Singles Of The Week: 19 June 2020

This week has been another one of change. The music world lost the iconic Dame Vera Lynn, the discussion surrounding statues has heightened and a US court thankfully voted against allowing LGBTQI+ bias in the workplace. While it is hard to not get lost in all the issues surrounding us currently, thankfully the arts world is here to offer insight and uplift. Here is a rundown of some of the singles released this week.

SINGLE OF THE WEEK: H.E.R - I'm Not OK Rating: 5/5

The musical response to the big events of 2020 has been powerful. H.E.R's I'm Not OK is perhaps to most impressive and compelling, but most poignantly was not recorded in response - being lifted from her 2019 album. With simple, straight-up lyrics, there is no need to read between the lines and she expresses with haunting beauty the troubled experience of being black in a world where white sadly still dominates.



Lina Maly - Immer immer wieder Rating: 5/5

Last year Lina Maly released her sensational debut album, Könnten Augen alles sehen. Immer immer wieder is the first single post-debut album and it shows that she is far from a one album wonder. With a vocal that has textured emotion, Immer immer wieder gives you all the feels.

Monte & Guma - Bubba Dubba Rating: 4/5

Who doesn't love a cheesy pop earworm with a lyrical hook and a fab dance routine? Nothing much more needs to be said. This is brilliant.

Dream Wife - Temporary Rating: 4/5

Dream Wife are just around the corner from their sophomore album So When You Gonna... From the singles teased so far, it is going to be a very different beast to their epic debut. Temporary was written for a friend who had suffered a series of miscarriages. It is warmingly poignant.

Kristian Kostov - Things I Like Rating: 5/5

Bulgaria's Kristian Kostov has come a long way in a short time. The Voice Kids Russia and X Factor Bulgaria finalist recently competed in China's Singer and is pretty much perfectly positioned for world domination. His last single may have been a little bit of a letdown, but Things I Like puts him back at the top of his game.

Uku Suviste – Müüdud ja Pakitud Rating: 3.5/5

Uku Suviste has been a presence on the Estonian music scene for a decade and a half. His rich vocal and ability to play into an array of genres has served him well as the industry has evolved. His new single Uku Suviste Müüdud ja Pakitud is a soulful summer anthem. With strong echoes of Blue and Next, this is one for early noughties pop fans.

Dylan Scott - Nobody Rating: 3/5

Dylan Scott's My Girl has recently been certified Double Platinum. While a new album has not yet been announced, his latest single Nobody is a very pretty Country ballad. With sentimental lyrics and a singalong chorus, this could see his success extend outside his US fanbase.

Arisa + Manupuma – Nucleare Rating: 4/5

Two-time San Remo winner Arisa has teamed up with Manupuma for Nucleare, which is a very moving tribute to the children born during the current pandemic. With the world upside down and their immediate experience effected, this is a very unique take on the experience and is both beautifully delivered and tenderly thought-provoking.

Sebalter – Corrono i Baci Corrono Rating: 5/5

Switzerland's Sebalter has really shaken up his sound for new single Corrono i Baci Corrono. A saucy little number, this 80s driven pop number is strangely understated, but that adds to its appeal. This is really something quite special.

Foothills and Laurell - Chocolat Rating: 3/5

Canadian songsmith Laurell is a name immediately known to any Eurovision fan from recent years as she is prolific in terms of songs written for other artists to perform at the even. Taking centre stage on this collaboration with the Polish duo, Chocolat shows her decent vocals but the song itself needs a little remix to really impact.

Mitch Tambo - Love Rating: 3.5/5

Having reached reached the final of 2019's Australia's Got Talent, Mitch Tambo fuses his aboriginal heritage with a love of dance music. Recorded mostly in Gamilaraay, Love is a fun pop song which will have your arms waving in the air.

Hanna Ferm - Sweet Temptation Rating: 4/5

Sweden's Hanna Ferm was a runner-up on the 2017 series of Idol and has gone on to release a steady flow of stunning singles. Sweet Temptation was co-written by the equally underappreciated Dotter. It shows Hanna's lush vocals and has a fab hook.

MONATIK & Vera Brezhneva – ВЕЧЕРиНОЧКА Rating: 3.5/5

MONATIK & Vera Brezhneva are two giants of the Ukrainian music scene. Having the pair craft a summer anthem was always going to be epic. ВЕЧЕРиНОЧКА does not disappoint. For what is set to be the strangest summer we have all ever experienced, ВЕЧЕРиНОЧКА will have use bouncing regardless.

Ella Eyre ft. Yxng Bane - Dreams Rating: 4/5

Ella Eyre is one of the hardest working names on the British scene. As a featured artist she has had epic hits, yet somehow the music world doesn't seem to pay as much attention to her solo releases. Dreams is brilliant.

Ooberfuse - Father Rating: 4/5

Ooberfuse are the London based dance duo who have received praise from Paul Oakenfold and Sister Bliss, but with Father's Day on Sunday, they showcase a very different side to their sound. A dreamy ode to their fathers, this is a heartwarmer.

Kymppilinja ft. Erika Vikman – OMG Rating: 3/5

It is a decade since Kymppilinja won the Best Newcomer by Discopress and they continue to release fresh sounding Hip Hop. Teaming up with Erika Vikman for the subtle Latin influenced OMG, they deliver a playful summer anthem. If the Latin heat had been turned up slightly, this would have been a scorcher.

Stephan Moccio - Le Temps Qui Passe Rating: 5/5

Grammy Award nominated Stephan Moccio has penned huge hits for Céline Dion, Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne, The Weeknd and Seal. His versatility as a songwriter is immense. Le Temps Qui Passe is a soothing piano piece which is tender and touching.

Viki Gabor - Still Standing Rating: 3.5/5

Poland is a little underappreciated on the global music scene. With a growing exploration of the experimental pop, they have some stunning musicians who really deserve international acclaim. While Still Standing isn't her finest cut, the killer vocals of Viki Gabor are showcased on the little too repetitive Still Standing.

Ruth B. - If I Have Son Rating: 5/5

One album and two EPs into her recording career, Canada's Ruth B. has delivered the song that is set to really catapult her into household name status. The gorgeous ballad explores potential parenting and the fears associated for the Black community. Daunting, haunting and very moving.

Мари Краймбрери – Прага. Июнь Rating: 4/5

Мари Краймбрери catapulted herself to success with her debut album ННКН (Нет Никого Круче Нас). An impressive, trippy collection, it was clear that huge success was her destiny. Unsurprisingly she was snapped up by a record label.  Прага. Июнь is a lush continuation from a distinctive artist.

Andrew Cushin - Waiting for the Rain Rating: 4/5

Hailing from Heaton in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Andrew Cushin is a former football loving darts player who at just 20 sings with an emotional depth far beyond his tender years. Waiting For The Rain was written when he just 15 in response to a family argument. Out of a painful situation. the start of a stunning recording career is born.

Madame Monsieur ft. Black M – Terre inconnue Rating: 5/5

Madame Monsieur are a French duo who should be household names around the world. They deliver hypnotic credi-pop with heart and a strong message. Terre inconnue is no exception.

Mr.Rain - 9.3 Rating: 5/5

Mattia Balardi is Mr.Rain, a 29 year old Italian rapper whose early influence came from Eminem. Having revealed his rap alter ego over a decade ago, he was head hunted by The X Factor, but opted instead to build his career on his own terms. Success was inevitable and 9.3 is the latest in a string of killer songs. 9.3 is stunning.

Ruth Lorenzo - Miedo Rating: 4/5

Former X Factor star Ruth Lorenzo delivered some of the shows most memorable performances to date. Despite having released two hugely impressive albums, she is yet to really breakthrough in the UK. Miedo shows off her stratospheric vocals beautifully.

GusGus - Out Of Place Rating: 4/5

Iceland's GusGus are amongst the finest electro pioneers in the world. Out Of Place shows that even 25 years after their debut album they are ahead of the industry. Out Of Place is spacey brilliance.

Feli – Ma striga mama Rating: 4.5/5

Romania's Feli looked at her own parents for inspiration when writing Ma striga mama. Her mother had a passionate and undying love for her father, who was a man who didn't act in anyone's interest than his own. The storyline may be complicated, but the straight up pop song is a lovely tribute to her strong mother. Be ready to sing di-di-di-da-da-da a few times.

דודי בוזגלו - לדבר עם אלוקים Rating: 5/5

These are dark and difficult times we live in. With many feeling the world needs a big hug and a miracle to make it through, דודי בוזגלו delivers a thoughtful exploration of a lost sense of self in the compelling לדבר עם אלוקים.

F3M - In The Sauna Rating: 4/5

Miara, Viv and Baby O are F3M, a Finnish girl band who know how to deliver a pop song. While we have to concede we hadn't stumbled across them prior to hearing In The Sauna, we immediately fell for their bouncy sound. This is classic 90s pop with a 20s twist.

Allysandra – Krossat glas Rating: 5/5

Dolly Style are a Swedish phenomenon. Allysandra is a former member who has now shown her own musical identity. Krossat glas was written after having her self-esteem damaged by someone else. It is a determined, but not in your face anthem which slips into your heart.

Death By Piano - Emergency Rating: 4/5

Death By Piano are Kalen and Greywolf, a New York based duo who fuse dark pop with synth to create a rather brooding sound. With the dynamic constantly flitting in new single Emergency, they create a real sense of paranoia - but a sense of paranoia that engages and entertains.

Lindita – Better You Rating: 3.5/5

American Idol alumni Lindita has a strong recording voice. It is somewhere between Mariah Carey and Bebe Rexha, which is a pretty decent place to be situated. Better You is an all out pop anthem, which would sit easily in Jessie J's collection.

Lawson - Animals Rating: 4/5

Lawson returned from boy band heaven earlier this year following attempts at solo careers and breaks from the tough music industry. While their return single showed potential but missed a few marks, new single Animals is their finest cut to date. This is what returns should be about.

Kendji Girac - Habibi Rating: 5/5

Kendji Girac won the third series of The Voice: la plus belle voix under mentor Mika. Since then he has released three studio albums, which have all reached the #1 spot in France, while garnering high chart positions in other territories. Habibi is his latest single, the first since featuring on Vitaa & Slimane's Fais comme ça last year. Habibi takes all the key ingredients of his sound and impresses.

MALKA - A New World Rating: 3.5/5

While thematically this new single from Scottish multi-instrumentalist could be about the pandemic situation, it was actually written about her family's move from London to Glasgow. It has a warm glow about it, which is rather dreamy.

Shaefri - Say You'll Be There Rating: 5/5

For any Spice Girls fans out there who saw the title and thought that on the anniversary of their reunion tour a cover of their classic hit had been released, this will be a disappointment. For anyone else, this stunning Imogen Heap meets Jem number will be a wondrous arrival.

Adeline - Twilight Rating: 4/5

Adeline debuted in 2018 with a self-titled album, which showed her vocal strength and a leaning between pop and R'n'B, but with a timeless feel. Twilight teases her forthcoming EP, Intérimes. Twilight takes Diana Ross at her finest and adds new dimensions.

J-Mox ft. Nathan Trent - Millions Rating: 4/5

J-Mox is a 23 year London based multi-instrumentalist and producer, whose sound echoes those of Sigala and Kygo, but with his own poppier edge. He has teamed up with Austrian vocalist Nathan Trent for this feel-good dancefloor filler. While the lyrics let it down, there is something very irresistible about it.

Greta Salóme – Án þín Rating: 5/5

Iceland's Greta Salóme should be one of the country's biggest musical exports. Her sound has expanded hugely since her massively underappreciated 2012 debut album, In The Silence. Án þín marks a return to recording in Icelandic and is her strongest single since 2017's My Blues.

Kev Sherry - Feel Good Movie Of The Year Rating: 3.5/5

Kev Sherry is the frontman of Attic Lights, a hugely under-appreciated Scottish group whose 2008 debut album was one of the finest of the year. With three albums under their belt, Kev is taking his first steps towards a solo career. Feel Good Movie Of The Year is certainly feel good.

Graham J - For The Best Rating: 3/5

Graham J has had a very tough journey. Following his husband's suicide, he suffered three strokes and lost his voice. Now on the road to a sunnier period, he has teamed up with music producers FHBlock for For The Best. Graham's vocal sits somewhere between Anohni and Andy Bell, but the song itself lacks originality.

Layla Kaylif - As I Am Rating: 3.5/5

Over two decades ago British-Emirati singer/songwriter Layla Kaylif released Shakespeare In Love, which to date remains her most celebrated single. Having released two albums in the period, her third studio album is on the way. To tease the release is the Rumer-leaning As I Am. Pretty.

Danielle Bradbery - Never Have I Ever Rating: 5/5

7 years have disappeared since Danielle Bradbery stormed to victory on the The Voice in the US, yet while she has enjoyed chart success on her home turf, her international success has been more niche. It is surprising given the quality of her output. Never Have I Ever sees her move more into pop than Country and is really deserving of international radio exposure. This is lovely.

Dan Penn - Living On Mercy Rating: 4/5

Dan Penn is songwriting royalty. His songs have been recorded by artists including Janis Joplin, Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Bobby Womack and Diana Ross. It is fair to say he knows what he is doing. Living On Mercy is the first single from his first album in 26 years. It is old school Country tinged balladry. It is timelessly lovely.

Model Man - Why? Rating: 4/5

Sibling duo Model Man wrote their new single initially on a toy piano during a power cut. Having tweaked it with their distinctive take of House, this is a stomper.

Natalie Schlabs - Go Outside Rating: 3.5/5

Natalie Schlabs has a voice that is both dreamy and direct. Set against a sound that is mellow yet upbeat, her latest single Go Outside is one fuelled by contrasts. That is no bad thing. This is lilting and lovely.

Jujubee - Don't Wanna Love Rating: 4/5

Anyone who watches RuPaul's Drag Race will no doubt already be a fan of Jujubee. However, it is probably fair to say that nobody expected her to deliver this stunning ballad as part of the talent contest. Emotionally charged, this is really quite senstational. A revelation.

DMA'S - Learning Alive Rating: 4/5

Australian rockers DMA'S are known mostly for their direct rock anthems, but as Learning Alive shows, they are not afraid to show a little emotion. Learning Alive is the lighter (mobile phone) up in the stadium moment. This will give you all tingles when you see it live (it does on record too..)

Sabiyha - Love Me Alone Rating: 3.5/5

British-Guyanese, London-based artist Sabiyha wrote Love Me Alone in response to unwanted and far too forward behaviour from men on dates. Set to a subdued dancehall groove, this isn't as instant as her debut single, but still shows her huge potential.

Betsy - Behind Her Smile Rating: 5/5

Towards the end of 2017 Betsy released her debut album. In a year that saw releases From Lorde, Taylor Swift, Kehlani, Kesha and P!NK, it is fair to say that Betsy's debut shone brighter than all the aforementioned. Now with the difficult job of following that record, Betsy shows she can easily deliver the goods on the bold Behind Her Smile.

Ruby Turner - A Better Way Rating: 4/5

Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and raised in Birmingham, England, Ruby Turner has released a rather phenomenal amount of albums since her debut in 1986. Her most recent is Love Was Here, and today Ruby announced she felt compelled to release the truly uplifting determination of A Better Way given the troubled times we live in. This is the anthem we all need right now.

Julianna Barwick ft. Jónsi - In Light Rating: 4/5

There is an almost hymnal quality to Julianna Barwick's second single from forthcoming Healing Is A Miracle. As it builds into a euphoric moment of peace, it exudes raw and pure beauty.

Amy Shark - Everybody Rise Rating: 3.5/5

Australia's Amy Shark channels Taylor Swift on her latest single Everybody Rise. The song speaks of unrequited love, and is a decent pop anthem, but it lacks the more individual sound of Amy's prior work. However, channeling Taylor could take her to the next level of mainstream exposure.

LOTTE - Mehr Davon Rating: 5/5

LOTTE released her sophomore album, Glück, back in October of 2019. It showed a poppier growth in her sound. Mehr Davon builds on that further. This is explosive pop with feel-good vibes.

Picture This - If I Build A Home On The Moon Rating: 3.5/5

The possibility of building a home on the moon in still a distant dream, but one that took a step closer with the first successful private journey to the the space station this year. Picture This take the theme and deliver a pretty ditty about it.

Fryars ft. Rae Morris - Virtual Reality Games Rating: 3/5

Fryars returns after a 6 year absence, in which he focused on production and remixes. He teams up with his wife Rae Morris for this fun number. While the vocal production makes sense thematically, it is at times distracting.

Clare Maguire - Emilie Rating: 5/5

Clare Maguire returns with a new EP, aptly titled Isolation. Emilie shows off the raw beauty of her truly distinctive vocal. A storyteller at the core, Emilie is an emotive journey faultlessly delivered.

Oana Radu - In Vraja Ta Rating: 4/5

Romanian actress and singer Oana Radu delivers another summery pop dazzler. This brings all the good vibes in a sexy, sumptuous dance breeze.

Mathea - 1961-2017 Rating: 4/5

Mathea released her debut album M just a few weeks ago. Since then she has teamed up with her fans to create a new song based on the personal story of one fan. A tribute to a late mother, 1961-2017 is based on an emotional story and has an uplifting delivery.

KEiiNO - I Wanna Dance With Somebody Rating: 4/5

So... Who doesn't love the Whitney classic? Well, it has been reworked for Pride Month by KEiiNO. Having delivered OKTA, an album which currently sits firmly in our Top 5 albums of 2020, they have reworked one of the greatest singles of all times. It is tough to top the original, and while they don't, they definitely make it addictive in their own way.

Duffy - For The Better Days To Come Rating: 4/5

Duffy is a strong woman. Having opened up earlier this year about the traumatic experience that saw her hide from public life, she has revealed a new song. Aptly titled For The Better Days To Come, this is the Duffy sound we all fell in love with.

The Killers - My Own Soul's Warning Rating: 5/5

The release of the latest The Killers album draws ever nearer. My Own Soul's Warning is the latest release. It sounds like Brandon Flowers and friends have been listening to a little bit of the Bleachers, which has lead them to craft this cinematic wonder. Wait for this to be on the rolling credits of an epic coming of age drama.

Viktor Leksell - Bedövning Rating: 4/5

Viktor Leksell's time of Idol back in 2017 may have been short-lived, but he clearly resonated with the audience as he has since release a stunning string of hit singles. His latest, Bedövning, has an up-tempo Owl City vibe and we are living for it.