New Music Review #80

Another ten great songs to listen to!

Amy Macdonald - Down By The Water

Though not as perky as her big comeback single, 'Down By The Water' showcases a smoother, quieter side to Macdonald and the sudden switch to the larger gospel-fuelled chorus works really well, as does the gospel-tinged breakdown. (6.5/10)

Callum Beattie - Man Behind The Sun

Sounding like a poppier Manic Street Preachers, this upbeat and jaunty pop song combines a catchy chorus, vocal chants and some strong production effects to make this a larger than life number. (7.5/10)

Cedric Gervais feat. Liza Owen - Somebody New

Dipping its toes into dance and electronica, this is a catchy fusion of various genres that, even though it throws a lot into the pot, hooks you in. (7/10)

The Chainsmokers - Honest

It's certainly sounds like a song by the Chainsmokers but also has more heart than their usual off-the-shelf records. Perhaps their work with Coldplay has rubbed off on them? (7/10)

Fickle Friends - Glue

Switching the style with pizzazz, this is a strong pop-electronic number that will get your feet moving and an urge to karaoke coming in. Great. (7/10)

The Fizz - Dancing In The Rain

Sounding like a cross between Abba and Steps, this new pop number from the band formerly known as Bucks Fizz is a fun slice of camp Eurovision pop, but is a great upbeat listen. (7.5/10)

Jamiroquai - Superfresh

The man of many hits returns with this Daft Punk and seventies fused track. It lacks the memorability of his big hits and the sound is a bit too familiar and bland, but whilst it's on will get you moving. (6.5/10)

Rhys Lewis - I Know The Feeling

With lyrics that will certainly resonate with some generations, the sharp words are wrapped up in a Kooks-meets-George-Ezra pace and vibe, and feels remarkably summery and funky. (6.5/10)

Snakehips and Anne-Marie feat. Joey Bada$$ - Either Way

The musical cooking pot might be overflowing a little on this track, but the sweet vocals of Anne-Marie works well against the cool swagger of Snakehips' production and the rap breakdown of Joey. (6.5/10)

Suburban Symphony - Stepping Stones

With hints towards the Editors this indie hit has a building enjoyment that lifts it up from its quiet dark and sombre production style. A grower. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #36

Here we are with ten more songs you need to hear!

Alexander James - Faith

'Faith' is a cool little indie number with a dramatic driving rhythm and a gritty feel that works well with James' harmonies and perky pop-indie vocals. (6.5/10)


Alison Krauss - Losing You

With tinges of country, 'Losing You' is a gentle, atmospheric ballad that showcases to great effect Krauss' beautiful voices. Stripped back and simple, it's a delightful ballad with a retro throwback with modern production twists. (7/10)

The Amazons - Black Magic

Sounding like a cross between the Wombats and the Arctic Monkeys, this gritty rock-indie song doesn't perhaps have a huge memorable chorus but the general style and solid production effects make up for that. (6.5/10)

Casey Lowry - Trampoline

'Trampoline' is a sweet little indie song with a positive, upbeat chorus, and a strong electro-pop vibe and drum pattern that will raise a smile with its simple instrumental and quaint lyrics but ultimately fun feel. (7/10)

The Chainsmokers & Coldplay - Something Just Like This

I'm not a huge fan of the music of the Chainsmokers, and I'm sure people will have their own opinions on the sound of Coldplay, but together they've created quite a fun and perky indie-dance track that actually merges their strengths together into a cool pop hit. (7/10)

Frances - No Matter

'No Matter' is a mixture of things - electronic effects, vocal trickery, and indie vibes - that come together in a fun, perky and quirky song, held together by Frances great sunny vocals. (6.5/10)

Maren Morris - My Church

Continuing the increasing rise in popularity of country music, Maren Morris delivers 'My Church', balancing the attitude and guts of Kasey Musgraves with a more traditional country sound. Catchy, quirky but thoroughly country this is a great sing-a-long ditty that will please the country classic fans and those who prefer a more modern take. (7/10)

Martin Jensen - Solo Dance

It's chorus might be as generic and off-the-shelf as many other dance numbers but the choruses are catchy and uplifting, and the lead vocals sweet and involving. Worth a spin. (7/10)

Megan Lara Mae - Mask

If you want a track that's smooth and relaxing sung by a singer with a beautiful voice then you could do far worse than this great little song. It's choruses is perhaps not as big as you'd expect but the vocal work is great and emotive. (7/10)

Take That - Giants

Take That have taken a bit of influence from their recent collaboration with Sigma in this latest single as it has a stronger electronic focus than we may have had before, though it's still as poppy as you'd expect from the lads. It's safe, radio-friendly and generic, but it's still a worthwhile distraction from the man band. (7/10)