Single Review: “The One” – Leigh Thomas

have one question to ask. Why is Leigh not playing packed out arenas? This dude has just released a single that packs a solid punch, it comes with an intro that hits the ground running. And it sounds like he’s got a full band in the studio and they’re having a ball; this is a …

Single Review: “Bump Into Me” – Maya Lane

Maya Lane is back in 2024 with a great indie pop track that screams summer hit for me! The muted guitars under Maya’s voice are like idling engines – this song is about escaping so it fits in nicely – poised ready to go! I love the fact she’s got a picture of a camper …

Single Review: “Twenties” – Rosie Frater-Taylor

This is a great acoustic number, over a Latin groove mixed in plus a little bit of rock in the chorus… but what caught my ear was Rosie’s scat vocals it reminded me of George Benson and “Give Me The Night”. He sings over the guitar solo which must be hard to do as I’m …

Single Review: “West End Girls” – Pet Shop Boys

On 11th January 1986 The Pet Shop Boys scored their first UK No.1 single with ‘West End Girls.’ The first version of the song was released in April 1984, becoming a club hit in the United States, after the duo signed with EMI, the song was re-recorded with producer Stephen Hague. Now I remember the …

Single Review: “Love$ick” Bacao Rhythm And Steel Band

Bacao Rhythm And Steel Band – Love$ick Straight off the bat I knew this track immediately… I didn’t go to the PR write up I went straight to the track, it’s my go to thing so I don’t get prejudiced by knowing who the artist is. The drums starts off the party and it’s punchy …

Single Review: “Queen Of Every Night” – Cassandra

This song combines opera with pop. POPERA! The operatic vocal at the beginning will fool you – but when that beat drops? You’re in trouble. This is a banger, and it’s done so well! Probably my favourite track of the year so far! I like opera, and the crossover for me works, it’s combining classical …

Single Review: “Waking Up” – Echo Northstar

This track is moody, a piano drenched in reverb, giving it a really dark element to it in the part from 1:04, there are no lyrics at this point just humming and vocalising. This is how I’d visualise waking up in the morning, especially on a cold Sunday morning like we had today.  The one …

Single Review: “Bigger Than The Song” – Brittney Spencer

This track caught my ear because of the passion with which it’s sung, especially in the chorus. The chorus name checks Reba, Aretha, and Dolly, and you feel their influence in this because the vocals can be delicate as well as powerful and I love it! This track mixes country, with a slight sprinkle of …

Single Review: “Vienna” – Ultravox

On 1st January 2013 Ultravox’s 1981 hit ‘Vienna’ was voted the UK’s favourite number two single. The song topped a poll by BBC Radio 2 and the Official Charts Company to find the greatest track to miss out on the number one spot. Vienna was held off by novelty track ‘Shaddup You Face’ by Joe …

Single Review: “PWMS1” – Robi Theophilus

This track is short and sweet! Clocking in at 0:56 it still has an impact. There’s a lot here. It starts off with a vocal that I suspect Robi’s sampled and is playing back on the keyboard. The voicing of the chords are so cool! Add to that 808 drums, guitar, bass and a piano …