Jonas Oakland ~ Where Were You Last Night:
Take one hard working, amazingly cheekboned upcoming Swedish popstar. Throw in a soft rock classic beloved in Sweden since the 80s. Add a dark and throbbing electro-club twist to the proceedings and what do you get? If your answer is "the amazing new single from Jonas Oakland", then pat yourself on the head for you are correct. And what a bloody corker it is! From it's icy cool synth driven to opening to Jonah's impassioned vocal delivery, all with added beats that throb so hard your speakers seem to come to life. It seems to grow and grow until it explodes out of the middle 8 in a cascade of enticing dance rhythms that command you to shake your money maker. I defy you not to want to dance after hearing this track. Dear god, please tell me there are some remixes on the way. A condifent step forward in an already intruiging career from the charming Mr Oakland. Trust me, he doesn't need the comparisons to BWO, Simon Curtis et al. He's a complete pop entity in his own right. Well done...
Ms. Trez ~ Louder:
While the UK seems to be under the spell of the not-as-good-as-people-think-they-are Little Mix, I'm all about this spicy Stockholm based girl group Ms Trez (misstress, geddit?). They just seem to effortlessly exude pop sass and class - and nowhere is this better exhibited than on their feisty single, Louder. Set over a down and dirty insistent groove that cast a spell over your hips, grinding them onto the dancefloor, the girls deliver a sultry vocal that all culminates in a schlager fuelled, hands in the air, exuberant chorus. It's instantly memorable and a stand out entry in the crowded girl group market. Safe to say, Wonderland this is not. It's quite clear that all involved, including the writers and producers, have an inherent love and understanding of pop that shines forth in each note, beat and vocal treat. As Rachel Stevens once sang, more more more please :)
Donkeyboy ~ City Boy:
After a nigh on perfect first album, Norwegian pop group Donkeyboy are back and the internet is spaffing up the chuff over their ever so fine new single City Boy. With shades of Pet Shop Boys, what initially seems to be a sparse percussive club groove grows and evolves into a warmer, inviting pop track that is enhanced by an enchanting melody & addictive chorus. They remain the kings of subtlety and understatement as the song draws you in with each progressive listen. Add to this a video that is reminiscent of a Doctor Who episode and they have another winner on their hands. So X Factor winner's single 2012 then??
Youngblood ~ Blame It On You:
SCREAM! New Swedish boyband alert!! I haven't been smitten with a Swedish boyband since What's Up back in around 2007 (the group that spawned - ooer - Eric Saade), but I am already pants off charmed by these boys (well it doesn't take much). It helps that they have a modern, yet not inaccessible look about them and of course (most importantly) a highly catchy, relevant debut single in Blame It on You. It's peppy, perky and built around a more organic real instrumental build up rather than studio bleeps and tweaks. It's part McFly, part A1, part One Direction but seemingly all YoungBlood. Am loving that finger clicking, foot tapping stripped back middle 8 before a final run through of the entirely compulsive, magnificent chorus. Stuck in my head already, i'll be singing this for days. Thanks Scandipop for the heads up!!
Eclipse ~ Never Give Up:
G4? Loved them. Blake? Can't get enough! Il Divo - i'll partake in their wicked game... So yes, I'm all on board for (p)operatic new Swedish group Eclipse, which gives three fine gentlemen the chance to show off their lush, rich vocal harmonies all while looking good in a tux. Never Give Up is appropriately sweeping, with nice orchestral flourishes alongside a lovely acoustic guitar. The gorgeous baritones and tenors send shivers down my spine, particularly when they all seamlessly blend during the chorus. It's all very majestic, romantic and filled with (& fuelled by?) hope & optimism. There's a truly stirring middle 8 before a massive, key change that powers the song to it's dramatic conclusion. Breathtaking :) I fully approve.
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