Pop's most boring artist since Sam Smith returns. Except he's missing his hat and has developed his sound into something far, far more interesting. It's clear he's been busy listening to the likes of Frank Ocean, James Blake and Francis and the Lights: his vocal is muted over evocative little synth buds that eventually blossom into a glorious final chorus. The guitar solo isn't up to much, but this change of direction is as enjoyable as it is surprising.
Marshmello & Anne-Marie - Friends
The sugary-headed producer returns with another pop vocalist featuring single. Friends sees Anne-Marie putting a potential lover firmly in the friend zone over squelching basslines, with lyrics full of sassy putdowns. It's got far more personality than Marshmello's previous collaboration with Selena Gomez, which should continue Anne-Marie's rising pop profile.
Noah Cyrus feat. MØ - We Are...
Miley's younger sister continues her bid at pop stardom, hear joining forces with MØ for a brash, youthful new single straight out of Lorde's sonic world. Sparse production and half-shouted vocals feature, but it's no Royals.
Nadine Coyle - Girls On Fire
Coyle comes blasting right out of the gate on this one, with a storming vocal over belching, booming bass and funky, vibrant synths. There's no let-up throughout: a stomping single that relentlessly screams for our attention.
Calvin Harris feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR - Nuh Ready Nuh Ready
Following his funk-laden album from last year, Calvin Harris returns to dance music with this new single. Except dance music has changed since his early singles. Featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR who he worked with on 'Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1', this is more dancehall than dancefloor - an improvement on his funk foray but still out of his comfort zone.
Saara Aalto - Monsters
Twice before Saara Aalto has competed to represent Finland at Eurovision. Now, after appearing on the UK's X Factor in 2016, she's signed to Warner Music and will soon release her debut album. Monsters will feature not only there, but as the first of three potential songs to represent Finland at this year's Eurovision. It's a pretty standard floor filler, but her cross-country appeal and powerful vocals could steal a win...
Linney - Outta My Heart
On her new single, L.A.'s Linney here gives an account of heartbreak in an 80s influenced, polished Scandi-pop package. "Feels like the right mistake," she begins, before questioning "what if maybe I'm crazy leaving you?". Hushed vocals and a soft blur of synths make this an alluring listen.
Au/Ra - Panic Room
Au/Ra has slowly released a string of dark pop singles, but Panic Room is the darkest of all: a moody song about anxiety, panic and fear. It's ominous, gothic alt-pop at its finest.
