06/02/10: MUMFORD & SONS- The Cave

The crisp lyrics, the background sound of a banjo, the folklike sound and breathtaking vocals- yep, Mumford & Sons are here with a brand new song. Taken from their UK Top 10 Album 'Sigh No More' comes the release of 'The Cave', a brilliantly written song that leaves you in a trance.

The London band, who rose to fame in late 2007 alongside a hoard of other London folk artists, show that they are oh so clear with their sound in this track. The lyrics are daydreamy ('it's empty in the valley of your heart') and so clearly written that it's impossible to look past this track without feeling some form of love towards it. Because, essentially, that's exactly what 'The Cave' is- an incredibly likeable song. Lead singer Marcus has a perfectly natural voice, and it really shines through in this hum-along track.

The song, overall, won't be approved by everyone, but that is what makes Mumford & Sons who they are. Their authentic sound will only be to niche tastes, and 'The Cave' proves this. However, with this track being so perfectly crafted alongside some clever lyrics, you just cannot dismiss the folk band's efforts.

05/02/10: TIESTO FEAT NELLY FURTADO- Who Wants To Be Alone

When you combine the talents of Dutch musician/DJ Tiësto and the well praised Nelly Furtado, you know that together, they're going to produce one heck of a hit. So enter 'Who Wants To Be Alone', which looks set to hit nightclubs around the world with a bang.

Not only does this song have all the necessities for a club hit- the sharp beats, the stunning vocal transition and above-par production values to name just a few- but it has a very catchy chorus which is incredibly difficult to erase from your mind. We haven't seen much of Nelly in the past year or so, so for her to completely dominate the vocals is music to your ears also. The crafty hook ('Take me home, 'til the sun comes up, 'til the sun comes up'), the bouncy music- there's just a lot to like about this track. It's just obvious that this song is going to get everyone up, everyone dancing, no matter whether they want to or not.

At a time when dance music is making an impact on the music industry, this song is set to continue the trend, and don't be surprised if it charts high in the UK. Tiësto is huge around the globe, and like Nelly Furtado, this track is only going to boost his career furthermore.

04/02/10: TINIE TEMPAH- Pass Out

The UK Urban scene has finally reached it's peak, with the last few years charting the success stories of Dizzee Rascal, Chipmunk and Tinchy Stryder to name just a few. Joining this 'crew' is South London rapper/MC Tinie Tempah, a highly anticipated artist who has been battling to gain the same success as his counterparts.

'Pass Out' seems to be the record that will establish Tempah's name on the scene. Not only is it excessively catchy- being lauded by some of the UK's biggest DJ's- but it has that feel of a future hit. The lyrics are pretty promiscuous and nothing you haven't heard before, but the song will make a huge impact, especially in nightclubs. Not only does Tempah rap well (even though the line 'I bin Southampton but ive never bin to Scunthorpe' is pretty bizarre) but the electro beats underneath the vocals really makes this song appealing.

It's hard to believe that for the last three years, Tempah has been highly undiscovered. However, now is Tempah's time to shine and 'Pass Out' is a great track to start off with. More is to come for Tempah as he sets to release his debut album, and a tour with Chipmunk is expected later this month.

03/02/10: ERIK HASSLE- Hurtful

With the style of a male La Roux and a voice similar to OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, Swedish singer/composer Erik Hassle looks set to make waves on the British music scene. To kick start what he aims to be a successful career comes his debut song, 'Hurtful', which has already seen success in his home country.

'Hurtful' is a song told from the heart, and Hassle brilliantly utilises emotion through his lyrics. The lyrics, in fact, are genius ('you don't know what you got, til you're missing it alot, I had to go throw it away;'), as is the electropop backing feel which really gives this heartfelt song some personality. Although the song fails to be upbeat and you start to feel that Hassle's voice is perhaps on the cheesy side, 'Hurtful' is a great effort of a debut. Like it or not, this song tempts you to listen to more of what Hassle has in store.

However, it's hard to see success in this song. Hassle has entered the music world in a huge market, and with increasing competition it's difficult to see him thrive. But despite this, 'Hurtful' is as radio friendly as a song can get, and it's almost guaranteed that better is to come from this brand new artist.

02/01/10: FLORENCE + THE MACHINE- Hurricane Drunk

2009 was a brilliant year for quirky Florence Welch, who saw her catapult to fame with original, creative and breath taking music. 2010 has seen Florence's success continue, with her debut album 'Lungs' managing to finally grab the number one album spot and saw her version of 'You've Got The Love' climb into the top five. However, Florence's first release of the year is this dreamy track.

'Hurricane Drunk' tells the story of Florence seeing someone she likes with someone else, and how to overcome this she will, in her own words, 'drink herself to death.' The tune isn't overly radio friendly and probably isn't the best track to choose as a release from a full list of contenders off 'Lungs', but Florence's music is always enchanting. Luckily, this makes no exceptions. Using a hurricane as a metaphor of her feelings is perfect, and the music is designed to summarise that whirlwind feeling. The dreamy harp in the background, the powerful vocals- you've heard it all before in Florence's music, but all of her songs have that sense of individuality. 'Hurricane Drunk' luckily seems to follow that trend.

Florence has made comment that she is to work on a new album this year, yet 'Lungs' is filled with enough smash hits to keep us patiently waiting. 'Hurricane Drunk' is probably the most unexpected song off the album to be released, but whatever you think, you cannot fault Florence's talent.

01/02/10: EDITORS- You Don't Know Love

With over two million albums sold, two number one albums and a Mercury Prize nomination, it's simple to wonder whether Editors have had enough fame and success. Well here comes along 'You Don't Know Love', just one of a list of stunning tracks from their new album which shows that Editors will continue to thrive through the new year.

In a recent interview, the band stated that their new album- titled 'In This Light and On This Evening'- would have more of a raw and authentic sound, and one listen to this track proves just that. Not only are you overwhelmed by the tracks riffs, synths and backing music, but as like every track produced from the Birmingham band, Tom Smith's voice is enchanting. The song really contrasts the band's previous work, but yet a new change in sound hasn't really affected the appeal of the music Editors produce.

Many fans have criticised Editors new album, in that it really flaunts the new direction the band have chosen to go against. But you cannot fault that Editors are simply producing more catchier, radio friendly tunes, and 'You Don't Know Love' is a highlight of the band's fresh synthpop influences.

31/01/10: ELLIE GOULDING- Starry Eyed

It’s official- Ellie Goulding is currently one of the most hyped artists in the UK today. Not only has she managed to bag herself a Brits Critic’s Choice Award, but she also was able to top the BBC’s infamous Sound of... list for 2010. So what’s so good about this fresh 23-year-old artist? Well have a listen to Starry Eyed and let the music provide the answers.

What’s perhaps so perfect about ‘Starry Eyed’ is how Ellie’s vocals are utilised throughout the track. The song’s production sees Ellie’s vocals not only leading the song, but also providing backing over this stunning electropop tune. It’s almost as if this tune is sung by a fully fledged band, not a shy female artist. Whether you like it or not, this is one of those songs that will stick in your head for days, as you find yourself humming the track’s crafty hook (‘next thing, we’re touching’).

It’s tempting to call Ellie a ‘British Lady Gaga’, but that wouldn’t be fair as Goulding’s music is in a completely different league. Big things are to come for this artist, and it looks like ‘Starry Eyed’ will be the first stepping stone in Goulding’s climb up the UK music industry.