Thursday, 2 June 2016

Singles: The Best of May 2016


May has ended and here in Australia we are headed into winter, but good pop music will always keep us warm - and this month there were six singles which really kept the cold at bay.

Back On the Wall - Greyson Chance



Remember when Ellen discovered this kid on YouTube playing Lady Gaga on the keys and brought him on her show? Well he's now 18 and is a bonafide pop star. He has such a rich voice with an amazing range and this single is quite special, the beat is fresh and it is solidly produced. To be honest, I'd forgotten all about Greyson, and now with one song I am really looking forward to hearing more of his work.

Hell of a Girl - Grace



Aussie soul songstress Grace hit it big last year with her cover of "You Don't Own Me" which topped the Aussie charts and went Top Ten in the UK. She's now gotten to release some original music and it is a corker, even better than last year's mega hit. This certainly feels like an old school soul classic, this is a combo of sharp instrumentation and Grace's silky smooth vocals - she has such power that it makes you want to throw your hands in the air as she sings, "You messed up". Great song!

Into You - Ariana Grande



We've been a little slack getting the review of Ariana's album out, mostly because we love it so much and want to listen to it a few more times before writing our open love letter to Ariana. The album's strongest track, "Into You" is officially single number two, and it probably Ariana's strongest single ever. This is perfect pop, brilliantly produced, the vocals are spot on (she has to have the best voice in pop right now) and the lyrics are the right level of flirtation, This song makes me want to move, it truly is a joy to listen to.

In Common - Alicia Keys



Alicia just has a knack for first singles, songs that are just so bloody good. Think, "Girl on Fire", Doesn't Mean Anything" and "No One". Then there's "Fallin". Alicia is back, and "In Common" is my favourite release of hers in years. In fact I play it so much at work, I often hear my boss walking around singing it. While still based in her special brand of pop and R&B, this is a unique sound, one we haven't heard from her. The vocals sound fresh and the sound is quite ethereal. This is a special tune indeed.

Cry - Sigma featuring Take That



Sigma has had an amazing few years. "Nobody To Love" was iconic and "Changing" with Paloma Faith is one of those songs I still can't get enough of. So by teaming up with one of my favourite old school boybands, Take That, it was always going to be a song that got me smiling. The incessant beat and the vocals from Gary Barlow and crew make this a highly infectious tune, and when the chorus erupts you want to dance. Can't wait to see who they collaborate with next.

Give It Up - Nathan Syke featuring G Eazy



Former "The Wanted " member Nathan Sykes really is striking out on his own with a string of great releases, but "Give It Up' may his best yet. It was a shame he supported Little Mix in the UK but didn't come to Australia with them, would have loved to have seen him live. There is a beautiful tone to his voice and this track feels smooth, like a welcome slice of 90s pop/R&B. Let's hope this track receives some more attention outside of the UK.

What was your favourite single of May? Tell us in the comments section below.

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