23-08-2025, 21:33
NEW MUSIC FRIDAY 22.08.25 #44
I wish I knew how to quit you – Sombr (6.4/10)
I was afraid that the album's release was just going to be watered-down versions of hits like "Back To Friends" and "Undressed", and... I was correct, at least with this song. I guess we had an interesting end blend with drums and lighter yet impactful notes being hit, but the vocal effects that go along with Sombr just feel overused to a sad extent, with the song not coming close to what the singles were capable of.
Jealous Type - Doja Cat (7/10)
A summer synth sound with notes sounding like they could be part of an old gameshow's theme tune. And as much as this has that fast-paced and energetic rush that I can see people getting, I don't think it has enough of that for radio. I don't think this'll do well commercially, but who knows? I could be proved wrong.
We're Onto Something – Kings Of Leon/Zach Bryan (7.6/10)
Another collaboration by them happened quickly, but this time Kings Of Leon is the main artist... and despite that, not a load is changed… but it doesn't have to be. The harmonica and drums are addicting and natural in a production that sounds like it could be live. Love that live feeling when it's showcased like this.
Cigarettes – Maroon 5 (5.5/10)
From the deluxe version of Maroon 5's recent album, "Love Is Like", this song is definitely going a more Jonas Brothers pop route with a very simplified sound that many artists have done. The original songs are better, but not this.
Different Species - Offset/Gunna (4.9/10)
After a 25-song Gunna album (with an Offset feature), of course we got another collaboration just a week later… because of course we all need that ?. Anyway, as expected, the same uninspired drum trap beat flows across the rap genre, with it being used on this too. And the lyricism is careless sex lyrics… nothing worth checking out.
Drum Show – Twenty One Pilots (6.9/10)
Yes, I like it. But am I hyped for the upcoming album? No. I mean, The Contract just wasn't it, and this only falls slightly better. I mean, it's exactly as the title suggests, a drum show. But amongst the fine heavy drums, is there anything more? The performance died out quickly.
Mr. Eclectic - Laufey (3/10)
I'm sorry, but I just hate the way Laufey sings… and I don't like using the term 'hate', but I have to. The way she sings sounds so forced and cartoonishly bad; it's like the slightly refined but more vocally annoying version of Kim Kardashian's "Santa Baby". If Laufey improves on the rest of the album, I might just give this album a 5/10... but I doubt it.
Back 2 Back - Skepta/Fred Again... (4/10)
The constant new parts and remixes of "Victory Lap" and now a new collaboration that sounds like it's trying to be part two of "Victory Lap". I respect the hustle for another hit, but there are problems. The lyricism often feels like something Joey Valance & Brae would do or a bad freestyler, and then the random cut-off isn't unneeded, unexpected and just doesn't even work. A bad re-attempt at making something new.
Don't Click Play - Ava Max (8/10)
This song is the title track for Ava's new album, and it happens to be the main single. As for the whole album, it's definitely a lazier step down in many ways, but that being said, there are still many great moments on the album, this being one of them. It's an intense bop that has a creative layer of club energy to fuel it. Could've even been a single!
Box Me Up – BigXthaPlug/Jelly Roll (8/10)
On rap songs Jelly Roll keeps tending to deliver a verse in a separate tone, one that kinda fits his "Sharks" feature with Lil Wayne… it sounds more dark and mysterious, and with this it actually works really well. Especially with the outro, it feels like an ascent to heaven... beautiful.
Nights Like These - Rudimental/Rag'n'Bone Man (5.6/10)
I'm really not a fan of all these recently strange Rag'n'Bone Man collaborations. If you're going to do upbeat music, then make it you; stick to "Rush Of Blood" or "Pocket", not whatever these songs are that contain nothing memorable and don't even fit him. I'm starting to think that this guy's good songs were a fluke...
Sacrifice – Mariah The Scientist (8.2/10)
This is the type of song that sounds like it's from a sparkly dream world... the atmosphere of the summer keys is used elegantly and in a fine way to showcase the track in full form. Amazing stuff.
Like It Like That – Dasha (8.1/10)
Dasha keeps making these interesting country twists that keep the genre fresh, and she does it again by combining an upswing sound that usually sounds like it's used in dance music into a fun country song. Radio, play this!
Great Pretender - Dominic Fike (7.4/10)
I haven't positively rated a Fike song since "Mona Lisa", but here it goes, because it appears that in his career he's putting more and more thought into every release, and it's starting to all fuse together in an amazing way.
Peace, Love and Cowboys – Lainey Wilson (7.4/10)
Five extra songs have dropped on 2024's "Whirlwind" for a deluxe version; this is one of them, and it certainly has that charm that Lainey brings with a relaxing and smooth set of country vocals and instrumentals. She just keeps doing it, and it still hasn't got boring!
My Side Of Town – Josh Ross (5/10)
Following the success of "Single Again", we get this, which wasn't set to be anything amazing… and wasn't. I swear these acts just keep making the same country songs with guitars, towns and the same kind of covers.
Call On Me - Daniel Caesar (7.6/10)
Daniel Caesar's interesting alternative-rock and R&B song hits the point of unique and is an interesting follow-up from his last single. It'll be fun to see how the album turns out.
Love That I Love You - Russell Dickerson (7/10)
Basic but good – a rare occasion that I'd say that for North American trending country artists.
Song For My Son - Walker Hayes/Kane Brown (5/10)
Basically exactly how I described "My Side Of Town" by Josh Ross. A whole bunch of country copy and paste.
Perfect Person - Flo Milli/Coop (3.5/10)
If it wasn't for the hyper synths and claps, this would sound like an exact replica of an Ice Spice song.
Just Two Girls – Wolf Alice (7.3/10)
I'm delighted to hear what is hopefully some peak rock later on... until then, this is good but doesn't raise the bar for the album; in fact, it drops it.
TOURMALINE - Earl Sweatshirt (8/10)
Artistic and creative rap that follows his collaborations with MAVI but instead sounds more focused on creating a memorable sound.
Like 1 - TWICE (7.3/10)
As TWICE gets bigger and bigger, they keep on a professional level with cute J-pop fun little tracks. What's interesting is putting rock in the mix, which honestly blended really nicely. I like this.
More - Carly Rae Jepsen (7.2/10)
Don't overthink this; it's a little fun dance jam, a bit basic, but once again, it's Carly Rae. I wasn't expecting to hear "Chromakopia". It's a good song and doesn't really need additional commentary.
Phantom – Mac DeMarco (7.4/10)
Mac's one name who's big, but I don't tend to hear, so I'm glad I get another delve into what some say was a release they marked in their calendar. This is quite light; it has some guitar, but it's played to a less light tone despite still fitting the lighter, gentle melody.
Burning Up - Leigh-Anne (7.3/10)
This track is closest in resemblance to her collaboration with Ayra Starr on "My Love"; as for a return since her 2024 EP, I'd expect something greater due to the wait... that being said, it's still acceptable, especially from someone who isn't a huge Leigh-Anne fan. It has the fiery side that feels like it fuels a song which gets you slowly moving.
Sweet Nothing – 2025 Edit – D.O.D/Calvin Harris/Florence Welch (0.6/10)
OOF. The vocals sound so distorted and low quality that I can't even take this seriously as a professional song. They were either low on budget or just thought they made the future sound for the next decade. Oh, and the pitch on each layer just goes terribly. Worst blending I've heard in a while.
Daydream - Joel Corry/Jelly Cooke (7/10)
Maybe it was the feature, but Joel made a small but noticeable bounce back in quality with this. Instead of feeling soulless, the progression had some movement; nothing special, but definitely good to see.
Hold Me – Morgan Seatree/Abi Flynn (7/10)
Nothing we haven't seen before... just your usual DJ dance song.
21 - Kingfisher (5/10)
For the people not aware, Kingfishr is quite successful in the Irish charts… but I never tend to hear their name outside of those charts despite their multiple Irish top tens. So is Kingfisher an underrated one-country-fame artist? The way I look at it is that Kingfisher is essentially a Zach Bryan replica, flavourless and with a formula that doesn't impress. Literally, if you've heard Zach, then you've heard this.
DARK AURA - Joey Bada $$ (8/10)
A very clear message and bold energy that pays off in the form of an applaudable rap song.
Who's your boyfriend – Royel Otis (8.1/10)
Royel Otis has recently been putting real work into these releases... damn! This is making the album probably worth checking out.
PAY ME – ODUMODUBLVCK/Stormzy/Zlatan (8/10)
Glad to see Stormzy continuing to explore new career opportunities, and with this he features Nigerian rap that has its fun kick to it but also the bold African sound that really showcases how diverse Africa's music can be! Really enjoy this! I bet Rema would call this another banger.
Light That Leads Me – Netsky/Bebe Rexha (6.9/10)
I liked when Bebe made music that felt fit for her, and I mean her; this just sounds like she was slapped on as a dance feature for a song that doesn't showcase anything about her. It's good but not for Bebe.
SE LO JURO MOR - Feid (4.9/10)
Whoever said this guy was "pushing the boundaries of reggaeton" must have been high because this is straight up the exact same and most overused reggaeton formula you can use.
Sunscreen - LIZ/SOPHIE (7.8/10)
SOPHIE finally releases a song that's worth a replay, and people dump on it? It doesn't have those really high-pitched electronic sounds that sound like something gone wrong in the production... but that's what people wanted? I'm sorry, but composed and summer-chilled SOPHIE is so much better.
The Suburbs – Ruel (7/10)
It's a follow-up that definitely feels like it fits the vibe of "I Can Die Now"; that being said, it's not great, and the main single grew off me even more. Things aren't looking good.
Portage Bonito – Anuel AA/Blessd/Ovy On The Drums (8/10)
I was familiar with the fact that Ovy has a hit in other countries (as a feature), but I myself never actually got to hear anything by him until now, when I made the decision to check this out. I can tell he and the others want to keep the traditional reggaeton vibe but instead transform it into multiple forms, such as the space between the clicks or the pace and variety of textures and tones. Sometimes we can transform a song style in the simplest way and make it sound fresh, and this song is an example of that.
Pack U Up – French Montana/Cash Cobain (7/10)
Yes, I'm as shocked as you that I liked (and am starting to like more) these shawty mumble rap songs more. Despite this just being a song to chill and have fun to, it is by no means making me like Cash Cobain to a fan extent.
Make A Baby – Tori Kelly/Lucky Daye (7/10)
Daniel Caesar and now Tori? What's up with these song names with 'make a baby' in them? Anyways, it's a pretty chill song; Tori has smooth vocals… nothing out of the ordinary.
If He Wanted To He Would – Perrie (7.5/10)
Just like Jade, Perrie explores more topics that Little Mix didn't seem to, and I like how she's becoming more comfortable in her own shoes. I didn't like the recent songs by her as much, but this is certainly a better delight. I'm not a fan of the way she said the sex line, but that's the small nitpick. It makes me think of an Ella Henderson song a little.
Mr. Miracle – Kid Cudi (7.2/10)
I'm definitely more satisfied with this than his last single. It has the right amount of umph and definitely builds upon the tuned sound a lot more... and even transforms it with other additions!
CAM GIRL - LUDMILLA/Victoria Monét (7/10)
A slow and groovy R&B song that sounds like something Tyla might put out. Not hugely It's my thing, but I can still see the effort; I'll definitely accept it.
No Comment - Fredo (8/10)
This song is what Fredo claims is a truthful insight into him, and he does this in a bold tone that does fit the rap scene of London a lot more. I quite like it; this should be a charting success rather than some other songs by him.
FREE - 2 Chainz/Vory (7.5/10)
Ridin' With That - BAK Jay/Chuckyy (4/10)
As expected, the artists sound out of it, and the background is composed of the same old sounds that are basically just little effects. Not even properly produced. I don't even hate it; it just sucks.
Butterflies – Issey Cross (7.6/10)
Issey doesn't deserve to be beaten around by critics, you know. We could even bring her back, and I'd be happy! This isn't her best, but at least it's faced towards a more fast-paced and upbeat direction, where the high-pitched volume feels like it adds a level of life to the song. It could be more diverse in sound, but I'm ok with this.
3AM IN SOUTH – Kairo Keyz (7.2/10)
London rapper Kairo Keyz gives a solid performance that reminds me of the Fredo song I reviewed in this write-up: bold and tough.
CEREMONY - Stray Kids (7/10)
I Don't Care... - LUCKI/Lil Yachty (3.8/10)
Mumble rap crap... skip. The vocals sound like the rapper is drunk.
Crystalise – Billy Gillies/Nu-La (8.4/10)
In 2023 Billie Gillies had such a nostalgic radio hit with Hannah Boleyn (which I'd call peak radio back then); he comes back with something that I think could almost fill that spot. The bass isn't up in your face; instead, it's chilling and dreamy. It pulls you into some of the most relaxing synth-dance sounds you'll hear. Love it.
Echoes – Hybrid Minds (6/10)
Despite being fine, it's still synths & patterns that I could have got from any EDM artist.
Beautiful Girl – Caity Baser (7.5/10)
YOU KNOW WHAT? She's actually getting even better! It's not OTT; it's catchy, and it's just simply fun.
Set Me Free – Martin Garrix/Arcando/Bonn (6.4/10)
Did we really need a Martin Garrix song in 2025? Hopefully he doesn't go downhill to a David Guetta level.
925 - Sammy Virji/Chris Lake/RoRo (7/10)
Exactly the style I expected but not the exact quality I expected... this was actually fine in terms of a generic DJ song.
Politix - Balu Brigada (7.1/10)
A respectful move from Balu Brigada, but they can't seem to recreate their upcoming album's lead single... It just had so many connecting components that it's simply an extremely high bar to top. But I still believe they can come closer than this simple rock song.
Everybody Scream – Florence + The Machine (7/10)
Dance With Me – Ciara/Tyga (5.7/10)
The dance voice input sounds like traditional DJ rap, and the Tyga rap was mediocre.
Found u/me - Good Neighbours (8.3/10)
This and "Suburbs" have both been their best songs yet! What is going on with their lock-in period... hopefully an album is coming ?. So yeah, this song has that same fresh and lively-like vocal effect with, of course, the wonderfully alternative sound of pop. I haven't been this excited with this kind of sound for a while!
Sexonthebeat - ADÉLA (6/10)
A strange but not exactly wonderful layering of moaning sounds on top of whispering and dance music that sounds like ASMR and sex were combined into one activity. Oh, and the main line being "sex on the beat" when the song is literally sex on the beat just moves me in the wrong way… not pleasant but not awful.
Fort Knox - Sigrid (7.5/10)
Erm…are we ascending? The level of emphasis and kicks on this made it feel majestic, and that violin? An absolute treat, and it surprisingly worked on a synthpop song.
Headphones – Lecrae/Killer Mike/T.I. (5.4/10)
Coming Of Age - Pixie Lott (3/10)
I know specks of dust worth of information on Pixie Lott lore. On the topic of songs, I can see why this stuff doesn't give her the charting hits. It's on the level of uninspired as the Jonas Brothers, with all creativity going out the window on simple everything. It's not half-baked; it's unbaked.
The Way You Love – Xander/Timbaland/Aaron Cole/Jon Keith (7.2/10)
I MISS MY FRIEND - Maxwell Luke (5/10)
I really will appreciate the value of passion in any form of music, but the value of making an interesting song is also a big one, and this song lacks that for me.
Dirty Shirley – Mikayla Geier (7.2/10)
Love the light ASMR-like voice! Especially when blended with fun and elegant dance music.
Watch Your Mouth – Josiah Queen (8.2/10)
Sounds like a mix of Noah Kahan and Mark Ambor in a fast-paced country song. The fast-paced sound and the passionate high notes make the song a million times better!
Let Me Love You – Amber Mark (7.2/10)
Female radio pop that I think shows that the artist has potential.
I don't know you – Jeremy Zucker (7/10)
HOT BOYS MAKE HOT MUSIC – Samxemma (5.7/10)
Hyper glitch pop that doesn't fit the "HOT MUSIC" category.
Feelings Gone – SG Lewis/London Grammar (6.7/10)
LEAN ON MY LOVE - Jon Batiste/Andra Day (8/10)
A comfortable and easy listen with a natural sound with a sprinkle of vocals that make me think of the 2000s.
Rock A Bye Baby – Jean Dawson (8/10)
A funky reminder that it's summer!
Scatter – Lila Iké (7.4/10)
A flavourful reggae/R&B song that revives hope for the genre! Glad to see we still have the genre's roots in there whilst embracing something new.
All My Friends Are So Depressed – Joyce Manor (6.6/10)
Wheels at Night - TOPS (7.2/10)
Lightweight pop, very chilled.
I wish I knew how to quit you – Sombr (6.4/10)
I was afraid that the album's release was just going to be watered-down versions of hits like "Back To Friends" and "Undressed", and... I was correct, at least with this song. I guess we had an interesting end blend with drums and lighter yet impactful notes being hit, but the vocal effects that go along with Sombr just feel overused to a sad extent, with the song not coming close to what the singles were capable of.
Jealous Type - Doja Cat (7/10)
A summer synth sound with notes sounding like they could be part of an old gameshow's theme tune. And as much as this has that fast-paced and energetic rush that I can see people getting, I don't think it has enough of that for radio. I don't think this'll do well commercially, but who knows? I could be proved wrong.
We're Onto Something – Kings Of Leon/Zach Bryan (7.6/10)
Another collaboration by them happened quickly, but this time Kings Of Leon is the main artist... and despite that, not a load is changed… but it doesn't have to be. The harmonica and drums are addicting and natural in a production that sounds like it could be live. Love that live feeling when it's showcased like this.
Cigarettes – Maroon 5 (5.5/10)
From the deluxe version of Maroon 5's recent album, "Love Is Like", this song is definitely going a more Jonas Brothers pop route with a very simplified sound that many artists have done. The original songs are better, but not this.
Different Species - Offset/Gunna (4.9/10)
After a 25-song Gunna album (with an Offset feature), of course we got another collaboration just a week later… because of course we all need that ?. Anyway, as expected, the same uninspired drum trap beat flows across the rap genre, with it being used on this too. And the lyricism is careless sex lyrics… nothing worth checking out.
Drum Show – Twenty One Pilots (6.9/10)
Yes, I like it. But am I hyped for the upcoming album? No. I mean, The Contract just wasn't it, and this only falls slightly better. I mean, it's exactly as the title suggests, a drum show. But amongst the fine heavy drums, is there anything more? The performance died out quickly.
Mr. Eclectic - Laufey (3/10)
I'm sorry, but I just hate the way Laufey sings… and I don't like using the term 'hate', but I have to. The way she sings sounds so forced and cartoonishly bad; it's like the slightly refined but more vocally annoying version of Kim Kardashian's "Santa Baby". If Laufey improves on the rest of the album, I might just give this album a 5/10... but I doubt it.
Back 2 Back - Skepta/Fred Again... (4/10)
The constant new parts and remixes of "Victory Lap" and now a new collaboration that sounds like it's trying to be part two of "Victory Lap". I respect the hustle for another hit, but there are problems. The lyricism often feels like something Joey Valance & Brae would do or a bad freestyler, and then the random cut-off isn't unneeded, unexpected and just doesn't even work. A bad re-attempt at making something new.
Don't Click Play - Ava Max (8/10)
This song is the title track for Ava's new album, and it happens to be the main single. As for the whole album, it's definitely a lazier step down in many ways, but that being said, there are still many great moments on the album, this being one of them. It's an intense bop that has a creative layer of club energy to fuel it. Could've even been a single!
Box Me Up – BigXthaPlug/Jelly Roll (8/10)
On rap songs Jelly Roll keeps tending to deliver a verse in a separate tone, one that kinda fits his "Sharks" feature with Lil Wayne… it sounds more dark and mysterious, and with this it actually works really well. Especially with the outro, it feels like an ascent to heaven... beautiful.
Nights Like These - Rudimental/Rag'n'Bone Man (5.6/10)
I'm really not a fan of all these recently strange Rag'n'Bone Man collaborations. If you're going to do upbeat music, then make it you; stick to "Rush Of Blood" or "Pocket", not whatever these songs are that contain nothing memorable and don't even fit him. I'm starting to think that this guy's good songs were a fluke...
Sacrifice – Mariah The Scientist (8.2/10)
This is the type of song that sounds like it's from a sparkly dream world... the atmosphere of the summer keys is used elegantly and in a fine way to showcase the track in full form. Amazing stuff.
Like It Like That – Dasha (8.1/10)
Dasha keeps making these interesting country twists that keep the genre fresh, and she does it again by combining an upswing sound that usually sounds like it's used in dance music into a fun country song. Radio, play this!
Great Pretender - Dominic Fike (7.4/10)
I haven't positively rated a Fike song since "Mona Lisa", but here it goes, because it appears that in his career he's putting more and more thought into every release, and it's starting to all fuse together in an amazing way.
Peace, Love and Cowboys – Lainey Wilson (7.4/10)
Five extra songs have dropped on 2024's "Whirlwind" for a deluxe version; this is one of them, and it certainly has that charm that Lainey brings with a relaxing and smooth set of country vocals and instrumentals. She just keeps doing it, and it still hasn't got boring!
My Side Of Town – Josh Ross (5/10)
Following the success of "Single Again", we get this, which wasn't set to be anything amazing… and wasn't. I swear these acts just keep making the same country songs with guitars, towns and the same kind of covers.
Call On Me - Daniel Caesar (7.6/10)
Daniel Caesar's interesting alternative-rock and R&B song hits the point of unique and is an interesting follow-up from his last single. It'll be fun to see how the album turns out.
Love That I Love You - Russell Dickerson (7/10)
Basic but good – a rare occasion that I'd say that for North American trending country artists.
Song For My Son - Walker Hayes/Kane Brown (5/10)
Basically exactly how I described "My Side Of Town" by Josh Ross. A whole bunch of country copy and paste.
Perfect Person - Flo Milli/Coop (3.5/10)
If it wasn't for the hyper synths and claps, this would sound like an exact replica of an Ice Spice song.
Just Two Girls – Wolf Alice (7.3/10)
I'm delighted to hear what is hopefully some peak rock later on... until then, this is good but doesn't raise the bar for the album; in fact, it drops it.
TOURMALINE - Earl Sweatshirt (8/10)
Artistic and creative rap that follows his collaborations with MAVI but instead sounds more focused on creating a memorable sound.
Like 1 - TWICE (7.3/10)
As TWICE gets bigger and bigger, they keep on a professional level with cute J-pop fun little tracks. What's interesting is putting rock in the mix, which honestly blended really nicely. I like this.
More - Carly Rae Jepsen (7.2/10)
Don't overthink this; it's a little fun dance jam, a bit basic, but once again, it's Carly Rae. I wasn't expecting to hear "Chromakopia". It's a good song and doesn't really need additional commentary.
Phantom – Mac DeMarco (7.4/10)
Mac's one name who's big, but I don't tend to hear, so I'm glad I get another delve into what some say was a release they marked in their calendar. This is quite light; it has some guitar, but it's played to a less light tone despite still fitting the lighter, gentle melody.
Burning Up - Leigh-Anne (7.3/10)
This track is closest in resemblance to her collaboration with Ayra Starr on "My Love"; as for a return since her 2024 EP, I'd expect something greater due to the wait... that being said, it's still acceptable, especially from someone who isn't a huge Leigh-Anne fan. It has the fiery side that feels like it fuels a song which gets you slowly moving.
Sweet Nothing – 2025 Edit – D.O.D/Calvin Harris/Florence Welch (0.6/10)
OOF. The vocals sound so distorted and low quality that I can't even take this seriously as a professional song. They were either low on budget or just thought they made the future sound for the next decade. Oh, and the pitch on each layer just goes terribly. Worst blending I've heard in a while.
Daydream - Joel Corry/Jelly Cooke (7/10)
Maybe it was the feature, but Joel made a small but noticeable bounce back in quality with this. Instead of feeling soulless, the progression had some movement; nothing special, but definitely good to see.
Hold Me – Morgan Seatree/Abi Flynn (7/10)
Nothing we haven't seen before... just your usual DJ dance song.
21 - Kingfisher (5/10)
For the people not aware, Kingfishr is quite successful in the Irish charts… but I never tend to hear their name outside of those charts despite their multiple Irish top tens. So is Kingfisher an underrated one-country-fame artist? The way I look at it is that Kingfisher is essentially a Zach Bryan replica, flavourless and with a formula that doesn't impress. Literally, if you've heard Zach, then you've heard this.
DARK AURA - Joey Bada $$ (8/10)
A very clear message and bold energy that pays off in the form of an applaudable rap song.
Who's your boyfriend – Royel Otis (8.1/10)
Royel Otis has recently been putting real work into these releases... damn! This is making the album probably worth checking out.
PAY ME – ODUMODUBLVCK/Stormzy/Zlatan (8/10)
Glad to see Stormzy continuing to explore new career opportunities, and with this he features Nigerian rap that has its fun kick to it but also the bold African sound that really showcases how diverse Africa's music can be! Really enjoy this! I bet Rema would call this another banger.
Light That Leads Me – Netsky/Bebe Rexha (6.9/10)
I liked when Bebe made music that felt fit for her, and I mean her; this just sounds like she was slapped on as a dance feature for a song that doesn't showcase anything about her. It's good but not for Bebe.
SE LO JURO MOR - Feid (4.9/10)
Whoever said this guy was "pushing the boundaries of reggaeton" must have been high because this is straight up the exact same and most overused reggaeton formula you can use.
Sunscreen - LIZ/SOPHIE (7.8/10)
SOPHIE finally releases a song that's worth a replay, and people dump on it? It doesn't have those really high-pitched electronic sounds that sound like something gone wrong in the production... but that's what people wanted? I'm sorry, but composed and summer-chilled SOPHIE is so much better.
The Suburbs – Ruel (7/10)
It's a follow-up that definitely feels like it fits the vibe of "I Can Die Now"; that being said, it's not great, and the main single grew off me even more. Things aren't looking good.
Portage Bonito – Anuel AA/Blessd/Ovy On The Drums (8/10)
I was familiar with the fact that Ovy has a hit in other countries (as a feature), but I myself never actually got to hear anything by him until now, when I made the decision to check this out. I can tell he and the others want to keep the traditional reggaeton vibe but instead transform it into multiple forms, such as the space between the clicks or the pace and variety of textures and tones. Sometimes we can transform a song style in the simplest way and make it sound fresh, and this song is an example of that.
Pack U Up – French Montana/Cash Cobain (7/10)
Yes, I'm as shocked as you that I liked (and am starting to like more) these shawty mumble rap songs more. Despite this just being a song to chill and have fun to, it is by no means making me like Cash Cobain to a fan extent.
Make A Baby – Tori Kelly/Lucky Daye (7/10)
Daniel Caesar and now Tori? What's up with these song names with 'make a baby' in them? Anyways, it's a pretty chill song; Tori has smooth vocals… nothing out of the ordinary.
If He Wanted To He Would – Perrie (7.5/10)
Just like Jade, Perrie explores more topics that Little Mix didn't seem to, and I like how she's becoming more comfortable in her own shoes. I didn't like the recent songs by her as much, but this is certainly a better delight. I'm not a fan of the way she said the sex line, but that's the small nitpick. It makes me think of an Ella Henderson song a little.
Mr. Miracle – Kid Cudi (7.2/10)
I'm definitely more satisfied with this than his last single. It has the right amount of umph and definitely builds upon the tuned sound a lot more... and even transforms it with other additions!
CAM GIRL - LUDMILLA/Victoria Monét (7/10)
A slow and groovy R&B song that sounds like something Tyla might put out. Not hugely It's my thing, but I can still see the effort; I'll definitely accept it.
No Comment - Fredo (8/10)
This song is what Fredo claims is a truthful insight into him, and he does this in a bold tone that does fit the rap scene of London a lot more. I quite like it; this should be a charting success rather than some other songs by him.
FREE - 2 Chainz/Vory (7.5/10)
Ridin' With That - BAK Jay/Chuckyy (4/10)
As expected, the artists sound out of it, and the background is composed of the same old sounds that are basically just little effects. Not even properly produced. I don't even hate it; it just sucks.
Butterflies – Issey Cross (7.6/10)
Issey doesn't deserve to be beaten around by critics, you know. We could even bring her back, and I'd be happy! This isn't her best, but at least it's faced towards a more fast-paced and upbeat direction, where the high-pitched volume feels like it adds a level of life to the song. It could be more diverse in sound, but I'm ok with this.
3AM IN SOUTH – Kairo Keyz (7.2/10)
London rapper Kairo Keyz gives a solid performance that reminds me of the Fredo song I reviewed in this write-up: bold and tough.
CEREMONY - Stray Kids (7/10)
I Don't Care... - LUCKI/Lil Yachty (3.8/10)
Mumble rap crap... skip. The vocals sound like the rapper is drunk.
Crystalise – Billy Gillies/Nu-La (8.4/10)
In 2023 Billie Gillies had such a nostalgic radio hit with Hannah Boleyn (which I'd call peak radio back then); he comes back with something that I think could almost fill that spot. The bass isn't up in your face; instead, it's chilling and dreamy. It pulls you into some of the most relaxing synth-dance sounds you'll hear. Love it.
Echoes – Hybrid Minds (6/10)
Despite being fine, it's still synths & patterns that I could have got from any EDM artist.
Beautiful Girl – Caity Baser (7.5/10)
YOU KNOW WHAT? She's actually getting even better! It's not OTT; it's catchy, and it's just simply fun.
Set Me Free – Martin Garrix/Arcando/Bonn (6.4/10)
Did we really need a Martin Garrix song in 2025? Hopefully he doesn't go downhill to a David Guetta level.
925 - Sammy Virji/Chris Lake/RoRo (7/10)
Exactly the style I expected but not the exact quality I expected... this was actually fine in terms of a generic DJ song.
Politix - Balu Brigada (7.1/10)
A respectful move from Balu Brigada, but they can't seem to recreate their upcoming album's lead single... It just had so many connecting components that it's simply an extremely high bar to top. But I still believe they can come closer than this simple rock song.
Everybody Scream – Florence + The Machine (7/10)
Dance With Me – Ciara/Tyga (5.7/10)
The dance voice input sounds like traditional DJ rap, and the Tyga rap was mediocre.
Found u/me - Good Neighbours (8.3/10)
This and "Suburbs" have both been their best songs yet! What is going on with their lock-in period... hopefully an album is coming ?. So yeah, this song has that same fresh and lively-like vocal effect with, of course, the wonderfully alternative sound of pop. I haven't been this excited with this kind of sound for a while!
Sexonthebeat - ADÉLA (6/10)
A strange but not exactly wonderful layering of moaning sounds on top of whispering and dance music that sounds like ASMR and sex were combined into one activity. Oh, and the main line being "sex on the beat" when the song is literally sex on the beat just moves me in the wrong way… not pleasant but not awful.
Fort Knox - Sigrid (7.5/10)
Erm…are we ascending? The level of emphasis and kicks on this made it feel majestic, and that violin? An absolute treat, and it surprisingly worked on a synthpop song.
Headphones – Lecrae/Killer Mike/T.I. (5.4/10)
Coming Of Age - Pixie Lott (3/10)
I know specks of dust worth of information on Pixie Lott lore. On the topic of songs, I can see why this stuff doesn't give her the charting hits. It's on the level of uninspired as the Jonas Brothers, with all creativity going out the window on simple everything. It's not half-baked; it's unbaked.
The Way You Love – Xander/Timbaland/Aaron Cole/Jon Keith (7.2/10)
I MISS MY FRIEND - Maxwell Luke (5/10)
I really will appreciate the value of passion in any form of music, but the value of making an interesting song is also a big one, and this song lacks that for me.
Dirty Shirley – Mikayla Geier (7.2/10)
Love the light ASMR-like voice! Especially when blended with fun and elegant dance music.
Watch Your Mouth – Josiah Queen (8.2/10)
Sounds like a mix of Noah Kahan and Mark Ambor in a fast-paced country song. The fast-paced sound and the passionate high notes make the song a million times better!
Let Me Love You – Amber Mark (7.2/10)
Female radio pop that I think shows that the artist has potential.
I don't know you – Jeremy Zucker (7/10)
HOT BOYS MAKE HOT MUSIC – Samxemma (5.7/10)
Hyper glitch pop that doesn't fit the "HOT MUSIC" category.
Feelings Gone – SG Lewis/London Grammar (6.7/10)
LEAN ON MY LOVE - Jon Batiste/Andra Day (8/10)
A comfortable and easy listen with a natural sound with a sprinkle of vocals that make me think of the 2000s.
Rock A Bye Baby – Jean Dawson (8/10)
A funky reminder that it's summer!
Scatter – Lila Iké (7.4/10)
A flavourful reggae/R&B song that revives hope for the genre! Glad to see we still have the genre's roots in there whilst embracing something new.
All My Friends Are So Depressed – Joyce Manor (6.6/10)
Wheels at Night - TOPS (7.2/10)
Lightweight pop, very chilled.