New Music Review #114

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Charlie Puth - How Long

Returning to the quality of his earlier singles 'How Long' is a Justin Timberlake-like rnb-pop number with a catchy rhythm and hooky lyrics. (7.5/10)

Gary Clark Jr. & Junkie XL - Come Together

Taken from the Justice League trailer this chunky take on the Beatles classic has plenty of beef and gives the original song more drama and purpose and, whisper, improves on it... (7/10)

Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato - Échame La Culpa

After taking the world by storm in the summer with Despacito, Fonsi is back with another summer-tinged number that doesn't quite fit in with a cold November, but it has enough bouncy optimism and a strong mix between the two lead vocals to cover up the fag-packet lyrics. (7/10)

Machine Gun Kelly, X Ambassadors & Bebe Rexha - Home

The verses may be a little bland but the touching, Oh Wonder-esque choruses lift it up and give what could be quite a generic pop-rnb track a bit of heart. A grower. (6.5/10)

Maggie Lindemann - Obsessed

Onto single #2 and it's another catchy pop number from Lindemann. The verses may take a little bit to get going but the attitude-filled poppy chorus will win you over. (7/10)

Pop Chorus - Always

Simply produced but touching, this is a beautifully composed and sung choral charity song that feels well at home at this time of year. Smooth and sweet and well layered. (7/10)

Rachelle Rhienne - Candle

Another great track from Rhienne, this is a slower and sweeter number than her last single but the warmth and heart in her vocal performance and production is a delight. Touching. (7.5/10)

Rex Orange County feat. Benny Sings - Loving is Easy

It may be a little rough around the edges with some production-based help but its smooth, warming vibe will win you over thanks to its gentle, wholesome vibe. (6.5/10)

Shed Seven - Room In My House

A welcome return for the band from my home town this is a fun and anthemic indie-rock number with a solid guitar solo and a chant-able chorus, though it does outstay its welcome a little. A grower. (6.5/10)

The Wombats - Lemon To A Knife Fight

The Wombats return with this first cut from their upcoming album and it balances the band's familiar sound with a rather quirky title. I wouldn't say it does anything particularly revolutionary compared to their older tracks but it is fun and memorable enough to please the fans, of which I am one. (7/10)

New Music Review #44

Ten more songs that you must hear today!

Fazer - I Woke Up (Radio Edit)

Another riff on the grime genre, ‘I Woke Up’ is well produced and balances the modern feel of urban music with a classical-influenced backing. The lyrics are familiar, of course, but the package is fun and enjoyable to listen to. (7/10)

Felin – Shackles

‘Shackles’, written for International Women’s Day, is another soaring and touching number from the very promising talents of Felin. Beautifully sung and going straight to the heart, you have to love Elin’s lead vocals. (7/10)

Gavin James - I Don't Know Why

‘I Don’t Know Why’ sounds like one of those songs that you think you’ve heard for a long time. With a simple but alluring chorus, this stripped back song is delightful in its delivery and lyrics, and continues to highlight the big promise of Gavin James as the Passenger of 2017. (7.5/10)

Hands of Industry - I Swear

With hints of Depeche Mode, this dark dance track brings back the 1980s and fits well into that sound with stronger modern production values. With some good effects and vibes, this is a distinctive and strong number. (7/10)

Harrison Bond - Fallen Out Of Love

‘Fallen Out of Love’ is a song with two personalities: there’s the slow pondering verses and the fastest, poppier choruses, and both work well to complement each other. A musical journey in three minutes, it’s an experience you’ll want to enjoy. (7/10)

I See Rivers - DA RAM

Short but sweet at two-and-a-half minutes, this song is quirky in its delivery and sound but pretty memorable because of it. Jaunty with oriental hints, this is a sweet little piece that plugs a small gap in your playlist thanks to its harmonies and optimistic feel. (7/10)

James King & The Regals – Murphy’s Law

A sunny, indie guitar led number, it’s not quite as memorable as their last single but once you get to the energetic guitar breakdown mid-song the song shows its hand and becomes a great fun indie banger. (6.5/10)

Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello - Bad Things

The lyrics may be a little provocative and un-radio-friendly but it’s all wrapped up in such a great package from Cabello’s sweet, innocent vocals, and Kelly’s gruffer rap. A great, sexy number. (8/10)

Mike + The Mechanics - Don't Know What Came Over Me

Like Blondie and Deep Purple mentioned previously, Mike + The Mechanics have returned with another song that sounds like it could have just been ripped from their back catalogue. A modern classic, this touching and well-produced soft rock number is touching both lyrically and in its music. (7.5/10)

Ninajirachi feat. Freya Staer - Pure Luck

With hints of AlunaGeorge, this is an eastern-sounding quirky pop number that using its production as an instrument to create a flowing and smooth little piece that is cool in its vibe. (7/10)

New Music Review #22

Another ten great tracks that we love!

Beaty Heart - Glazed

Built around some sweet falsetto-vocals, this is a gentle, touching little number with a heart at the centre of the indie-pop ballad. (6.5/10)

Black Star Riders - Testify Or Say Goodbye

'Testify or Say Goodbye' is another bouncy soft rock number with a catchy chorus. It's not as huge as some of their previous songs but it's still a good 'un. (6.5/10)

Camila Cabello and Machine Gun Kelly - Bad Things

An addictive mix of sweet and sexy pop chorus and slow rap verses, it's arguably Cabello's vocals that make this record and the lyrics are pretty shallow in their sultriness, but the overall mix works well. (7.5/10)

Fergie - Life Goes On

Slowing down her sound has made Fergie much more appealing in this smooth, surprisingly summery number. It doesn't have a huge USP but is fun in its peacefulness. (6.5/10)

James Arthur - Safe Inside

A vast improvement on his previous single, 'Safe Inside' is still a bit like a slurring drunken man singing karaoke but it's heartfelt enough to carry. (5/10)

Joseph - White Flag

'White Flag' is a really catchy pop-country song built around a fun and singable chorus and a smooth production of layered up music and vocals. Brilliant. (7.5/10)

Kiesza - Dearly Beloved

Much more poppy than her previous material, the verses may go on a little too long but it's a pleasing little pop number. (6/10)

Melanie C - Dear Life

The only Spice Girl to really have a decent post-band career, 'Dear Life' is less bombastic than we're used to from her but it's a great little pop-ballad with some thoughtful lyrics. (7/10)

Tony Momrelle - Love Me Again

'Love Me Life' is a funky and catchy little pop number delivered by his soulful voice. (6.5/10)

Yes Lad - Walk Away

The lyrics aren't the most thought-provoking but it's all wrapped up in punky energy that is well worth a spin. (6.5/10)