1) Birdy & Rhodes – Let It All Go
Gorgeous ballad by two highly talented artists from the UK. Utilising gentle piano tones, airy synths, crashing waves of percussion and rich layered harmonies, this is easily one of the most beautiful songs of recent years.
2) George Michael – I Can’t Make You Love Me
Perhaps one of the most covered songs in Pop history, this gorgeous and emotive ballad was originally bought to attention by Bonnie Raitt in 1992 who did a wonderful job. Since then, it has been covered by a multitude of artists from Boyz II Men to Adele. George Michael covered this during his incredible MTV Unplugged performance in 1997 to critical acclaim. It was later released as a b-side to his single ‘Older’. George’s interpretation captures a sincerity and anguish that others just seem to lack.
3) The Weeknd & Disclosure – Nocturnal
A rich fusion of The Weeknd’s dark R&B sound and slick falsetto vocals and Disclosure’s euphoric house sound. Awesome opener to Disclosure’s later album ‘Caracal’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E0bgxgncrE
4) Jack Garratt – The love you’re given
Eeerie, jittery and sophisticated, this is a gorgeous down-tempo trip-hop track. Garrat’s falsetto vocals echo endlessly into the minimalistic production.
5) Ryan O’Shaughnessy – Fingertips
You may remember Ryan as a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent a few years ago. ‘Fingertips’ is his first single after a lengthy break. Whilst maintaining his signature acoustic sound, ‘Fingertips’ adds eerie sounds and programmed percussion to create a more polished track.
6) Sonny J – Can’t Stop Moving
Whilst never a huge hit for little-known DJ Sonny J, this song has been used in multiple commercials and TV programmes since. With sweeping sixties strings, gospel tinged keyboards and huge soulful vocals, it’s irresistibly catchy.
7) Earth Wind & Fire – September
Another track which is irresistibly catchy. ’70’s disco at its best.
8) John Waugh – Flight
John Waugh is a saxophonist who has played for a variety of acts and bands. He is perhaps best known for his saxophone solos in music by The 1975. ‘Flight’ is his début EP – a gorgeous and sophisticated collection of lovingly made Jazz tracks with modern twists. The title track is perhaps the strongest track featuring funky piano, bass and guitar riffs and a gorgeous saxophone solo.
9) Lawson – Mountains
Epic power ballad from Lawson’s latest EP. Screaming guitars, heavy percussion and Andy Brown’s emotive vocals all blend to create a powerful pop-rock track.
10) Janet Jackson – Shoulda Known Better
Despite its slight disjointed nature, ‘Shoulda Known Better’ is one of the best tracks Miss Jackson has put her name to in YEARS. A follow up to her 80’s smash ‘Rhythm Nature’, this is a powerful and catchy EDM track which cries out for world peace.
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