Nerina Pallot // Real Late Starter

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Real Late Starter is the first song to be lifted from Nerina Pallot’s newest album, The Graduate. The song is a brilliant little number that could basically sum up how those of who haven’t found their place in life see things if things did go right. Or another option is how people see life but carry on regardless. This mix (We Are The Chatterleys) only adds to the song

Also on this release is a previously digitally released track Peg, which in turn is a cover of the Steely Dan track. Of course, Nerina bring her unique vocal talents to this song to give it justice.

The final track on this release is My Last Tango, another previously released track, this time from her debut album, Dear Frustrated Superstar. However this is an acoustic version of the song, previously available on the Acoustic Sessions cd (that has been available to buy at her recent concerts)

Overall a nice little EP, assuming that you haven’t previously downloaded Track 2 or previously  bought the CD for track 3.

Rating: 4/5

Jordin Sparks // S.O.S (Let The Music Play)

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S.O.S (Let The Music Play) is the second single to be lifted from Spark’s new album Battlefield. The song is a bit of a different direction for the singer into dancier music and away from the ballads that she’s become known for. From the electro sounding opening through to the thumping bass and dazzling synths, the song becomes one that’s instantly catchy so much so that you’ll find yourself singing and dancing a long in no time.

It’s a side of Jordin that’s not been seen and some may have difficulty in believing that the ballad-er could produce something like this, although the previous single (Battlefield) should have shown that she got a lot more to show than what we’ve seen so far.

The only problem is what will she use to follow up to the stomper of a track. Or has the bar been set too high?

Rating:4.5/5

Alexandra Burke // Bad Boys (feat. Flo Rida)

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X Factor’s 2008 winner finally releases a second single ! Although, sadly if given a choice between her version first single Hallelujah and this, Hallelujah wins hands down.

The song starts off promising. It sounds like something you’d expect the likes of Rhianna to be singing and good beat to the back of it. It’s when it reaches the chorus and you wonder if you’re still listening to the same song. The chorus feels as if it’s been some Eurovision cast off…actually, Eurovision has produced BETTER chorus, even the worse ones are better than this excuse of the song.

As the title says, it features Flo Rida although I’m still trying to work out the reasons behind this unless it’s just to make the song look good as him in the bridge is completely pointless.

As a whole, there are stronger songs on her forthcoming album, Overcome, that are ten times better than this and would do as brilliant singles. It can only be hoped that this one single doesn’t dash her career hopes

Rating:2/5

Nerina Pallot // The Graduate

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It’s been a long three years since we last heard anything from this lovely woman, but finally, the new album has been released and it has been worth the wait. Teasing fans with possible tracks on her myspace and in the weeks running up to the release, showcasing acoustic versions of the final tracks.

Everything’s Illuminated! is a great opening track lulling you into a false sense of security that it’s a run of the mill pop song, but ultimately builds up to a powerful chorus. With gentle vocals on the verses and more powerful ones on the chorus, the track sets the stage for the rest of the album. Real Late Starter is a brilliant little number that could basically sum up how those of who haven’t found their place in life see things if things did go right.

The Right Side is another brilliant track with misdirecting lyrics (“How can we lose when we’re on the right side”) and would probably do well as a single. Human is a beautiful guitar driven ballad and a calm moment in the track listing.

After our moment of calm, the pace is brought back up with an easy going, rebelliously written song about going against what others are doing…partying! Coming home is an emotional song about the supportive family. The lyrics read what every parent thinks: “I’m all grown up now but I’m still your kid…and I know you’ll love me anyway.”

It Starts is this album’s Sophia. A beautiful piano driven ballad with the lyrics to match about love. Then comes the album shocker, When Did I Become Such A Bitch. Somehow you will find yourself singing along with it. It’s catchy, it sticks in your head and it realisation that you may be bitching when you don’t realise it and how it takes over. Cigarette is one of those little strange songs where each you listen to it, she seems to be singing something different. Works on so many levels. It Was Me is a beautiful little ballad which round the album off beautifully,

Overall a brilliant album that’s been well worth the teasing over and full of promising tracks that could do well as singles. The wait has been worth it and hopefully this will be the album that gets Nerina the attention she deserves

Rating: 5/5

The Saturdays // Forever Is Over

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The Saturdays seem to have gone from strength to strength since their first single Up. . Now they’re back with a new single and a pending new album, titled Wordshaker, from which the new single is taken.

Forever Is Over doesn’t sound like The Saturday’s, especially if you aren’t familiar with their work. When I first heard it, I thought it was some new artist but shocked to discover it was them. It feels like a modern but retro song and nothing like the elcotropop sound of the last album, heading more into the rock-pop. However, the question is whether or not it is a step too far for them at the moment and just jumping in at the deep end.

The chorus is strong however is likely that this will also be the downfall for the song as well, as by the second chorus, it becomes like nails on a chalk board.

If you’ve never heard of The Saturday’s then give this a go but don’t expect previous works to sound anything like this. Existing fans may find this song hard to swallow as a first single.

Rating: 3/5

Callaghan // Smile

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Smile is the second single to be released by this UK singer songwriter and is one of three tracks recorded with acclaimed US singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins.

The unsigned artist brings us this second helping with a beautiful upbeat ballad containing deep lyrics and beautiful melodies along with a passionate and stunning voice. It’s easy to see how this young lady has wowed audiences both sides of the Atlantic and yet hard to understand why someone like this hasn’t been snapped up.

One can hope that through her residency shows at Brioche in London plus the upcoming 2010 tour with Shawn Mullins in the US will give Callaghan the exposure she needs to show that she’s is one not to let away

Rating: 5/5

Shanna Crooks // Wakin’ Up To Love

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Wakin’ Up To Love is the first single from the Florida born singer/songwriter.  The song is one of those missed bright gem of a songs that has slipped unnoticed under the radar. her voice is unique, strong and full of confidence that breathes life into the vibrant lyrics of self penned songs.

This track is no different. With a simply and catchy melody and memorable lyrics, you’ll find yourself singing along to this long before it ends.  The song is alive with experience and character which is only empowered by the voice that sings them.

A toughly enjoyable little number that sets the standard for Shanna to beat with future records

Rating: 5/5

The Green Children // Life Was Beautiful

Life Was Beautiful is the second single to be released by Tom and Millia aka The Green Children.

The song, a beautiful ballad which, in their own words is about how love can strike us, shines through with powerful lyrics portrayed by a powerful yet emotionally engaging voice. Lyrically and melodically, there is no flaws with this single although it feels shorter than it actually is (which by no means is a bad thing)

The song is something different from the last single as well as previous material that some may have heard in the past. They’ve raised their own standard and hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

Rating: 5/5