A new year, a new feature. In 2015 we did a single of the week, last year we highlighted 6 singles every month. This year we are stepping it up and looking at the best new singles out that week and the songs that made a breakthrough that week, Our first feature is very full of amazing artists including Ricky Martin, London Grammar, Ariana Grande, Sia and not one, but two new Ed Sheeran songs. So follow up on social media and to see every week which singles we love.
Everyday (featuring Future) - Ariana Grande
Single number four from Ariana's brilliant, "Dangerous Woman" album and it's one of the tracks that was released early as a promo single to celebrate the album's release. Some great songs have done this recently and then gone on to be amazing singles later, think Taylor's "Out of the Woods" and Little Mix's "Hair". This was always one of the stronger songs on the album. Ariana is so much more adult on this album, the beat matches the sexy vocals and lyrics. Maybe against expectations, Future and Ariana sound great together. This isn't just a feature where he added a verse later, he is an integral part of the song and the track is better for it. That chorus is pretty spectacular, Ariana does it again.
Thinking 'Bout You - Dua Lipa
We have been waiting a long time for the Dua Lipa album, and still a month to go. Though we have been treated with this new song, a big departure from the last singles, "Hotter than Hell" and "Blow Your Mind". This mid tempo ballad gives an even better chance to hear Dua's silky smooth vocals that sound so rich and full of soul. This track makes me very excited about the upcoming album, she is a bloody talented artist who may just be the one to watch in 2017.
Castle on the Hill - Ed Sheeran
We were treated this past week to not one but two Ed Sheeran songs, and what a treat they are. First up is, "Castle on the Hill", a great confessional with a fantastic driving beat. This song builds beautifully, the poetic verses and the passion fueled chorus. Sheeran is being reflective again, which he does so well. He does write beautiful lyrics, "I had my first kiss on a Friday, I don't reckon I did it right", we all feel like that, and that's why we relate so well to his words. A great song that sees Sheeran straight back into form.
Shape of You - Ed Sheeran
Yes, just called, "Castle on the Hill" great, but the other new track, "Shape of You" is the better track - it is just so fantastic. This track feels like the best combinations of the past two albums. The tone feels like "Don't", but feels way better. The percussion is great alongside Sheeran's playful vocals. And again lyrically he is doing wonderful things, even if the smell of sheets may not always come off as romantic!! Love to hear which of the two tracks you prefer, but for my money, this will certainly become one of the biggest songs of 2017.
Rooting For You - London Grammar
We haven't heard new music from London Grammar since 2014, so this release is one to celebrate. And time has been kind, cause this track is wonderful. Hannah Reid has one of those special voices that you recognise as soon as you hear it. It has the best hints of blues, folk, jazz and soul, while still maintaining a pop sensibility. This is a slow burn ballad that quickly has become one I am finding myself singing a lot. There's almost a cinematic quality to the sweeping growth of this song, a delicate beauty that is intoxicating.
There's Only One Of You - Nathan Sykes
Nathan Sykes had a good 2016, his album, "Unfinished Business" was wonderful and single. "Give It Up", was our fifth favourite song of 2016. There were some really beautiful ballads on his album, so it is great to see this track released. It's a simple love song that is handled wonderfully. The former Wanted member has a lovely pop voice and I'm sure many of us would love to have him sing this song for us. It's a catchy tune that builds perfectly. Another winning release from Nathan.
Vente Pa' Ca (featuring Delta Goodrem) - Ricky Martin
Since working together on Australia's "The Voice", it always seemed like Ricky Martin and Delta Goodrem would make an awesome duet team - so it's wonderful that it finally happened. This track feels like the Ricky of old, the songs that made us all love him so much. It feels like the best parts of "Maria" and "The Cup of Life". The latin version was such a big hit in 2016, so it's great the pair have released this for the Australian market. We will happily take it, and play it very loud, while dancing.
Move Your Body - Sia
"Move Your Body" was always a stand out when the "This is Acting" album came out just under a year ago. This is a full on pop banger that somehow Shakira rejected, really Shakira, why??? This was always such a great song and has now been given a slight remix to bring it closer to the fresh vibe of Sia's highest selling single to date, "Cheap Thrills". This song is so infectious and the hard beats of the chorus are really something special, plus, Sia can always write some brilliant lyrics - even on a big dance tune. Looks like Sia is going to rule 2017 as well.
Don't Leave - Snakehips & MO
Both Snakehips and MO had excellent 2016's, so what a great way to start the year with this corker. "All my Friends" and "Cruel" were two of the best songs of last year, they made our top 50 singles of the year. Well Snakehips have done it again with this great song. That beat is light but constant and drives the song beautifully. MO sounds great, as always, and after just a few listens it is clear that this is another addictive tune that will have you singing it hours after hearing it. This is seriously good music. Wow this new year is starting well.
Play That Song - Train
Now this song has been floating around since September last year but is just starting to get airplay here in Australia. Can you believe Train's first big hit, "Drops of Jupiter" is now 16 years old?!! Over the years they managed to stay current by releasing catchy tunes, and they've done it again. Borrowing heavily from the classic, "Heart and Soul" by Hoagy Carmichael (what a great name that is), it makes it instantly recognisable and very accessible. Looks like Train are back.
Say Something Loving - The xx
The xx took quite the hiatus, so many of us were very excited when they released the stunning, "On Hold" last year. The good news, the follow up is also a stunning song that feels like a thing of beauty. With a great 70s sound thanks to a sample, it feels like the best Portishead stuff were doing in the 90s. The track has a great build and a beautiful yearning. The production is flawless and the vocals are subtle but lovely. This is as close as pop music gets to art.
Tell us in the comments section your favourite new song this week.
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