New Music Review #78

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Arcade Fire - Electric Blue

Not quite as catchy as their other single on circulation but the falsetto and electric-funk work really well and make for a catchy and quirky original hit. (6/10)

Echosmith - Goodbye

Though not quite having the pop credentials of 'Cool Kids' this more subdued number with a catchy electronic riff still has much to enjoy after a few listens. (6.5/10)

Galantis - True Feeling

A fun and optimistic dance tune brought to you by the power of autotune and a synthesizer. Familiar and generic but enjoyable enough as part of a dance playlist. (6.5/10)

Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry

A little generic for Lovato but there's enough bite in the production and lyrics to keep it on play, though the potty mouthed bridge feels a little unnecessary. (6/10)

Enrique Iglesias feat. Sean Paul - Subeme La Radio (Remix)

It can't do any harm to jump on the coat-tails of Despecatio with this very similar sounding track. Though not as distinctive as that hit, Sean Paul does at least 'do a Bieber' and make this a good balance of languages even if he's on fag-packet writing duty. (6.5/10)

Louis Tomlinson feat. Bebe Rexha and Digital Farm Animals - Back to You

The next single from a former 1D member lands and it's a tad generic musically and the swearing feels a little tacked-on to make an impact, but it has enough pop-rnb crossover to keep the fans happy. It feels more like Rexha's single than Liam's though and autotune should be credited as the fourth member of the line-up. The video plays out like the worst Doncaster tourist board video though. (6.5/10)

OneRepublic feat. Tiziano Ferro - No Vacancy

Ignoring Ferro's inability to sing the word 'vacancy' in the chorus correctly and that OneRepublic have moved away from their more familiar sound, this is quite a catchy, summery track. (6.5/10)

Prophets of Rage - Living On The 110

Not quite as heavy as the band's title would suggest, this is a strong light-rock song that rests more on its lyrics and what they say rather than its music. Has quite a Rage Against the Machine feel to it though. (6/10)

PVRIS - Half

A gentle, unassuming track with a rocky heart. Not their best but it's got a strong heart behind it. (5.5/10)

Shy Luv - Time 

'Time' is a funky dance number with some bite to it, though it's perhaps a little bit generic for the genre. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #76

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Bonnie Li - Mallory





With a very listenable voice and a song with intriguing production, this is a delightful refreshing listen. (6.5/10)

Capital Cities - Drop Everything

Having released some great songs over their short career, this is perhaps not as explosive as those singles but it's still got a delightful rhythm, witty lyrics and an optimistic feel. (7/10)

Chris Simmons - Gold Dust

'Gold Dust' is a delightfully gentle and touching little track with some silky smooth production, creating a relaxing and heartfelt atmosphere. (6.5/10)

Coldplay & Big Sean - Miracles

Though their sound hasn't changed hugely, Coldplay are certainly branching out recently with their collaborations to do something a bit different, so although this isn't hugely revolutionary or as hooky as their big hits has moments of interest. (6/10)

Fjokra - Bang On The Door

After the great 'Sick Kids' Fjokra return with another quirky and catchy song that mixes up dual vocals, style shifts and didgeridoo with sitar, creating an eccentric but memorable number. (7.5/10)

The Ghibertins - The Less I Know The Better

We really loved their last single, but this is even better from the great didgeridoo opening to the downbeat but yet quickly catchy chorus, and some well written lyrics. (7.5/10)

OneRepublic and Seeb - Rich Love

It might be a bit bland and formulaic compared to OneRepublic at their non-dancey best but it's got enough of a summer-friendly vibe to hold things together. (6.5/10)

Ooberfuse - Why Oh Why

Electro-swing is one of the genres that is really growing on me, and here we have a classic example. Having seen Ooberfuse live a couple of years ago it's great to hear them back, and this catchy, radio-friendly quirky little number is their best song yet! (7.5/10)

Reverend and the Makers - Juliet Knows

Quite different for a song by them as it doesn't have Jon McClure on lead vocals, this is a nice and gentle stripped back tune with a warming, summery feel. Nice. (6.5/10)

Vance Joy - Lay It On Me

Vance Joy has always been on my radar thanks to its stonking breakthrough track 'Riptide' and though is a quieter number than that it has enough fun in its brassy breakdown and heart in its lyrics and delivery to raise a smile. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #52

Another ten songs you need to hear!

Brad Paisley feat. Mick Jagger - Drive of Shame

Mick Jagger makes this surprise appearance on Paisley's country song. It might be choc-full of country cliches but it's a jaunty, upbeat little number with Jagger's guest appearance a fresh highlight. (7/10)

Callum Beattie - We Are Stars

Coming across as a cross between Coldplay and Keane this is a lovely little ballad with singable lyrics, a radio-friendly vibe and an emotive heart. (7/10)

Elkie Brooks - Love Ain’t Something You Can Get For Free

Classic singer Brooks returns with this retro-sounding love ballad that fits nicely into her already established discography, complimenting her new greatest hits. (7/10)

Imagine Dragons - Thunder

It's a complete rip-off of Mia's 'Paper Planes' but if you forget that this is actually a catchy, quirky little number that works for the band. Though it's so close... (7/10)

Kygo and Ellie Goulding - First Time

It loses a bit of its momentum when it get to Kygo's bland cookie-cutter instrumental chorus but whilst Goulding's vocals are the focus it works. (6.5/10)

Massive Wagons - Back To the Stack

Raising money for charity, this intentional Status Quo sound-a-like is a fun musical pastiche and whilst it might not have the same pop catchiness of the original band this is a fun and memorable tribute. (6.5/10)

Nickelback - Song On Fire

Nickelback have had more memorable songs recently but this mid-tempo soft-rock number still boasts Kroeger's likeable vocals and a powerful chorus. (6.5/10)

OneRepublic - No Vacancy

Ryan Tedder is a little bit on autopilot here but if you're a fan of OneRepublic it's nice to hear more from them. (6/10)

Tom Grennan - Praying

With hints of Imagine Dragons this is a dramatic indie number with rocky hints. (7/10)

Zac Brown Band - Real Thing

At the other end of the musical spectrum after their powerful 'Holiday Road' cover this is a more subtle affair and, though sounding at times like the musical equivalent of Trump's 'Keep America Great' in terms of business, is a slow yet catchy number. (6.5/10)

Top 100 of 2016 (Part 2)

It's time for part two of our countdown of our favourite 100 songs of 2016, picked for their quality not necessarily their charting prowess. Here we go with 90 - 81...

90 OneRepublic - Wherever I Go (Released: July)

89 The Hallows - Cardboard Love (Released December)

88 Shakira - Try Everything (Released: January)

87 Lover - We Are Stars (Released: February)

86 Anne-Marie - Alarm (Released: May)

85 Diane & The Gentle Men - Motorcycle (Released: April)

84 Dani Sylvia - Free (Released: February)

83 Ladyhawke - Let It Roll (Released: June)

82 The Blend - Don't Waste My Time (Released: August)

81 Sting - I Can't Stop Thinking About You (Released: October)

What do you think of my choices? Post your comments below!