Anne-Marie - Heavy
Anne-Marie has had two platinum singles this year, between Ciao Adios and her feature on Clean Bandit's Rockabye. Heavy could well be her third. It's a mid-tempo banger that's more emotional than we're used to from her, that descending hook sounding more like an outcry each time it repeats. The tropical production is a little tired, but the song at least showcases more of her personality - that giggle at the end especially.
Demi Lovato - Sexy Dirty Love
If you're after sexy dirty love, I suggest you go and listen to Cool For The Summer. Sure, this has a very arousing bassline and Lovato's vocal has quite a range, but this funky little number is more of a one off fling than a repeat affair.
ALMA, French Montana - Phases
Finland's ALMA has undoubtedly become of the biggest breakout stars of 2017, what with the brilliant Dye My Hair, Chasing Highs and now Phases. Written by Noonie Bao and Charli XCX no less (amongst others), the song details a short-lived romance - "you were just one of my phases," she sings over mellow synths. Hopefully French Montana is just one of her phases too - his outbursts can do one.
Maggie Rogers - Split Stones
Another breakout star from this year is Maggie Rogers, who managed to impress Pharrell Williams in a songwriting session broadcast across the internet. There's no doubt she's a clever producer and that's certainly showcased here - the beat comprises recorded percussive sounds, lapping water and her own breath to give an earthy sound that's juxtaposed with the glossy dance synths. Amongst it all, her vocal sounds angelic as she sings in the yearning chorus "if you could only move like you had something to lose" in a nod to the song's dance structure. This is euphoria, but on a musically technical level.
Emeli Sandé - Starlight
Emeli Sandé has finally reached her ultimate form - guest singer on a generic dance track. Except this is her own single and, in truly clichéd form, it's called Starlight. Does this mark the end of her career?
Noah Cyrus ft. XXXTENTACION - Again
Both Cyrus sisters (yes this is Miley's younger sibling) have singles out this week, and this is definitely the pick of the two. While Miley is busy making terrible puns (her track is entitled Week Without You), Noah sings wistful, haunting melodies over harsh industrial beats. It's controversial for its inclusion of rapper XXXTENTACION, who's currently facing charges of domestic abuse and on this track does a good Drake impression. A Cyrus girl courting controversy? Well I never...