Ten more songs you have to hear! The Academic - Bear Claws
Sounding more mature than they look in the video 'Bear Claws' is a radio-friendly indie-pop number with a perky, singable chorus. Very promising! (6.5/10) Bryan Adams - Please Stay
A ballad is the order of the day for this latest entry into Adams' catalogue and though it's perhaps a little familiar it's gentle pace and touching lyrics and delivery help it along. (6.5/10) Ed Sheeran - Perfect
If you are a fan of Sheeran I'm sure you've already swayed along to this, and though the lyrics might be perhaps a little saccharine it's string-led stripped-back production brings out the love. (6.5/10) Elkie Brooks - Rising Cost Of Love
Lyrically a little bit forced in parts this is still actually pretty funky and memorable, with Brooks' gravelly vocals and the upbeat rhythm bringing a smile to your face. (6.5/10) Franz Ferdinand - Always Ascending
It could be arguing that Franz Ferdinand are getting less and less poppy as the album's go by - not that they were ever that 'mainstream' - but their first post-FFS track has a Goldfrapp and Jamiroquai feel in its synthy riffs, switching up from the choral opening to something catchier and on more familiar territory. A definite grower. (7/10) Isaac Gracie - Silhouettes Of You
With hints of Chris Isaak and Coldplay, this gentle piano-led ballad is a great smooth and soothing listen with Gracie's gentle vocals a delight to listen to. (7/10) Leading Ladies - One Night Only
Originally from the 'Dreamgirls' musical this disco-enthused song sounds like a Meat Loaf song mixed with Diana Ross, and its camp yet powerfully sung credentials work well for us. (7/10) Steps - Dancing With A Broken Heart
It's a little bit like Steps-by-numbers but if you've enjoyed their previous songs then this chunky pop-dance number with its catchy chorus will tick those boxes. Not sure about the forced post-chorus section though. (7/10) Stormzy feat. MNEK - Blinded By Your Grace (Part 2)
At atmospheric, gospel-tinged number where the lighter vocals of MNEK stand well next to Stormzy's gruffer raps. A slow but strong ballad number with a higher power. (7/10) Texas - Can't Control
Perhaps a little bit of a change in direction for the sound of the band, sounding more like Madonna crossed with Cheryl. Lacking Texas' usual huge radio-friendly chorus this is something a bit different, but plays out nicely and grows with a few listens. (6/10)
Ten more songs that you need to hear today! CNCO feat. Little Mix - Reggaeton Lento
Little Mix jumps on the Despacito bandwagon with this CNCO collaboration, creating one of their most fun and accomplished singles in a while, even if it's pretty much an Enrique Iglesias track in disguise. (7/10) Dusky Grey - Call Me Over
With a strong mix of the two vocals this is a perky electronic-influenced pop song with a catchy foot-tapping lilt and a sunny feel. Nice. (7/10) Gabrielle Aplin - Waking Up Slow
Give this song a chance as though the beginning may be quite slow and run of the mill it soon picks up the pace and bursts into a joyous chorus with great lyrics tied with a great poppy vibe. Love it! (7.5/10) Jack Johnson - My Mind Is For Sale
'My Mind is for Sale' finds Johnson on familiar form with a gentle ballad. It's not his most dynamic work but will keep his fans happy. (6/10) Jack Savoretti - Whiskey Tango
With his distinctive vocals, it's difficult to not recognise a Jack Savoretti song, and he's on fun form here with this building pop number. Fun. (6.5/10) James Blunt - Don't Give Me Those Eyes
You could quite possibly throw strong accusations at this song about it being cheesy but with its Aerosmith 'Don't Want to Miss A Thing'-esque soaring moments and harmonies it really pulls at the emotions. One of my favourites of his new album. (7.5/10) Jessie Ware - Midnight
Another soulful number from Ware that packs a punch through her vocals and the smooth music. (6.5/10) The Sherlocks - Live For The Moment
'Live for the Moment' is a great Arctic Monkeys-like song from the promising new indie band. With a great driving rhythm and a fast-paced lyrical delivery, this is a really strong breakthrough from the band. (7/10) Steps - Neon Blue
The Steps comeback continues and 'Neon Blue' sees them on recognisable pop-dance form, and finally even sees the lads contribute to the song. If you are a fan of the band then this will please you. Pop fun! (7/10) The Strypes - Great Expectations
With it's 'Old Rosie' hook, 'Great Expectations' is a gentle little summer ditty that, though quite low key, will have you humming along during it. (6.5/10)
To celebrate the passing of the first six months of the year here are is our pick of the best century of songs released this year so far. Agree or disagree? Leave your comments at the bottom! 50. Niall Horan - Slow Hands Released: May
49. K I D - Taker Released: March
48. Alex Hulme - Family Tree Released: April
47. The Chainsmokers & Coldplay - Something Just Like This Released: February
46. Gavin James - I Don't Know Why Released: February
45. Maximo Park - Get High (No, I Don't) Released: March
44. Dani Sylvia - Perfection Generation Released: June
43. JP Cooper - Passport Home Released: May
42. Mike + The Mechanics - Don't Know What Came Over Me Released: February
41. Hunter Hayes - Yesterday's Song Released: March
40. MAN WITH A MISSION - Dead End in Tokyo Released: January
39. Emma Stevens - Sing Out (Hey La Hey Lo) Released: June
38. Chlöe Howl - Magnetic Released: June
37. DJ Premier X Miguel - 2 Lovin U Released: March
36. Harry Styles - Sign of the Times Released: May
35. Dua Lipa feat. Miguel - Lost In Your Light Released: May
34. Be The Bear - Erupt Released: June
33. Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello - Bad Things Released: May
32. Hurts - Beautiful Ones Released: April
31. Hanson - I Was Born Released: May
30. Ed Sheeran - Galway Girl Released: May
29. Anne-Marie - Ciao Adios Released: March
28. Julia Michaels - Issues Released: March
27. RYDER - Nirvana Released: March
26. Kirsty Churchill - I Was Not Looking Released: March 25. Erasure - Love You to the Sky Released: March
24. Lover - Fallen Famous Released: April 23. Amy Macdonald - Dream On Released: January
22. Emeli Sandé - Highs & Lows Released: January
21. Samuel Sim and Tracy Kashi - Hourglass Released: January
20. Holly Brewer - Wish I Loved You More Released: January
19. Deep Purple - Johnny's Band Released: June
18. DNCE feat. Nicki Minaj - Kissing Strangers Released: May
17. Fjokra - Sick Kids Released: April
16. Calum Foad - You & I Released: February
15. Brenda Veila - Trouble Released: March
14. Hafdis Huld - Take Me Dancing Released: June 13. Lady Gaga - The Cure Released: April
12. Zedd and Alessia Cara - Stay Released: April
11. Blondie - Long Time Released: April
10. Robbie Williams - Mixed Signals Released: February
9. Picturehouse - Sunburst
Released: June
8. LP - Lost On You Released: May
7. Rag 'n' Bone Man - Skin Released: March
6. Steps - Scared of the Dark Released: April
5. Keith Urban feat. Carrie Underwood - The Fighter Released: February
4. Dan Auberbach - Shine On Me Released: March
3. The Killers - The Man Released: June
2. Train - Drink Up Released: May
1. Paramore - Hard Times Released: April
So what do you think of our list? Let us know in the comments below! In January we'll be presenting the full 100 songs of the year? Will the above still be in it or what about some of these impending videos out in July so missing out on this list? The Rocking Horse Club - Straight White Man
Kerri Watt - Old School Love The Allergies - Entitled To That Indalo Man - Te Quiero Mucho
Shaun Kelly and the Returned Gifts - Cadillac
(And if you're really into your stats here are some of the songs that narrowly missed out of being in our top fifty, all well worth listening to!)
Alison Krauss - Losing You (January)
Andrew Applepie & Bjurman - Drowning World (June)
Clean Bandit feat. Zara Larsson – Symphony (March)
Earl - Tongue Tied (February)
Fancy Cars feat. Foy - Heart of Stone (January)
Hannah Grace - Praise You (April)
Hannah's Yard - Doin It For Myself (May)
Hebe - Take Him Down (June)
Imagine Dragons - Thunder (May)
Imelda May - Should've Been You (April)
Jack Savoretti - We Are Bound (May)
James Blunt - Love Me Better (February)
Jamiroquai - Cloud 9 (February)
Jazz Mino - Footprints (February)
Jennifer Hudson - Remember Me (April)
Kasabian - Bless This Acid House (June)
Lady Antebellum - You Look Good (January)
Little Mix - Touch (January)
Marc Almond - A Kind Of Love (February)
Mark Villarosa - Hangover (February)
Mauro Dirago - Slave For You (May)
MissinCat - Made of Stone (February)
Nina Schofield - Beat Another Rhythm (May)
Olivia Garcia - Freedom Hearts (January)
Rodina - What If (January)
Sharon Shannon - The Machine (May)
Sigrid - Don't Kill My Vibe (March)
Someday - Clean Couch (April)
Sparks - What The Hell Is It This Time? (May)
Take That - Giants (March)
Tallia Storm - Still In Love (March)
Tape Machines feat. Sam Seg - s.t.u.p.i.d (June)
The Ghibertins - Breath For Me (May)
The Kooks - Be Who You Are
The Pocket Gods - The Perfect Blue (April)
The Shires - Drive (April)
The Slvr Tongues - Ain't Just the Whiskey (April)
The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk - I Feel It Coming (March)
Ten more songs you need to hear! ARTAN - Opposite Interests
A cooler, more interestingly produced track than the usual entries in the genre, this is a catchy, calm song with a stronger lyrical focus than you'd expect and a production style that reminds me a little of Enigma at their height. (6.5/10) Father John Misty - Total Entertainment Forever
The best song off Misty's latest album, 'Total Entertainment Forever' doesn't quite live up to its opening lines and flatly avoids anything commercial but it is fun in a quirky way. (6/10) Jerry Williams - I’m Not in Love With You
With hints of Lily Allen in her vocal style, this is a sweet little stripped back number with an emotional heart and hints of ballsy attitude. (7/10) JP Cooper - Passport Home
Another great little indie-pop number from Cooper that mixes gentle music, a sweet voice, touching lyrics, gospel-feel and little sparks of interest based around the whistling sections and other neat little tricks. (7.5/10) Keith Urban feat. Carrie Underwood - The Fighter
Less country than you'd expect from the pair, this is a bouncy, call-and-response focussed pop number with heart. Nice! (7/10) Linkin Park - Invisible
Linkin Park may have gone a bit more pop recently and - whisper it - a little blander with tracks like this, but it plays out nicely even if the chorus is too repetitive and I miss the louder, rappier band. (6/10) Sparks - What The Hell Is It This Time?
It might not be as musically different as you'd expect from the ever-changing duo, sounding as it does like 'This is the Renaissance' and songs from that era, but it's another quirky and eccentric pop-electronic number from the musical veterans with an intriguing topic tackled with their usual wit. (7.5/10) Steps - Story Of A Heart
A cover of a song by 50% of Abba, some of the lyrics may be a little bland ("staring at the back of a bus??") but it's a touching heart-felt ballad delivered well. (7/10) Two4Kay - 2 2 Badmind
It may revel in a few genre cliches but it's actually a pretty fun summer-friendly club number with a mixture of rnb and urban styles. (6/10) The Vamps and Martin Jensen - Middle Of The Night
The Vamps border on sell-out with this club-focussed number but it has a certain amount of catchiness amongst its familiarity. (6.5/10)
Ten more great songs we've personally picked for you!
Pink Noise Party –
Queer
A mid-tempo number whose opening and choral lyrics will
perhaps spark a little controversy, outside of this it’s a disco-influenced
funky little number complete with vocal tricks, piano riffs and other
refreshing elements. A cool little number. (7/10)
Reggie N Bollie -
This is the Life
Talent shows singers Reggie N Bollie return with this
summer-friendly number which fits in neatly with the tropes of Caribbean music.
It perhaps doesn’t plough its own unique furrow but it’s fun and enjoyable
enough while it lasts. (6.5/10)
Saint Motel – Move
Another one of my favourite songs around at the moment,
this catchy and dance-focussed number boasts memorable lyrics, a solid
production style and a building verse that leads to an enthusiastic chorus. A
brilliant, poppy, radio-friendly number. (8/10)
Shakatak - Carry
On
Sounding like a mixture of Simply Red and the Bee Gees
‘Carry On’ is a retro-sounding funky number with a calming, chilled-out vibe
and a very welcome keytar breakdown. Fun. (7/10)
SQRD – Together
‘Together’ is a chilled out number with a catchy,
electronic riff and simple, but complimentary, lyrics. (6.5/10)
Steps - Scared Of
The Dark
Another band returns after a while away, and though it’s
pretty much the Claire show this is a catchy, classic-sounding Steps song
complete with electronic drums, synthesized strings and soaring bridges.
Fitting perfectly into their established discography, this is pop-dance at its
cheesy finest. (7.5/10)
Tayfun – Figo
A musical backing that sounds like a cross between a
Christmas carol and something by Enigma, is what makes this song. The rap laid
over the top is good too but familiar, but it’s when it’s matched with the
audio that it comes alive, especially in the multi-layered chorus. Full marks
to the producer for bringing the best out of the song. (7.5/10)
The Allergies feat.
Andy Cooper - Love That I'm In
‘Love That I'm In’ is another funky little number from
the Allergies, the mixture of vocals and rap, disco backing and electronic
riffs all working together to create a bouncy, joyful atmosphere that will put
a smile on your face. (7/10)
Train - Play That
Song
Building its riff from the famous piano piece from movie
“Big”, this is cheesy, poppy and commercial but that’s not always a bad thing
when it’s wrapped up in a song as fun and friendly as this. Cool. (7.5/10)
Tuxedo - 2nd Time
Around
With echoes of Chic this is a seventies-sounding funky
number with a positive vibe, catchy riffs and a sunny optimism, and a very
singable chorus. A great throwback sounding number. (7.5/10)
Five-piece
British pop-dance group Steps return with their fifth studio album
four-and-a-half years after their last reformation (they released a
Chrismas-themed long player in late 2012), now back to mark their 20th
anniversary. ‘Tears on the Dancefloor’ is a ten-track album that doesn’t really
break much new ground: Claire is still the central voice, the songs are
unashamedly pop, and even more so than on previous albums H and Lee
Latchford-Evans might as well have stayed at home as they barely register on
the 38-minute LP.
The
album kicks off with the lead single, the bombastic pop hit that is ‘Scared of
the Dark’ which is easily the best song on the album, feeling both like classic
Steps and a more modern dance track. Lyrically it’s a step up from much on the
album and the dance focus works well, alongside the powerful builds of the
verses and bridges thanks to Claire’s vocals. It’s the sort of song you could
slot back into their earlier greatest hits and it wouldn’t look out of place.
Second
track ‘You Make Me Whole’ is a slower number which has a similar successive
tempo build that keeps it rolling well, but the repetitive chorus feels like a
wasted opportunity, and it’s too close to bland modern club-dance for my
personal tastes. Track three ‘Story of a Heart’, which looks to be the second
single, was written by the two male members of Abba back in 2009 for their own
album and boy does it sound like it is. Though lyrics like ‘as I stare at the
back of a bus’ give it a slightly unintentional comic angle, this certainly
feels like a lost Abba song and the group deliver the goods in a very
Abba-esque sound, all together creating a strong harmonised ballad.
‘Happy’
switches up to something much more clubby and the beat and progression make for
a catchy song with a slightly bittersweet feeling to the chorus. The lyrics are
pretty bland but it makes for a fun enough pop song. The title inspiring ‘No
More Tears on the Dancefloor’ follows and the influence of writer Darren Hayes
is clearly audible in the opening, it’s just a shame that Hayes’ strong song-writing
ability sees what could be a nice power ballad transformed into a bland Europop
number but I suppose that’s the territory of the album. That said it’s one of the
best tracks on the album and should be single number three.
Reaching
the second half of the album ‘Firefly’ is another catchy pop song but combines
the over-repetitive style of ‘Happy’ with a lyrics sheet that is very
by-the-numbers. If you can forget the cheesiness of the words and the radio-friendly,
but bland chorus, it has some redeeming features. ‘Space Between Us’ feels a
little less dance-focussed and is all the better for it. The verses don’t
really stand up but the touching well-written chorus makes up for it.
‘Glitter
and Gold’ ramps up the drum machine and takes a style from ‘From Paris to
Berlin’, firmly nailing its colours to the Europop mast. This is actually one
of my favourites on the album. It doesn’t do anything huge but plays out
nicely, whilst penultimate track ‘Neon Blue’ slows things down and offers more
light and shade to create a stronger pop number.
The
album closes with ‘I Will Love Again’ which is an OK power ballad that wraps
things up nicely.
‘Tears
on the Dancefloor’ is a welcome return for Steps and fits in nicely next to
their core first three albums though it doesn’t have as many big hitters as
those earlier releases, some of the songs here a little closer to filler than I
would like, but overall it’s a fun, perky dance-pop number that is the perfect
album to sit down and put on when you want something uplifting and undemanding.
As you’d expect it’s pretty much Claire’s album with Faye and Lisa on harmony
duties whilst H and Lee will be cashing their appearance cheque for little
work. A good return and an album that does what it needs to do. (7/10)
