Janelle Monáe - Make Me Feel
Monáe's sound has always been influenced by Prince. But with Make Me Feel that influence is explicit. This isn't just pastiche, this is Prince reincarnated as a fierce female android - an explosion of funk guitars, minimalist futuristic production, and a vocal filled with sexual tension. Monáe's other new release, Django Jane, is more of an R&B filtered stream of consciousness ("let the vagina have a monologue"); Make Me Feel is the hit single we barely deserve.
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RAYE with Mabel & Stefflon Don - Cigarette
Three of the currently most powerful women in pop combine in one track. RAYE the new voice of pop R&B. Mabel cool and sensual. Stefflon Don the future of UK female-led rap. It's a track that establishes their dominance, though it's likely to be bettered by their independent work.
Worth a listen
Post Malone - Psycho (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
Rockstar is still in the top 10 of the global charts, a massive hit that seemingly came out of nowhere. Psycho is its follow up - it's not as instantly memorable, but its hypnotic vocal and laidback swirling production ensures Post Malone is no one-hit-wonder.
Worth a listen
5 Seconds Of Summer - Want You Back
5SOS may be a young boyband aimed squarely at tweens, but they're certainly capable of delivering a decent pop track. Want You Back is an addictive listen with an infectious earworm of a chorus - it will be your new guilty pleasure.
Worth a listen
Twin Shadow - Saturdays (feat. Haim)
On his previous album 'Eclipse' released in 2015, Twin Shadow (a.k.a. George Lewis Jr) was aiming towards a more accessible sound, but the album didn't quite light up the charts. Now he's back with Saturdays - a track that reverts to the 80s guitars and textures of his earlier work, but now streamlined into an approachable, sing-along package. The inclusion of Haim is sure to introduce him to a younger audience, but their input is far too minimal.
Worth a listen
Pale Waves - Heavenly
Heavenly features on the Manchester band's debut EP 'ALL THE THINGS I NEVER SAID' released last week. Soaring melodies, euphoric guitars and youthful vibrancy feature throughout - expect this pop band to make waves throughout 2018.
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Lindstrøm feat. Ronika - Didn't Know Better
It's been a long while since singer-producer Ronika released anything - 2014 to be precise, the year of her disco-laden debut album. Now she's featuring on this new track from Norwegian producer Lindstrøm, whose futuristic disco completes this perfect pairing. Didn't Know Better is a funky house throwback to fuel your Saturday night.
Worth a listen
Alexandra Burke - Shadow
Fresh from a controversy-filled run on Strictly, Alexandra Burke returns to pop with this single. Her voice sounds as strong as ever, but the production is dated as hell. It's hardly the redemptive comeback she's aiming for.
Don't bother
