Aiden Jude - Tonight (NovoGain and 6KU Remixes)

This Electro/Trap vocal track has taken clubland by storm during these last few months. The main vocal sections of the song sung by Nafsica are the most identifiable parts and they lend themselves well to being adapted and remixed in other production styles. The definitive remixes for this song have been done by NovoGain & 6KU. The the hooky vocal takes center stage and is supported by a throbbing peak hour production. A DJ friendly radio edit and instrumentals are included as part of this package.

The original can be streamed and purchased here (Beatport)

Listen to the club mix here:


Grade: A

Santana and Wyclef feat Avicii and Alexandre Pires - Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way)

To herald the arrival of the FIFA World Cup, several festive songs have become the anthems of the games. Other songs composed specifically for the World Cup by Pitbull & Jennifer Lopez with Claudia Leitte, Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Aloe Blacc have also become quite popular. This one by the legendary Carlos Santana with Wyclef Jean on lead vocals, production by Avicii and additional vocals by Alexandre Pires ends up being a rousing, tribal anthem that is sure to get people up on their feet and into the mood. It's a positive and universal song. There are a number of club mixes of the song, however, Cutmore's is the best as he stays close to the original making it a little dancier.

-Watch the lyric video here (YouTube)
-Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Cherie Lily - Body (The Remixes, Part 2)

This is the second set of remixes for the sexy workout song. The Carry Nation, Dani Toro, Nick Bertossi, and Nick Harvey provide the new mixes. The Carry Nation delivers a bass heavy peak hour mix. Dani Toro's mix is tribal, but it has some cute 90s Handbag House elements. Nick Bertossi's mix is percussion driven with all sorts hard drums and buildups. Nick Harvey's main mix on this second package is different from the ones he did previously. It's harder. His Instradub is really hot too. Overall, every mix is great.

Listen to clips and buy the mixes here (Beatport)

Grade: A

KAPTN - La La Land

This is the followup to "Ricky Ricardo" which got some buzz and moderate airplay last year. The new single is in a similar vein as prior singles, however, this one is based around a prominent sample from Green Velvet's international hit "La La Land." The new lyrics are a great match for the sampled ones. Coupled with the colorful music video, this one will easily be a viral hit and finally introduce KAPTN to the masses.

-Watch the music video here (YouTube)
-Download the song here (KAPTN's official site)

Grade: A-

Thaea - Vox

This is the debut artist album from the modern Opera singer. This album provides a golden opportunity for the public to discover the versatility and power of Thaea's voice. She shines on every single song, delivering soaring operatic vocals on some songs and then singing traditionally on others. Produced by NovoGain, the productions have a modern yet timeless feel. The lyrics are thoughtful and relatable.

"Vox Occulta" serves as both an intro and the first song. The dramatic symphonic opening while Thaea vocalizes is stunning. Soon the uplifting big room Trance production comes in. "Dancefloor (Surrender To The Sound)" and "Dance Until I'm Free" are contemporary Dance/Pop confections. The former has operatic vocals. "Here As One" is another dark operatic cut. "On My Own" has a slight Rock feel. It could easily be an acoustic ballad. "This Is Your Chance" is a powerful uptempo. "Will Be True" is a gorgeous midtempo Pop track with a slight Dance element. "I Feel It All Over" and "Good Enough" are the only true non-Dance songs on the album. The latter is structured like a dramatic power ballad with lots of strings. The album closes with two remixes by NovoGain. The remix of "Dancefloor" is a longer take on the album version. It feels a bit harder. The "Dance Until I'm Free" remix is also in a similar vein. Overall, this is an incredible album with every track being single-worthy.

Listen to the album here:



Grade: A

Mariah Carey - Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse

This is the 14th studio album from the legendary singer-songwriter. After numerous delays and changed release dates, the album will be released on May 26. The album is one of her most introspective since her Daydream and Butterfly albums released in 1995 and 1997. Those gave fans a window into the her troubled first marriage and her emotional state. This album also shows signs that all is not well with her current marriage, as illustrated on a number of the songs. While some of the songs are open for interpretation and could be hypothetical, but given how involved Mariah is with the writing of her songs, it's safe to assume that these songs could be at lease semi-autobiographical.

The album begins with the midtempo ballads "Cry" and "Faded" which seem to hint at potential trouble in her marriage. Things pick up with "Dedicated" which features Nas and "Beautiful" which features Miguel. "Dedicated" is a delightful throwback to late 90s Mariah. "Thirsty" is a campy Hip Hop club banger that is sure to be a fan favorite with all of its quotable lines. "Make It Look Good" and "You're Mine (Eternal)" also recall 90s Mariah. "You Don't Know What To Do" is a stunning, groovyy Disco/R&B cut which samples the underground classic "I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)" by Inner Life & Jocelyn Brown. This is a borderline Disco/House track. It's the closest Mariah has come to Dance music since 2008's "I'm That Chick", and her own remixes. "Supernatural" is a sweet track with additional vocals by Mariah and Nick's adorable children. Things go Disco for one more song in the form of "Meteorite" which is an interesting critique on fame. It could be argued that this song is about American Idol. "Camouflage" is a dark song about hiding how one really feels. This could be seen as a companion to "Looking In" (from Daydream). "Money" is another ratchet uptempo. Things close on an almost church-like note with her cover of George Michael's "One More Try" and the rousing "Heavenly".

Overall, this album is her strongest since her comeback album The Emancipation Of Mimi. It is a cohesive collection of songs covering a variety of styles and sounds dating all the way back to her debut. Mariah's voice sounds stronger and fuller than it did on her last two albums. The songwriting is mature and deeply personal. There are no surprising disasters or missteps with this one.

Purchase the album here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Jei - Jei (The Album)

The long-awaited album was released late last month. The tight 8 track set covers a wide variety of sounds and styles though one could call it mostly Deep House. The album opens with the minimal "Brave Myself". The long, sinewy intro leading into the vocals sets the tone and mood. The big room meets Deep House production of  "Paradise" is divine. Things slow down for a break with the moderately downtempo "I'm Ready." The Dubstep-influenced "Remember" has a fun 80s feel though it sounds current too. "Wishing" is dramatic and haunting power ballad. "Feel It" is a sexy tribal, deep cut with lush pianos. "Always Behind" is another great track with it's mid 90s Twilo sound. The album ends with an uptempo tribal remix of "Paradise". Overall, every one of the songs is single-worthy. Jei's vocals are enchanting. The album arrives just in time for the warm Summer months.

Purchase the album here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Placidic Dream feat Tascha Johnson - I'm In Love

Soulful House music has been making a huge comeback during the last year. This new release is yet another one in that style. It features the warm vocals of Tascha Johnson. The main version is straight out of the Def Mix era. The additional mixes by Earl TuTu with John Kahn, Sandro Valentino, and Fry with Chizo all maintain the soulful elements of the original, however, each one adds a little something making it suitable for different types of dancefloors. Earl TuTu with John Kahn's mix is close to the original but a little meatier. Sandro Valentino's is more peak hour, but still on the lighter side. Fry with Chizo's mix is also peak hour-oriented. All 4 mixes are amazing.

Listen to clips and purchase here:

Grade: A

Michael Jackson - Love Never Felt So Good

This is the lead single from the King Of Pop's second posthumous album entitled Xscape. The original song was  apparently written and recorded nearly 30 years back with Paul Anka but remained unreleased until now. A new version was produced specifically for the album. Despite having been updated, the song has a distinct sound characteristic of what Michael was doing around that time. An alternate remix version with additional vocals by Justin Timberlake, produced by Timbaland has also been released. The production on the remix is different. Justin's vocals do complement Michael's, however, there is an unfortunate noticeable difference in the sound quality that is distracting.

• Purchase the original here (iTunes)
• Purchase the remix here (iTunes)

Grade: B+

Cher - I Walk Alone (NovoGain Remixes)

The latest remix package for Cher's empowerment anthem has been serviced. This set of big room mixes by NovoGain are the hardest ones released so far. NovoGain delivers a set of mixes that are dark, tribal, and techy. All of them are loaded with hard, massive beats, deep, twisting synths, and gorgeous dramatic buildups and breakdowns. The main vocal mix is a tad more mainstream as it has all the vocals while the dub keeps just a handful of them and is perfect for peak hour and afterhours.

Listen to the main mix here:

The main NovoGain mix will be available for purchase on April 29 on Amazon.

Grade: A

Broken Bells - Holding On For Life (Remixes)

This single was released several months back and did modestly well on Alternative radio. The song was an interesting amalgam of late 70s Disco and 80s New Wave with its Bee Gees styled harmonies and synth-heavy production.

The song has been given some remixes by Solomun which stay close to the original. The mixes have a strong 80s Hi Nrg flavor which works well with the song. The only drawback, and it is a minor one is that only some of the vocals were used, but the gorgeous production makes up for it.  

-Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)

-Listen to the radio edit here (Soundcloud)

Grade: A

tyDi Feat. Dia Frampton - Stay

This is a collaboration of the Australian DJ and the former The Voice runner up. The result is an ultra catchy Dance/Pop song with a light Country flavor. Dia's vocals are lovely, and they are complemented by a smooth guitar-driven production. The additional remixes make this song even more dancefloor friendly. Frank Pole's mix is softer during the verses but then it is full on Electro House for the riff. Brad and Victor H's mix is a perfect balance of the soft original and the harder Frank Pole mix. Overall, every version is great.

-Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Listen to the Frank Pole mix here:


Listen to the Brad and Victor H mix here:
 

Purchase the remix EP here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Hudson - The Light Is In You EP

This is the new EP from the singer/songwriter. The EP opens with the title song which is an uplifting club track. It is in a big room style. "I Just Wanna Be With You" is a guitar driven midtempo ballad. "Disculpame" is in a similar vein. Things end on an upbeat note with "Balance" which is a festive, tribal number. Overall, this EP serves as a good showcase for the newcomer.

Listen to all 4 songs on the EP here:


Purchase the EP here (iTunes)

Grade: A-

The Rapsody - Prince Igor 2014

Several weeks back, Opera/Dance artist Kamaliya released a song based on the 1995 hit as her next single. Now the original artist has remade it in the Trap style. A new rapper and vocalist have been brought in to take over for Warren G and Sissel. The idea of fusing Rap, Opera, and Trap seems like an unusual combination, but they all work quite well together.

-Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)
-Listen to the main mix here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

Cascada - Blink

This is the lead single from the German group's fifth album due out later this year. This single is a cover of a song released several years back by U.V.U.K. The production on this one is a lot more contemporary than the original. It's a good balance between the hard Eurodance sound they started with and the more recent Electro one they have been doing for the last few years. Natalie's vocals are much stronger, doing the song justice. There are several remixes on the single which are in a similar vein as the original, however, the original remains the best one.

-Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A