New Music Review #84

Ten more great songs you need to hear!

Anastacia - Caught In The Middle

Back with a new clutch of singles, 'Caught in the Middle' sees Anastacia back with a mid-tempo power ballad with another hooky radio-friendly chorus and a strong rhythm. Welcome back! (7/10)

Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug - Havana

Proving that leaving Fifth Harmony was her best move, Cabello brings out this funky spanish-influenced number that mixes up her smooth vocals, catchy chorus and even Young Thug fitting in better than usual. Cool. (7/10)

Chase & Status feat. Emeli Sandé - Love Me More

From a Chase and Status point of view it's pretty much business as usual with a rather generic music track, but it's saved by the delicious vocals of Sandé and the heartfelt lyrics. (6.5/10)

Christine McVie & Lindsey Buckingham - Feel About You

With hints of early Calvin Harris in its synth work this is a smooth and silky catchy little pop song that is the best of their collaborations yet. A sunny slice of optimistic pop. (7/10)

Enter Shikari - Live Outside

Built around a hook-filled chorus, this is both a great song and video with an array of styles and a crisp sound, plus some rather timely lyrics and thoughts. (7.5/10)

Kila - Raise The Road (Live)

'Raise the Road' is a stripped back folk song, performed live, with a great mix of instruments, harmonised vocals and a clap-along rhythm. Great. (6.5/10)

The Kooks - Broken Vow

Taken from their current greatest hits album, this is classic Kooks in the vein of their big period with a huge singable chorus and a really fun upbeat vibe. Great. (7.5/10)

Michael Malarkey - Mongrels 

Sounding like a slower take on Billy Joel's Piano Man performed by Chris Rea, the gruff-voiced Malarkey tackles this gentle, swaying number that balances a distinctive vocal style, smooth lyrics and a gentle lilt with aplomb. (6.5/10)

The Moods - P.O.P (Profit Over People)

Mixing up the sound of Wiley with Chase and Status and John Newman, this is a really upbeat catchy politically-charged dance track. Gets you moving and nodding in agreement. (7.5/10)

Red Ray & The Reprobates - Giant Song (Radio Edit)

Yee-hah! If you like your country music very quick and quirky then this fast-paced hoedown of a song will get you shimmying over to our nearest line dance. Or something like that. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #67

Another ten songs you must hear!

Be The Bear - Erupt

'Erupt' is a beautifully sung, atmospheric song with a soaring cinematic style and a calming production. It sounds more like a song suited for a cold winter night than the middle of summer, but it's a joyous listen whatever the weather. (7.5/10)



Dagny - Wearing Nothing

Dagny continues to be one of the most interesting new artists around. Her latest, 'Wearing Nothing', takes a catchy beat and a cool catchy chorus to create a fun poppy summer anthem. (7/10)

Imelda May - The Girl I Used To Be

Mentions of chips and buttered bread make this at times like an anthem for Yorkshire, but outside of that this is a smooth and gentle ballad with some touching personal lyrics and a great central heart that wins out against the stripped-back production. (7/10)

Kila - Raise The Road

Taken from their live album 'Alive', this a capella number is a funky, foot-tapping folky number that latterly introduces hints of an instrument into the mix. Cool. (6.5/10)

LeAnn Rimes - LovE is LovE is LovE

The chorus may not have taken long to write but this a summery, catchy, radio-friendly track. It's offensive but it's fun enough. (6.5/10)

Martine McCutcheon - Say I'm Not Alone

Coming out of the woodwork after many years away, Martine returns with this fun little poppy number. Like Rimes' number it's not a huge departure but it's a good radio-friendly pop ditty. (7/10)

Nick Byrne - Birch Tree

Taken from his 'Through The Tall Grass' EP, 'Birch Tree' is a gentle, smooth folky number with some beautifully composed imagery and a relaxing chill-out vibe. Neat. (7/10)

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott - I Gotta Praise

The lead single from their upcoming third album this song may follow their established formula but when it's as perky, catchy and foot-tapping as this you can't help be press the replay button with a smile on your face. (7.5/10)

Shania Twain - Life's About To Get Good

After a decade away, Shania Twain returns with this catchy uplifting pop tune. Throwing her country roots completely away and relying a little too much on autotune, this lacks the spark and sound of her big period but it's positive and poppy enough to keep you interested. (6/10)

Wolf Alice - Yuk Foo

It might be quite sweary and very, very angry but there's something appealing about the stress-relieving grungy frustration of the record both lyrically, musically and through the production. (6.5/10)