(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Friday, 31 May 2013
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Thursday, 30 May 2013
"Got me dizzy by the way that she moves"
Anton Ewald was probably the best surprise to come from this year's Melodifestivalen. In fact, I think he would've been the right one to represent Sweden and undoubtedly would've done better in Eurovision than Robin did. I still much prefer Ulrik Munther's song, but I've also been a longtime supporter of Anton's Beggin'. That song appears at the end of his just-released EP, and definitely holds up outside of the MF/Eurovision world. Releasing an EP instead of an album was a really smart decision, as such a short track list makes it much easier to keep the quality up. Honestly, the kind of music Anton's making isn't particularly groundbreaking. That's fine, but to an certain extent these songs could've come from Eric Saade, Danny, Darin or any other of his fellow Swedish popstars. Much of this kind of music often feels pretty anonymous, which makes quality control all the more important. And I'm happy to say that the five tracks on the EP are all at a high level. It's straightforward, trendy pop/r&b/dance, but the production and hooks are very solid. Other than Beggin, Can't Hold Back is the danciest of the songs, and even if it feels slightly familiar, there's no resisting a song like this. It's pretty massive.
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the EP here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
"You're like the sun in California"
This song has been kicking around for awhile now, and I've been meaning to feature it. It's been somewhat of a staple in the Scandinavian charts for weeks and I can see it absolutely blowing up this Summer. Whatever we may feel about it, for now and the foreseeable future, DJs and production teams are the new rock stars. As such, just getting this track's name and feature list out of your mouth is a doozy. However, here at alienhits we are quite familiar with Mohombi, who's released some great music in the past. It was his name that first drew me to this track, and his vocals are the standout here. It's obviously quite a bit more club/dance than we're used to from him, and if I'm being honest, the production basically just follows the template set out by every other club track, but with the weather getting nicer, we can never have enough of songs like this.
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
"We can do anything we want to"
Though I've been familiar with the Limousines in the past (and even posted about them three years ago), for some reason I never really gave them the full attention they deserve. Then I heard this song, and I started wondering why they'd fallen off my radar for so long. This is the first single from their new, upcoming kickstarter-funded album, and it's sonic bliss. Sometimes you a track just hooks you the first time you hear it. The dreamy, synth-drenched production, the anthemic (yet not overpowering) melody and the character-laden vocals combine to produce something quite epic. It reminds me of Swedens The Sound Of Arrows, who released my favorite album of 2011. This song is also a little reminiscent of MGMT before they got all weird (think Time To Pretend, but remixed to fit in a John Hughes movie). Brilliant. I can't wait for the album.
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Thursday, 23 May 2013
"After all these years, don't know who I am"
I'm surprised that this track hasn't received more online attention. I chalk it up to the fact that there are dozens of like-minded dance tracks fighting for attention at any given moment. Plus, UAO have pretty much no online presence. I can't figure out who they are, where they're from or if they've ever done anything else. All I know is that I like the song, and sometimes that's enough. I'm a big fan of unusual vocals on dance/club tracks. In a rock setting, there'd be nothing unexpected about the scratchy tone to this guy's voice, but coupled with the production here, it really stands out. It sounds to me like what Ulrik Munther would come up with if he was collaborating on a dance track.
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Decent solo male popstars are few and far between, especially in America. By all accounts, Darin should be the world's number one conquering pop idol. I really do think he's that good. Unfortunately, like many other amazing popstars, his music has only really sustained popularity in Sweden. In a way, that's fine, because it keeps him a bit of a secret, but I think some would be surprised to know that he's been releasing albums and singles for nearly a decade now. Here are my favorites:
10. Perfect (2006) - Up until this point, Darin had been a pretty typical r&b singer. With this song, and the accompanying album, he branched out to explore more of a pop/rock angle and laid the template for his best work (which would come a few years later). I consider this track to be very underrated.
9. Astrologen (2012) - Part of his stint on Så mycket bättre, this classic Magnus Uggla ballad was given a real touching update. Darin's vocals match the melody perfectly and this has quickly become one of his best ballads.
8. Breathing Your Love (2008) - A duet with singer Kat Deluna, and perhaps his biggest hit outside of Sweden. It would mark his last big RedOne collaboration before he adopted a somewhat new style.
7. Want Ya! (2006) - Most would probably put Step Up on their top ten list, but I much prefer this follow-up, which is less trendy in sound but far more indebted to the vocal tics and production of Michael Jackson (clearly one of Darin's biggest influences). It's one of his best videos, too.
6. You're Out Of My Life (2010) - His big Melodifestivalen ballad, and the first taste of his collaboration with renowned songwriter/producer Tony Nilsson. Unsurprisingly, it's huge on melody and big pop drama. Yeah, it's overblown, but in the best way possible.
5. Money For Nothing (2005) - His debut single after coming second on Swedish Idol, and still one of my favorites. Part of that is down to the fact that it was written by fellow-Swede Robyn, and part of it is that carefree, bubblegum pop sound. It holds up!
4. Viva la Vida (2009) - I consider this to be the definitive version of the song. I can't even listen to Coldplay's original any more. Darin's delivery and production gives it a dramatic flourish that takes the melody to a new place. It's truly transcendent pop.
3. En Apa Som Liknar Dig (2012) - The second of his Så mycket bättre songs on this list, En Apa is another cover, but completely twisted and reimagined from the original. It's one of the best dance tracks of the year, in any language.
2. Lovekiller (2010) - Taken from my favorite album of his, Lovekiller is pure drama. We're talking soap opera lyrics, choirs and notes that hit the stratosphere. This was an utter shock when it came out. Up to this point in his career, I had no idea what he was really capable of.
1. Nobody Knows (2012) - One of the biggest POP moments of the past few years. It's hard to imagine that a song can sound this big. From start to finish, it's an unadulterated blast of energy and marks the high point (thus far) in his career.
So there you go! But here's the thing, no list is complete without hearing what you think! Leave your top ten Darin songs in the comments!
10. Perfect (2006) - Up until this point, Darin had been a pretty typical r&b singer. With this song, and the accompanying album, he branched out to explore more of a pop/rock angle and laid the template for his best work (which would come a few years later). I consider this track to be very underrated.9. Astrologen (2012) - Part of his stint on Så mycket bättre, this classic Magnus Uggla ballad was given a real touching update. Darin's vocals match the melody perfectly and this has quickly become one of his best ballads.
8. Breathing Your Love (2008) - A duet with singer Kat Deluna, and perhaps his biggest hit outside of Sweden. It would mark his last big RedOne collaboration before he adopted a somewhat new style.
7. Want Ya! (2006) - Most would probably put Step Up on their top ten list, but I much prefer this follow-up, which is less trendy in sound but far more indebted to the vocal tics and production of Michael Jackson (clearly one of Darin's biggest influences). It's one of his best videos, too.
6. You're Out Of My Life (2010) - His big Melodifestivalen ballad, and the first taste of his collaboration with renowned songwriter/producer Tony Nilsson. Unsurprisingly, it's huge on melody and big pop drama. Yeah, it's overblown, but in the best way possible.
5. Money For Nothing (2005) - His debut single after coming second on Swedish Idol, and still one of my favorites. Part of that is down to the fact that it was written by fellow-Swede Robyn, and part of it is that carefree, bubblegum pop sound. It holds up!
4. Viva la Vida (2009) - I consider this to be the definitive version of the song. I can't even listen to Coldplay's original any more. Darin's delivery and production gives it a dramatic flourish that takes the melody to a new place. It's truly transcendent pop.
3. En Apa Som Liknar Dig (2012) - The second of his Så mycket bättre songs on this list, En Apa is another cover, but completely twisted and reimagined from the original. It's one of the best dance tracks of the year, in any language. 2. Lovekiller (2010) - Taken from my favorite album of his, Lovekiller is pure drama. We're talking soap opera lyrics, choirs and notes that hit the stratosphere. This was an utter shock when it came out. Up to this point in his career, I had no idea what he was really capable of.
1. Nobody Knows (2012) - One of the biggest POP moments of the past few years. It's hard to imagine that a song can sound this big. From start to finish, it's an unadulterated blast of energy and marks the high point (thus far) in his career.
So there you go! But here's the thing, no list is complete without hearing what you think! Leave your top ten Darin songs in the comments!
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Monday, 20 May 2013
"Dancing on the edge tonight"
As predicted by most, Denmark won Eurovision 2013 this past weekend. Strangely, they also won last time the contest was hosted in Sweden and I'd put money on the contest being held in Copenhagen next year, which is only 20 minutes away from where it was held this year. Pretty crazy. It wasn't my favorite song, but I'm content with the result and thrilled that the contest is staying in Scandinavia. My favorite, Love Kills from Belgium, did pretty well, while a few I thought would do alright (Finland, Ireland) absolutely tanked. But it's Zlata Ognevich's powerful Gravity that I just can't get out of my head. It did well for Ukraine, finishing in third place, and I wouldn't have been upset if it would have won. The track is a dramatic hybrid of seemingly incongruous genres. It sounds like a poppy, world-influenced outtake from Wicked via the Lion King. Should be utterly campy and ridiculous, but somehow it just works. If you're looking for something WAY over the top, you need this in your life.
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Friday, 17 May 2013
"Give me something I can feel"
Belgium has never in the history of the competition presented my favorite Eurovision song on the year, but there's a first for everything. Traditionally, I usually support countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland or Denmark (and I do like all of those songs, too), but Love Kills is just something special. I mean, listen to that chorus!! That is POP music, people. The track doesn't stand a chance in the competition, and I don't think all that much of Roberto Bellarosa's live stage presence or vocals, but you simply can't deny a massive chorus. And this one touches the stratosphere. Second on my list is Romania's utter WTF dance/opera hybrid that manages to be so incredibly bizarre that it actually works. Apparently, Denmark is the one to beat, but amongst the frontrunners I would rather see Norway take it, even though they've won pretty recently. That Margaret Berger song comes across really well live and I like her. Either way, it's a pretty solid line-up in the final this year. I only dislike a couple.
My Top Picks:
1. Belgium
2. Romania
3. Norway
4. Sweden
5. Finland
6. Netherlands
7. Ireland
8. Denmark
9. Germany
Also like: Ukraine, Lithuania (the melody, not the lyrics and certainly not the charisma-free performer)
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Thursday, 16 May 2013
"We got the power to love"
One year ago, Loreen rightfully took Eurovision by storm with Euphoria. She'll never release a song that good again, but it's very smart of her to release a new single during the week of this year's contest. And We Got The Power is pretty awesome, to boot! My first thought was that it's very much her style mixed with the style of fellow swedes Icona Pop... shouty and anthemic and huge without being a Euphoria rewrite. It's dance music with an organic, rock edge and it's exactly the type of thing she should be releasing now. Hopefully this reignites some interest in her, as I don't think her career has been managed all that well post-Eurovision. I'm certainly looking forward to her performances this weekend. Tomorrow I'll reveal my favorite song from this year's competition (and it's probably not who you think).
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
"We are connected, that is how I feel"
Today is a flashback... Tuesday? Doesn't really have the same ring to it, but I don't care because I've been meaning to share this track forever. Connected is from all the way back in 2008, and I remember hearing it once or twice back then. But a few months ago, I rediscovered the song (and band) and really fell in love. As far as I can tell, Kendi only released one album in Finland and this was the hit. And what a hit it is! Rapid-fire rapped lyrics blast over an addictive beat before launching into a sugary hook. Why these guys never received more attention than they did, I'll never know. I can't think of any popular track that sounds remotely like this. Maybe it was just too cool for school :)
PS: Tomorrow's my birthday, so I'll be back on the blog on Thursday!
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the EP here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Monday, 13 May 2013
"I believe I'm losing my mind"
It's so cool to hear Robbie Williams on a track like this. Years ago, he did a semi hip-hop collaboration with producers 1 Giant Leap that revealed a more rhythmic side to his voice, and then of course came Rudebox. This is different, though, as its a collaboration with a tried and true rap superstar. As such, it feels like the most relevant thing Williams' voice has been on since the Take That reunion. The hook here is really strong and really cool, and I love the filters on the vocals. It feels like a major Summer hit in the UK, with the possibility of even crossing the Atlantic and making some waves here.
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Thursday, 9 May 2013
"I break through to get to you"
Jutty Ranx are an American dance duo, but they've got strong ties to Europe (Finland, specifically). And it's in Europe that their debut single, I See You, is making waves this Spring. Released last year, I See You is a cool, breezy dance track with vocals that sound a little like Mike Posner (in a good way). While it may not hit you over the head initially with any huge production tricks or trendy keyboard squiggles, it has long-lasting power due to its earworm melody and under-the-radar slinkiness. Based on this, I'm really eager to see what the rest of their debut will sound like. (The Popkid remix is also worth checking out -- and freely downloaded).
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
"There is no limitation"
I know I harp on this over and over, but I am always looking for great pop music with African influences. It's few and far between, but this new track by Getty Domein definitely gives me my fix. Not only does it have some wonderful African instrumentation, but it's a huge, campy dance track that isn't afraid of going for the drama. There aren't a lot of lyrics -- the song instead focuses on ridiculously catchy chanting and theatrical production. I previously knew Getty Domein only from Yeba, his Melodifestivalen entry a few years back. I definitely saw promise in that track, but this is a completely different level of awesome. The album's out in August.
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy his songs here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
"I wanna ruin our friendship, we should be lovers instead"
There's something so exciting about a band that I've literally loved for years finally getting ready to release their debut album. After three singles, the band have given us one final taster before the album arrives next month. Prior to Jenny, I think my favorite SK track was Eros and Apollo, but in the long run, this might just end up stealing that title. Jenny includes everything I love in pop music--a soaring chorus, clever lyrics and (the criminally underused) steel drums! It sounds like Summer 2013 should sound, and I really hope this is as big for them as it deserves to be. These guys have yet to release a single that isn't 100% brilliant. If the album is full of tracks like this, I don't see how anything could top it from the coveted Album of the year spot. I'm frothing at the mouth for more!
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the song here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Monday, 6 May 2013
"Call it love or call it mutiny"
leave it to Sweden to produce a new boyband with this kind of potential. Despite a weird band name that does them no justice, I can't wait to see what the future holds for these guys. There's been a resurgence of these kind of groups lately, but very few have the charisma to break through on a massive level. I believe The Fooo are the ones to beat in this regard. One of the (many) reasons I've gone so crazy for K-Pop in the last year is that their groups actually dance and put some effort into pushing the envelope with fashion. One of the most exciting things about The Fooo is that they dance well and gear their music to suit that. They've also been very cleverly marketed, forgoing music videos for flash-mob style performances. It's incredibly effective and allows them to show their talent, charisma and expertly produced songs without a lot of distraction. Watch their three videos here, here and here and you'll see what I mean. I'm impressed with all of the musical output so far, but Man Overboard is the one that I just can't get out of my head. I can't wait for the first official single and album. get these guys on Melodifestivalen next year! (That is, if they're not already massive by then).
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Find out more here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Thursday, 2 May 2013
"All those years were the best that I had"
In preparation for next week's release of their fifth EP (appropriately titled "V"), Swedish electronic duo Kite have shared another new track with us. Despite its upbeat title, Dance Again is actually a lot closer to a slow-burning, melodic, U2-style rock anthem than a club track. Of course, with them being an electronic band, the pieces that sound like they could be guitars if performed by another artist are icy keyboards when performed by Kite. it's an interesting juxtaposition between the production and the melody, and definitely one of the duo's more mainstream, song-focused tracks to date. It'll be interesting to see where they go from this.
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the EP here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
"Cover your body with my autograph"
This track is the kind of 80's funky Prince-homage that Maroon 5 would kill to have. Kim Cesarion is from Sweden, and his music is sort of a cross between that country's Salem Al Fakir and Denmark's Thomas Troelsen. Most importantly, Cesarion's vocals have charisma dropping from every note. The lyrics are pretty damn direct to the point of being kind of humorous, but with this track it's really all about that huge chorus. It's absolutely destined for the top of the charts. And Scandinavia seems to agree, with the track approaching the top ten in Sweden and also doing well in Finland.
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.
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