“Hugo Valentine gives us a bit of a throwback. With a track that builds in the arrangement in such a way that conjures vibes of classic hits of the 70’s and 80’s, while also having that big musical sound of a contemporary single, ‘Rule The World’ ends up sounding very much like a collaboration between Elton John and Coldplay.
The energy here sweeps the listener up after a calm opening.”
“Letting go is tough, especially when you are holding on a tighter than the other person. This track beautifully captures the emotions of realizing they are gone,even if you are not fully there.
JP Saxe delivers a heartfelt performance over a stripped down melody and production that allows the emotions to rule above all else. ”
“Being caught in a relationship that isn’t truly going anywhere, can leave a person feeling a bit untethered, even when the times you spend together provide more good than bad. ‘Drifting,’ from Emily Vu, captures such feelings in Electro Pop glory. There is a bit of a Taylor Swift vibe both lyrically and in the performance, but Vu comes across a bit more tender and understanding in her honest assessment of where life has taken the relationship. ”
“Holly Oullette fully embraced songwriting after a Hockey injury curtailed her athletic pursuits, and what the ice loses, the music world gains in a talented writer and emotive vocalist.
Part of a larger project, ‘One Time’ is about trying to rekindle the spark and hope from a damaged relationship that once held great promise. The emotions shine through in both the writing and the delivery, making this an engaging track that simple refuses to let you go. Look for the complete project titles What I Can’t Take Back to hear more of Oullette’s talent.”
“This track has a sort of quiet desolate vibe in its production, and that feeling perfectly matches the spirit of the lyrics. The imagery of the songwriting is strong and the mood of the track well-established s come along and take a late night trip through the normally crowded streets with Liam Mogan while he is ‘Alone In The City.’”
“Michelle Ray incorporates a classic vocal sound while giving us a fresh contemporary Electro Pop single titled, ‘Chasing Shadows.’ The vocal talent shines bright here with hints of Timberlake, Bruno Mars, and even vintage Diana Ross. There is a definite throwback vibe with a Disco era energy to the overall arrangement. The track is groovy fun in all the best ways.”
“I found it wryly ironic that Dawson Gamble infused so much emotion and feeling into a track titled — ‘I Don’t Care,’ and in that contradiction I discovered the beauty of this performance.
This singer/songwriter has a raw yearning, and emotive style that comes through not only in the vocal performance, but the songwriting as well. Every note seems to add to the layers of the song.”
“Gillian Heidi delivers a desperate and angst-filled vibe in the yearning allure of ‘desperate.’ Unexpected attraction to someone new while inside a relationship is a mixed bag of emotions, and while the thrill of the taboo can make a person feel alive, the guilt of cheating even emotionally is a burden that can weigh one down. The uncertainty and misgivings come across lyrically and in the performance of this track.”
“Delivering a Commercial sound perfect for the Top 40, Justin Jesso has that Arena Pop sound down pat.
’Too Good To Lose’ is a big emotional track about knowing you aren’t the best thing for a person, but selfish reasons. Pride, and maybe even need, keeps you from cutting them loose, because they do make you happy even though it is clear they offer more to you than you can to them. ”
“Emili comes at you with a vibe sweet innocence vocally, but the emotions of the songwriting delivers an edge and grit.
’Autopilot’ is about rut, routine, and expectations. The desire to shake things up rather than than toe the line and do exactly what everyone is expecting and demanding of you.”
“Jealously plays evil tracks on the mind, and the fact that LOST has taken on that phenomenon with an upbeat slightly unhinged exuberance is sheer genius, as it captures that yo-yo set of emotions very well.
Here in this single and video ‘Jealous’ is a fun romp from the outside looking in, but sooner or later we all find ourselves in that state of angry and hurt delirium.”
“Maro has the kind of vocal talent that mesmerizes and pulls you in right from the beginning. The lyrics of ‘Carsick’ come with a tranquil intensity that adds to that attachment. This softly delivered track does not shatter the norms in anyway, but still feels unique and different by establishing a steady groove that carries you along with ease.”
“Sometimes a track simple struts its way into our ears. Scott Luka drops such a track on us with ‘LA-NY-DC.’
Full of bluster and confidence, this isn’t a set of lyrics that will leave you deep in thought or hours, but the beat is infectious and the track delivers a bit of cocky fun. And sometimes, that is all we need from a song.”
“Coming with a summertime vibe of bright sunshine and warmth, ‘Kiss Me’ is an ode to first loves and the idea that they truly can last forever.
Simon Lunche delivers a vocal performance that keeps the listener invested and believing in a romanticized version of their first love.”
“The vocals come in with a soft emotive style before that track makes an abrupt Electro vibe. Lyrically, this one is about molding yourself to be something that someone else wants you to be. That kind of selfish love is always one-sided and eventually leaves one party a glob of ‘Silly Putty.’ ”
“The music scene that sprang from Laurel Canyon in the Hollywood Hills is legendary in its own right, and Annie of the Canyon taps into that with a vibe that matches that era but still brings its own unique modern spin.
There is a dusty sultry seductiveness to the vocals and a haunting darkness to the lyrics that lured me in on this track.”
“Is Commercial Folk a thing? If it is Emily Drinker is taking a big sip from that fountain, because while there are definite Pop sensibilities within the arrangement, Drinker’s overall vocal tone feels folksy and energetic with hints of blues and jazz coming through at times. The build and progression are engaging, and I was on the hook all the way through. ”
“Karamilk delivers a dark Pop song about the pressures of social circles and how easy it is to lose yourself in the demands of a group.
The vocals offer a haunting distance that echoes the emotions of the lyrics and the production behind the track adds a depth of feeling that creates a suitable mood for the entire track.
’Hurt’ feels like a bit of genuine honesty amid a see of artificial — in a time dominated by social media and snapshots of what life is supposed to look and feel like.”
“How can you not get down with the philosophy of ‘Don’t Give Me Problems, Give me Wine?’
The tone here is engaging and straightforward. BabyJake emotes the passion behind the lyrics in this track that feels almost Cosmic Cowboy in nature. A hint of Folk, a jolt of Rock, a splash of that 70s Alt Country vibe and this track simply oozes with coolness.”
“Pure Pop glory and attitude!
The vocal talent brings alive a set of wryly humorous lyrics that are indeed entertaining but also very pointed for the times we live in.
This one is for everyone who has ever had to say ‘Seriously, Just Stop,’ to that person that won’t quite texting and calling. Take a hint already.”