“Time to get it with Otis Fonde. ‘Never Let Me Down’ brings the energy straight from the get, and the lyrical flow hits with line after line that delivers punch and verve. Coupled with the energetic production behind the flow, and a splash of 70s Funk to that beat, this is a track that brings it in a way you have no choice but join the ride.”
“The progression and build of this track swept me up and carried me forward. The cadence at times feels a bit staccato, but the uplifting lyrics and emotive tone makes it all work on ‘Arise & Shine.’
British Nigerian Hip-Hop artists, BREIS conveys his intent here with a clear precise delivery that had me grooving along to the beat and joining in the chorus the second time through. ”
“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.”
“The Slim Kings might be skinny in stature, but the band is clearly thick on talent.
’Raw’ is soul-filled Indie Rock track that carries hints of Billy Joel melodically, and Springsteen vocally, all with a bluesy Retro Soul groove that conjures vibes of a long smoke-filled night on the Boulevard.”
“Spec Kay draw a perfect balance between giving us a club banger and a deep conscious track. That beat comes at you and refuses to hear no, wheres the lyrics unfurl with a sharp lyricism that then gives way with a homage to the past with a nostalgic hook that works in a dark eerie way on the track because of the strength of the verses.”
“Sy Sylvers has an alluring vocal tone that simply invites you in at the first note, and here that comes with a melodic groove and rhythm that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a cold night. This combination has blissful affect that draws you in close and keeps you there in the tranquil bosom of her vocal embrace.”
“Alix Page showcases her songwriting talent on ‘Frank’ by playing off of the Frank Ocean track ‘White Ferrari,’ while giving us a track that borrows, but does not steal from a classic hit.
Page’s vocal are tender and yearning in this ode to unrequited love. In both the lyrics and the performance, you can feel the tangible sting of a missed opportunity.”
“I heard a glut of Kobe inspired songs in the immediate aftermath of his untimely death, and while many came with talent, none quite captured the true spirit of the man for me. ‘81’ from Rich Cavier changed that. Dropping on Kobe’s birthday, this track has a stream of conscious style about it, and is artfully done. Every word and beat has has purpose here — from the 81 Kobe references that pay homage to his 81 points scored in a game — to the 8:24 length of the track with honors the numbers worn by Kobe.
Yes it is a long track, but there is content enough to carry it for the duration, and the words all deliver in the clutch. Just like Kobe.”
“Some voices just catch you from the start. The earnest passionate sound of J GRGRY was such a voice for me.
This slow building love song never felt tepid, but rather stoic and determined in the way a lasting love must be. The rising crescendo was important in the progression. The talent shines here in this unassuming and honest track.”
“Ali George gives us a solid Murder Ballad with the track “Melanie Brown.’ There is a Southern Rock sound to this track, though the Folk influence lurks there in the shadows as well.
The lyrics tell the fictitious tale of a young man who falls in love with a hired girl and then becomes jealous of her exploits with others.”
“Coming at you with a true Singer/ Songwriter sound and vibe, Alex Gibson relies on an emotive vocal style to hook you in even before the emotion of the writing has a chance to wrap around you.
The sensation of crushing hard comes through loud and clear in ‘Falling for You.’ Save this one for the next time you are in the throes of lust and love so you can add it to the playlist for the one you want to show how you feel. ”
“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. ”
“The Criticals never fail to deliver energy and attitude in their music and the band’s latest single, ‘High Life Clinic’ once again brings that Rock and Roll spirit that many bands strive for, but often fail to reach.
There is a hint of Punk in this track and a catchy hook to go along with the in-your-face delivery. This is Indie Rock as it should be!”
“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.”
“Mr. Peabody is the people’s voice as he makes songs about real life experiences..
In an effort to speak volumes Mr. Peabody delivers ‘Gospel Rap’. God’s Children is a song about diversity and unity. We are all born to have our own life regardless of color or culture yet we are still judged because of the color of one’s skin. People are dying and we must realize human life is important and as we stand divided we all will eventually fall.”
Sometimes the media can block our vision we need to stand united against a common enemy the senseless deaths need to stop . Who polices the police ?? Where is the justice ??
“Coming with a classic Folk sound, both vocally and in the melody, Mamie Minch gives us a ‘Fortified Wine.’ There is a bit of Woody Guthrie woven through this track and because there is a bit of Woody in so many artists from the genre you can trace this sound to many other contemporary Folk artists. That said, Minch’s husky vocals and emotive style rises above the fray to deliver a truly engaging single.”
“We all need a mental health day from time to time, and for anyone that has ever called in sick to work to instead do something a hell of a lot more fun, this Hip-Hop anthem is for you.
’The Call Out’ delivers a funky old-school groove that brings the sick ... as in sick beats and rhymes that will keep you moving while you skip out on work for the day.”
“The dark of night can conjure up a myriad of thoughts, often bleak and oppressive, but with the first rays of light it is easier to find that shred of positivity.
’Morning Sun’ the latest single from Sami Simon is all about daybreak and the effect it has on our outlook. A moody soft track, the single is uplifting without being Pollyanna in any way.”
“Kaya Stewart brings an edgy allure to her vocal performance on ‘California.’ Of course the Golden State has long possessed that same brand of allure, so in this track that serves as a love letter to the state, the tone is dead on perfect. A brief Hip-Hop interlude from Childish Major adds to the mood and vibe of the track as a solid change-up to Stewart’s talented performance.”
“James Bourne taps into a Randy Newman style of vibe with ‘Everyone Is My Friend.’ The well-written lyrics are easy to dial in and stay focused on, and the performance is just as engaging.
Labeling this single with a genre is tough, because there is a bit of Soul, a splash of Pop, and a twang of Country to this timeless sound.”