Technically this came out last week, but I missed out on a post then. King remains one of the best pop songs this side of the millennium, but Sanctify is a darker, sensual return. A spiritual successor to previous hit Worship, it's all sinuous melodies, clipped beats, and bold masochistic sexuality. Buoyed by the success of their debut, Olly Alexander and co. are back more confident than ever.
Add to playlist.
Louisa feat. 2 Chainz - YES
Louisa is still desperately trying to shake off the shackles of The X Factor. Despite releasing a string of decent pop songs - as well as having an undeniably strong vocal - she's failed to light up the charts. YES is an absolute storm, a stomping maelstrom of feminine power that sounds like the best of The Pussycat Dolls. Is this the track that will finally make her? Did someone say yes?
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Sigrid - Raw
"I'm honest, no offence," sings Sigrid in the opening verse of this new track. She's certainly shown rawness in her previous releases, particularly the storming Don't Kill My Vibe, but here it feels too literal sung over cutesy production. It's a new playful side to the Norwegian, but she's better when she's fierce.
Worth a listen.
Charlie Puth feat. Kehlani - Done For Me
Puth has had huge global success with his previous two hits and Done For Me follows suit. Indebted to Michael Jackson's 'Off The Wall' album, this is polished disco-funk with a welcome verse from Kehlani. Yet Puth just isn't quite cool enough to pull off this sound - his dorkiness is endearing, but this feels a little old fashioned.
Worth a listen.
Snakehips feat. St Rulez - Cruzin'
If it's funky cool you're after, then this is for you. The production duo are yet to give us a bad song and this feels instantly fresh, pairing a 90s vibe with futuristic touches. This is the only track released from newcomer St Rulez though, so who he is is anyone's guess.
Worth a listen.
Echosmith - Over My Head
Echosmith's Cool Kids was a brilliant, youthful debut but they've failed to truly capitalise on its success. Their 'Inside A Dream' EP from last year is a fun, frothy slice of guitar-pop that's been slept on by most, and while Over My Head is a dramatic follow-up, it's not quite the comeback track that the band need.
Worth a listen.
Emily Burns - Girlfriend At The Time
Breakout hit Bitch has lurched Burns into the limelight this year, but this is an even better follow up. The production is starkly minimalist, but its honeyed and bubbly, belying the anxiety at the heart of the lyrics. "Don't let me be another missed mistake," she pleads in the chorus. That's as much to you as it is her future lover - she's a talent not to be passed by.
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Kygo feat. Miguel - Remind Me To Forget
Another featured vocalist, same old song...
Don't bother
Banx & Ranx and Ella Eyre feat. Yxng Bane - Answerphone
Electro-Caribbean duo Banx & Ranx have released a string of high profile remixes recently and are on the rise. Ella Eyre is struggling to make a comeback and live up to early hype. And Yxng Bane is best known for his remix of Ed Sheeran's Shape Of You. Together they've created a big potential hit that should throw all three into the spotlight.
Worth a listen
Hayley Kiyoko - Let It Be
Curious is one of this year's best pop releases, so it's disappointing that Kiyoko's next track is this dull ballad that dampens the excitement around her. Her album is released at the end of the month, so let's hope Curious isn't a one hit wonder.
Don't bother.
