Showing posts with label Kesha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kesha. Show all posts

Friday, 29 December 2017

New Music Review #122

Ten more songs that you have to hear!

Anne-Marie - Then


It's been a big year for Anne-Marie and even in its dying days she delivers another great little song. More subdued than her earlier numbers its still hard to not be pulled in by the strong songwriting and emotionally-charged production. Strong. (7/10)

Ball and Boe et al - Bring Me Sunshine


The 'each-artist-sings-a-line-of-a-classic-song-for-charity' trope has been well overplayed and this lands firmly in the middle. It's for charity so stick your hand in your pocket, but it's pretty inoffensive. (6.5/10)

Bleachers - Don't Take The Money


Though not their best song there's still plenty to enjoy in this well produced indie-pop number with a sing-a-long chorus, even if the video and its frequent pauses are irritating. (6.5/10)

Ed Sheeran with Andrea Bocelli - Perfect Symphony


Dropping another collaboration remix after scoring the festive number one with Beyonce, this version will depend on your love of the original song, but the added opera-stylings from Bocelli give it another bit of bite and the string-work some more heart. (7/10)

Kesha - This Is Me


From the Barnum musical that isn't the Barnum musical this is a stirring life-affirming song which could well be pretty personal for Kesha who injects plenty of energy into this stand-up-and-be-counted song. (7/10)

Manic Street Preachers - International Blue


Sounding a little like the Preachers adapting 'Dancing in the Dark' for a new audience this is a surprisingly poppy entry for the band. It's not a revelation for them but it's radio-friendly enough and sounds like it could become a live favourite. (6.5/10)

Pale Waves - New Year's Eve


There aren't enough songs about New Year's Eve and though this is quite downbeat in its lyrics and not something you'd expect the DJ to drop it on the night it's heartfelt and resonating chorus is surrounded by some fun production and a strong vibe. (7.5/10)

Paramore - Fake Happy 


After the incredible 'Hard Times' from earlier in the year we're in similar introspective territory here for this second follow-up. Williams' vocals are on top form, delivering a touching vibe to the bittersweet lyrics. (7/10)

Riton & Kah-Lo - Fake ID


Lifting the rhythm and pace from 'The Clapping Song' this gives it a modern paint job and turns it into a fun club banger. Intriguing. (6.5/10)

Shed Seven - People Will Talk


There are sometimes songs that grab you from their opening riff and this is one of them, building from the powerful opener to its upbeat, driving forward beat. Fun! (7/10)

Sunday, 19 November 2017

New Music Review #112

Ten more tracks that you need to hear!

All Time Low - Good Times


With a tempo and feel that sounds more like the band's name than the title, this is a well written emotive soft-rock ballad that has echoes of other hits by the band, especially in its multi-layered vocal chants. (6/10)

Andy Brown feat. Crissie Rhodes - Landslide


With one half of the Shires on guest vocals this is a pretty straight-forward country track, not really doing anything particularly distinctive, but if you like your country-pop upbeat and happy then this is a great little number. (7/10)

Jake Bugg feat. Noah Cyrus - Waiting


There's a bit of a Christmas feel to this gentle duet which tones down Bugg's usually quite nasal vocals into something much smoother and sweeter, well produced over a simple jazzy backing. (7/10)

Katie Melua - Fields Of Gold


Katie Melua is one of those artists that could sing the phone book and you'd probably want to listen to it. The official Children in Need single, this is a stripped back and simple cover but that allows you the opportunity to focus on the lyrics and the beautiful delivery. (7/10)

Kesha - Learn To Let Go


'Learn to Let Go' is another uptempo, uplifting and very personal single from Kesha, all elements coming together into a fun and funky pop song. (6.5/10)

Pete Tong feat. Becky Hill - Sing It Back


Pete Tong returns with his second stringed-up compilation and though Hill doesn't quite have the same distinctive vocals as Moloko and the mid-riff is reminsicent of Bronski Beat, there's enough variety and twists in here to work. (6/10)

P!nk - Halfway Gone


P!nk is always good value in getting a good song and this gritty, soft-rock entry throws her gruff vocals and heartfelt-lyrics right bang in centre stage where they should be. Great. (7/10)

Pioneers - Take Time


With subtle hints of punk in its production this is a bouncy upbeat pop number that will get you moving. (6.5/10)

Vance Joy - Like Gold


Though lacking the uptempo joy from his best songs like 'Riptide' this slower number still boasts a great little beat and a catchy lyrical delivery. A grower. (6.5/10)

Wild Beasts - Punk Drunk And Trembling


With hints of electronica in its laid back mid-tempo indie-styled number, this is a smooth and involving listen that shifts along nicely in a cool vibe. (6/10)

Friday, 21 July 2017

New Music Review #75

Ten more songs you really need to hear!

Arcade Fire - Everything Now



Before Andy Williams' lawyers call them for their nod towards 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' let's enjoy this great little pop-rock song with some great vocal and musical hooks and an earworm of a chorus. Great, but familiar sounding. (7.5/10)

Jennifer Lopez feat. Gente de Zona - Ni Tú Ni Yo



Something a bit different here from Lopez as she embraces Spanish for the complete record to bring something summery that isn't Despacito! (6.5/10)

Jess and the Bandits - Kings Of Summer



One of my favourite country acts comes back with this timely seasonal song, that throws nostalgia at you to win you over in a gentle, touching, well composed number. (7/10)

Kesha feat. The Dap-Kings Horns - Woman



It might be a little NSFW, or at least for the radio, but this is Kesha back on top form with a spunky, attitude-filled number complete with a top-class brass section from the Dap-Kings Horns! Great! (7.5/10)

The Magic Gang - Your Love



'Your Love' is a nice, gentle little indie-pop number that feels like summer immortalised in three minutes. (6.5/10)

Oh Wonder - High On Humans



Shifting into something a bit more uptempo than we'd maybe expect from 'Oh Wonder', this is still a great showcase for their trademark harmonies and electronic riffs, and the text-to-speech sound samples work well. (7.5/10)

Paul Weller - Woo Sé Mama



Paul Weller perks up his sound a little with this great uptempo ditty that adds a summery feel to his usual sound. A definite grower. (6.5/10)

Rat Boy - Laidback



Appropriately his most laid back single yet, this is a classic chill-out cool single that sticks in your head after a few listens. Nice. (7/10)

Sian Cross - Gave Away



Sian Cross returns with a great atmospheric and sultry track with a strong production feel and a darker, Pixie Lott-style vibe. Great. (7/10)

Zedd and Liam Payne - Get Low



Lyrically not as strong as earlier Zedd records it's a still a fun and poppy summer anthem that will keep you moving. (6/10)