Robyn's showing off a gentler, sweeter side on her new album 'Honey', and that's exemplified by the title track. "Come get your honey," she almost whispers in hushed tones before the electronic production whisks us away on a wave of euphoria. Her pop hooks are inescapable, but with her new music she's leaning more heavily on dance influences for something altogether more hypnotic and subtle. It might not be the out and out banger that we want, but it's the Honey that we need.
Add to playlist.
Olly Murs feat. Snoop Dogg - Moves
Snoop Dogg has featured on tracks from some of the biggest artists in the world. Now he's stooped to Olly Murs. This is unmistakably an Ed Sheeran cast-off, but Murs just isn't cool enough to even pull that off. They might be making moves, but they won't be making waves in the charts.
Don't bother.
Jess Glynne - 123
Jess Glynne has just discovered maths and has put her newfound knowledge into yet another song with a number-based extended metaphor. Other than that, this is the usual bland, bleating affair that you've heard ten times already.
Don't bother.
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - Shallow
For most of us, this is our first taste of A Star Is Born that stars both of these...stars. Its narrative context is therefore unknown, but as a standalone song this is a country ballad written by Gaga in a 'Joanne' vein. Cooper's voice is a gruff surprise, but Gaga soars towards a powerful final chorus - and an inevitable Oscar nod.
Worth a listen.
Muse - Pressure
Muse impersonating The Darkness? Is this a joke? Please tell me this is a joke...
Don't bother.
Dusky Grey - One Night
The Welsh duo might not be delivering the most original music, but One Night is another solid banger. Over a reggaeton-tinged beat, the pair share regret over cheating on a lover - "you're the one my body wants, but not what my heart needs," they sing. It's three minutes of pop that plays to the rulebook, but doesn't miss a beat.
Worth a listen.
Hanne Mjøen - Sounds Good To Me
Scandi-pop has become so omnipresent it's hard to stand out. Sounds Good To Me, with its fizzing synths, driving beats and icy vocals, sounds instantly familiar, but it's such a delicious mix you can't help but fall for Mjøen's Norwegian charm. This sounds pretty good to me.
Worth a listen.
Lauv feat. Julia Michaels - There's No Way
For his follow up to I Like Me Better, Lauv has joined forces with Julia Michaels - There's No Way has her vocal rhythms all over it. The lyrics bristle with sexual lust - "But maybe we can hold off one sec, so we can keep this tension in check" - that's matched by the syncopated synth stabs, production that's at once both romantic and urgent. This is irresistible pop.
Add to playlist.
AURORA - Churchyard
A gentle a capella beginning. Weird twisting melodies. Haunting vocal harmonies. And then the beat kicks in. This is an arresting goth-pop release from Norway's AURORA that explores an abuse of power, with shades of Björk and Kate Bush, and production that seems to call out over ancient, wind-swept fjords.
Worth a listen.
