Michelle Ward is back with a new single “World Happy” – I played it on my show and I’m absolutely in love with it. It’s an indie pop tune heavy on the pop elements – catchy melody that brings sunshine – lyrics that get to the point – the world needs more happiness.First verse: God’s …
Single Review: “Money” – Ahmala
Well! This combines jazz, hip hop, neo soul, a touch of Motown and some gospel into this lovely track! There’s a flute to kick off proceedings over a bass that I’m suspecting is played live on the recording – it’s got some depth to it. Add to that a Rhodes piano and an upright piano, …
Single Review: “Kitty Paw” – Shook
This track is full of 80s goodness! What do I mean? Well, this track has what I reckon is a LinnDrum machine – very much that synth pop vibe, combined with synth chords with a touch of vibrato, and that bass line is part of the Yamaha DX7 playbook – Lately Bass at least? This …
Single Review: “Dream On” – Aerosmith
I’m gutted to hear about Steven Tyler’s decision to retire. It’s epic. The vocals at the point that I’ve picked where he goes full on banshee wail gives me goosebumps! Admittedly the first time I heard this song was when Eminem sampled it for “Sing” but when I went back and listened to the original …
Single Review: “Evergreen Time” – Erica Jean
This one starts off with a warped electric piano playing a progression that sounds like it’s been passed through old tape.. great effect! Add to it finger snaps that have a ping pong delay on it.. it gives it a real blues/soul vibe! Add strings to it then you’re away. This has such a summery …
Song Review: “It’s Only You” – Mutual Blue
Mutual Blue are back with a bit of a summer banger of a song, and this has a bit of an indie rock party atmosphere to it, you could just imagine this going down a storm on the radio. For me it’s the count off at the beginning if I put my DJ head on …
Song Review: “Aseda” – MOGMusic X Edem Evangelist
This one is fresh and hot out of the kitchen, and it is so good! This is a Ghanaian worship song which translates to giving God thanks. Minister MOGMusic brings the heat with this half time track, which has a tight arrangement rhythm and vocal wise, there’s a choir on there and the drums and …
Single Review: “Sunlight To My Soul” – Angelique Kidjo
An extraordinary thing happened yesterday. I met a couple from South Africa and we talked about music. Complete strangers. But the thing that connected us was that I love Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the late great singers Miriam Makeba and Lionel Petersen. We talked about their impact and for just a brief moment we sang …
Single Review: “Golden” – Llinos Emanuel
This week’s FOTN inbox was full of gems and this was one of them. Where do I start? This is the kind of song you’d put on late at night, when you’re just chilling with someone you love, that comfortable silence when you don’t need to say anything, just let the music and the lyrics …
Single Review: “Baby Blue” Dutch Criminal Record
This has such a psychedelic feel to it, especially thanks to the jangly guitars and the laid-back vocals. First this begins with a broken beat but all falls into place when the guitars, bass and synth come in. This has a poetic feel in the lyrics and this is evidenced by my favourite part of …