Nothing But Thieves

1) Shura and Mura Masa – Love For That

Shura teams up with Mura Masa on this chilled-out EDM track. Mura Masa provides the instrumentation, utilising sounds reminiscent of pan pipes, orchestral strings and steel pans whilst Shura’s syrupy vocals are layered on top. A unique and enjoyable track.

2) Snow Patrol – Take Back the City

Epic driving rock anthem by alternative rock band Snow Patrol. Reportedly a testament of frontman Gary Lightbody’s love of Belfast, it’s an empowering track slightly reminiscent of ’80’s glam rock.

3) Janet Jackson – Broken Hearts Heal

Sugary sweet disco track which serves as a tribute to Janet’s brother Michael both lyrically and musically. Lyrical content addresses their growing up together and a more care-free phase. Musically, the track is heavily reminiscent of Michael’s catchy and soulful material on début solo album ‘Off The Wall’, particularly upon the emergence of bells during the final minute. Irresistibly sweet and catchy.

4) Janet Jackson – Take Me Away

Emotive and desolate track evidently about the aftermath of brother Michael’s death. Drawing upon electro-rock influences, it features an epic and grand chorus.

5) Daniel Bedingfield – Wrap My Words Around You

Brilliant and overlooked track by Daniel Bedingfield, released back in 2005 as the second single from his album ‘Second first Impression’. Gentle acoustic-based verses develop into a huge chorus.

6) Kate Winslet- What if

Gorgeous and emotive ballad written by Steve Mac and Wayne Hector (pop gurus responsible for material by the likes of Westlife and JLS). The song was written for and featured in the animated version of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. Upon Winslet’s request, all proceeds from the single went to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Sargent Cancer Care for Children. It was largely successful, peaking at Number Six in the UK charts and still receiving airplay today.

7) Nothing but Thieves – Wake Up Call

Nothing But Thieves are by far one of the best bands currently around in the UK. Formed in 2012, they are a five-piece alternative rock band from Southend-on-sea in Essex. Front man Conor Mason’s vocals carry a gorgeous tone – powerful, unique and slightly eerily like Jeff Buckley. The contrast between Mason’s falsetto vocals and the heavy rock instrumentation in the chorus works beautifully.

8) Take That – Hey Boy

It’s back to the 80’s for the Take That lads with their incredible new single ‘Hey Boy’. Continuing the fun pop sound they explored on ‘III’ with the likes of Greg Kurstin, John Shanks, Stuart Price & Mattman and Robin, this is the lead single from the 2015 repackaged edition of ‘III’. The Nile Rodgers/Chic-like disco riffs return amongst stomping percussion, a funky bass line and rich harmonies.

9) One Direction – Perfect

From one boyband to another, this is the latest single from One Direction. ‘Perfect’ is a mid-tempo pop ballad which draws upon stadium-rock influences. Harry Styles presumably steers the song lyrically; most of the song appears to be a dig at ex Taylor Swift. It’s the most enjoyable of the material from forthcoming album ‘Made in the A.M.’ so far, an emotive and powerful pop track.

10) Nothing But Thieves – Lover Please Stay

Stunning, raw and emotionally charged ballad from Nothing But Thieves’ self-titled début album. If any other material by the band wasn’t enough to reinforce Conor Mason’s Jeff Buckley-like vocals, this track will affirm it. Utilising only gentle guitars and Mason’s powerful and aching vocals, this is music at its best.

1) Aqualung ft Lianne La Havas – Eggshells

Haunting piece of electro-pop comprised of eerie synth sounds, soft beats, tinny guitars and fierce piano chords. La Havas’ soulful vocals and Aqualung’s excessively auto-tuned vocals are a surprisingly effective combination.

2) Years & Years – Memo

Stunning electropop ballad which closes Years & Years’ début album. Olly Alexander’s vocal performance is powerful and sincere as it drifts effortlessly over soft hip-hop beats, piano chords and distorted synthesisers.

3) Years & Years – Eyes Shut

Another beautiful gospel-influenced ballad with jazzy chords and soulful vocals from Olly Alexander. One of the highlights from Years & Years’ début album.

4) Years & Years – Ties

Years & Years doing what they do best; a powerful electronic piece with slamming beats, stuttering synths and sincere lyrics.

5) Seal – Kiss From A Rose

One of the most beautiful love songs ever written. Seal’s raspy vocals have a distinctive flare and powerfully soar above sweeping strings and acoustic guitar strums. It’s hard to believe this gorgeous ballad was not initially a success upon its release until it was included in the movie Batman Forever a year later. It’s also a shame Seal hasn’t maintained this level of success – his music is still just as well-written and powerful. One of the most underrated British artists around.

6) The Internet ft Kaytranada – Girl

A rich fusion of neo soul, electro and R&B with gorgeous vocals, shuffling percussion and littered with eerie sounds.

7) The Blue Nile – Sentimental Man

One of the most underrated bands of all time, not aided by their very limited output over a twenty+ year career. Gorgeous track from their 1996 album ‘Peace At Last’.

8) Nothing But Thieves – Trip Switch

LOVE this right now. Explosive track from Essex-born band Nothing But Thieves with a massive chorus. Conor Mason’s robust vocal delivery often drifting into his falsetto range really drives this powerful song.

9) Matthew Morrison & Laura Michelle Kelly – What You Mean To Me

Absolutely stunning ballad composed by Gary Barlow & Eliot Kennedy for the Broadway musical ‘Finding Neverland’. Matthew Morrison & Laura Michelle Kelly is a perfect pairing and their voices gel perfectly on this dreamy duet.

10) The Corrs – What Can I Do

Upon release in early 1998, this song wasn’t a hit until it was remixed by Tin Tin Out who added the punchy percussion and metallic guitar riffs. The remixed version was released in the summer 0f 1998 and became a massive hit. One of the greatest pop songs ever written with a syrupy sweet melody, gorgeous strings, a catchy beat and awesome vocals.