New Music Review #75

Ten more songs you really need to hear!

Arcade Fire - Everything Now

Before Andy Williams' lawyers call them for their nod towards 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' let's enjoy this great little pop-rock song with some great vocal and musical hooks and an earworm of a chorus. Great, but familiar sounding. (7.5/10)

Jennifer Lopez feat. Gente de Zona - Ni Tú Ni Yo

Something a bit different here from Lopez as she embraces Spanish for the complete record to bring something summery that isn't Despacito! (6.5/10)

Jess and the Bandits - Kings Of Summer

One of my favourite country acts comes back with this timely seasonal song, that throws nostalgia at you to win you over in a gentle, touching, well composed number. (7/10)

Kesha feat. The Dap-Kings Horns - Woman

It might be a little NSFW, or at least for the radio, but this is Kesha back on top form with a spunky, attitude-filled number complete with a top-class brass section from the Dap-Kings Horns! Great! (7.5/10)

The Magic Gang - Your Love

'Your Love' is a nice, gentle little indie-pop number that feels like summer immortalised in three minutes. (6.5/10)

Oh Wonder - High On Humans

Shifting into something a bit more uptempo than we'd maybe expect from 'Oh Wonder', this is still a great showcase for their trademark harmonies and electronic riffs, and the text-to-speech sound samples work well. (7.5/10)

Paul Weller - Woo Sé Mama

Paul Weller perks up his sound a little with this great uptempo ditty that adds a summery feel to his usual sound. A definite grower. (6.5/10)

Rat Boy - Laidback

Appropriately his most laid back single yet, this is a classic chill-out cool single that sticks in your head after a few listens. Nice. (7/10)

Sian Cross - Gave Away

Sian Cross returns with a great atmospheric and sultry track with a strong production feel and a darker, Pixie Lott-style vibe. Great. (7/10)

Zedd and Liam Payne - Get Low

Lyrically not as strong as earlier Zedd records it's a still a fun and poppy summer anthem that will keep you moving. (6/10)

New Music Review #50

Ten more tracks you need to hear!

alt-J - In Cold Blood

Alt-J are back and though 'In Cold Blood' doesn't have the same hooky nature as their earlier material this is actually one of their best in a while, with several vocal hooks, a poppier overtone and some strong production. (7/10)

Carol Laula - August Leaves

It might have taken a while for this song to come to our attention but this is a beautiful understated indie-pop ballad with plenty of heart. Delightful. (7.5/10)

Cliff Richard & The Piano Guys - (It's Gonna Be) Okay

This collaboraton is a fun poppy number that's Cliff's best thing in years. With hints of 'Bright Light, Bright Light' this is a bouncy number that lights up the radio. (7.5/10)

Dua Lipa - Lost In Your Light feat. Miguel

A more subdued affair than her previous singles this is a strong ballad between the two vocalists and has plenty of emotion in there. (6.5/10)

Elles Bailey - Wildfire

'Wildfire' is a great pop-indie crossover with Bailey's vocals and the rough guitars complimenting each other on a mid-tempo hit. (7.5/10)

James TW - Ex

It perhaps run out of fresh ideas before its conclusion but it's a neat little indie-pop number. (7.5/10)

Oh Wonder - Ultralife

Taken from an upcoming new album this is 'Oh Wonder' on more uplifting form but still boasting their very listenable vocals and progressive strong structure. A little poppier than their last album but still great. (7.5/10)

Robbie Williams - The Heavy Entertainment Show

The opening track of Robbie's latest album finally gets a full video. A perfect opening song, this mixture of Williams' inflated ego and Serge Gainsbourg's sample works well in creating a rather eclectic story-driven song. (7.5/10)

Sam Way and Henry Dell - Pretty Liability

With hints of Example and Calvin Harris this is a bouncy pop-club crossover with a catchy poppy chorus. (7/10)

Shawn Mendes - There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back

Another fun pop song from Mendes with a heady mixture of building up production and very listenable lyrical delivery. Not earth shattering but good. (7/10)