Singles Of The Week: 8 May 2020

With the creative world brimming with new insight and outlets, it is fair to say that the lockdown period has been lightened by the artists keeping us engaged and entertained. While some have found strange similarities in their art created prior to the pandemic, others have found inspiration within it.

With that in mind, here are this week's latest releases - with our second double single of the week of the year!

SINGLE OF THE WEEK: Videoclub - Enfance 80 Rating: 5/5

Videoclub have brought the nostalgic summer vibe a few months early, but we are not complaining. This is spacey dream pop at its finest. With a distinctive sound that has grown with each of their releases, Videoclub are really ready for the international arena. Enfance 80 will take you to a warm and fuzzy place and you will not want to leave.

SINGLE OF THE WEEK: Gil Ofarim ft. Tal Ofarim - Nach dir der Regen Rating: 5/5

Gil and Tal Ofarim are the talented offspring of the late Abi Ofarim. Best known for his work throughout the sixties alongside his ex-wife Esther, he passed away in 2018. Already impressively delivered on Gil's stunning recent album Alles auf Hoffnung, this truly moving rendition sees Gil team up with his brother Tal for a tribute to their father. Be ready to blub.

Céline - Tränen aus Kajal Rating: 4/5

Having co-written It Takes Two for German icon Lena, Céline is taking a further step into the spotlight. Having revealed her R'n'B credentials on her first two singles, her latest release Tränen aus Kajal deals with her heartbreak in a truly beautiful way. Tränen aus Kajal shows off her powerful vocals and radio potential.

Leifur James - Ritual Rating: 3.5/5

Leifur James crafts a percussive soundscape that immediately hooks you in on his latest single Ritual. An understated yet conversely compelling musical moment, Ritual catapults you to a rather warming realm.. This is rather wonderful sensation.

Cher - Chiquitita Rating: 5/5

Two years have passed since two huge musical worlds collided and Cher released her first album of ABBA hits. While a second has been promised, the first sign of a new collection has today been unveiled as a charity single for UNICEF. Sung in Spanish, Chiquitita is perfect ABBA and perfect Cher - a combination nobody can complain about.

Vonn Kiss & The Dark Horses - Struggle Rating: 3/5

Von Kiss & The Dark Horses are building towards a new album in autumn, and to tease the release they have unveiled their new single, Struggle. Struggle is an old school Country ballad, which is well delivered. Veering away from the Pop-Country sound that currently dominates the radio waves, this is a traditional release that will no doubt pass the test of time.

Neave Zaria - You Saved Me Rating: 3.5/5

Neave Zaria has a rich voice that needs to be filed alongside Adele, Alison Moyet and Celeste. As she shares her story through the single You Saved Me, she captures both heart and mind. While the single doesn't quite have the weight of the aforementioned artists, it is clear she is an artist building to their level. You Saved Me is a strong start to a recording career.

Eric Paslay ft. Sarah Buxton - Heartbeat Higher Rating: 4/5

Eric Paslay has perhaps had more notable success in his career to date as a songwriter, but there is no denying that he has the voice and abilities to become a chart topping artist in his own right. His latest single is a collaboration with Sara Buxton, whose voice perfectly compliments his. Heartbeat Higher reaches dizzying highs and should see him rewarded with greater solo acclaim.

Weezer - Hero Rating: 3.5/5

Weezer have had to postpone their fourteenth studio album, but fans need not wait any longer for an insight into the sound of the record. Hero is a lot heavier than usual Weezer fair but the band pull it off. Hero is a strong introduction to what will be an interesting new chapter for the group.

Brendan Murray - Falling Rating: 4/5

Former boybander and X Factor star Brendan Murray has tried several times to capture the public's attention with his distinctive high vocals and touching releases. However, something hasn't quite clicked. The sweet number could change that as it really showcases the depth of beauty in his subtle delivery.

Fontaines D.C - A Hero's Death Rating: 3/5

Dublin's Fontaine's D.C. have become one of the hype bands. With a distinctive swagger and an ability to write an addictive chant along, they have echoes of early The Fratellis. Their latest single A Hero's Death is outshone by an inspired video, but the overly repetetive vocal grates after a few listens.

Jill Johnson ft. Robin Stjernberg - Miles of Blue Rating: 4/5

Surprisingly Swedish country star Jill Johnson hasn't made it to household name status around the world. Her stunning vocal has delivered some of the most moving songs of all-time, yet somehow she hasn't broken through into the mainstream outside of her home country. New single Miles of Blue may well change that. Hopefully the first of many collaborations with Robin Stjernberg, the duo have the potential to become one of Country's finest duos.

Sheléa - You Are Enough Rating: 2/5

Having just appeared in The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Soul, it is apparent to everyone that Sheléa  boasts a vocal that is up there with the finest. While You Are Enough showcases the softer souolful edge to her tone, it feels more like a classy album track than a single. It is pretty, but blends too easily into the background.

Shab - Spell On Me Rating: 5/5

Shab may be singing about someone putting a spell on her, but the truth of the matter is she is the magician conjuring at the core of this hypnotic pop track. With the finest elements of Jennifer Lopez, Tarkan and Shakira influencing her Persian and Latin leaning sound, Spell On Me is destined to be one of the anthems of 2020.

Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards Rating: 4/5

Laura Cortese is best known for her folk ditties, but she and her band The Dance Cards are showing a harmony driven rock prowess on the latest cut from forthcoming studio album Bitter Better. Vocally reminiscent of Ingrid Michaelson meets Jewel meets Aldous Harding, Laura may have arrived at the point of becoming a radio dominating artist.

Jai McDowall - Ain't Talked In A While Rating: 3.5/5

Former Britain's Got Talent winner Jai McDowall got a long overdue apology from Simon Cowell when he appeared on the Champions series last year. Jai now releases his new single, the rather stoic but brilliantly delivered Ain't Talked In A While.

Dutty Moonshine Big Band - Tommy and Loretta Rating: 4/5

Dutty Moonshine Big Band have teamed up with ODJBOX for their latest single Tommy & Loretta, a single which further showcases their ability to lift elements of multiple genres to assist them in their storyteller songwriting. Vocalist Maria Lavreau's delivery is suitably dark as the twisted romantic tale unfolds. A truly compelling listen.

Zlata Ognevich – Беги Rating: 5/5

Ukraine's Zlata Ogenvich has released her most raw mid-tempo to date. Backed by a driven percussive beat, Zlata's faultless and crisp vocal is determined and uplifting as she finds the power within to move on from previous hurt. Беги is effortlessly Zlata's strongest release to date.

Toni Braxton - Do It Rating: 5/5

Seven-time Grammy Award winner Toni Braxton has released some of the finest singles ever to dominate radio. The artist behind the powerful He Wasn't Man Enough and impassioned Un-break My Heart returns with the rather wonderful Do It. Allowing her sultry vocal to take centre stage, this is a lesson in how to deliver the perfect ballad.

Speyside Sessions - Leave A Light On Rating: 3.5/5

Grey's Anatomy star Kevin McKidd and Celtic Woman's Mairead Carlin have teamed up with a wealth of artists to remotely record the tender Leave A Light On. Raising funds for The Trussell Trust and Help Musicians UK, Leave A Light On is a beautifully uplifting musical moment of unity.

Yelle - Je t'aime encore Rating: 5/5

A decade and half after they launched, Yelle are three studio albums into what has been a truly varied recording career. That being said, the synthpop trio rarely disappoint. Latest single Je t'aime encore is no exception. A trippy earworm, this chorus will stick in your head and you will find yourself singing it at all times of the day. It's lucky we are in lockdown right now, as other you'd be declaring your on-going love for random strangers in the street.

Yard Arms - Mantra Rating: 3/5

Bristolian's Yard Arms have been compared to INXS and Paul Buchanan, and their latest single Mantra is a pleasant bop that showcases Noah Villeneuve's Tony Hadley-esque vocals. Mantra is perfectly pleasant up-tempo ditty. It doesn't quite slap you in the face with addictive pull, but it does grow with each listen.

Lianne La Havas - Paper Thin Rating: 4/5

Years ago Lianne La Havas supported Erykah Badu on her UK dates. At the time her material boasted the soulful edge, but had a more radio driven soul sound. Having now established herself as one of the UK's finest voices, she has the freedom to just simply pour her heart out in her music. Paper Thin will melt you.

Hurricane - Hasta La Vista Rating: 4/5

Hurricane were meant to be Serbia's Eurovision entry for the contest in a couple of week's time. While the entry was to be performed in Serbian, the increased focus on the trio consisting of Sanja Vučić, Ksenija Knežević and Ivana Nikolić has lead them to re-release it in English. All we can say is that we may just have found our new favourite girl-band.

Kristian Kostov - Better Rating: 3.5/5

Bulgarian-Russian popstar Kristian Kostov has appeared on TV talent shows around the world. Having most recently impressed on the Chinese series Singer, he has just released his new single Better. Although this is an interesting fusion of synth and percussive pop, the lyrically strong release feels like it is just missing that little something extra to make it an epic anthem.

The Aces - My Phone Is Trying To Kill Me Rating: 3.5/5

The Aces' amazing debut album was very much overlooked, perhaps due to sonic similarities to Haim and The Big Moon. Unperturbed, The Aces have rejigged their sound, with their latest singing fusing an edge of Avril Lavigne to the mix. This is not their strongest release, but it is a damn good sing along with a very real narrative.

Emma Gale - Let's See What The Earth Has To Say Rating: 4/5

Weymouth based Emma Gale has put her time in lockdown to great use. Although she has been a regular on the live circuit in her home town, this catchy but poignant ditty marks her debut single. If this catches the ears of BBC Radio 2 producers, Let's See What The Earth Has To Say could be this year's JCB Song.

Maria Mena - Not Ok Rating: 5/5

Norwegian multi-award winner Maria Mena has finally returned with her first single in four years. Not OK was worth every moment of waiting. Truly sensational, Maria wears her heart firmly on her sleeve in an anthem of being open and aware of your feelings.

Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber - Stuck With U Rating: 3.5/5

Ariana and Justin are two of the biggest stars in the world. As a result, there is no doubt that this will become a huge hit. The pretty, old school driven duet showcases both their strong vocals - which fit perfectly together - and while the sentiment is lovely, it is also a little twee.

Sia - Saved My Life Rating: 3/5

Sia is one the world's best pop writers. Dua Lipa is one of the biggest current icons. Having teamed up to write Saved My Life, the expectation for the surprise single would be set fairly high. Saved My Life is not the strongest Sia or Dua Lipa, but it is enjoyable.

Miki Núñez - Me Vale Rating: 5/5

Former Eurovision contestant Miki returns with his new single, the up-beat Me Vale. Bringing even stronger party vibes than in former singles Celébrate and La Venda, Me Vale looks set to see Miki storm to the dizzying heights of David Bisbal fame.

Ilse DeLange and Michael Schulte - Wrong Direction Rating: 4/5

Half a decade has disappeared since the last The Common Linnets album, but Wrong Direction shows that Ilse DeLange may have headed in the right direction to find a new collaborator. This has strong echoes of The Common Linnets sound, but Michael is perfectly suited to duet with Ilse. Very pretty.

AJ Maxwell - Do It So Well Rating: 3.5/5

Little is known about filmmaker and songwriter AJ Maxwell, but his debut single Do It So Well is a very strong start for a newcomer. It has radio potential and AJ has a very listenable voice. This makes him an artist to keep a very close eye on.

VELVE - Epsilon Rating: 2/5

VELVE is the voice behind SIRI in Germany. Having spent her childhood years as a celebrated vocalist, she has announced the release of her upcoming album X To The Million. First single Epsilon offers insight into the fact that Kraftwerk shaped her early musical listening experiences, but it doesn't really head anywhere. It is mathematical dystopia without real direction.

Tired Lion - Waterbed Rating: 4/5

Tired Lion are seen as one of Australia's biggest upcoming rock hopes. Their latest single channels Fountains of Wayne and Killing Heidi in an epic anthem, which has you chanting along by the end of the first chorus. Thrilling.

Kim Petras - Malibu Rating: 4/5

Kim Petras has found herself in a very similar situation to Carly Rae Jepsen and Ava Max. Despite releasing a plethora of amazing singles, she has yet to fully capture the same market as Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. Malibu is a joyous slice of pop that should be A-listed around the world.

The Rising - Shadows On The Wall Rating: 5/5

Northern Ireland's The Rising have been going from strength to strength over the course of their recent singles. Shadows On The Wall is no exception. Telling a heartbreaking and troubling story of in-family abuse, Shadows On The Wall is faultlessly delivered by Chantelle McAteer.