We’ve had Valentine’s Day, the rightful crowning of Nicola Roberts on The Masked Singer and – at last! – news from Marvel that there will be meaningful LGBTQ+ representation in The Eternals. But this weekend feels all-consumed by the Caroline Flack news, which is – above all else – just really, really sad. A complicated situation that’s sparking a lot of necessary discussions, but also…. just so fucking sad. Remember you can text SHOUT to 85258 at any time, 24/7, for crisis support in the UK.
I’ve written this week’s blog at a hasty pace because I’m not especially in the ~mood for gushing over bops, ballads and bangers; but here are some quickly cobbled-together thoughts on the five new songs I’m adding to my 2020 playlist. As ever, you can find and follow that playlist here or at the bottom of the post.
To Die For – Sam Smith
After some horizon-broadening bops last year (Dancing With A Stranger? One of 2019’s best!!), Sam is back on familiar territory with the Stargate-produced To Die For. But why do I like this more than I liked much of their previous balladry? Is it the soft, slightly muted percussion, which I’m a sucker for? Is it the vocal production, which I also think is fab? Or is it just that, now Sam is living as their authentic best self, I feel like I have a slightly better handle on them as an artist? Maybe it’s all of the above! I really like it.
No Time To Die – Billie Eilish
As far as meeting its brief is concerned, this new 007 movie theme is a slam dunk: the little Bondy flourishes are superb (the sweeping orchestra, the building drama, the final strum) and it’s also a fantastic Billie song in its own right. Not the most exciting of tracks, granted, but as Bond themes go I think it’s really, really good.
Never Let You Go – RAC, Matthew Koma, Hilary Duff
Matthew Koma wrote a lot of my favourite deep cuts of 2015 (mainly for Kelly Clarkson and Hilary Duff), and here he actually sings with Duff – now his wife – on this cover of a recognisable Third Eye Blind song from 20 years ago. The wheel isn’t reinvented, obviously, but what a nice little listen, and a likeable return to the mic for Duff.
Meltdown – Jake Shears
Fresh from his Unicorn escapades on The Masked Singer, Jake Shears is back with a pleasingly gay banger with a gargantuan chorus. But it does make me think more than ever: when will the Scissor Sisters return from war?
Boy, You Can Keep It – Alex Newell
Packed with character, nifty little production flourishes (is that a flute I can hear?) and some very impressive vocals, Boy, You Can Keep It is a fun, feisty way to spend two-and-a-half minutes. In a busier week of new music, I’m not sure it would have stood out to me – but with Sam and Billie’s ballads dominating, this is a welcome palate-cleanser.
Electric Angels 