Saturday 28 September 2013

New Pop Roundup

There have been some huge album releases this September, but there are still plenty of new tracks on the way too.  Here are the tracks you need to hear...

Charli XCX - SuperLove


Charli XCX deserves to be far bigger than she is.  Her debut 'True Romance' only came out a few months ago, but she's already back with new material whilst she supports Paramore on their current tour.  SuperLove is a more radio-friendly pop sound than her goth-pop breakthrough Nuclear Seasons, clearly geared towards widening her appeal.  The result is quite possibly her best track yet.  What other popstar would dance with a bunch of robots?

4/5

Listen: SuperLove will be officially released on December 1st.




Little Mix - Move


As the current series of X Factor continues, there are more groups entering than ever.  It's Little Mix who paved the way for them after winning in 2011 and now the girls return with a new track taken from their forthcoming second album.  It's a fierce track on which the girls urge their men to make a move, with a beat based around tongue clacking and a cowbell.  This focus on rhythm does mean there's a lack of real melodic or vocal hooks, but in getting people up on the dancefloor Move certainly does its job.

3/5

Listen: Move is released on November 3rd.

 



James Arthur - You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You


Speaking of X Factor, last year's winner is also making a return with a new single.  Taking a leaf out of Rudimental's book, You're Nobody... mixes old school soul sounds with modern dubstep and drum & bass.  The noisy, kitchen-sink production sees horns blaring out alongside loud beats and a hand-clap breakdown in the middle eight, whilst Arthur's riffing vocals prove why he won the competition in the first place.  Rather than pushing boundaries, You're Nobody... slots neatly into current trends - hopefully the full album will feature some more originality.

3/5

Listen: You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You is released on October 20th.




Bright Light Bright Light - An Open Heart


An Open Heart will feature on Bright Light Bright Light's forthcoming EP 'In Your Care'.  Real name Rod Thomas, the EP follows his 2012 debut album 'Make Me Believe In Hope' and likewise features Pet Shop Boys-esque 80's synth production.  The driving beat and incandescent synths give a dance feel to the track, but there's a decent song beneath it as Thomas sings "make yourself believe in all the love that comes to an open heart".  That's the best kind of pop.

4/5

Listen: 'In Your Care' is released on November 25th.




The Killers - Shot At The Night


The Killers are another act taking on an 80's vibe.  Produced by M83, Shot At The Night is the band's most electronic and pop-focused track yet, that will stand out on the band's forthcoming collection 'Direct Hits'.  It's one of their best singles to date, but despite its suitably anthemic chorus, cute video and melodic similarities to Steven Winwood's Higher Love, it sadly remains a little forgettable.

3/5

Listen: Shot At The Night will feature on 'Direct Hits' released on November 11th.




All About She - Higher


London three-piece All About She (producer duo James Tadgell and Jon Clare, plus vocals from Vanya Taylor) have already worked with some huge urban names: Tinie Tempah, Dizzie Rascal, VV Brown and Wretch 32 between them.  Now they're preparing to release their debut EP, from which Higher is the lead single.  It takes inspiration from 90's garage but with a contemporary twist and some soulful vocals from Taylor - this could turn out to be a huge club banger.

4/5

Listen: Higher is released on November 10th.






Samsaya - Stereotype


Stereotype, from Indian-Norwegian songstress Samsaya, is a true fusion of styles.  She may not be a well-known name in the UK, but her debut album was released way back in 2004 - a concoction of pop, hip-hop and Indian Bhangra.  Stereotype adds reggae and dark electro to the mix.  It may seem like a disparate mix of syles, but (like a pop parallel to M.I.A) it all comes together under Samsaya's cool, sassy persona.  As she sings on the chorus "I'm not down with the stereotype, I just dance to whatever I like".

4/5

Listen: Stereotype is available now (in Norway).




MØ - Never Wanna Know


Denmark's MØ has already released a number of tracks online (Pilgrim, Waste Of Time, Glass) but is yet to release an official album.  That's set to change in October with the release of her 'Bikini Daze' EP from which Never Wanna Know is taken.  It's very much a change of direction from her odd, choppy, dark electro pop, instead taking on a retro feel with an airy vocal reminiscent of Lana Del Rey.  In the process, she's lost what made her such a unique prospect.  Fingers crossed the rest of 'Bikini Daze' reverts back to her previous sound.

2/5

Listen: 'Bikini Daze' is released on October 20th.





Britney Spears - Work Bitch


Isn't it about time Britney stopped ruining EDM?  Or is it EDM that's ruined Britney?  Either way, this might appeal to Las Vegas drag queens (no bad thing), but I'd expect more from a Britney single.

2/5

Listen: Work Bitch is released on November 3rd.




Mel B - For Once In My Life


That she's chosen to emulate Desperate Housewives in the video just smacks of Mel B's own desperation - let alone the bit where she snogs herself.  Yes, you read that right.  This is just an embarrassment for everyone involved.

1/5

Listen: For Once In My Life is available now.