I’ve loved every film John Carney has written and directed. His forte is writing and directing independent films based around relationships built on music and musicians. If you’ve not heard of him, check out “Once” and “Begin Again.” His latest, “Sing Street,” is no exception to his style and my favorite song off the soundtrack is the last one you’ll hear in the film. It sums up the storyline and captures the emotional ending beautifully. Enjoy!
One Ok Rock – Taking Off
Well, a new album is soon to be released for my favorite Japanese rock band, and they’ve released their first single… It also looks like I’m not the only one in the USA that has taken notice of these guys. The record label Fueled By Ramen who’s previous artists include: Paramore, Panic at the Disco, and Fall Out Boy have scooped them up for an English release and if this first single is an example of what’s to come I’m excited. It’s certainly a bit more pop than they’ve released in the past but I think they still maintain their sound whilst adding catchiness for a potentially big new audience!
Tapetenwechsel – Feel You
A really solid house track. Seems rarer these days. Instead of trying to add more, this track stays simple and true to house roots: a great bass-line, breakdowns with a crescendo and drop, enjoyable vocals, and a groove you can’t help but dance to.
Corey Harper – California Sun
This would have been the single on John Mayer’s last album. Massive similarities aside, this is a fantastic song that just screams to be first track on a great road trip mix. Kudos to Justin Bieber for plucking this guy from tiny clubs in Seattle and throwing him into the spotlight, there may be a lot more to come from this guy.
Cro – Bye Bye (MTV Unplugged)
Ignoring the panda mask for the time being, this is a really great tune. This live version especially. Fun uptempo hiphop with a soulful swagger. A thank you goes out to some great germans I had the pleasure of getting to know on a trip through the west coast of the USA for turning me onto this gem. Enjoy!
Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop The Feeling
The latest from Swedish pop mastermind Max Martin. From “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys to this, Max Martin is the hidden producer behind almost every singalong pop song you’ve grown up with. Don’t believe me? Look him up. He’s created more pop singles than anyone in history. Period. His latest pop masterpiece, like all the ones that came before, is a catchy, funky and very, very danceable pop anthem.
State Champs – Secrets
Not sure how I missed this for a year, but at least I found it! Despite being almost formulaic pop-punk, I still appreciate it, because, well, I love the genre. Enjoy!
1975 – The Sound
Despite really loving their first album, I first heard this track in the movie “Me Before You.” I had to look it up afterwards and was depressed that I hadn’t heard it earlier. Either way, I’ve heard it now, and what a tune it is.
MØ – Final Song
Final Song isn’t even this Danish singer’s most popular song. You probably know her as the singer from Major Lazer and Dj Snake’s massive hit “Lean On” or maybe her first main single “Kamikaze”. Either way, her latest single is my favorite so far and proves to me that she’s not planning on being a one hit wonder and you’ll be hearing more from her in the future.
The Chainsmokers – Don’t Let Me Down (Remix)
I’m torn here as to my favorite remix of this song. Popular wisdom would say the Illenium remix which already has over 27 million views on Youtube… which is ridiculous. Still though, the Jenaux Remix has a different vibe, even though most would still class it as a Trap remix. The Jenaux remix certainly is not as polished, but there is still something that in my mind makes it an even competitor. You be the judge.