Nicki French - Let's Play That Song Again

Buy the Let's Play That Song Again EP here (Energise)

On your marks, get set, go! Away High Priestess of Pop, Nicki French, hurtles with a brand new EP filled with her own interpretations of Eurovision classics. Like the still-marvellous One Step Further collection before it, Let's Play That Song Again fizzes with effervescent reverence for these songs. With the help of master knob-twiddlers, Matt Pop and Pete Ware, Nicki takes you on a trip through time where everything old is new again and a catchy hook will not be denied its moment to shine. Each of the four songs comes in two dazzling mixes (one from Pete, one from Matt), whilst it is definitely worth investing in the physical CD version to get a brand new Sakgra mix of Don't Play That Song Again - a tune still so ridiculously catchy that you are all but compelled to ignore its titular instruction. No need for Nicki to steal the crown - she's already Eurovision royalty and this collection, solidifying her reign, will glitter to the neon lights for eons to come...

• Go (Before You Break My Heart) (Pete Ware Ballad Mix) ~ true story: while Waterloo was number one the day I was born (don't work it out), my mum was apparently smitten with this Italian entry from the same year and played the 7" single of it regularly while I was growing up. Its lovely to see it get the recognition it deserves here. Bold dramatic punctuated string effects dominate the opening bars before Nicki joins in with a passionate, heart felt vocal. The song crescendos in its intensity, with beautifully layered vocals seemingly buoying Nicki's courage to end things before they get too painful. It erupts into a decadent wall of sound, as opulent and theatrical as an episode of 80s Dynasty and just as satisfying.
• You Are The Only One (Matt Pop Edit) ~ I have thirst. Thirst for how fine Sergey Lazarev is and thirst for how jolly splendiferous his song makes you feel. Nicki's version is equally evocative. Through the beguiling, hypnotic first verse where the effect of the music is so potent you can almost taste the dry ice, she lures you into the song before Matt's beats kick into galloping gear and send you to hi-nrg heaven. Operatic backing vocals add to this celestial vibe, giving the impression of a choir of angels urging Nicki on to puruse her romantic intentions. It is urgent and fervent and, just when you think you can't take any more ecstasy, the song thrusts you from the throbbing middle eight into an exhilarating final chorus. I'm spent and I love it.
• My Star (Pete Ware Mix) ~ the Olsen Brothers may have won, Nicki may have been robbed but that doesn't undercut the fact that the third place Latvia entry remains a right bobby dazzler of a tune. In Nicki's hands it remains an utter charmer of a star, an endearing optimistic anthem spreading hope to everyone who listens. Pete gives Nicki a pulsing groove for her to guide the enchanting melody and the infusion of synth-drenched horns leave you feeling giddy with glee. Someone find me a flattering wedding dress because this is giving me the urge to lip sync in front of a mirror and feel as joyous as Nicki sounds...
• Tonight Again (Matt Pop Mix) ~ No teardrops on the disco floor here - Nicki is letting her inhibitions go, seizing the moment and sounding utterly jubilant in doing so. Her take on the Guy Sebastian Australian entry from a few years ago makes maximum use of multiple refrains ("do what you what you want" / "tomorrow we can do tonight again"). The injection of invigorating electronica bounces around these irrepressible hooks, ensuring Nicki's effusive performance grabs hold of you, spins you round and leaves you desperate for more. I'll be singing it all the live long day and I couldn't ask for anything more...
• Don't Play That Song Again (Sakgra Mix) ~ this is one of those magical songs which I don't always remember to seek out for playlists but when it comes up on shuffle I can't stop listening, singing along and shimmying my curvy hips like there is no tomorrow. Sakgra adds some ferocious new beats yet keeps the essence of the original (mainly thanks to the delectable keyboard riff running alongside Nicki's vocal). Totally worth the investment in the CD version of this release and undeniable proof that a song as fabulous as this will (despite its melancholy message) always lift your spirits.

Top 25 songs of the week:

25 ~ Ed Drewett, So Long
24 ~ Westlife, Hello My Love
23 ~ Maddie Poppe, First Aid Kit
22 ~ Fly By Midnight, Lovely
21 ~ Simon Curtis, Love
20 ~ The Overtones, By My Side
19 ~ Kylie Minogue, Sincerely Yours
18 ~ Color, Love Feels
17 ~ Rozalla, Turn On The Lights
16 ~ Hazell Dean, Heavenly
15 ~ The Lovers of Valdaro, Somebody Wants
14 ~ Sergey Lazarev, Scream
13 ~ NKOTB, Boys In The Band
12 ~ Take That, Spin
11 ~ Alphabeat, Shadows
10 ~ Emma Bunton, Baby Please Don't Stop
09 ~ Olly Murs, Feel The Same
08 ~ Sean Smith, Do Or Die
07 ~ Mans Zelmerlow ft Dotter, Walk With Me
06 ~ Bananarama, Stuff Like That
05 ~ Will Young, All The Songs
04 ~ John Lundvik, Too Late For Love
03 ~ Claire Richards, 7 Billion
02 ~ Westlife, Better Man
01 ~ Madonna ft Maluma, Medellin (NE/1 week)