SINGLE REVIEW: Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart
The return of Mark Ronson was one of the industry’s worst kept secrets. With everyone catching onto the fact that him and Miley Cyrus were about to drop a new track that marks the first time the two have ever collaborated. ‘Nothing Breaks Like A Heart’ is nothing like what you expected but also delivers at the same time as everything you possibly wanted and more. The country influenced dance banger incorporates a ‘Jolene’ inspired guitar riff and vocal delivery whilst a disco beat is layered over the polished production. The song successfully combined the two artists recent signature sounds and creates something that stands out and will comfortably sit at the top of the charts. This is not an easy feat for a country influenced track on pop radio but they've done it quite well.
The song shows an impressive growth and maturity from Cyrus since the release of her last studio album ‘Younger Now’. It explores the aftermath of heartbreak and the psychological questioning it causes. “This world can hurt you, it cuts you deep and leaves a scar. Things fall apart, but nothing breaks like a heart”. After you get your heart broken you do find yourself becoming a little cynical and questioning every comment and move people make. And that’s what this song perfectly represents as well as showing a raw vulnerability. Ronson finds the perfect balance between disco and country which makes this song glide with ease. It’s a strong contender to fight Ariana Grande for the top spot of the charts, so this shall be interesting.
SINGLE REVIEW: Kelly Rowland - Kelly
I will always have a soft spot for girl groups. After all, Spice Girls, The Pussycat Dolls, Atomic Kitten and Little Mix all rightfully came into our lives and delivered some absolute bangers that are still played in clubs and on radio around the world. But the most fierce girl group of them all was Destiny’s Child (don’t @ me) and from that the birth of Beyonce and Kelly Rowland’s solo careers came into full bloom. In my unfiltered opinion, Kelly Rowland is severely underrated. Her solo songs are pure fire and I still question why some of them weren’t bigger than they actually were. But she’s had some massive hits like ‘Motivation’, ‘Work’, ‘Stole’, ‘When Love Takes Over’ and ‘Commander’ which you’ve definitely dropped low to on a dance floor.
But it’s been 5 years since the singer-songwriter has released any new material and in that time she’s been judging on The Voice Australia, touring and became a mother. So rightfully so, I expected a massive comeback. Sadly that’s not what we received. ‘Kelly’ is a strange self titled track that delivers a heavy RNB and Hip-Hop beat that doesn't actually seem to go anywhere. It’s a little flat and monotonous with no really hook or catchy moment that will have you wanting to replay it again.
Her vocal delivery falls somewhere in-between rapping and singing and doesn't seem to captivate you the same way her previous music has. However she sounds confident with her lyrics as she powers through a humble brag of her success as she takes ownership of she is. “Kelly got bands, Kelly got a check. Kelly got wig, Kelly got deals. Kelly got class, Kelly got ass. Kelly’s got a man, Kelly pop tabs”. But whilst this is a fun concept, the delivery is just all off and loses it’s momentum quickly. well actually, the momentum never really builds.
SINGLE REVIEW: Jax Jones feat. Years & Years - Play
At first I was a little disappointed by Years & Years sophomore studio album ‘Palo Santo’ but over time the slick collection of pop tracks has gradually grown on me with it’s polished delivery. It’s taken some time but we finally got there. But something that is for certain is Years & Years new collaboration with Jax Jones is an immediately catchy and future hit. ‘Play’ is everything I wanted from their sophomore record as it’s fun, infectious and has that playful groove we were first introduced to by them on their debut.
This is by far their most “pop” approach but when you’re working with Jax Jones that doesn't come by as much of a surprise. It has a layer of electronic experimentation with Jones’ classic big beats that mirror the playful structure of his Demi Lovato collaboration ‘Instruction’ that offers a similar vibe. The lyrics are super cute and explore the feelings of falling in love with someone. “How long 'til you play me the song that will make me belong to you? One dance with my baby tonight and we'll dance 'til the night is through”. It has a very big commercial potential with the possibility of mainstream radio eating up this fun and infectious hook. It will make you just want to dance around with a massive smile on your face whether you’re in love or heartbroken.
SINGLE REVIEW: Zayn - Rainberry
2018 has seen Zayn releasing a lot of singles, 6 to be exact. And whilst he’s been heavily promoting them he hasn't really mentioned anything about his sophomore studio album. As we are creeping towards the end of the year he has finally announced his excessively long project ‘Icarus Falls’ will be released on December 14. The 27 track record will hear him diving deeper into the electronic and harmonic RNB vibes his debut album introduced and offer a continuously smooth delivery.
Sadly most of the record is probably going to be pretty forgettable with 27 tracks being way too long for any record but he wants to try prove everyone wrong. To coincide with the announcement he’s dropped another new song in the form of the smooth ‘Rainberry’. The Justin Timberlake-esq track delivers his smooth vocals that glide with some falsetto while the production offers this funky groove. The pulsating synths add to the cool vibe of the song but sadly not even that could save the lacklustre approach. I just feel like we have already heard this from Zayn and it offers nothing new or different. The groove of the production holds the song the whole way through and keeps you engaged enough to get through it. But there’s nothing about it which makes you willingly want to go press replay. Hopefully this isn't a complete taste of what’s to come.
SINGLE REVIEW: Cheat Codes feat. Kim Petras - Feeling Of Falling
Over the past year Kim Petras has rightfully blown up in the underground pop world with a string of singles and EP’s which have made her a bit of a gay favourite. Teaming up with Cheat Codes for a new single, Petras dives heads first into the commercial pop realm. ‘Feeling Of Falling’ is a big electronic pop moment which offers glittery and shiny synths alongs with a cute and euphoric hook.
The bittersweet anthem reflects on the regret and fear of falling in love and committing to a relationship. It’s an honest approach that a lot of people can relate to with this current dating climate of uncertainty. “I hate the feeling of falling. I can't keep bleeding, I'm sorry. I’ll take the blame if you want me cause I hate the feeling of falling in love”. There’s just so much heartbreak one person can take and that threshold level is what Petra explores.
However where this song lets her down is the gimmicky and unoriginal production. The electronic beats are overused and generic and unsuccessfully holds onto anything different. The most exciting production moment is the groovy guitar riff which is introduced during the bridge before unknowingly disappearing. The beat drop follows the same template of their previous song ‘Only You’ and will have you questioning why they decided give that same sound again.
SINGLE REVIEW: Gabrielle Aplin - My Mistake
Last year Gabrielle Aplin introduced a groovy new synth-pop sound to her music which saw her stepping away from her usual gloomy piano ballads. It was a creative direction shift that saw a lot of people torn with thoughts. However I loved the layering of her emotional thoughts with a dance ready production which had you wanting to dance the tears away. It was a fitting and complex layering which elevated the mood in a cool way and introduced a whole new side to her. A whole year has passed and she has returned with a raw and emotional ballad which will please all of her long term fans.
‘My Mistake’ is one of her most honest and raw tracks yet as she explores self sabotage and the inner dark thoughts we all battle with. It hears her taking comfort in realising that it’s okay to not be okay 100% all the time. Which is a constant battle we all struggle with. “Am I jaded? Am I meant to feel this way? I'm a loser, getting beat by my own game. But if I falter, well at least it was my mistake”. The dark and honest mood of the song is so captivating because she channels into her vulnerabilities and makes it her strengths and that is a powerful and incredible thing to do.
From a first listen you will be in awe and by the second listen you will be hooked and by the third you will have probably let out a tear. It’s a song for the broken hearted and for the vulnerable souls who just need to find their inner peace.
You can read full music reviews, live reviews, interviews and more at www.thomasbleach.com
And want to check out some of these songs? Then check out the #BLEACHED playlist on Spotify which is curated each week by Thomas Bleach as his favourite new releases.
