As hard as it is to believe, that’s us into another new year – 2015. The holidays have been great fun, but now life is slowly coming back to its normal state, and what better way to clear the boredom than with some great music!
These are some of the tunes that I’ve been listening to throughout December. Seeing as they were added so late in the year, these tracks will have a chance at appearing on 2015’s songs of the year list seeing as they didn’t have much time to make an impression on 2014’s list.
Alesso – “Heroes” (We Could Be) feat. Tove Lo
Dance songs need to do something a bit different to really tug at the heartstrings as well as making you want to get up and move it, but this song manages to do it. Tove Lo’s incredible voice sings the soft and sweet words of heartache while soaring above the drop as well. The drop itself has sort of stuttered synths that make it all the more emotional and create an amazing vibe to it.
Colbie Caillat – “Bubbly”
A bit of a modern singalong classic, but one that I hadn’t really listened to until last month, it’s a simple and sweet love song that fits the cold winter nights really well. Caillat’s voice is strong but never goes above and beyond what it needs too, keeping the smooth and sultry feel to it all the way through. Maybe it drags a little at the end, but it’s more than worth it.
Showtek – “90s by Nature” (feat. MC Ambush)
Showtek’s style has been changed over and over again, as they try to keep up with trends in the EDM scene but for my money they always pull it off incredibly. This song takes their unique flavour of music and applies it to some more future/deep house hits, with a two-tiered drop with a similarity to “Booyah” but much more sedate and measured. It’s incredibly catchy and I’m hoping it takes off.
Years & Years – “Desire”
One of the rising stars of British electronic music, as testified to by their forthcoming appearance on the BBC’s Sound of 2015 list, Years & Years are a band that have carved out their own little niche in the oversaturated market and are doing really well for themselves. Their Caribbean infused music just screams summer at you, and “Desire” creates a song that sings of a confused relationship but still strikes a summery tone that is uplifting and upbeat.
QT – “Hey QT”
Falling into the sickly sweet category in the same way that “#Selfie” did last year, this attempt at what artist QT is calling “future pop” really struck a chord with me, although I can tell it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. With high pitched vocals, building synths and an oft-repeated mantra/chorus it is definitely an overloading of the pop senses with just the right amount of dance to keep it moving too. I really like it, and find it exceptionally catchy, but it’s definitely an acquired taste.