New Music Review #89

Ten more songs that you really need to hear!

The Amazons - Ultraviolet

Another upbeat number from the Amazons that will get you rocking along, even if it's not quite as distinctive as some of their other hits. (6/10)

Beck - Up All Night

Not as huge as some of his other recent songs but it still has enough of a buzz about it to win you over. (6.5/10)

The Darkness - Solid Gold

The Darkness are always at their best when they stick their tongue firmly in cheek, and on this song (and video) they certainly do that. Welcome back! (7/10)

Erasure - Just A Little Love

Continuing their strong string of come-back singles this is a fun mid-tempo ballad with bite. (6.5/10)

Imelda May - Leave Me Lonely

'Leave Me Lonely' is another touching, well written and emotional mid-tempo number from Imelda May, balancing her distinctive voice with crisp production. (7/10)

Megan Mckenna - Far Cry From Love

The lyrics might be a little cookie-cutter but this touching, slow ballad is delivered with such emotion you can gloss over the familiar words. Definitely pulls on the heart-strings. (6.5/10)

Nadine Coyle - Go To Work

With quite a different sound to what I was expecting, this is a ballsy, retro-sounding pop hit with plenty of gusto and modern production. Fun! (7/10)

River Matthews - Sunshine

With a delightfully husky voice Matthews brings some real bounce to this upbeat poppy number. Great! (7.5/10)

The Tide - Naked

Lyrically it's not exactly the most highbrow of tracks but it's all wrapped up in a fun pop vibe that will get your feet tapping. (7/10)

Wolf Alice - Beautifully Unconventional

It might have hints of Tenacious D's 'Tribute' at times but this is a funky, slow-indie track from the band that has plenty of heart to enjoy. (7/10)

New Music Review #86

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Callum Beattie - Man Behind The Sun

Another great single release from Beattie, a poppy, sunny and catchy number with enough vocal call-outs and a fun enough beat to keep your feet tapping. Brilliant! (7.5/10)

Dua Lipa - New Rules

Another strong single from Dua Lipa that has hit the top spot. Though not as great as her last couple it has a distinctive enough chorus and production work to hook people in, it just lacks that big spark of 'Blow Your Mind (Mwah)'. (6.5/10)

JP Cooper - She's On My Mind

Built around a quirky vocal hook, this is another strong record from JP Cooper that will nest in your head pretty quickly. Very catchy. (7.5/10)

Liam Gallagher - For What It's Worth

Showing a maturity you don't get on his Twitter account (!) that has shades of older Oasis with a strong 90s indie-rock vibe. It's not as huge as his brilliant previous single 'Wall of Glass' but it's still a song in the right direction and the Beatles-vibe the band have gone for in the past is present here. (6.5/10)

London Grammar - Non Believer

Though not the most bombastic of tracks, the harmonies, electronic vibes and heartfelt delivery make for a strong indie ballad that will wash over you in a gentle wave. (6.5/10)

Lucy Rose - Second Chance

'Second Chance' is another gentle ballad from the singer with the great voice. It's not her most memorable song but whilst it's on proves to be a joyful little number. (6.5/10)

Simon Webbe - Nothing Without You

Returning after a bit of a break, former Blue boyband member Simon Webbe once more showcases his soulful voice on this sentimental ballad with a radio-friendly chorus. Another good one from Webbe. (7/10)

The Wandering Hearts - Devil

'Devil' is a fun country-crossover with a great duel between vocals and a folky-throwback sound. With a strong beat, distinctive vocals and a catchy vibe from the first moment, this is a must listen. (7.5/10)

Wildwood Kin - Taking a Hold

With occasional subtle nods towards T-Rex, this stripped back harmonised country-pop song isn't as sparky as some of their earlier songs but has enough heart to keep you listening. (6.5/10)

Wolf Alice - Beautifully Unconventional

The band's best release since 'Freazy', this mid-indie song channels Tenacious D's 'Tribute' at moments but elsewhere ticks the indie-rock boxes well. (6/10)

New Music Review #67

Another ten songs you must hear!

Be The Bear - Erupt

'Erupt' is a beautifully sung, atmospheric song with a soaring cinematic style and a calming production. It sounds more like a song suited for a cold winter night than the middle of summer, but it's a joyous listen whatever the weather. (7.5/10)



Dagny - Wearing Nothing

Dagny continues to be one of the most interesting new artists around. Her latest, 'Wearing Nothing', takes a catchy beat and a cool catchy chorus to create a fun poppy summer anthem. (7/10)

Imelda May - The Girl I Used To Be

Mentions of chips and buttered bread make this at times like an anthem for Yorkshire, but outside of that this is a smooth and gentle ballad with some touching personal lyrics and a great central heart that wins out against the stripped-back production. (7/10)

Kila - Raise The Road

Taken from their live album 'Alive', this a capella number is a funky, foot-tapping folky number that latterly introduces hints of an instrument into the mix. Cool. (6.5/10)

LeAnn Rimes - LovE is LovE is LovE

The chorus may not have taken long to write but this a summery, catchy, radio-friendly track. It's offensive but it's fun enough. (6.5/10)

Martine McCutcheon - Say I'm Not Alone

Coming out of the woodwork after many years away, Martine returns with this fun little poppy number. Like Rimes' number it's not a huge departure but it's a good radio-friendly pop ditty. (7/10)

Nick Byrne - Birch Tree

Taken from his 'Through The Tall Grass' EP, 'Birch Tree' is a gentle, smooth folky number with some beautifully composed imagery and a relaxing chill-out vibe. Neat. (7/10)

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott - I Gotta Praise

The lead single from their upcoming third album this song may follow their established formula but when it's as perky, catchy and foot-tapping as this you can't help be press the replay button with a smile on your face. (7.5/10)

Shania Twain - Life's About To Get Good

After a decade away, Shania Twain returns with this catchy uplifting pop tune. Throwing her country roots completely away and relying a little too much on autotune, this lacks the spark and sound of her big period but it's positive and poppy enough to keep you interested. (6/10)

Wolf Alice - Yuk Foo

It might be quite sweary and very, very angry but there's something appealing about the stress-relieving grungy frustration of the record both lyrically, musically and through the production. (6.5/10)