Weezer are back, and back to the shack, apparently. Sounding much more mature than the last time I heard them, this is a rockier, grittier sound for the group though still with a showcase of their familiar vocal and audio sound. Much more grown up than their earlier material, this is a surprisingly solid come…
Finally following up ‘Nasty’, Pixie Lott returns with this summer-tinged pop number that, though lacking the distinctiveness of that first cut, has enough pop-and-dance energy to carry it. The Calvin Harris aping and simple, repetitive chorus feel tired but the post-chorus production helps make up for it. It’s not going to be the song that…
The Voice runner-up Leah McFall releases her first single proper and collaborates with television show judge Will.I.Am. With its retro and trumpet-heavy sound, and strong ‘Wizard of Oz’ theme, this isn’t a half bad track, showcasing McFall’s vocals well on its ballsy chorus, though overall ‘Home’ lacks that one solid hook that stops it from…
Young contenders and third-place players from the latest series of Britain’s Got Talent release this debut hit which mixes Eminem-style rapping, X-Factor friendly singing and key-changes, and some very cheesy lyrics. OK, it’s all about a good cause – it’s focus is on anti-bullying – but the lyrics seem rather forced and contrived and the…
Taking over nine months to reach these shores, this debut number from Canadian reggae band MAGIC! feels more at home being released in a hot July. Chilled out, and with the perfect sound and vibe for this time of year, it’s perhaps too understated for its own good, its chorus lacking the huge moment you’d…
Presumably a few years too late to cash in on any Doctor Who association, this Alphabeat-esque pop song is a deceptively simple and catchy pop tune with a strong backing beat and an addictive balance of vocals, repetitive lyrics and production styles, with several hooks weaved into one radio-friendly tune. With a chanty, stadium-friendly ending,…
If you’ve ever wondered what you’d get if you crossed Rob Thomas’ ‘Lonely No More’ with hints of Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’ then you’d get this. Forgetting it’s similarity to especially that first song, this is actually a really catchy mid-tempo pop song with a quickly singable chorus. Rixton’s vocals are clear and fit…
Having contributed her vocals to plenty of records, here’s Ella’s solo offering and though her powerful voice bellows out over the perky and punky brass backing, it’s a little too similar to ‘Waiting All Night’ whilst being the lesser of the two records. It’s difficult not to be won over by the slowly building bridge…
Part two of my round up of the new singles available for digital download this week. Lee Thompson’s Ska Orchestra feat. Bitty Mclean – ‘Fu Man Chu’ Though nobody in the video is wearing facial hair of the type described in the title, this chilled-out laid-back ska tune relaxes in its simplicity. For fans of…
Part one of my round up of the new singles available for digital download this week. AlunaGeorge – ‘You Know You Like It / Bad Idea’ It does feel like a real let down when you get this sort of musical sequel coming on the coat-tails of ‘Your Drums, Your Love’ and the excellent ‘Attracting…
