Gorillaz feat. D.R.A.M. – Andromeda

Damon Albarn’s post-Blur project, renowned for hits like ‘Feel Good Inc’, have been missed for quite some time.  Now they’re back with new music and it’s as original as ever, jumping from collaborations with rising Jamaican star Popcaan on ‘Saturnz Bar’ to this synth-lead, futuristic beauty, ‘Andromeda’, featuring American artist D.R.A.M.

Mr Jukes, BJ The Chicago Kid – Angels/Your Love

Bombay Bicycle Club frontman, Jack Steadman, has gone bald and taken on the musical persona of a Mr Jukes, producing this sax-laden, funky number with BJ The Chicago Kid.  The opening chorus is similar to Bombay’s sound, as is the heavy-sampling (taken from Argentinian artist Jorge Lopez Ruiz), but the jazz influences mark an exciting new turn in Steadman’s artistic journey.

Drake – Passionfruit

Following ‘Hotline Bling’ meme mania, Drake is now back in our lives with a ‘playlist’ (note: not an album), ‘More Life’.  A high-quality, and lengthy, collection of songs that firmly shines the light on UK talent, it ranges from collaborations with UK grime dons Giggs and Skepta to the vocals of Walsall-born & raised young star, Jorja Smith.  Kanye and Sampha also make an appearance.  But for fans of Drake’s melancholy-tinged R&B, ‘Passionfruit’ is a sure winner, detailing the end of his passionless relationship: ‘Passive with the things you say/Passing up on my old ways’, against producer Nana Rogues’s (yet another UK talent) club-ready beats.

Charli XCX – Dreamer

UK popstar Charli XCX has moved from pop-punk vibes on her 2015 album ‘SUCKER’ to ‘Number 1 Angel’ – a ‘project’ of collaborations with the likes of Uffie and Danish popstar MØ, showcasing a distinctly grittier sound to her solid pop song-writing.  ‘Dreamer’ is a big, bass-heavy single all about stepping out of beamers and heading to the best parties, with contributions from Starrah and UK talent Raye (otherwise seen posing in the video to Stormzy’s ‘Big For Your Boots).

Will Heard – I Better Love You

As the evenings grow longer and the temperatures gradually rise, Will Heard is here with your new spring/summer jam.  Formerly one of Rudimental’s touring singers alongside pop sensation Anne-Marie, Heard seems to have picked up on the band’s summery, feel-good sound.  ‘I Better Love You’ is a psychedelic, extremely catchy song that’s probably very good to drive to – or dance to, as Heard does MJ-style in the video for the single (without much luck though).

Alma – Chasing Highs

Our favourite Scandi star of the moment, yellow haired Finn Alma, keeps releasing hit after hit.  On her 3rd single ‘Chasing Highs’, a very danceable, perfectly succinct-piece of electro pop, Alma reveals a huskier tone to her voice as she sings of growing attraction in the early hours…