7 Songs you should be listening to right now

 

Life's about to get good - Shania Twain

I have found myself in the brace position several times over the past few months, waiting for the turbulence to pass.  I am sure there will be more turbulence before the year is done but if, like me, you are looking for a feel-good song to help you weather the storm, look no further.  Shania is back with this catchy pop anthem, still featuring her signature country twang, that speaks to the struggles in her personal life and her affirmation that life is good despite all the shit that we have to deal with along the way.

The Man - The Killers

This is the first new single from the band in five years.  I loved this funky song from the first listen.  Some might say the lyrics come across as a little arrogant: "They kiss on the ring, I carry the crown" and "I got news for you baby, you're looking at the man".  I say it's a healthy dose of self-confidence which Brandon and co. have earned.

Swish Swish - Katy Perry feat. Nicki Minaj

After the awful Bon Apetit (and the equally awful video), I was skeptical about Katy Perry's trajectory.  And then she released this little gem, with a distinctive retro feel and featuring the rapping skills and vocals of the incomparable Nicki Minaj, whom I have missed.  The nostalgia begins from the opening sample of Fatboy Slim's 2001 track, Star 69: "They know what is what but they don't know what is what.   They just strut.  What the fuck?"

Cut to the feeling - Carly Rae Jepsen

This song is everything.  Club friendly - or dance around the living room after a bad day friendly.  You cannot help but move when the beat kicks in.  The song will be featured in the animated film Leap!

Inspired - Miley Cyrus

I have said it before and I'll say it again, I'm really loving the stripped down (musically that is), gimmick-free Miley.  Her first new single, Malibu, is an understated tribute to the beauty and carefree vibe of California.  Inspired is a soaring ballad that Miley debuted at the One Love Manchester concert which also celebrates Pride Month, hence the rainbow sweater she's wearing on the artwork for the single.

Nights with you - MØ 

I have liked almost every song this Danish pop artist has released since I first heard her cover of the Spice Girls' Say you'll be there.  She also featured on the global hit song Lean On with Major Lazer and DJ Snake.  The song hints at some sexual fluidity, "I just wanna spend the nights with you, do it like your mother said not to do".

Live - Nelly Furtado

Nelly is another favourite artist of mine who has made a come-back this year.  The album, The Ride, is an eclectic and somewhat experimental mix of sounds that are fresh but true to the Nelly brand of pop that I've come to love.  This song features something called a minimoog, a portable synthesizer, and a Mellotron, which is "an electro-mechanical, polyphonic tape replay keyboard".  My favourite line:  "I don't wanna live, getting what I need and never what I want".