We threw down a challenge for February last week. January had some amazing new music, and we dared February to up the ante. And wow, did February come through already. We feature a record 20 new songs this week. There's some massive artists too. Comeback songs for Michelle Branch, Bell Biv Devoe, Depeche Mood and Blondie. Plus newies for Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, London Grammar, DNCE, Betty Who and Sia - just to name a few.
There's some great singles on offer this week. So check out our list and tell us which of these songs is your favourite in the comments section.
Not About Love - AlunaGeorge
AlunaGeorge's "I Remember" album may not have been as big as their first, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a brilliant album. There have been some great singles, and "Not Above Love" fits squarely into that category. Once again, the track is slickly produced with unique sounds and those distinctive and fab vocals - plus it is as catchy as hell!
Beauty and the Beast - Ariana Grande & John Legend
Yes, it's THAT "Beauty and the Beast", the Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson one that was a massive hit from the animated film. To cover that you need some major talent, and that's what you get with Ariana Grande and John Legend. While the music stays truthful to the original, the vocals have been given a new life and both Grande and Legend sound amazing - their voices working together perfectly. This is going to stuck in my head all over again.
Lonely - August Alsina
There's something inherently likable about this laidback R&B tune from August Alina. There's a beautiful ease to the instrumentation and to the vocals. It's also a sexy little tune that is reminiscent of the best 90s R&B tunes, and we all know the 90s cornered the market on sexy R&B. It's a short track but leaves you wanting more. This a great track from an artist you should get into.
Run - Bell Biv Devoe
I am so happy that Bell Biv Devoe are back, and they are back in form. It would have been easy for them to follow trends and copy the current Hip Hop sound, but instead the lads have kept their 90s style and in the process still sound as fresh as hell. The chorus is great, I was singing it after just one listen. Love the great verses too, with shout out from everything from their hit "Poison" to TV show, "Empire". The new album is awesome too, check in later this week for our review. In a massive week of releases, this is our favourite single out this week.
Some Kinda Wonderful - Betty Who
Betty Who has already released her brilliant duet with Troye Sivan this year, and now we get this banger that sounds like one of Fergie's best tunes. Even though Betty has been around for ages, she is finally breaking through and her vibrant tunes are better than ever. There's some great sounds at work here and a fun vibe that is undeniable. Love how full on it is, but then all strips it back for the amazing bridge. Really looking forward to her new album.
Fun - Blondie
Blondie are back, And what perfect timing with their upcoming tour of Australia with Cyndi Lauper (brag time - I have front row seats). The name of the track is "Fun" and that's what this song is, complete fun. There's a boldness that matches perfectly with the Californian ease. You can hear original Blondie in there, but the sound has evolved to something quite fresh. Deborah Harry sounds great and the band are working together perfectly. Can't wait for the album!
Living Out Loud (feat. Sia) - Brooke Candy
There's a quirkiness to Brooke Candy that is undeniable. It seems a perfect pairing to have her duet with Sia, Australia's Queen of Quirk. Image aside, this is a damn fine pop song that is very infectious. There's a deep pop beat and the vocals are light but solid. The chorus is a great one and lyrically the song is very on point - love the fun countdown, which it gives it a Miley, "7 Things" vibe. Brooke has mostly been overlooked, but with this collaboration she may finally get the recognition she deserves.
Where's the Revolution - Depeche Mode
It's been a while since we heard new music from Depeche Mode, but it's great to have them back. With the current political situations in the UK and US, I guess we'll be hearing a lot more political tracks. This isn't just a protest song, it's also a great piece of synth rock. Still keeping that 80s vibe, the gents still sound fresh on this explosive track with its subtle verses and powerful chorus. There's a hypnotic quality to the production that makes this track even more special.
Digital Love (feat. Hailee Steinfeld) - Digital Farm Animals
Digital Farm Animals released the amazing "Millionaires" in 2016, and they are continuing the magic this year with the very fun, "Digital Love" - an ode to Tinder, Instagram and the digital age. They've managed to bring in Hailee Steinfeld, who has been having a great few years. This isn't going to be the most intellectually stimulating song you will ever hear, but it is catchy and the production is very impressive. I imagine I am going to get this song stuck in my head for a long time.
Forever - DNCE
Well this was a surprise release. DNCE, still on a high from their debut self titled album, have released this cut from the new Lego Batman film. It feels a little different to their funk / pop sound, and instead is a little more pop / rock, sounding like an anthem that would bring the roof down on a stadium. It's nice that Joe Jonas and band feel comfortable enough to play with genre and extend their range. The song keeps up their standard of making great pop that is as catchy as hell, and Joe again sounds wonderful.
Highs & Lows - Emeli Sandi
Time for another great song from Emeli Sande's beautiful, "Long Live the Angels" album. First singles, "Hurts" and "Breathing Underwater" were epic, so it's great that the new single, "High and Lows", has just as much appeal. I've talked a lot about my love for Sande's voice, it is totally unique and oh so special. The track has a great beat that builds beautifully and the chorus is totally firing. This album wasn't as celebrated as her debut, which is a shame, because in many ways this album is far superior. Now listen to this great song, damnit!
When We Party (feat. Snoop Dogg) - Faith Evans & The Notorious B.I.G.
One of the most anticipated albums in the Hip Hop world is the duet album between Faith Evans and the late, great, The Notorious B.I.G. This early release, also featuring Snoop Dogg, is so wonderful and perfect for the Australian summer. There's an addictive quality to the fresh beat which sounds very 90s but also very current. This is a fun party tune that will no doubt get people dancing. It's certainly the best song for both Snoop and Faith in years - it's the kind of song that makes you smile.
Road Less Traveled - Lauren Alaina
Lauren Alaina is a part of a special club, people who did well on American Idol but didn't win, and then end up having a fascinating career. Losing out to Scotty McCreery (she was robbed), Lauren has since then been building a great career, and new single, "Road Less Traveled", may just be her best single. This has crossover written all over it. There's a solid beat that works beautifully with Lauren's powerful voice. She is getting better and better and her career is certainly one to watch.
Big Picture - London Grammar
After already releasing the haunting "Rooting For You" this year, London Grammar drop a second single. Once again, "Big Picture" sounds like poetry on record. Hannah Reid's voice is unique, ethereal and beautiful and is always the highlight of any London Grammar tune. This one has more of a beat, but the beat is still sparse and sits in the back of the glorious soundscape. Their first album was a wonder, and these two early releases show us we can get ready for something pretty special once again.
I Don't (feat. YG) - Mariah Carey
With New Year's Eve firmly behind her, Ms Mariah Carey is back with this diss track on former fiance, James Packer. Clearly still hurting, Mariah holds nothing back in this not subtle track. Mariah sounds great on this light beat, letting her voice show enough pain for us to know she's not over her "pity party of the year". YG sounds good, but this track is all about Mariah and her anthem for women who are hurting.
Hard To Love - Matthew Koma
Matthew Koma has been a great songwriter, but now is standing out on his own, and "Hard To Love" is in fact the opposite of the title, it's easy to love. The beat is great, Koma sounds strong and the lyrics are solid; "I don't want to go out and see your friend's band". Plus there's the nice sample of Beck's "Loser". This is a unique track that deserves to be heard.
Hopeless Romantic - Michelle Branch
Just when we worried we'd never hear new music from Michelle Branch again, out of the blue here is a new tune, and it is wondrous. Michelle Branch has always been a favourite, from her solo work and her great, "The Wreckers" album. Here she is sounding totally different. We're used to pop/rock and country, but this has a beat. But still, there's the country tinged vocals of Branch, who sounds whimsical here. There's a great drama to the track and it makes me very, very excited for the album with the same name. Welcome back Michelle Branch, you have been missed. My other favourite single of the week.
Feed the Machine - Nickelback
Nickleback, love them or hate them, there's no denying that they can get people talking. Once again they have returned and their sound is evolving. This track sounds more like 90s heavy metal than it does pedestrian rock. It almost sounds like an early Metallica track. So let's put aside the hype, this is a solid single and while I may not always get into hard rock, the beat is undeniable and the vocals are passionate. I am liking it, judge if you will!
Dark Side - Phoebe Ryan
Phoebe Ryan is probably best known for her collaboration with the Chainsmokers on, "All We Know". Phoebe has a great voice with some rich and quirky tones. This is a great tune that misses no time in hooking us in with a great beat and catchy lyrics. Ryan has been writing hits for others, so it's nice to see her save herself a solid pop tune. The track has a nice build and goes from bubbly pop to a great pop / dance tune. I can imagine this is going to be a big hit, finally, for a talented artist.
True Disaster - Tove Lo
Tove Lo is a fascinating singer. She is a woman in control of her career and sexuality. "True Disaster" is probably my favourite song from her, "Lady Wood" album. It's very European pop and Lo's attitude is fabulous, "Come on, I know I'm gonna get hurt. Come on, zero fucks about it". Great stuff. "Lady Wood" hasn't been as well received as it should have been, so here's hoping this great single gives it a new lease.
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