Vic Allen’s first single of 2025 is a kindred spirit of all that has come before. With ‘Ended in a Song’ featuring a highly infectious Country-Pop sound alongside adept lyrics straight out of the Nashville playbook. This time, she leans into a percussion-heavy production, weaving in classic tropes that tell the story of a breakupContinue reading “Vic Allen – Ended in a Song”
Category Archives: Single Reviews
Rosey Cale – Blue Skies and Tan Lines
The return of Rosey Cale with new music could not be more well-timed. For ‘Blue Skies and Tan Lines’ is a luscious soundtrack to what is turning out to be an early summer. Its laid-back vibes are very different to the usual pumping club anthems of the season. Yet the simplicity of its riffs andContinue reading “Rosey Cale – Blue Skies and Tan Lines”
Rebecca Richards – Woman That I Am
Rebecca Richards blossoms with a quiet confidence on ‘Woman That I Am’. The Welsh singer-songwriter delivering a unique take on this latest single by adopting the persona of her future self. Beginning with a reggae-like beat that exudes self-assurance, she speaks to her present with such encouragement that listeners cannot fail to be lifted byContinue reading “Rebecca Richards – Woman That I Am”
Hannah’s Yard and Sarah-Louise – A Two-Song Review
What I love most about acoustic covers is their ability to reveal songs in a new light. That is certainly the case with two recent releases from Sarah-Louise and Hannah’s Yard. The former has put out a magical reimagining of ‘Simply the Best’, Tina Turner’s powerhouse vocals disappearing to be replaced by Sarah-Louise’ tender, jazz-inflectedContinue reading “Hannah’s Yard and Sarah-Louise – A Two-Song Review”
Two Ways Home – She Keeps Time Like a Casio
Can you spot yourself in the latest single from Two Ways Home? You’re either like the timekeeper of the track’s title or the latecomer scorned by their punctuality. I most definitely identify with the latter. Except I don’t make the kind of excuses that the person on ‘She Keeps Time Like a Casio’ does. PlacingContinue reading “Two Ways Home – She Keeps Time Like a Casio”
Taynee Lord – Back to the Country
Taynee Lord’s latest single reminds me of why an opportunity to move to the city a couple of years ago was worth turning down. For, against a backdrop of country-pop-rock, she pines to move ‘Back to the Country’. Her motives make sense – more affordable housing, closer connections – but these positives fail to outweighContinue reading “Taynee Lord – Back to the Country”
Bethany Barrie – Been Here Before
If the name Bethany Barrie is unfamiliar, it shouldn’t be for long. This Scottish singer-songwriter is a recent discovery for me, and her latest single has made me a fan. ‘Been Here Before’ incorporates a recognisably Celtic sound. Its positive percussion and uplifting violin playing to a message of reassurance. She goes through the emotionalContinue reading “Bethany Barrie – Been Here Before”
Katy Hurt – Rather Be
Hot on the heels of Annie Dressner’s song comes another from Katy Hurt. ‘Rather Be’ is a fitting companion to the former’s ‘For the Thrill of It’ – both tackling the subject of misogyny in the music industry with candour and irony. The approach is classic Katy. The sound a mix of country, blues andContinue reading “Katy Hurt – Rather Be”
Joe Martin – Strangers to Lovers
These are exciting times for Joe Martin. ‘Strangers to Lovers’ is the first single off his next album, and it promises much. Since I last saw him live, the Lancashire singer-songwriter has honed his craft. Pushing into a troubadour identity of which this song is representative. An acoustic rendering in part influenced by his producer,Continue reading “Joe Martin – Strangers to Lovers”
Annie Dressner – For the Thrill of It
Annie Dressner is not a new name to me. But her music is. And as with Demi Marriner, I wonder why it’s taken so long for her songs to land in my ear. For her latest release led me straight to her back catalogue. To a fabulously folky 2024 album which new single ‘For theContinue reading “Annie Dressner – For the Thrill of It”
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