Rudimental are well known for collaborating with a huge variety of vocalists. Walker is best known for his 2017 hit Leave A Light On, and on Walk Alone he brings gruff vocals and a more subdued tone to Rudimental's usual brass sound. Whether the group's forthcoming album, due in January, has variety to match the vocalists, though, remains to be seen.
Worth a listen.
Ellie Goulding x Diplo feat. Swae Lee - Close To Me
It's not often you hear an augmented fifth in a pop song. It's a chromatic leap that's hard to sing and doesn't sound great. But that's the only thing of note in this Ellie Goulding comeback single that's otherwise by the numbers Diplo production. She used to be more experimental than this; and so was Diplo.
Don't bother.
Cardi B - Money
Look, I've never seen the appeal of Cardi B at all. But this especially is vacuous rubbish about loving cold hard cash more than anything. And its hook sounds like Beez In The Trap - ironic considering her feud with Nicki Minaj.
Don't bother.
L Devine - Nervous
So far L Devine seems like little more than a more hipster Dua Lipa - cool aesthetic, black and white videos, and the same record label. But Nervous is her best track so far. The influence of Dev Hynes is clear in the sparse production and funk guitars, but the lyrics (describing nerves during a first date) and catchy hooks add a youthful edge. There's definitely a potential superstar here.
Add to playlist.
Allie X - Girl of the Year
Forthcoming album 'Super Sunset' is due out next week, but here's one last single before then. It's quintessential Allie X: lyrics full of metaphor ("I'm just a battery to keep you energized") and heavy synth production. That album is shaping up to be pretty unmissable.
Add to playlist.
joan - all the way
This new song from the indie-pop duo is like all the best 80s songs thrown together as one. Prince-esque dry funk guitars, heavily reverbed Phil Collins drums, and a synth bass that wouldn't sound out of place on a Michael Jackson track. There are modern touches too, like the processed vocals and the sugary sheen of polish - it all amounts to a hugely addictive listen.
Add to playlist.
Icona Pop - Rhythm In My Blood
Swedish duo Icona Pop have never surpassed their Charli XCX collaboration I Love It, but this might be their closest yet. It's a stomping, strutting synth-pop track full of suitably rhythmic hooks. But do they really have much of a fanbase outside of their home country to make this a hit?
Worth a listen.
