emotions. One of my favourites of his new album. (7.5/10)

Jessie Ware - Midnight

Another soulful number from Ware that packs a punch through her vocals and the smooth music. (6.5/10)

The Sherlocks - Live For The Moment

'Live for the Moment' is a great Arctic Monkeys-like song from the promising new indie band. With a great driving rhythm and a fast-paced lyrical delivery, this is a really strong breakthrough from the band. (7/10)

Steps - Neon Blue

The Steps comeback continues and 'Neon Blue' sees them on recognisable pop-dance form, and finally even sees the lads contribute to the song. If you are a fan of the band then this will please you. Pop fun! (7/10)

The Strypes - Great Expectations

With it's 'Old Rosie' hook, 'Great Expectations' is a gentle little summer ditty that, though quite low key, will have you humming along during it. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #56

Another ten songs you need to hear!

The Amazons - Junk Food Forever

Crossing over between indie and rock the latest from the Amazons has a fun sing-a-long sound and a quirky video to go along with the simple but involving song. (6.5/10)

Biffy Clyro - Friends and Enemies

It's not really a huge departure from their trademark sound so doesn't really stand out from their regular discography, but it's a fun enough inclusion to their inevitable singles collection. (6/10)


Hurts - Beautiful Ones

You can often rely on Hurts to bring you a catchy pop-indie crossover and 'Beautiful Ones' is no exception, mixing in their older sound with more electronic twists. (7.5/10)

Jack Savoretti - We Are Bound

Having been on heavy radio circulation recently this is another solid pop-indie number from the gruff vocal-ed singer. Throw in some subtle strings and a catchy tempo and you get a hit from Savoretti. (7.5/10)

Kelsea Ballerini - XO

Finally landing on our radar, this country-pop crossover has plenty of poppy catchiness, attitude and great vocals to make a perfect storm for a hit. (7.5/10)

Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie - In My World

Two musical heavyweights come together on this cut back, gentle number that has a surprising catchiness in its simplicity. (7/10)

Low Roar feat. Jófríõur Ákadóttir - Bones

Having already reviewed the album from this is taken, this is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable songs on the album, the two contrasting vocals heartfelt and delightful. (7.5/10)

Niall Horan - Slow Hands

Though perhaps not as genre-bending as his former bandmates Styles' number this is a much more accessible and poppy number with a catchy pop chorus and fun modern-sounding production. (7/10)

Tom Chaplin - See It So Clear (Acoustic)

Tom Chaplin, the voice of Keane, gives us this delightful acoustic take on his new single, the dual vocals lifting up the song and giving some bite to this touching and personal number. (7/10)

TYNE - Girly

Cut back and not showy this is a fun little song held together by TYNE's delightfully Lily Allen-esque lyrics and clean production. Fun. (7/10)

Top 100 of 2016 (Part 3)

Let's continue our countdown of our favourite 100 songs of the 2016 with numbers 80 - 71! Don't forget to let us know your thoughts in the comments!

80 Sam Hunt - Take Your Time (Released: March)

79 Passenger - Anywhere (Released: August)

78 Josef Salvat - Paradise (Released: January)

77 Morrissey and Marshall - Cold November Sunrise (Released: January)

76 Jamie Porter - Sound of the Summer (Released: May)

 
75 Jack Savoretti - When We Were Lovers (Released: September)

74 Rebecca Ferguson - Bones (Released: October)

73 Cat Delphi - Fire (Released: January)

72 Holly Johnson - Ascension (Released: March)

71 Simple Minds feat. KT Tunstall - Promised You A Miracle (Released: November)

New Music Review #015

Ten more great tracks we'd recommend!

AronChupa feat. J & The People - Bad Water 

For a change AronChupa bring something inspired, with this gospel-tinged country-sounding ode to beer. A great, bouncy number with a unique sound. (7.5/10)

Calum Scott - Rhythm Inside

This stripped back, string-led ballad is well written and toe-tapping with its beat. (7/10)

Craig David - Change My Love

Craig David's come back continues with this good, funky little number with a strong chorus. (6.5/10)

Daya - Words

Though not as good as the main a-side this is still a strong slice of pop-rnb with the loveable voice of Daya and the strong production values taking centre stage. (6.5/10)

Gabrielle Aplin - Miss You

Though not her best work this is a welcome return from Gabrielle Aplin who can often be relied on for a fun pop song. (6.5/10)

Jack Killen - Genevieve

From its perky pop credentials to its saxophone breakdown, this is a great catchy little tune that would do well on the radio (7.5/10)

Jack Savoretti - I'm Yours

'I'm Yours' is another great touching, well written ballad from Savoretti. (7.5/10)

RAY BLK feat. SG Lewis - Chill Out

Recently hailed as one of the stars for 2017, this mid-tempo number showcases her good voice, the hooky bridge and ethereal production. (6/10)

Sløtface - Bright Lights

'Bright Lights' is a punky indie number with plenty of attitude in its simple structure. (6/10)

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Wild Forever

It doesn't really do much different to her established formula but it's hard to go wrong with this fun pop number with a hooky chorus. (7/10)