New Music Review #121

Ten more songs you have to hear!

Amanda Mair - Empty Blockings

It's been a strong year for Mair with several of her songs making their way into our digital shopping basket, and 'Empty Blockings' with its catchy central chorus and ethereal production is one of her best. (7.5/10)

Camila Cabello - Never Be the Same

Not quite as fun and huge as 'Havana' but as a Rihanna-esque mid-tempo ballad with a catchy central chorus this will tide you over nicely. (6.5/10)

Jade Bird - Cathedral

'Cathedral' is a gentle, acoustic number that showcases Bird's great voice, with the harmonised choruses injecting some heart-felt energy into the stripped back piece. (7/10)

Jessie Ware - Sam

Initially heard in acoustic form this heartfelt ballad proves to be Ware's best; beautiful lyrics beautifully sung and well produced. (7.5/10)

Miles & Erica - We Came Here To Work

We reviewed the album from which this is taken earlier in the year and this politically-charged ballad was the star of the show, and now as a single is just as relevant as ever with its pro-immigration message. (7.5/10)

Not3s and Mabel - My Lover (Remix)

You can't imagine the chorus of this song taking that long to write and the song drips with cliched lyrics and sounds but there's something fun and catchy about the stripped back and smooth sound. (7/10)

One Bit & Noah Cyrus - My Way

It might 'borrow' its main musical hook from Mylo's 'Drop the Pressure' but it does at least form it into an uptempo dance track with plenty of bounce. (7/10)

RJ Thompson - Skimming Stones 

So gentle it's practically somnambulant, this is a nicely sung stripped back number that screams out, or whispers out at least, a relaxing, yet emotional, night in. (7/10)

Spector - Untitled in D 

I'm a big Spector fan but 'Untitled in D' doesn't do anything that we've not heard before. Fans will relish a new track but it's not at all revolutionary. A grower, but well within their box. (6.5/10)

The Wombats - Turn

Though not quite as anthemic as 'Lemon To A Knife Fight' this is still a solid new song from one of my favourite acts. Sure it doesn't do anything revolutionary but it's a nice little listen with more quirky lyrical hooks. (7/10)

New Music Review #115

Ten more songs you have to hear!

Calum Scott - You Are The Reason

It's slightly familiar lyrics and heart-string pulling choral effects and soaring verses may feel at times a little clawing and overly emotional but Scott's delightful vocals and the building production make this a seasonal-sounding emotive song with plenty of heart. Beautiful. (7.5/10)

Choirs With Purpose feat. Michelle McManus - We All Stand Together

Former X-Factor winner Michelle McManus returns with this delightfully seasonal offering. Simply produced and backed by a chorus, this is a sentimental yet rousing charity number that builds nicely. (7/10)

Dan Owen - Hideaway

With a distinctive sounding voice this dramatic and thumping indie-rock number pushes along with serious gusto and energy. (7/10)

Enter Shikari - The Sights 

After a really strong last single, the synth and fast pace of 'The Sights' makes for a poppier entry into their discography and though it doesn't have the big hook of it's predecessor there's enough variety in here to keep you entertained. (6.5/10)

Jamie Lawson - A Little Mercy

You usually know what you get from Jamie Lawson and 'A Little Mercy' is no different, a beautifully written and sung heartfelt ballad. If that's your sort of thing then this will tick all the boxes for you. (7/10)

JP Cooper - Closer

Another artist who can be relied upon to deliver a strong song, 'Closer' is another nicely produced and sung mid-tempo ballad. It's not hugely memorable but gives you a warmth whilst it flows. (7/10)

Not3s - My Lover

Shakespeare it isn't but Not3s deep voice and the simple production values work well together to form a cool, chilled-out number. (6.5/10)

Sigrid - Strangers

In a week where Sigrid has been announced as one of the stars to look out for in 2018 she drops this electro-pop number with a catchy beat and upbeat feel that will get you bouncing along. Fun. (7/10)

Stereophonics - What's All The Fuss About?

Quite an unusual sound for the Stereophonics but all the more intriguing because of it. With a strong western-influenced sound, this is quite a dark sounding number and its soberness is beautifully echoed in the mournful trumpet and production sound. (7.5/10)

Tom Walker - Leave a Light On

With a few nods towards Imagine Dragons, this is a joyful indie track that matches a slower, more introspective set of verses with a building a bridge to a distinctively gruff chorus. (7/10)