Sigrid - Strangers
Strangers may not quite have the same bite as Don't Kill My Vibe, but with its driving bass, euphoric chorus and memorable hooks it's a brilliant pop song. Of all the amazing artists that have emerged from Norway this year, Sigrid is perhaps the finest.
Bastille - World Gone Mad
Known for his synthy pop and inventive remixes, Bastille's Dan Smith has here written a much more classic pop song for the new Will Smith film Bright with heavy political leanings and an apocalyptic video. "When it feels like the world's gone mad," he sings in the chorus, "no there's nothing you can do about it." That's a pretty depressing thought, but the pre-chorus of "You don't want to fuck with us, British to the last" at least shows some fight. Preach.
Somewhere Else - Uh Huh
In a move away from the typically euphoric or funky house music we've become accustomed to, Uh Huh is a stark dance track of gritty beats, of desperate lyrics, of sweat dripping down walls, of pulses racing in sexual tension. "I don't care if we get along, as long as we can get it on," goes the chorus before its hypnotic "uh huh" hook that soon becomes dry, animalistic, aggressive. This is a thrill.
Empire Of The Sun - On Our Way Home
Australia's Empire Of The Sun have never quite lived up to their brilliant breakthrough track Walking On A Dream. On Our Way Home is another bubbling electro-pop track, but it's so sleek and polished it's easy to get lost in.
Pnau - In My Head
The same could be said for this track from another Australian band, Pnau, who incidentally share a member with Empire Of The Sun (vocalist Nick Littlemore). Those guys down under are in the height of summer and this glittering production captures it wonderfully.
Taio Cruz feat. French Montana - Row The Body
Taio Cruz hasn't really had a smash hit since 2010's Dynamite and it's unlikely Row The Body will follow suit. With its dancehall meets R&B vibe and sexual lyrics, it's fun but sounds like every other track currently in the charts.
Jason Derulo feat. French Montana - Tip Toe
The same could be said for this track from Jason Derulo, which incidentally also features French Montana. It's no Swalla.
Dannii Minogue - Galaxy
Dannii might be the lesser Minogue but she's had some great tracks in her career to rival Kylie. Galaxy is not one of them.
