Maxwell

1) Shura – Make It Up

Shura follows huge summer smash ‘What’s It Gonna Be’ with a gentler yet still funky track from upcoming album ‘Nothing’s Real’. ‘Make It Up’ is evidently inspired by 80’s synthpop and at times mirrors the likes of Haim and MUNA.

2) Adele – Remedy

Adele does what she does best – powerfully delivering a piano ballad – on this beautiful track from platinum selling album ’25’.

3) Maxwell – Gods

Slick and smooth track from neo-soul guru Maxwell, taken from upcoming album ‘BlackSUMMERS’ night’.

4) Campsite – Try Again

Campsite modernise and re-energise Aaliyah’s 2001 R&B smash into an EDM/tropical house track. It’s not necessarily the most innovative of re-workings but it works well and serves well in regards to the feel-good factor.

5) All Tvvins- These 4 Words

Irish duo All Tvvins return with this huge, catchy pop-rock track. Slick production and an electrifying chorus result in this energising track.

6) Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons – Sucker For Pain

In one of the most unlikely combinations of the year, American rock band Imagine Dragons team up with rappers Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa on this R&B/Rock track, lifted from the soundtrack of Suicide Squad.

7) The Avalanches – Subways

Funky disco-flavoured track from Australian electronic music group The Avalanches. Frisky bass lines, glistening synths and distorted vocals give this a late 70’s disco feel.

8) Berhana – Grey Luh

Fierce alternative R&B/neo-soul track from Berhana. The minimalist backing track works perfectly with the rich vocals.

9) Nina Sky – Champion Lover

Brilliant Caribbean-infused R&B track from American R&B duo Nina Sky. Buoyant percussion, squeaky synths and slick production result in a huge summer smash hit.

10) Miguel – Do You? (Live from Spotify SXSW Sessions)

Miguel still proves to be one of the world’s most underrated R&B artists. Fusing his rich tone with retro-inspired guitar riffs, dreamy layered harmonies and a frisky rhythm section, Miguel flirts with both metaphorical and literal references to drugs.

1)Tamzin Archer – Sleeping Satellite

Moody 90’s pop track with lovely lyrics and an incredible vocal performance by Tamzin Archer.

2) Des’ree – You Gotta Be

Self empowering, sunny pop-soul track bound to leave a smile on the listener’s face. Featuring a tinny keyboard sound and R&B percussion, it is SO 90’s but with a lovely message.

3) Kate Bush – This Woman’s Work

Stunning piano ballad by Kate Bush, written for the John Hughes movie ‘She’s Having a baby’. Featured in the film’s dramatic climax, it’s a fitting accompaniment to the emotional scenes but is just as beautiful as a stand-alone song.

4) Maxwell – This Woman’s Work

This may be the first time Music Monday has included two different versions of the same song in the same playlist but this had to be done. The original, as previously mentioned, is a beautiful piano ballad by the ever-elusive but incredibly talented Miss Kate Bush. Maxwell, known for his slick falsetto vocals gives this an R&B makeover complete with a twinkling harp, weeping guitars and R&B percussion. It’s a gorgeous interpretation of a lovely song.

5) Joe Jonas – Levels

Joe Jonas has certainly reinvented himself from the cheesy teen-rock he produced with his brothers and is fast becoming the latest pop-prince in the music world. The bar was set high by Jonas’ debut single ‘Jealous’, a huge pop hit which charted well around the world. ‘Levels’ is just as good, however; if not, better. Incredible falsetto vocals and funky production carry this catchy track.

6) The Weeknd – Shameless

Moody Ed Sheeran-esque ballad with gorgeous falsetto vocals by Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. Obsessed with this right now.

7) The Weeknd – Tell Your Friends

Soul-infused R&B jam from The Weeknd’s latest album ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’. Produced by Kanye West, it’s much in the same vein as some of West’s early material.

8) Oh Atoms – Sugar Mouse

Pretty and gentle little folk ballad featured in cult favourite ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’. Gorgeous harmonies too.

9) Robbie Williams – The Road to Mandalay

One of Mr Williams’ most underrated works and one of his best lyrically. Genius, poetic lyrics crooned over gentle guitar strums and a gorgeous French melody leading the chorus. Simple but beautiful.

10) Michael Ball – Love Changes Everything

A very personal choice by myself as this was played at a funeral I attended last week. Beautiful song composed by theatre guru Andrew Lloyd Webber for his musical ‘Aspects of Love’ and sang flawlessly by Michael Ball.