Buy This Generation here (Amazon GB)
Check out Paul's songs with S&S records here (Beatport)
The last time I checked in with singer songwriter, Paul Varney, he was teaching the world how to Kiss and Make Up (see here) and it was a rather splendid pop moment that still sounds great three years later. Since then, the former Yell! star has released a couple of singles on Steve Silk Hurley S&S records label, proving that he has the knack to craft a percolating pop smash drenched in contemporary grooves. Both tracks are firmly aimed at the clubs (particularly as each comes with a plethora of scorching remixes) yet don't let the heart of the lyrics or the notes of the melody get lost within those (admittedly) ferocious beats. Here's what you have been misisng out on...
- Home (2017) ~ yes, I'm somewhat full of chagrin that this song has been out for two years yet I'm only just discovering it. The Subcity Radio mix features decadent synth riffs and thrusting percussion, making for an Ibiza-esque club vibe which has you shimmying along by the first run through of the soaring chorus. Paul sings of the turbulent twists life can take, the daring adventures we pursue in search of happiness yet that lure of home - wherever we make our home - is where we will always find love and acceptance. He sounds utterly euphoric, his passionate vocal like a lighthouse beacon in a storm guiding you to his all-encompassing message. Oh, and for sheer delirium, immerse yourself in the 9 minute Steve Silk Hurley's Way Back Mix. 90s house majesty at its absolute finest.
- Turn This Love Around (2018) ~ officially billed as Paul Varney vs Frankstar, there is no competition involved on this simmering potent summer smash. Deep piano chords lend an aura of balmy August night to the pulsing BPM whilst vibrant horns add to the sense of growing hope and optimism embedded in that instantly sing-along refrain. Paul sounds superbly soulful here, not just singing the song but letting it be an outpouring of every lived experience of a relationship worth fighting for. It completely becomes an anthem for those looking to make love work - for everyone else it is just a rollicking good dance record you can't get enough of.
- This Generation (2019) ~ Paul seems to work on only one single circa every 12 months or so, but when they are as satisfying as the output of the past 4 annums then I'll allow it because these gems will keep you happy all the live long year. On this timely social conscious song, he sings of how we need to stop the needless destruction of planet Earth if we are to have any hope of surviving. The drum loops are a little more fierce, the electronica sound effects are little more beguiling - as if to give a sense of urgency. Mr Varney makes for a commanding preacher, yet his sermon never seems heavy handed as he entices you to lose yourself in the music as long as you find purpose in his testimony. Play loud, play often but then go and do something about it.
25 ~ Olly Murs, That Girl (NE)
24 ~ Will Young, All The Songs
23 ~ Westlife, Better Man
22 ~ Sergey Lazarev, Scream
21 ~ Emma Bunton, I Wish I Could Have Loved You More
20 ~ Color, Tokyo (NE)
19 ~ Claire Richards, 7 Billion
18 ~ John Lundvik, Too Late For Love
17 ~ Bananarama, Looking For Someone
16 ~ Mans Zelmerlow ft Dotter, Walk With Me
15 ~ Mika, Ice Cream (NE)
14 ~ Swayday, Just Like The 80s
13 ~ Mans Zelmerlow, Better Now
12 ~ Shakespears Sister, All The Queen's Horses
11 ~ Nicki French, Go (Before You Break My Heart)
10 ~ BBMak, Bullet Train
09 ~ Alphabeat, Shadows
08 ~ The Overtones, Love Is In The Air
07 ~ Madonna ft Maluma, Medellin
06 ~ Backstreet Boys, Chateau
05 ~ Maddie Poppe, Made You Miss
04 ~ Will Young, My Love
03 ~ The Lovers of Valdaro, Faster To Nowhere
02 ~ Kylie, New York City
01 ~ Beware The Bear ft Sean Smith, Show Me Love (2 weeks)
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