Chachi feat Natascha Bessez - Heart Is A Warrior

This brand new club oriented single about overcoming a breakup and finding love again manages to pack in the drama of a power ballad and a floor-filling club anthem into one song. The atmospheric production of the original coupled with Natascha's soaring vocals make this song special. Of the half dozen remixes on the package, the Toy Armada & DJ Grind mix ends up being the best one, however, all of them are great.

Listen to the remixes and purchase them here

Grade: A

Lana Del Rey - Once Upon A Dream

This iconic classic from the animated Disney feature Sleeping Beauty has been re-done for the upcoming Angelina Joile remake of the film entitled Maleficent. The Oscar winning actress specifically chose Lana to sing this song for the movie. The song has been transformed into a dark, ominous song fitting the movie perfectly. It's not the happy, fun song many grew up hearing. The mysterious nature of this new version is so thrilling. Lana's vocals are marvelous.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)
-See the trailer for the movie set to this version of the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Austin Mahone feat Pitbull - Mmm Yeah

After the misstep that was "Banga Banga" comes Austin's brand new single. It draws upon the 90s House classic "Nu Nu" by Lidell Townsell. The first verse and the "mmm mmm yeah yeah" hook have been used. The first verse serves as the chorus. The song has an overall Spring/Summer vibe and is sure to be huge during Spring break. Despite being overused recently, Pitbull's feature here is fresh.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)
-Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

DJ Cassidy feat Robin Thicke & Jessie J - Calling All Hearts

After the massive success of Daft Punk's "Get Lucky", Duke Dumont's "Need U 100%" and Storm Queen's "Look Right Through" (as remixed by MK) throughout the world, there has been a recent revival of the Disco sound. DJ Cassidy's new project on Columbia records involved nearly a dozen major players in the music industry, fusing together sounds of the past and present. Robin Thicke and Jessie J sound perfectly at home on this stunning Disco number, complementing each other so well. This has all the makings of a club hit and a possible crossover hit.

Listen to the original here (YouTube)

Grade: A+

Kylie Minogue - Into The Blue

After unleashing the sexy single "Skirt" over the Summer, the adorable diva is back with the first proper single from her new album due out later this Spring. The uplifting track has a distinct 80s synthpop feel coupled with contemporary electro/pop. It is at a lower tempo than many of her recent singles. Everything about the song is gorgeous from the soaring vocals to the cool production. This is another global smash waiting to happen.

The single will be released on January 27.

Grade: A

Asher Monroe feat Chris Brown - Memory

This is the followup to last year's "Hush Hush". The former boyband member teams up with controversial R&B star Chris Brown on this "I Gotta Feeling"-sounding Dance/Pop track. The result is an ultra catchy track that is sure to burn up the airwaves once the right promotion happens. This could perhaps help Asher to finally make a mainstream crossover. A full remix package for the single is due in the next few weeks as well.

Listen to the original here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Simone Denny - Your Love Fades Away

The veteran powerhouse vocalist known for her work with BKS, Love Inc, and Widelife is back with a new single. This is a bit of a departure from her usual as this is not a club-oriented song. She channels some of the sultry Jazz greats of the past. This shows yet another side of the singer. Whether it's a dancefloor anthem or a slow groover like this, Simone can sing anything and make it sound fantastic!

Listen here:
 

Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A+

Shakira feat Rihanna - Can't Remember To Forget You

This highly anticipated collaboration between to the two Pop divas arrived earlier this week. The Ska/Dance/Pop hybrid is a throwback to the 90s when such sounds dominated. The song sounds like something that one would enjoy during the Summer, but during the cold months, anything that evokes feelings of that fun time is welcome. Shakira and Rihanna complement each other vocally on the catchy song. This is poised to be a huge hit.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)
-Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Baker - Not Gonna Wait (Remixes)

Although this was released last year on an EP with several other songs, the club remixes were only released earlier this week. The original is a delightful, fun Dance/Pop track which only showcases some of what Baker can do vocally. It would easily do well on Pop radio with the right promotional push. Adam K, Dave Aude, and Ralphi Rosario provide the remixes. Adam K's mix is in a similar vein as the original, however, it has a distinct 80s synthpop flavor. Dave Aude's is chunkier and more suited for the dancefloor. Ralphi Rosario's mainstream tribal mix ends up being the best of the bunch, though all the mixes are really well-done.

-Watch the music video for the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to clips and buy the remixes here (QoBuz)
-Follow the artist on Facebook here

Grade: A

Janet Jackson - The Pleasure Principle (James Anthony's Big Room Bassline Mix)

This is one of her most iconic songs from the Control album. Originally released in 1987, the song peaked at #14 on the Hot 100, yet its legacy goes beyond the chart position. The Shep Pettibone remix heard in the video is the most famous version of it. The song was also remixed by Danny Tenaglia in 1996 when her Design Of  A Decade hits collection was released. The song has been given a makeover just in time for the new year by James Anthony. He re-created the amazing bassline from the original while adding plenty of hard beats and chugging synths. Only a handful of vocals have been used, specifically from the first verse, the chorus, and some ad libs.

Listen to the mix and download it here:


Grade: A