Hurts – “Rolling Stone”
“Rolling Stone” is probably the finest pop song to be released this year. The track is earnest, bombastic and epic – everything an amazing pop song should be. Produced to within an inch of its life; “Rolling Stone” is a melodramatic masterpiece and a very welcome return to form.
Carly Rae Jepsen – “Run Away with Me”
“Run Away with Me” is arguably the second best pop song of the year (for the number 1 pop song, see above). Carly Rae Jepsen disappeared following the release of the charming but ultimately underwhelming “Kiss” but now she’s back. “Run Away with Me” is the second single taken from E•MO•TION following the monstrously glorious “I Really Like You”. Jepsen has perfected the art of bubblegum pop – let’s just hope it’s not another three years before she releases her next banger.
Lion Babe – “Impossible”
Wonderland favourite, New York duo Lion Babe have followed up the Pharrell Williams produced “Wonder Woman” with “Impossible” – a super slick summer anthem. Expect to hear this track at festivals across the UK as Lion Babe spend summer on the road.
Dilly Dally – “Desire”
Toronto based band Dilly Dally have spent the past year releasing a string of incredible singles, culminating in “Desire”, the lead single from their debut album Sore. Raw and unhinged, “Desire” perfectly encapsulates young lust in all its messy, complicated glory.
Etta Bond – “18” (Chris Loco remix)
Etta Bond’s “18” gets the Chris Loco treatment. Loco, who has worked with the likes of Rita Ora, Kylie Minogue and Emili Sandé, takes the MNEK produced track out of the club to a much darker, hazier place and we’re sure not complaining.
Toro Y Moi – “Pitch Black” (ft. Rome Fortune)
Chaz Bundick (aka Toro Y Moi) has been pretty busy. During the last few weeks he’s released not one, but a string of singles, the latest being “Pitch Black”. Teaming up with Rome Fortune, the track demonstrates that Bundick has come a long way since his early “chillwave” days.
Liz – “When I Rule The World”
Produced by Sophie (of course), “When I Rule The World” was first heard as part of a Samsung advert and later at Sophie’s various club and festival sets. But now, finally, the track can be heard and enjoyed in full. Obnoxiously fun and sickly sweet, the track seems destined to be a hit. An earworm that may need to be surgically removed.
Alice Glass – “Stillbirth”
“Stillbirth” is Glass’ first single since her acrimonious departure from Crystal Castles. Co-written and produced by Jupiter Keyes, all proceeds from the track will go to RAINN, the charity doing vital work to help survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and incest.