Anticipation is growing for some new music, with releases from Adele, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and The 1975 all scheduled soon. Plus, we still have the new Christmas material to sort through! November is going to be an awesome month of new music from some of our favourite artists.
1. Chocolate - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUuhnehs474
The 1975 just released a new song this past month, and it offered perhaps a new glimpse into their evolved sound! Love Me gravitates slightly away from their old style to incorporate a more pop sound, with the use of more electronic instruments. I'm not 100% sure I like it yet, as I love the sound from their previous album, self titled.
2. Robbers - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjHgiSx0RNQ
I love researching the actual band members and their stories. The way they act and the things they do off stage really give an amazing insight into band life. The partnerships built, the interactions, the ideals, everything is just like a little society created within the band.
3. Wasn't Expecting That - Jamie Lawson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AydFkrm6UrU
I really hope that Jamie Lawson isn't just a one hit wonder. I've been listening to the rest of his songs on his album, which was just released this past month, and there are only two more songs that I actually enjoy; Don't Let Me Let You Go and Ahead of Myself. It could be that this is his first album, and he's only going to get better, especially under the wing of Ed Sheeran.
4. Sorry - Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRh_vgS2dFE
The second release (or third if you count Where Are U Now which is included) from Bieber's new album dropping next month, we now have a definite glimpse into the style of the record. It seems as if Bieber is going with this new electronic, dance, DJ style, which I think is perfect for him. This track includes some of the same unusual sounds filtered through that What Do You Mean uses, and utilizes Bieber's amazing vocals to create another catchy song.
5. Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fktjAlczv8
I think Sheeran's X album can be considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest of the past decade. Each song is a gem in itself, offering something different each time. This one is no different. Every time I listen to the album a new track jumps out at me. This one is the typical acoustically driven track, but it has such emotion in the guitar playing and vocals!
6. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q
A return to my top ten list for the song that is currently leading the pack for song of the year. I've noticed even radios are playing it more, although it has fallen drastically on the iTunes purchase list, down to spot 50. Still, it's upbeat, and catchy, the perfect recipe for a top song.
7. Open Up the Heavens - Vertical Church Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF9pVCDHN_4
I recently played this song during a church service twice, both in the opening and closing spot, which worked amazingly. The actual track is slightly slower then what I would prefer. Speeding it up slightly makes it slightly more fun to play, and definitely more attractive to sing along with, or clap your hands. I love the way the electric guitar leads into the lower vocals in the verse, and how the whole band builds up to a higher chorus vocally. The pre-chorus still feels awkward to me though.
8. Menswear - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDIKByXhA80
There are two songs off of The 1975's self titled album that are completely different from the majority of their tracks. This one, and the ballad Is There Somebody Who Can Watch You, deviate away from their usual upbeat, drum and guitar driven stuff. In particular, this one makes major use of electronic instruments to lay the groundwork for the song.
9. Pressure - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dMFqFX1sVc
I love watching YouTube videos of these guys performing live. They seem so into their music, without caring where they are, or how many people they are performing for. It's all about what they're playing, and how they're playing it. Their songs demonstrate their care for quality, with each song offering something different, even though they sound very similar.
10. Tonight - Boyce Avenue - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP7DiTmaeWI
Known more so for their great covers, Boyce Avenue also have some great original material that is mostly passed over. Apparently they are amazing live, which is great, especially when so many "YouTube" bands just survive off of the video platform. Even more special is the fact that the band is made of three brothers.
