Another ten songs you need to hear! Boy Azooga - Face Behind Her Cigarette
With an ethereal mix of throbbing bass, drum work, synth and percussion this is a well layered, eclectic song with retro influences and a crisp, well built production. Smooth. (6.5/10) Fall Out Boy - Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)
It might lack the originality of a lot of their classic - and more recent - songs but there's enough buzz and energy in the quirky track to keep you entertained, with a few vocal hooks that show themselves after a few spins. (7/10) Invisible Minds - Yo Mae Leh
If you like the cool chilled-out instrumentalism of early Royksopp then you'd enjoy the laid-back electronic-stylings of this song. Quirky but cool. (7/10) LOCKS - Skin
With hints of Nina Simone in the vocals and brush drum this is a classic sounding jazzy and funky number with plenty of cool. (7/10) Manic Street Preachers - International Blue
It might be a little familiar in terms of the modern sound of the Preachers but it's upbeat perkiness and guitar licks are very welcome at this time of year and it roars along with energy and bounce. (7/10) Mr Jukes feat. Lalah Hathaway and Barney Artist - From Golden Stars Comes Silver Dew
Another cool, laid-back funky track with elements of funk expertly woven in, with a great rap and rnb breakdown thrown in. The definition of cool. (7/10) Nina Nesbitt - Somebody Special
I personally prefer Nesbitt when she's on energetic, punky form like on 'Chewing Gum' but this catchy rnb-influenced ballad is still a strong follow-up with a catchy central chorus and a good build up to the peaks. (7/10) Paul Brand - Walking Up The Royal Mile
After his contribution to a recent Christmas single we get Paul Brand working on his own solo material. 'Walking Up The Royal Mile' is a delightfully gentle ballad with a strong instrumental track and a sweet lilt. Smooth. (7/10) Shed Seven - Nothing To Live Down
With a memorable 'the change will do you good' hook this is a strong return track from the indie-rock band. A definite grower. (7/10) Tune-Yards - Look at Your Hands
With a very quirky outlook and a building, catchy hook built from the song title, this is quite a free form track but it has enough weird sunniness to keep you interested. With hints of Prince in the vocals and the Talking Heads in the break-down later on there are plenty of intriguing influences and adaptions. (7/10)
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)
Ten more songs you need to hear! Charlie Puth - How Long
Returning to the quality of his earlier singles 'How Long' is a Justin Timberlake-like rnb-pop number with a catchy rhythm and hooky lyrics. (7.5/10) Gary Clark Jr. & Junkie XL - Come Together
Taken from the Justice League trailer this chunky take on the Beatles classic has plenty of beef and gives the original song more drama and purpose and, whisper, improves on it... (7/10) Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato - Échame La Culpa
After taking the world by storm in the summer with Despacito, Fonsi is back with another summer-tinged number that doesn't quite fit in with a cold November, but it has enough bouncy optimism and a strong mix between the two lead vocals to cover up the fag-packet lyrics. (7/10) Machine Gun Kelly, X Ambassadors & Bebe Rexha - Home
The verses may be a little bland but the touching, Oh Wonder-esque choruses lift it up and give what could be quite a generic pop-rnb track a bit of heart. A grower. (6.5/10) Maggie Lindemann - Obsessed
Onto single #2 and it's another catchy pop number from Lindemann. The verses may take a little bit to get going but the attitude-filled poppy chorus will win you over. (7/10) Pop Chorus - Always
Simply produced but touching, this is a beautifully composed and sung choral charity song that feels well at home at this time of year. Smooth and sweet and well layered. (7/10) Rachelle Rhienne - Candle
Another great track from Rhienne, this is a slower and sweeter number than her last single but the warmth and heart in her vocal performance and production is a delight. Touching. (7.5/10) Rex Orange County feat. Benny Sings - Loving is Easy
It may be a little rough around the edges with some production-based help but its smooth, warming vibe will win you over thanks to its gentle, wholesome vibe. (6.5/10) Shed Seven - Room In My House
A welcome return for the band from my home town this is a fun and anthemic indie-rock number with a solid guitar solo and a chant-able chorus, though it does outstay its welcome a little. A grower. (6.5/10) The Wombats - Lemon To A Knife Fight
The Wombats return with this first cut from their upcoming album and it balances the band's familiar sound with a rather quirky title. I wouldn't say it does anything particularly revolutionary compared to their older tracks but it is fun and memorable enough to please the fans, of which I am one. (7/10)
