Singles Of The Week: 3 April 2020

This week has seen numerous artists announce delayed releases, while others have come out fighting against Coronavirus with new material to keep us uplifted. Here is a run down of some of this week's key releases.

SINGLE OF THE WEEK: Rina Sawayama - Chosen Family Rating: 5/5

The concept of a modern family is not a new one, however, it is one that is not celebrated often enough in the current day. While Chosen Family is a tribute to her Chosen Family, the song is one that resonates with the world in lockdown as they battle against Coronavirus. We now lean on those that we choose, not just those that are related to us by blood. Whether this is an LGBTQI+ anthem, or one for the world, Sawayama has delivered what may just be the finest ballad you will hear this year.



Ane Brun - Trust Rating: 5/5

Ane Brun is rather effortlessly one of the finest independent musicians in the world. Her diverse and captivating back catalogue has demonstrated that she is an artist who connects her personal journey with the world around her. Her loyal fanbase grows with each tour, as her charismatic delivery enchants her audiences. Trust marries the pop-centric sound of 2015's When I'm Free with the more raw sound of 2003's Spending Time With Morgan, while adding in a subtle hypnotic trance sound. The result is simply astounding.

BoyzLife - You Needed Me Rating: 3.5/5

Neither Brian McFadden or Keith Duffy were the lead singers of their respective boybands. While Westlife and Boyzone saw them win an army of fans and tour the world as record breaking recording artists, BoyzLife puts their own vocals centre stage. Both have decent voices, that portray emotion and reel the audience in. Although You Needed Me is an undeniable classic, the faithful rendition doesn't give BoyzLife a unique identity away from the bands that formed the two singers. The duo have great potential. You Needed Me is a safe introduction.

KEiiNO & Electric Fields - Would I Lie Rating: 5/5

Audience favourites KEiiNO would have been more than deserving Eurovision winners. However, they have not let the fact they didn't win hold them back. Since debuting with Spirit In The Sky, they have shown that there is much more to them than safe Europop. Teaming up with Australian Eurovision nearlies Electric Fields, Would I Lie is a stomper. Turn it loud and party hard.

Josh Kumra - Pull Me Back In Rating: 3/5

There was a fleeting moment when Josh Kumra was the hype artist. However, while he enjoyed brief dabbles with chart success, his personal journey was to take him somewhere else. He has returned for a series of singles, building to the release of a new EP. Pull Me Back In a a song that could almost see him enter Ray LaMontagne terrain, but doesn't quite have the emotional push it needs to get there.

Lindsay Lohan - Back To Me Rating: 4/5

Lindsay Lohan has been in the musical wilderness for quite some time. While she teased a return in 2019, Back To Me is her calling card to fans who have waited since 2005 for a new body of work. With an album tipped for later this year, Back To Me is a current pop cut that deserves radio exposure, but may not be rewarded with it due to the artist releasing it.

The 1975 - Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America Rating: 4/5

The 1975 may have delivered a knock to fans this week by revealing that their upcoming album has once again been delayed, however, they have delivered this rather mellow new single. With the lush vocals of Phoebe Bridgers to accompany Matt Healy, Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America is another demonstration that The 1975 are an eclectic act.

Ilse DeLange - Changes Rating: 4/5

Ilse DeLange has long been one of the Netherlands' biggest musical icons. Having dabbled in country, pop and soul, her latest single leans more towards the pop sound. A lush uplifting number, it is a perfectly upbeat number to keep our moods high.

Jake Quickenden - Quarantine Song Rating: 4/5

Jake Quickenden was launched to the mainstream via an appearance on The X Factor, however, it was his charming run of I'm A Celebrity that made him a household name. Although not best known now for his role as a popstar, having instead taken lead roles in an array of musical theatre tours, he has used his isolation to record a rather pretty number to make us all smile.