MKTO - Shoulda Known Better

Buy Shoulda Known Better here (Amazon GB)

The slow-burn return of duo MKTO has made me appreciate their music all the more. Nine months ago, they dropped their most thankful anthem to date (the still simmering How Can I Forget) - a song that, thanks to letting it breathe as a stand alone single, has amassed over 60 million streams and become a sing-along classic. Their latest single, the equally potent Shoulda Known Better, takes on different themes but is no less mesmerising, not one iota less satisfying. Here, the lads are beguiled by the temptation of a lover - one they know is no good for them but becomes so alluring when under the influence of drink that they can't help themselves. There are several things that work really well within the song - for starters, the narrative is one we can all relate to and reflect on. Everyone has their temptations and their own personal demons to battle. The way the finger click groove of the sparse verses is so hypnotic is a brilliant representation of this, luring you deep into the heart of the song. Then there is the sinewy, increasingly textured percussive rhythms of the chorus, that indelible refrain sung with organic honesty by Tony in a way that makes you cheer him on. Malcolm's rap in the middle 8 perfectly outlines the balance between frustration and desire before leading you into one last arms-swaying-in-the-air run through of the catchy hook. And it is all these elements so skilfully woven together that make this a great pop song - a fine addition to the MKTO discography. Can't wait to see what comes next.

Top 25 songs of the week:

25 ~ Maddie Poppe, Not Over You (NE)
24 ~ Fly By Midnight, Waking Up (NE)
23 ~ BBMak, Bullet Train
22 ~ Madonna ft Maluma, Medellin
21 ~ Alphabeat, Shadows
20 ~ Swayday, Just Like The 80s
19 ~ The Lovers of Valdaro, Faster To Nowhere
18 ~ Emma Bunton, I Wish I Could Have Loved You More
17 ~ MKTO, Shoulda Known Better
16 ~ Olly Murs, That Girl
15 ~ Whitney Houston, Higher Love (Kygo Mix) (NE)
14 ~ Keane, The Way I Feel
13 ~ David Lindgren, Spinning Around
12 ~ Bananarama, Looking For Someone
11 ~ Walk The Moon, Eat Your Heart Out
10 ~ Kylie, New York City
09 ~ Madonna, God Control
08 ~ Shakespears Sister, All The Queen's Horses
07 ~ Color, Tokyo
06 ~ The Overtones, Love Is In The Air
05 ~ Mans Zelmerlow, Better Now
04 ~ Mika, Ice Cream
03 ~ Will Young, My Love
02 ~ Beware The Bear ft Sean Smith, Show Me Love
01 ~ Debbie Gibson, Girls Night Out (3 weeks)