Every Friday, we are adding three tracks to our Feel-Good Friday Spotify playlist. The aim? To create a definitive playlist featuring the best uplifting, feel-good tracks in the world!
Check here every Friday to check any additions!
FOLLOW the Music Box to never miss an update again.
Every Friday, we are adding three tracks to our Feel-Good Friday Spotify playlist. The aim? To create a definitive playlist featuring the best uplifting, feel-good tracks in the world!
Check here every Friday to check any additions!
FOLLOW the Music Box to never miss an update again.
Funky indie-rock ballad which mirrors work by INXS & Duran. Slamming percussion, frantic guitar riffs and skippy synthesiser sounds provide the song’s instrumentation as Matt Healy sings of cultural differences between him and his American girlfriend. It’s brilliantly catchy and very witty lyrically.
Perhaps the best song on The 1975’s new album. The band demonstrate their impeccable synchronicity through layering gospel melodies, silky vocals, slamming percussion, driving bass lines and snarling guitar riffs. It’s a throwback to the new-jack-swing era in the late eighties and early nineties bought to popularity through producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Teddy Riley through musicians such as Bobby Brown, Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson.
Beautiful and mellow electropop ballad which imitates Yazoo’s ‘Only You’ to a point just before being eligible for a lawsuit. Sparse guitars, dizzy synthesisers and a gorgeous honeyed ‘again and again’ refrain makes this another of the album’s strongest tracks.
A proficient, cleverly-created instrumental which punctuates the album beautifully. Pretty and melodic piano particles flutter over driving electronica whilst Healy’s lusciously layered vocals beg his lover not to leave. The track is lengthy at six minutes but is split into two parts, evolving into an uplifting and exquisitely beautiful house track.
Giggling synthesisers and hiphop beats form the backdrop as Matt Healy half-raps his best lyrics to date; a cultural observation on the impact pop culture and celebrity have on youth.
Chilled-out neosoul track which carries a retro vibe. Gallant’s incredible vocals flutter into a rich falsetto over brass instruments, driving bass lines and twinkling keyboards.
Uplifting and euphoric pop-rock track which is this year’s UK Eurovision entry. Whilst criticised by many for its generic formula and chord structure, it’s a powerful and beautiful track.
Moody alternative-pop track which avoids over-production, instead focussing on using organic, pure instruments.
Catchy alt-R&B track featuring elastic synthesisers, synthetic percussion and a brilliantly sing-song chorus.
Quirky and brilliantly written track which utilised genres such as baroque pop, psychedelic pop and experimental rock.
Every Friday, we are adding three tracks to our Feel-Good Friday Spotify playlist. The aim? To create a definitive playlist featuring the best uplifting, feel-good tracks in the world!
Check here every Friday to check any additions!
FOLLOW the Music Box to never miss an update again.
Brilliant hip-hop/Gospel fusion from 2012 UK X Factor runner up Jahmene Douglas. This is his first original composition (début album was an amalgamation of cover versions) and is from his forthcoming second album, on which he has reportedly collaborated with a range of established names.
Fizzy and uplifting R&B track from hit songwriter Babyface and El Debarge (of Debarge fame). It’s a cheery and catchy with lovely lyrics.
Gorgeous R&B ballad which closes Babyface’s latest album, the brilliant ‘Return of the Tender Lover’ (hence why it’s our album of the week!). Gentle piano arpeggios and Babyface’s silky smooth vocals layered into luscious harmonies remind us of his forte to write brilliant songs, particularly ballads.
Brilliant down-tempo progressive R&B track abundant with squeaky synths and wailing guitars. Rihanna at her best.
Lovely pop-rock ballad comprised of Keating’s powerful vocals, sweeping strings and acoustic guitars with a gorgeous chorus.
Catchy electropop track built of various sounds and instrumentation.
Brilliant and catchy R&B track emphasising what Timbaland does best. Fun and mechanical production elements and punchy percussion compensates for its repetitiveness and simplistic nature.
Stunning and haunting acoustic-based ballad which evolves into an electrifying climax.
Ethereal and dreamy Pop ballad from London-based band Jarbird.
Laid-back and minimalistic electropop influenced track. Catchy, funky and an enthralling listen.
1) Adam Lambert – The Original High
Impossibly catchy synthpop title track of Adam Lambert’s latest album. Full of thumping beats, squealing synths and a flawless vocal from Lambert, it’s a perfect summer track.
2) Disclosure & Sam Smith – Omen
Disclosure & Sam Smith already proved to be a dream formula with 2013 house hit ‘Latch’, both catapulting each other to fame. As Disclosure prepare to release their sophomore album later this year, second single ‘Omen’ attempts to regain some of the magic ‘Latch’ contained and it doesn’t do a bad job in the slightest. Smith’s vocals are raw with sincerity as always, crooning over Disclosure’s usual scatty production. Not quite as good as ‘Latch’ but a fine follow-up nonetheless.
3) Nicki Minaj – The Night Is Still Young
Nicki Minaj’s musical and artist output is certainly intriguing. Hits such as ‘Superbass’, ‘Fly’ and ‘Pound The Alarm’ were tolerable catchy music hits whereas ‘Anaconda’ slipped into the ‘utter garbage’ category. Still, she is a highly successful and interesting artist who clearly has a strong following. ‘The Night is Still Young’ is her latest release and whilst described by many as a dance-pop song, it borders on becoming a ballad with it’s relatively slow tempo. It’s a great song, however, more so musically than lyrically but certainly one of Minaj’s better efforts.
4) Carly Rae Jepsen – Run Away With Me
One of the most underrated females in Pop, Carly Rae Jepsen has a unique talent in being able to co-write effortlessly catchy and clean pop hits, suitable for audiences of all ages. With her seductive, airy vocals and synthpop hits, Rae Jepsen has carved herself a sucessful global career yet still seems to be largely ignored compared to other female artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyonce. ‘Run Away With Me’ is the follow-up to awesome lead single ‘I Really Like You’. Both singles are from Carly’s forthcoming album ‘Emotion’ and is produced by Shellback with assistance from Mattman & Robin (the producers of ‘Higher than Higher’ by Take That and Adam Lambert’s ‘The Original High’. It’s another fun synthpop track, a little bit 80’s with squeaky synths with shuffling percussion and powerful vocals from Rae Jepsen. One of the best songs around at the moment.
5) John Newman – Come and Get It
The British northern-soul crooner is back with massive hit ‘Come and Get It’, a catchy soul-funk track co-written by John himself with pop pioneer Greg Kurstin. It’s a huge song with powerful vocals from Newman.
6) Jessica Simpson – With You
It may be incredibly cheesy and lack credibility but ‘With You’ is pop music at its best. Pretty pop track.
7) Tame Impala – Cause I’m a Man
Gentle, dreamy psychedelic summer track by Australian band Tame Impala. Reminiscent of slow-disco hits from the 1970’s, this is a breath of fresh air in the current state of the music industry. One of my absolute favourite songs currently around.
8) Blonde ft Alex Newell – All Cried Out
Awesome track of the deep house genre with 90’s house piano riffs and incredible powerhouse vocals from American singer/actor Alex Newell.
9) George Ezra – Barcelona
Soft f0lk-styled track; the latest single from George Ezra’s incredible album ‘Wanted on Voyage’. Ezra’s rich, wise-beyond-his-years vocals really are distinctively beautiful.
10) One Direction – Drag Me Down
The killer new single from the much-loved Boyband; the first without Zayn Malik who departed the band earlier this year. It’s not as good as ‘Steal My Girl’ (lead single from the band’s last album ‘Four’) but it proves the continuity of the band’s maturer sound.
1) Mark Ronson – The Giver (Radio 1 Live Lounge Performance)
Radio 1’s live lounge performances present an opportunity for artists to really demonstrate their art through adapting and arranging existing songs by other artists. This is an awesome interpretation of Duke Dumont’s ‘The Giver’. Ronson gives his cover a 90’s vibe with funky guitar riffs, a drum machine loop and whistling synthesisers. It’s a little repetitive but it’s a great version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An-xqjnHoHc
2) Prides – Messiah
Explosive, synthpop track by Scottish band Prides. It’s a little bit 80’s with a powerful sing-along chorus. Can’t get enough of this right now.
3) Justin Bieber, Skrillex & Diplo – Where Are U Now?
A bit of a guilty pleasure on many levels. A collaboration between two artists which I usually don’t have much time for, there is something both endearing and catchy about this EDM track. Bieber’s vocals are sincere and Skrillex and Diplo’s chaotic production adds an extra dimension to what could otherwise work perfectly well as a gorgeous ballad.
4) Flo Rida & Robin Thicke – I Don’t Like It, I Love it
Another guilty pleasure; I don’t think it is possible to shamelessly admit to enjoying any song with Flo Rida’s involvement. This is irresistibly catchy, however. Funky guitar riffs and bass lines, hand-clap percussion, silky smooth vocals from Thicke and a frighteningly seductive whistle hook, it’s the perfect pop song.
5) Major Lazer, DJ Snake and MO – Lean on
Much of this song’s success is built upon it’s amalgamation of different genres. It draws upon EDM, electropop, trap and moombhaton music, resulting in an utterly irresistible track with bouncy percussion and squeaky synthesisers. SO good.
6) Carly Rae Jepson – I really Like You
Whatever your opinion on Carly Rae Jepson, she sure knows how to write and perform catchy pop music. It is already at risk of becoming as irritating as ‘Call Me Maybe’ but for the moment, it remains the perfect pop song with Jepson’s famous breathy vocals, slamming beats and a repetitive refrain. Catchy as hell.
7) Mark Owen – Giveaway
The entirety of Owen’s solo career is criminally underrated and last album ‘The Art of Doing Nothing’ is no exception. ‘Giveaway’ is the haunting, rousing opening track, building into a catchy electropop song with Owen’s distinctive vocals echoing endlessly into the heavily synthesiser dependent backing track. Awesome song.
8) Oasis – Stand By Me
An often commercially overlooked Oasis track but just as awesome as their other material from the 90’s. Well written as always by Noel Gallagher & Liam’s prominent drool carries the song.
9) Circa Waves – My Love
This song has been a favourite of mine since the release of Circa Waves’ debut album earlier this year. There’s something incredibly beautiful about it despite it not being a ballad. It’s a massive indie track with raw electric guitars, fierce drums, driving bass lines and a passionate vocal performance by frontman Kieran Shudall. The song has been re-recorded for release as a single, an unnecessary move as the album version remains superior but it’s still awesome. I’m so glad it’s the next single.
10) Wolf Alice – Bros
LOVE this. Tinny, manic percussion, gentle vocals, a powerful driving bass line and reverberating guitars with an instantly memorable hook. One of the best songs out there right now.
1) Lianne La Havas – Unstoppable
Luscious piece of R&B/Soul with silky smooth vocals. Co-written by Paul Epworth, frequent collaborator with the likes of Adele & Duffy, this soul infused track is oozing with class and perfection.
2) Lianne La Havas – What You Don’t Do
Lianne La Havas is my discovery of the week and I cannot get enough of these two tracks. Her jazz-styled vocals are full of passion and soul and I love the big-band and soul infusion that underpins this catchy track.
3) Miguel – Coffee
Sexy, sultry and sleek. Miguel’s smooth vocals smother stuttering synthesisers and heavy percussion, resulting in a powerful piece of R&B perfection. Awesome lyrics to this too. Cannot get enough of this right now.
4) Miguel – What is Normal anyway?
Effortlessly smooth, with pensive lyrics and tinny guitar sounds. Miguel at his best.
5) Night Drive – Drones
Awesome electro-pop track which clearly uses elements of 1980’s electro and rock music as an influence. Catchy as hell.
6) Royworld – Dust
Irresistibly catchy pop-rock driven song with an awesome hook.
7) Teitur – One and Only
Gentle acoustic track which draws upon folk influences. Beautiful.
8) Jesse Boykins III – Plain
Awesome dance track with slightly off-pitch synthesisers, a throbbing beat, soulful vocals and gorgeous harmonies. SO good.
9) Sam Feldt ft Kimberly Anne – Show Me Love
Based upon Robin S’ massive nineties dance track of the same name, Sam Feldt gives it the 21st Century treatment and makes it more electro than dance. It’s a pleasant update of the original.
10) Shura – White Light
LOVE Shura. This is SO 80’s; imagine a hybrid of Janet Jackson & Madonna and you reach Shura. Fierce tinny drums, aggressive bass lines and funky guitar riffs, it’s catchy as hell.
1) Take That – Hold Up A Light
One of Take That’s best songs in their twenty five year career. So much optimism, so much energy and so much power. Mark Owen’s vocals are on point and the harmonies are perfect too. Since seeing the Take That boys live and seeing this performed live again, it’s completely reinforced what an incredible song this is.
2) Take That – The Garden
Absolutely stunning song, opener of ‘The Circus’ album. I love the little touches of production by John Shanks – from the eerie and soft opening to Howard’s stomping bridge leading into the second chorus. It’s perfect that each member gets to perform lead vocals during different sections and once again, this has to be one of the best Take That songs in their back catalogue. Gorgeous, inspiring lyrics, stunning falsetto vocals from Gary Barlow and so much power in those final explosive chorus’.
3) Take That – Flaws
Gentle but powerful ballad from the ‘III’ album. I’ve always loved this but its beauty has certainly been reinforced since seeing Mark Owen & Howard Donald’s stunning contemporary dance to it on Take That’s current tour. Very raw and very beautiful.
4) Take That – Up All Night
This was never one of my favourites from ‘The Circus’ album but I always appreciated the musicianship within it and what a great song it was overall. As the years have gone by, however, I’ve finally come to love it. I love its energy and it is the epitome of fun.
5) Finley Quaye – Sunday Shining
Heard this on the radio the other day and fell in love. Love its almost grunge-rock feel but it’s also infused with elements of Soul. Catchy with a distinctive vocal.
6) Olly Murs – Beautiful To Me
Probably my favourite Olly single in years! Catchy and emotive with beautiful lyrics, it’s a perfect pop track. Love the stomping percussion and Olly’s vocal is very strong (although the autotune usage could be reduced a little…) Can’t get enough of this right now.
7) Jennifer Lopez & Trey Songz – What You Mean to Me
Beautiful rendition of a stunning song written by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy for the Finding Neverland musical. Gorgeous lyrics and JLO & Trey sound fantastic together.
8) Rixton – Let the Road
This is utterly refreshing. The majority of this track is performed acapella before launching into a dynamic album opener. Like this band a lot.
9) Rixton – We All Want The Same Thing
I know this only featured the other week but I honestly can’t get enough of this right now. Irresistibly catchy. Pop music at its best.
10) Tinie Tempah & Jess Glynne – No Letting Go
Catchy as hell and bound to be an integral part of the soundtrack to summer 2015. Jess Glynne’s voice is just awesome. A winning combination of artists.
1) Simply Red – Big Love
Smooth, soulful; everything Simply Red does best. Beautiful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGYMZWs9wPs
2) Simply Red – Love Wonders
Love the slightly dark, night-time tone of this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK7HCNAGHHI
3) Mark Morrison – Return of Mack
Without a doubt one of the best pop/R&B tracks of the 90’s. Funky and catchy as hell.
4) Joni Mitchell – How Do You Stop
Stunning cover that completely surpasses the original. Aided by Seal on backing vocals, this is a stunning interpretation. Joni and Seal’s voices blend beautifully together.
5) The Japanese House – Still
I love the debut EP by The Japanese House and this is one of its highlights. Produced by Matt Healy and George Daniel from The 1975, it’s a stunning piece of electro-pop full of dramatic drum breaks, layered vocals and squeaky synthesisers. Beautiful.
6) Joni Mitchell – Help Me
Love Joni Mitchell and I am slowly getting through listening to most of her discography. I absolutely love this! So uplifting, so jazzy and soulful. It’s reminiscent of cycling through the countryside on a summer’s day.
7) Jamie XX – Loud Places
Keep hearing this on the radio and it always manages to grab my attention. The distorted vocals on the chorus and the stamping beats all contribute to how endearing it is.
8) Rixton – Where are u now
Prior to hearing this on radio, I hadn’t bothered checking out the original. This absolutely blew me away and made me actually sit up and listen to Rixton properly for the first time. Harmonies are on point, the jazzy piano interpretation and eerie guitar screams are stunning. Jake Roche’s lead vocal is also fantastic. I ended up checking out the original after this and this is definitely the superior version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJnMqeJrD5Y
9) Justin Timberlake – Cry Me A River
Throwback to 2002! What a tune.
10) Justin Timberlake – I Think She Knows
Awesome interlude from the FutureSex/LoveSounds album. Love the guitar work on this.
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