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)

Top 100 of 2016 (Part 5)

It's time for the fifth part of our top 100 countdown, taking us from 61 to 50. Don't forget to leave your comments below!

60 Michael Bublé - I Believe in You

59 Kerri Watt - The Wild

58 MIAMIGO - Everyone I Know

57 April Towers - Silent Fever 

56 Cody Chesnutt - I Stay Ready

55 Clean Bandit feat. Sean Paul and Anne-Marie - Rockabye

54 Madness - Mr Apples

53 Skyler feat. Snoop Dogg - Fire

52 Paige Monroe - Call It Love 

51 Smoove & Turrell - You Could've Been a Lady

Review: Madness - Can't Touch Us Now

It's been seven years since 'The Liberty of Norton Folgate', what I still consider to be ska band Madness' finest hour, and this is only the second album the band has done since then.

'Can't Touch Us Now' is basically Madness being Madness; don't expect any huge changes on this record. Feeling less distinctive than both their 2009 opus and 2012's 'Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da' (that was four years ago? Good grief), it still has the fun touches the band are known for but feels a little like they're on autopilot.

The album opens with the titular track that mixes in upbeat ska rhythms, guitar tuning sounds and Suggs' familiar vocals, and has enough hook in the chorus to work. Second track 'Good Times' thrusts some saxophone central to the mix on a track that opens like a cross between 'Baggy Trousers', 'Hit The Road Jack' and something melodramatic from the thirties. With some nicely introspective lyrics, it's a strong follow-up.

'Mr Apples' naturally deserved lead single status. Upbeat, catchy, and with a big chorus, this is Madness on top form thanks to the perky rhythm, pop sensibilities and relentless energy.

'I Believe' mixes in some well written words on the subject of belief with some ragga piano, circus hooks and vocal production effects. There's a Western feel to 'Grandslam' which feels like the album's next single, and is Madness doing something a little different to the expected formulae, even if the ska influences are still all present and correct.

'Blackbird' is more spoken word than song and though it has its moments as it builds to the chorus, feels like too confused a piece and the imagery of the titular character feels a little regressive and pedestrian.

'You Are My Everything' feels at times like a slowed down 'NW5' but is a ballad with a surprising amount of musical bite even if the lyrics can come across as a bit Hallmark.

The 'I've Got A' hook of 'Another Version of Me' makes this short track really stand out and it's one of my favorite on the album whilst the sunny samba feel of 'Mumbo Jumbo' has a real fun, catchy, swagger to it. 'Herbert' flits between 2009's 'Sugar and Spice' and something a little more mystical, the cheeky chorus a winner amongst its intriguing production vibe and musical efforts.

'Don't Leave the Past Behind You' is a perky, brass-led piece that lifts the spirits whilst '(Don't Let Them) Catch You Crying' is a catchy mid-tempo pop number.

Opening to the sounds of arcades machines and amusements 'Pam the Hawk' is a gentle, swaying story-led track that switches between sombre monologue about Pam to gentle, saxophone-led piano breakdowns that compliment each other well.

'Given the Opportunity' is a perkier affair that is a good little pop song whilst 'Soul Denying', the longest track on the sixteen-track strong album is a more rambling affair but it does ascend into a real anthem as it peaks after five minutes. Closer 'Whistle in the Dark', once more channeling the circus feel, is a strong closer.

Though 'Can't Touch Us Now' feels at times like Madness on autopilot, "being Madness", it's a fun, upbeat, perky album with some stand out tracks, and it doesn't feel like an hour passes from start to finish. (7/10)