Showing posts with label The Magic Gang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Magic Gang. Show all posts

Monday, 6 November 2017

New Music Review #109

Ten more songs that you have to hear!

Anne-Marie - Heavy


Another strong showing from Anne-Marie on this lyrically-heavy thought-provoking single that eschews a bombastic music score to concentrate on the feelings behind the words. (7.5/10)

Fickle Friends - Hard To Be Myself


'Hard To Be Myself' is a catchy, radio-friendly pop track with the occasional bit more of a bite. With elements of electronic and disco this is a fun mix. (6/10)

Kelly Clarkson - Meaning of Life


Though the chorus is less poppy you'd expect from Clarkson there's plenty of power in her vocals and she's on strong form, and it's certainly a grower thanks to its big soulful and gospel style. (6.5/10)

King No-One - Constellations


With hints of Franz Ferdinand in its guitar riff this is a fun little indie song with a poppier chorus, chants and other production effects to keep you listening. (6.5/10)

The Magic Gang - Alright


With more than a little hint of Weezer in their sound this is a gentle, soft indie number with a chorus with enough rocky guitars to hold your interest. (6/10)

Men in the Sky - Motel

With hints of indie and electronic, with hints of Mama's Gun, this is a perky cross-genre song though it's a shame the vocals feel a little too low in the mix to pop. (6/10)

NF - Let You Down


Though falling into the typical rap-verse sung-chorus template this is a stripped back touchingly written song in the vein of Professor Green. Neat. (6.5/10)

PNAU - Go Bang


It might be a pretty straight forward and generic club tune but it's sunny enough to be worth a spin. (6/10)

Portugal. The Man - Feel It Still


'Feel it Still' is a funky falsetto number with a swinging swagger that will get your hips swaying! (6.5/10)

Robbie Williams - Run It Wild


Another cut from Robbie's latest b-side album this isn't quite as distinctive or memorable as the previous cuts, but for fans of his work it fills a gap. (6/10)

Friday, 21 July 2017

New Music Review #75

Ten more songs you really need to hear!

Arcade Fire - Everything Now



Before Andy Williams' lawyers call them for their nod towards 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' let's enjoy this great little pop-rock song with some great vocal and musical hooks and an earworm of a chorus. Great, but familiar sounding. (7.5/10)

Jennifer Lopez feat. Gente de Zona - Ni Tú Ni Yo



Something a bit different here from Lopez as she embraces Spanish for the complete record to bring something summery that isn't Despacito! (6.5/10)

Jess and the Bandits - Kings Of Summer



One of my favourite country acts comes back with this timely seasonal song, that throws nostalgia at you to win you over in a gentle, touching, well composed number. (7/10)

Kesha feat. The Dap-Kings Horns - Woman



It might be a little NSFW, or at least for the radio, but this is Kesha back on top form with a spunky, attitude-filled number complete with a top-class brass section from the Dap-Kings Horns! Great! (7.5/10)

The Magic Gang - Your Love



'Your Love' is a nice, gentle little indie-pop number that feels like summer immortalised in three minutes. (6.5/10)

Oh Wonder - High On Humans



Shifting into something a bit more uptempo than we'd maybe expect from 'Oh Wonder', this is still a great showcase for their trademark harmonies and electronic riffs, and the text-to-speech sound samples work well. (7.5/10)

Paul Weller - Woo Sé Mama



Paul Weller perks up his sound a little with this great uptempo ditty that adds a summery feel to his usual sound. A definite grower. (6.5/10)

Rat Boy - Laidback



Appropriately his most laid back single yet, this is a classic chill-out cool single that sticks in your head after a few listens. Nice. (7/10)

Sian Cross - Gave Away



Sian Cross returns with a great atmospheric and sultry track with a strong production feel and a darker, Pixie Lott-style vibe. Great. (7/10)

Zedd and Liam Payne - Get Low



Lyrically not as strong as earlier Zedd records it's a still a fun and poppy summer anthem that will keep you moving. (6/10)

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)