“Christmas is a time for nostalgia, reflection, and of course sharing the love. Michael Costantini delivered all three with his track ‘What Christmas Is For.’
Musically, the track falls somewhere between a vintage Rock vibe and Retro Soul, while the lyrics feel entirely contemporary and festive.
This is the fresh new Holiday track I needed this year!”
“Rosa Mack delivers this track with silky smooth power. The blues-charged soul track is a gospel of sorts for self-empowerment.
’When I’m Alone’ is all about shedding what binds you and not letting others drag you down or hold you back. The track rises into a powerful crescendo, but is captivating from note one. highlighting Mack’s power not only as a vocal performance but as a songwriter.”
“Bad Flamingo are so masterful at making you see a moment through their eyes. They make you smell the room, ear the background noise and most importantly feel that exact feeling they were feeling. This song is dripping in fresh country swagger with production that never overpowers the sultry vocals. With lyrics like “you still fit me like the best damn blue jeans”, this record is poetic in the best ways. Now excuse me whilst I order a pack of white tees.”
“Idle Hands feels like rushing water in a creek on a summer day in 1998. It’s honest in a way I don’t think people are often “I can’t sit still, I just need to run, I’m just like my Mum”. It’s self-reflective but in a way thats not beating down on yourself but almost smirking as you watch yourself spiral slowly. “Can’t help but laugh, at the state I’m in, it’s like imprisonment” is one of the most honest lyrics I think I’ve heard. Now excuse me whilst I go back to procrastinating away 2023. ”
“When you’re opening verse includes the lines “She knows she could sell, lies to the devil, I’ve bought them myself” you mean BUSINESS. Do Me Like You Do feels like being ripped apart and being put back together by the person who ripped you apart in the first place. Vocally MICAH has the rare ability to let him self be consumed in the moment but maintain control over his voice. As out of control as his lover makes him feel he keeps himself composed in the storm. ”
“Jon Vinyl is back is the beautiful breezy ‘Wasted’. From soaring vocals, to honest conversational lyrics, wasted feels like the perfect way to close out summer 23. It’s bittersweet with an emphasis on the sweet. ”
“An ice-cold soul sample, gritty drums, Raekwon AND Westside on the same record what more could you ask for? Both Emcees bars are razor sharp and NappyHigh chopped the **** out of that sample. If this is any indication Nappy’s LP ‘Menace’ is about to be a masterpiece. ”
Rating: 4 out of 5
“Mickey’s Nightclub feels like riding in old school Impala but at the same time you’re wading through molasses. The sample is so syrupy and just pulls you under. The flows are laidback but still have fire and passion. ”
“Find a patch a grass, some headphones maybe a lil drink a lil s**** and lose yourself in this record. ‘Halfway’ is heady without losing you on the journey. All the vocalists bring something fresh a unique to the song and the soulful production is the glue. Everything about this record is hypnotic and effortless. A late contender for jam of the summer. ”
“This record is pure passion and love shot straight into your veins. Billy delivers a raw guttural vocal that always feels tender. Hold you’re lover to this song... you won’t need to say a word. ”
“Ramon delivers a mood thats so easy to live in. ‘Titles’ is soulful, honest and effortlessly cool. ”
“Tom Grennan delivers a wonderfully melancholic dance record thats will leave tears in your eyes as you sway on the dance floor. Taken from his latest LP ‘How Does It Feel’.”
Rating: 3 out of 5
“Lily graces us with this slice of modern nostalgia and bittersweet musings. Harking back to the British pop/soul before her, Summer feels fresh yet familiar, which is how love itself can feel sometimes. ”
“Lily graces us with a slice modern nostalgia. Harking back to the soulful British pop before her, ‘Summer’ feels like reminiscing about the summer you didn’t know was going to be the last with someone you love. ”
“This husband and wife duo, deliver a passionate and funky little groove. The Locksmiths have a sound that reminded me of Nathanial Rateliff brand of Americana Soul a bit. ‘2 Handz’ also has some classic rock elements from a bygone era but still manages to sound and feel contemporary because of the artful songwriting and playful back and forth between them. ”
“Mathilde Widding brings a vocal style that falls between ZZ Ward and Amy Winehouse so fans of either are likely to appreciate this engaging track.
’Stronger’ brings a soulful groove with a decided edge and tantalizing vocals that engage from the very start. Widding is a talent that will only continue to build and grow her powerful delivery so keep an ear on this rising star.”
“The vocal tone carries a bit of Amy Winehouse, but the groove and build feels more like ZZ Ward. Either way, Delilah Blower is her own artist and certainly delivers the it factor right from the start.
”This Ain’t Love’ is the kind of track that sinks its hooks in deeper and deeper as you listen, and that sticks with you long after the final note has faded from your ears.”
“Fans of Nathaniel Rateliff and Leon Bridges will dig Jess Roper’s sound. Coming in somewhere in between those two well know acts, Roper delivers a big bold sound, and a soulful groove that holds the listener as well as it hooks initially.
’Hold On Me’ is a an anthem of love. A big musical amen shouted to the heavens in appreciation of the one that captures your intrigue.”
Rating: 5 out of 5
“Motivation is the power of manifestation. Artist General’s “War Ready” featuring JChosen is a perfect Hip-Hop motivation track. The examples and words he use creates a blue print of you and your goals. He preps you to be war ready for greatness. This nearly 6 minute track will have you empowered and ready to fight the war for success.”
“Bianca Jade delivers her vocals in silky smooth confidence and while not many people ever get everything they want, Jade’s talent and delivery makes it easy to believe she will indeed get there because she truly is giving it “Everything I Got.’
The groove and build here are as mesmerizing as her vocal talent and this track is one that will make you feel empowered as well. ”
“I like the seductive yet emotional feel Joshua Ryan’s new song “Muse” gives. He describes his feelings in such a descriptive and vivid manner that you can’t help to visualize it. The guest vocals are from his girl which gives another perspective of their experience.”