Showing posts with label Riton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Riton. Show all posts

Friday, 29 December 2017

New Music Review #122

Ten more songs that you have to hear!

Anne-Marie - Then


It's been a big year for Anne-Marie and even in its dying days she delivers another great little song. More subdued than her earlier numbers its still hard to not be pulled in by the strong songwriting and emotionally-charged production. Strong. (7/10)

Ball and Boe et al - Bring Me Sunshine


The 'each-artist-sings-a-line-of-a-classic-song-for-charity' trope has been well overplayed and this lands firmly in the middle. It's for charity so stick your hand in your pocket, but it's pretty inoffensive. (6.5/10)

Bleachers - Don't Take The Money


Though not their best song there's still plenty to enjoy in this well produced indie-pop number with a sing-a-long chorus, even if the video and its frequent pauses are irritating. (6.5/10)

Ed Sheeran with Andrea Bocelli - Perfect Symphony


Dropping another collaboration remix after scoring the festive number one with Beyonce, this version will depend on your love of the original song, but the added opera-stylings from Bocelli give it another bit of bite and the string-work some more heart. (7/10)

Kesha - This Is Me


From the Barnum musical that isn't the Barnum musical this is a stirring life-affirming song which could well be pretty personal for Kesha who injects plenty of energy into this stand-up-and-be-counted song. (7/10)

Manic Street Preachers - International Blue


Sounding a little like the Preachers adapting 'Dancing in the Dark' for a new audience this is a surprisingly poppy entry for the band. It's not a revelation for them but it's radio-friendly enough and sounds like it could become a live favourite. (6.5/10)

Pale Waves - New Year's Eve


There aren't enough songs about New Year's Eve and though this is quite downbeat in its lyrics and not something you'd expect the DJ to drop it on the night it's heartfelt and resonating chorus is surrounded by some fun production and a strong vibe. (7.5/10)

Paramore - Fake Happy 


After the incredible 'Hard Times' from earlier in the year we're in similar introspective territory here for this second follow-up. Williams' vocals are on top form, delivering a touching vibe to the bittersweet lyrics. (7/10)

Riton & Kah-Lo - Fake ID


Lifting the rhythm and pace from 'The Clapping Song' this gives it a modern paint job and turns it into a fun club banger. Intriguing. (6.5/10)

Shed Seven - People Will Talk


There are sometimes songs that grab you from their opening riff and this is one of them, building from the powerful opener to its upbeat, driving forward beat. Fun! (7/10)

Tuesday, 24 October 2017

New Music Review #103

Ten more songs that you need to hear!

Aminé - Spice Girl



It might run out of steam in its over-long verses but it's pop-grime crossover chorus has a wry smile on its face and a hooky feel. (6/10)


A Perfect Circle - The Doomed



Sounding a little like a piratic ELO, this multi-faceted single covers stripped-back instrumental, cinematic stylings and rockier sections in a surprisingly versatile and building hit. (6.5/10)

Cheat Codes feat. Fetty Wap - Feels Great



Though the chorus is pretty generic dance-pop it's ode to youth and the energy in the verse almost make up for it. A little bit too familiar but a strong enough distraction for three minutes. (6/10)

Kehlani - Touch



'Touch' is a gentle sultry little number with simple production that gives Kehlani's sweet and suggestive vocals room to breath. Smooth. (7/10)

Kodaline - Ready to Change



Though the chorus is perhaps not as catchy as previous ones it's great to hear Kodaline back as there's much to enjoy in this guitar-lick hefty pop-rock crossover with an anthemic central chorus. (7/10)

Louis Tomlinson - Just Like You



Though lacking the energy of his last single this is a sweet ballad with enough lyrical buzz to keep it together. (6/10)

Pink feat. Eminem - Revenge



Pink continues her succession of recent fun singles with this more tongue-in-cheek and poppy offering that offers a nice more fun alternative to her more introspective current numbers. (7/10)

Rita Ora - Anywhere



Quite possibly Ora's best single yet, this is a well written and performed introspective song that beefs up the music with something a bit more clubby, though the live stripped-back version is even better. (7.5/10)

Riton, MNEK and the The House Gospel Choir - Deeper



Though the lyrics are anything but deep this is a catchy pop-dance number with the mix of vocal talents contributing into something that keeps the energy and fun high. (7/10)

Tom Grennan - Royal Highness



A little bit like if Danny Dyer started singing, this is actually quite a catchy radio-friendly number thanks to its fun and poppy central chorus and energetic delivery. (7/10)

Tuesday, 18 April 2017

New Music Review #37

Another ten tracks that you need to hear!

All Time Low - Dirty Laundry


Less in-your-face than I was expecting from All Time Low, this is a surprisingly low-key indie number from them, but it's no less intriguing. (6.5/10)

Arman Cekin feat. Snoop Dogg & Paul Rey - California Dreaming



For the most part California Dreaming succumbs to the stereotypical lyrics you'd expect from a Snoop Dogg collaboration but the very catchy whistle-riff makes it worth a listen, which says it all really. (6/10)

Ed Sheeran - Galway Girl


Almost approaching overplayed status before it's even released as a proper single, this is still a cracking Irish-influenced pop song. Once you hear it will become an ear worm. (7.5/10)

Jennifer Hudson - Remember Me


Joining the ranks of judges on the Voice using the show as a springboard back into music, this particular track if welcome, a delightful mid-tempo ballad with some heartfelt lyrics and a simple but effective delivery. (7.5/10)

Joseph - SOS (Overboard)


Taking a bit of time to come to my attention this pop-indie track boasts what you'd expect from it: a simple yet catchy chorus, crisp production and delightful lead vocals. (7/10)'

Lady Antebellum - You Look Good


Popping up their country vibe this is a catchy ode to that sexy someone, matching the fun swagger of the song's pace. (7/10)

The Magic Gang - How Can I Compete


'How Can I Compete' is a fun indie song with a sing-a-long ending and a loveable heart. Nice. (7/10)

Riscas - Panic Like Tom


'Panic Like Tom' is a solid little indie hit but with its ear for some good poppy hooks. Simple music, but well done with its upbeat guitar riff and hooky repeat of its title. (7/10)

Riton feat. Kah-Lo, Mr Eazi, Davido - Money


What could have been a cliched song suggested by the cash-focussed title is actually a stripped back, Caribbean-themed, number on needing a holiday. Simple but fun. (6.5/10)

Tom Grennan - Giving It All


With the title of the EP this comes through forming part of the lyrics, this is a catchy little indie ballad with the character of Grennan's voice aiding the delivery. (7/10)