New Music Review #116

Ten more songs you must hear!

Banners - Someone To You

'Someone to You' is a really fun and catchy pop-rock number with a singable, radio-friendly chorus which suggests this will be a grower once it gets that airplay breakthrough. (7/10)

Gavin James - Hearts On Fire

It's been a strong year for Gavin James and if this new song is anything to go by it should be a strong 2018 for him as well. 'Hearts On Fire' is another bouncy, catchy number from him. (7.5/10)

Green Day - Back In The USA

Taking its lead from their famous 'American Idiot' album this boasts the poppiness of that album's title track with more subtle politics, in a surprisingly poppy entry into their canon, taken from their new greatest hits compilation. (7/10)

Hey Charlie - Young & Lonesome

A quirky and funky indie number with strong harmonies and a gentle, yet building presence from the trio, with more bite coming from the guitars and the sing-a-long closer. Neat. (6.5/10)

Liam Gallagher - Come Back To Me

Liam Gallagher continues to roll out some catchy singles, and this fast-paced indie-rock number with a pacey and powerful bridge and chorus keeps up the standard. Cool. (7/10)

Little Mix - Is Your Love Enough?

A little more interesting than their recent singles, the reggae, summery feel to this record gives it a refreshingly distinctive feel. A fun pop single with the work done by the production. (6.5/10)

Queens of the Stone Age - The Way You Used to Do 

Going back to the more traditional sound of QotSA, this is a fun rock number with a simple yet strangely compelling dark chorus. A grower. (7/10)

RedFaces - Take It or Leave It

Mixing in indie and electronic, like a more modern sounding Arctic Monkeys, this is a smooth and friendly number from a youthful band. Promising. (6.5/10)

Stephanie Cheape - I Am A Soldier

Built around a funky rhythm and the distinctive vocals of Cheape, this is a stripped-back yet involving number that showcases the talents of this singer-songwriter. (7/10)

Winter Mountain - Platinum and Gold 

We recently reviewed the EP from which this is taken and enjoyed it, and this cut from it is a delightfully warming indie number that will delight you. (7/10)

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 #40

Ten more tracks you need to hear today!

Amy Macdonald - Automatic

'Automatic' is another great indie-pop song from Macdonald that fits in neatly with her older material. (7/10)

Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) - Runnin' Home To You

Taken from the Flash TV show, there's something a little bit Disney about this release but it's a simple, stripped-back, little love song with a pun in the title. (6.5/10)

DNCE feat. Nicki Minaj - Kissing Strangers

After the catchy 'Cake in the Ocean' comes another fun, tongue-in-cheek little pop tune. Minaj doesn't really add much to it, but elsewhere it's a nice little radio-friendly ditty. (7/10)

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes - Vampires

With a strong breakdown, a hook-filled chorus and a driving rhythm this is a surprisingly perky soft-rock song. (7/10)

Imelda May - Should've Been You

A little bit of a change of direction for Imelda but this is a catchy, spunky little number. (7/10)

Little Mix feat. Machine Gun Kelly - No More Sad Songs

It's a little bit generic as per their recent material but it's got enough of a poppy heart to win you over. (6.5/10)

Michael Bolton - Cupid

Let's be honest, it's not a million miles away from the original but it suits Bolton's voice and the gruffness in his delivery gives it a new angle. (7/10)

The Shires - Drive

'Drive' is another catchy pop-country crossover from the Shires that is, fittingly, a good tune to put on whilst you go and drive. (7/10)

Texas - Tell That Girl

'Tell That Girl' is another bouncy slice of pop from a resurgent 'Texas'. (6.5/10)'

Tinashe - Flame 

'Flame' is a laid back little number that showcases Tinashe's sultry vocals. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #27

Ten more musical picks from KBPS for you to enjoy!

Cascada - Run

'Run' is another uptempo catchy club-friendly number from Cascada. It might not be the most intelligent in terms of lyrics but it's bouncy enough to forgive that. (7/10)

Chance the Rapper and Knox Fortune - All Night (Kaytranada Extended Joint)

One of my favourites by Chance, this mixes up electronic hooks with soulful throwbacks and enough catchy riffs to keep you interested. (7/10)

Emile Sande - Highs & Lows

Another artist you can rely on for a quality single, 'Highs & Lows' sees Sande back on strong form with a soulful, poppy number that will get you signing along after those first few notes. (7.5/10)

Imagine Dragons - Believer

'Imagine Dragons' return with another hefty rock number. It's not a huge departure from previous singles but the mix of vocals, choral effects and crisp production make it a really energetic number. (7/10)

Jamiroquai - Automaton

Jay Kay is back with another hat and another tune, this time something much more electronic focussed. It takes a few listens to grab you but once it does its Daft Punk-feeling vibes will hook you in. (7/10)

Little Mix - Touch

Another great catchy little pop number from Little Mix that sounds like one of their best for a while. It's just a shame that the video feels a tad inappropriate for their young audience. (7/10)

Madness - Another Version Of Me

'Another Version of Me' is not a huge departure from the classic sound of Madness and the rhyming dictionary is plundered at times, but this slots in nicely to their discography and is as fun and poppy as you'd expect from the Nutty Boys. (7/10)

Oliver Heldens - I Don't Wanna Go Home 

Though it revels in its club music cliches this is still in the top half of club tunes, with a strong electronic production and a simple, catchy hook. (6/10)

Rag'n'Bone Man - Skin 

After two incredible singles in 'Wolves' and 'Human' Rag'n'Bone Man is back with another corker, with another singable chorus and a brilliant line in production. (7.5/10)

Vant - Do You Know Me?

With rocking guitars, a rhythm that drives forwarded and an anthemic set of riffs, put this on and vent some anger with this great rock number. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #018

Here are another ten tracks worth listening to!

Alex Da Kid feat. X Ambassadors, Elle King, Wiz Khalifa - Not Easy

A record that's not really as good as the sum of its parts, the emotional inputs from Alex Da Kid and Elle King give it its heart and Wiz Khalifa's rap adds a neat little urban flavour. Not bad but a tad generic in parts. (6.5/10)

Creeper - Hiding With Boys 

'Hiding with Boys' is a bouncy, rock number that stays on the right side of listenable compared to over the top rocking. (6/10)


DJ Fresh vs. Diplo - Bang Bang (Official Audio) feat. R. City, Selah Sue & Craig David

The 'Bang Bang' riff is actually better than much of the contributions from the extended song cast list but it holds together enough as a piece of club-dance even if it's a little bit too familiar (7/10).

Friends of Jo Cox feat. MP4, Steve Harley, Ricky Wilson, David Gray & KT Tunstall - You Can't Always Get What You Want

I'm not quite sure how the message of the song connects with the issues based around the sad murder of MP Jo Cox but this collaborative song is nicely done, though the mixture of voices is as messy as these records can become, but the cause is great. (6.5/10)

IDER - King Ruby

'King Ruby' is a funky little dream-pop track with more electronic ambitions. It makes for a solid chill-out track. (6/10)

Kelvin Jones - As You Wake Up

Kelvin Jones can usually be relied on for a listenable slice of indie, and this is no exception. It's perhaps not as noteworthy as some of his recent material but it's still worth a punt. (6/10)

KT Tunstall - It Took Me So Long To Get Here, But Here I Am

Taken from her latest album this is a catchy pop-indie track that matches up Tunstall's loveable vocals with a fast-paced indie riff and a happy, positive vibe. (7/10)

Little Mix feat. Charlie Puth - Oops (feat. Charlie Puth) 

'Oops' with its whistle riff, retro throwback and Charlie Puth guest slot make this sound a little like his work with Meghan Trainor but that's not bad when it's as fun and poppy as this. (7/10)

Stevie Wonder feat. Ariana Grande - Faith

Taken from the upcoming 'Sing' film this a catchy, funky seventies throwback that, though not particularly revolutionary, is a fun number and the best thing Ariana Grande has done in a while. (6.5/10)


The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk - I Feel it Coming

Vastly better than 'Starboy', this slow and sensual collaboration with Daft Punk takes a few listens to enjoy but soon demonstrates its catchiness and sexiness. (6.5/10)