Don't Shut Me Down - ABBA
If you haven't heard the two new ABBA singles, where have you been? Seriously. ABBA's reunion and release of two songs ahead of a brand new album is one of the biggest comebacks in pop music history - and exactly what the world needs right now. For me, Don't Shut Me Down is hands...down...the star of the two singles, the other being the moving I Still Have Faith In You. Gary Collins, editor of ABBA's official international fanclub magazine, sums up their timeless appeal and ability to transcend generations: “It sounds like they never went away. These songs in 2021 could easily have fitted on to one of their last two studio albums in 1980 and 1982.”
Touch Me - Melanie C
Melanie C does it again with another dancefloor banger, taken from a deluxe edition of her album, Melanie C. The original version of the song was released by Portuguese DJ Rui da Silva and British singer-songwriter Cassandra Fox in 2001. Two decades later, Melanie C turns up the energy to offer us a club-ready track that is sure to become a staple at Pride events around the world for years to come.
Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) - Elton John & Dua Lipa
Well this was a wonderful surprise - a seamless dancey mashup of some of Sir Elton's hits, featuring Dua Lipa and remixed by Australian dance music trio PNAU. Dua Lipa sings the refrain of Rocket Man while Elton John contributes vocals from Sacrifice, Kiss the Bride and Where's The Shoorah? Reana Cruz from NPR describes it as "a song of flips that feels warm and familiar, as if your best friends were standing at the door to the dance club, pulling back a curtain and welcoming you inside".
Good Ones - Charli XCX
This is the best song from Charli XCX since (dare I say) she crashed her car into a bridge and didn't care, bringing a pulsating pop track to the dancefloor. Indeed, Quinn Moreland from Pitchfork maintains that the song "ushers in some fun" with "hypnotic, throbbing synths". The accompanying video sees her serving sultry looks at a funeral.
The Slightest Touch - Steps
When Steps releases new music, it is guaranteed to make its way onto my "best of" lists. This single, a cover of the 1987 hit by British pop group Five Star, was released last month as the third single from their highly anticipated What The Future Holds Part 2. Their version adds a contemporary flavour with disco beats, sweeping electric synths and signature Steps harmonies while maintaining the song's original vibe.
Quiet Town - The Killers
Hot off the heels of their stunning 2020 album, Imploding The Mirage, Quiet Town is the first single from their latest album, Pressure Machine. The narrative and melody are reminiscent of a classic Bruce Springsteen track while The animated video is set in the small town of Nephi, Utah where lead singer Brandon Flowers lived from ages 10 to 16.
Mood Ring - Lorde
I must say that I'm a little disappointed by Lorde's latest album. The first single, Solar Power, was a letdown, although I hope some awesome remixes can resuscitate it. I had a much more positive first reaction to Mood Ring, however. The song gives me All Saints circa 2000 vibes. According to Lorde, the song is about “wellness culture and the search for spiritual meaning in our modern world".
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