Fergie – ‘L.A. Love (la la)’
Eight years after she dropped her near perfect debut solo album, Fergie-Ferg is back with her comeback single. ‘L.A. Love (la la)’ is equally as annoying as it is catchy. DJ Mustard provides production duties, and while the lyrics have a lot to be desired, there’s something here that’s worth a few spins. We’re just glad The Duchess is back.
Azealia Banks – ‘Chasing Time’
Things haven’t been easy for Azealia Banks. Not only was she trapped in a record deal with no sign that her debut album, the long awaited and delayed Broke With Expensive Taste, would get a release, but she also was subject to shifting public opinion (mainly due to her outspoken ways on Twitter). Regardless, ‘Chasing Time’ is what Banks does best, a hybrid if ’90s production and brilliantly infectious choruses. Banks really is the best female rapper in the game, and we hope that her album will deliver.
Tove Lo – ‘Moments’
Tove Lo is basically the most exciting pop entity out there. Her debut album Queen Of The Clouds is totally brilliant and ‘Moments’ is one slice of heaven taken from the record. It’s both self-aware, and insecure, embracing these flaws. Everything from the songwriting and lyrics to the top-notch production is clever and smart. This is intelligent pop that’s real and we bloody love it.
Elle King – ‘Ex’s & Oh’s’
There is so much to love here: husky female vocals, wild guitars and a massive chorus. It’s pretty much service some feisty country realness and we’re all over it like a drunk and a bottle of Jack. Elle King has made a bit of a name for herself on the Nashville circle, but ‘Ex’s & Oh’s’ is her first proper polished release and it’s magnificently dirty; you’ll find us by the rodeo.
Elliphant – ‘One More’ ft. MØ
The styling and sound might appear to be crippling hipster, but ‘One More’ is actually a really tender song about friendship and love. Joining forces with MØ, Swedish singer Elliphant provides low-key vocals and production with a twist. The song includes a rather brilliant middle eight, and a little lip locking between the two singers. Also, we’re totally taken with the light-up sandals.
Hilary Duff – ‘All About You’
Hilary Duff’s comeback has been questionable, but ‘All About You’ is totally brilliant. It’s basically a Taylor Swift song that the pop princess said she wasn’t going to release anymore. The accompanying video sees Duff doing some line dancing, which is quite fun. We’ll definitely be learning that one for the next time we’re on a night out.
Tula – ‘Wicked Game’ (Chris Isaak Cover)
‘Wicked Game’ is undoubtedly one of the best songs ever written and there have been many covers of this iconic song, some good and some terrible. However, Tula, the Swedish five piece, are bringing something different with this rendition. It’s calming and the production, supplied by veterain pop producer Klas Åhlund is vast, leaving space for each crucial element of the song to shine.
Jessie J – ‘Burnin’ Up’ ft. 2 Chainz
Jessie J’s new album isn’t going to be a subtle affair is it? But then again, sometimes you need to literally throw everything at an album for it to be ridiculous enough to sell. ‘Burnin’ Up’, much like her previous single ‘Bang Bang’ is loud, in your face and generally bonkers. There’s some Destiny’s Child style heavy breathing, there’s a guest rapper (of course) and Jessie’s vocals riff all over the place. It’s quite loud but rather catchy and we suppose that’s what matters.
One Direction – ‘Steal My Girl’
One Direction seem to be going from strength to strength and ‘Steal My Girl’, the lead single off their new album Four, is testament to this. Now that they’re performing in stadiums, the music is suitably large enough with sing along choruses made for the massive size of those venues. You can already picture 80,000 screaming girls singing along to this at Wembley and that’s not a bad thing.
Damien Rice – ‘I Don’t Want To Change You’
Damien Rice hasn’t released an album for nearly ten years. In fact, it wasn’t necessarily certain that he would ever release another record again. Luckily he has, and it’s been co-produced by Rick Rubin. The material is softer than his last album, 2006’s rather aggressive 9, and has an element of delicacy that was found in his debut. ‘I Don’t Want To Change You’ is heart wrenchingly sad, but is the comeback that we wanted from Rice. It’s been too long but we’re so glad you’re back.