Justin Bieber - Sorry

This is the second single from his upcoming album Purpose. It follows the trend of 80s Synthpop inspired songs that began during the Spring. This is even stronger than the previous single "What Do You Mean" which is in the Tropical House style. It has the makings of another hit and could surpass the previous single success-wise. The new album is shaping up to be one of his best ones to date.

Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean (Barry Harris Remixes)

This is the #1 hit single from his upcoming Purpose album. It has been a mainstay at clubs and on radio throughout the last couple of months after a major social media campaign to hype it up. The song marked a change in sound from the singer as this is in the Tropical House style which has recently begun to gain favor in the mainstream. The song has a melancholy undertone to it. It is easily one of the strongest singles he has released to date.

Barry Harris, formerly of the legendary remix duo Thunderpuss has remixed this. He gives it some of that signature Thunderpuss drama while maintaining the lightness of the original. It's nicely balanced.

-Listen to the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to and download the Barry Harris remix here (HearThis)

Grade: A

Pino Firmani & Stefano Capasso Feat.Kyn Mahone II - Movin On (Remixes)

With the recent resurgence of Soulful House which stylistically bears a resemblance to its Disco beginnings, there have been many strong releases. This is one of the latest ones. If one were not told this was a new release, it could have easily come out during the heyday of Disco. Kyn Mahone II's vocals are unforgettable and the lyrics are so relatable. Coupled with the fantastic production, the result is fantastic. The majority of the remixes are in the same style. The Extended club mix has a deep bassline and rich orchestral elements. The Original mix has a harder drum track but is similar to the Extended version. The Classic Philly version has a softer, uplifting feel. The Seventy mix is funkier. The Corvino Traxx version is slightly techy. The Autodub mix is minimal but it is bassline-driven. The Peter De Girolamo remix has a harder beat with a techy undercurrent. Overall, the Extended club mix and Classic Philly versions are the best of the bunch though every one of these mixes is well produced.

-Listen to clips and purchase the single here (TraxSource)

Grade: A

Manika - I Might Go Lesbian (feat. Tyga)

This is the latest from the singer-songwriter. It is an Electro/Pop midtempo club banger about being tired of men. The lyrics are a little over the top and hilarious, but that's what makes the song memorable. Coupled with the DJ White Shadow-esque production, the song is super catchy. Tyga is a good accompaniment to Manika's rapid fire lyrics. There is a club remix by the Jump Smokers which plays up the Electro aspect of the song.

-Listen to the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Jump Smokers remix here (YouTube)

Grade: B+

Madonna - Vogue (Barry Harris Remix)

To mark the start of Madonna's new Rebel Heart tour, Barry Harris (formerly of duo Thunderpuss) has produced a brand new remix of the club classic which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The song has been a staple of Madonna's tours (it appears in the current tour in abbreviated form) and is routinely updated and reinvented. Barry got ahold of the original vocal stems and made a fresh production which is faithful to the melody of the original, but he changes it up for today's dancefloors. He thankfully has used all the vocals. The result is a booming dancefloor anthem which brings this song into the 21st century.

Listen to the mix and download it here:


Grade: A

Rita Ora feat Chris Brown - Body On Me (Remixes)

This is a new collaboration involving the two Pop and R&B singers. It is a sensual midtempo that contains one of Rita's strongest vocals to date and is one of Chris Brown's best features in a while. Their vocals complement one another perfectly. There are remixes by Dave Aude and Zac Samuel. Dave Aude has delivered a mix that is faster than the original, but isn't quite at a traditional House tempo. It's in the style of the Tropical House that has been popular. The vibe of the original translates extremely well with this remix. Zac Samuel's Disco-lite remix is at a higher tempo and also works well. Both remixes are exquisite.

-Listen to the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to Dave Aude's remix here (YouTube)
-Listen to Zac Samuel's remix here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Paris Hilton - High Off My Love (Remixes)

The reality star and socialite released an album in 2006 and had a string of moderate club hits with remixes of the singles. Her second album is due later this year. The lead single features rapper Birdman and is a hybrid of Eurodance and Dubstep. The song is fun and is perfect for the dancefloor. Paris' spoken-sung style of singing is effective here. Dany Cohiba, Dirty Pop, Division 4 & Matt Consola, Mike Rizzo, Mindskap, and Tracy Young have provided the first set of remixes. Dirty Pop's mix is in a similar direction as the original but harder and more Electro. Dany Cohiba delivers a softer Deep House mix. Division 4 & Matt Consola deliver a hard, anthemic treatment that is perfect for peak hour play. Mike Rizzo's mix is the most mainstream of the bunch, however, it would be great for peak hour too. Mindskap's mix is also in a Deep House direction but it is more chill. Last but not least is Tracy Young's hard, synthy big room mix. Overall, all of these mixes are really well-done, but the best of the bunch are Division 4 & Matt Consola, Mike Rizzo, and Tracy Young's.

Grade: A-

Nick Jonas - Levels

This is the new single from the heartthrob. There have been rumors that this is from a brand new album that will be released later on, however, there has also been talk of it being from a re-release of his last album. This is cut in the same style as the last album, however, this has a strong 80s Funk/Pop flavor fused with the Dance/Pop of today. It sounds like a lost Prince song. This has the potential to be a big hit for the singer with the right promotion. Nick will be performing this at the MTV VMAs pre-show this weekend.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)

-Purchase the single here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Groove Addix feat Chase Silva - Free To Be Me (Part 2)

The uplifting tune released in the Spring has received a second package of remixes by remixers Argonaut, Brian Cua, Darren Burgos, Dr. Brooks, Joel Dickinson, SLM, and Tim Letteer. The Argonaut mix has a deep bassline with some techy elements. Brian Cua delivers a mix in the new Future House style with a hint of EDM sensibilities. Darren Burgos delivers a delightful Deep House mix. The hard, drummy Dr. Brooks mixes are minimally produced but they pack a punch. Joel Dickinson's mix is hard and perfect for peak hour. Tim Letteer delivers a techy Tribal mix with a deep bassline. Overall, every one of these mixes on the second package well-produced.

-Listen to clips and purchase the remix here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Dirty Disco Feat Debby Holiday - Was That All It Was

Originally recorded by Jean Carn in 1980, the R&B/Disco song became a classic at the legendary Saint club. Kym Mazelle and Hannah Jones went on to cover it. The Hannah Jones recording was also quite successful. This new version is faithful to both the original and the Hannah Jones versions. Debby's vocals are powerful and soulful. The main version is a Garage meets Tribal House affair, resembling something that would have been produced by Peter Rauhofer in the 90s as part of his Club 69 project. It captures that sound nicely. There are additional mixes by Leo Frappier, Phil B, Ralphi Rosario, and Space City. Leo Frappier & Phil B deliver a darker Tribal mix which turns this into an anthem. Phil B's solo mix is in a Hi Nrg/Disco House style. Ralphi Rosario's mixes have a Tribal flavor but they are Disco-oriented. The dub brings all the drama. The Space City Dub is minimal and is great for later in the evening. Overall, this is a solid package. It's hard to choose a favorite as all of the mixes are so well-done.

Grade: A

David Morales feat Janice Robinson - There Must Be Love

Nearly several months in the making, this testament to the necessity of love in the world has finally been released. It is the latest collaboration of veteran producer/remixer/DJ David Morales and singer-songwriter Janice Robinson. They have worked together in the past for David's last album Changes and he remixed Janice's underground hit "Earthbeat" in the mid 90s. Janice's vocals are soulful and beautiful. The lyrics are well-thought out and powerful. The Disco Juice remixes are a fusion sound of the glory days of Disco and the melodic House of the 90s. The Piano Intro version starts off with a piano whereas the other one begins with the drums. The World mixes are deeper and a little darker. These recall the classic Red Zone mixes which would usually accompany the mainstream club mixes on a double pack. These are far more dramatic. Ralphi Rosario has also provided a remix which is tribal and darker, however, the vocal sections have some piano elements. Overall, this is an excellent song and every remix works well.

Listen to clips and purchase the release here:



Grade: A+

Faithless - Insomnia 2.0

The original is nearly 20 years old and has been remixed and revisited countless times, however, Avicii has done a new remix of this as part of an upcoming Faithless remix collection. The song was a huge hit all over the world. The Monster Mix version of the song based on the original is the most famous. Avicii's remix of it features vocals that have been pitched down and it does contain the famous riff, however this remix lacks the energy and drama that made the original so memorable. Additional remixes are supposed to be released in the next few weeks so hopefully some of the others will stay closer to the original.

Listen to the remix here (YouTube)

Grade: B

Chablis - I Love You Anyway

If you're looking for a positive and uplifting song for your Summer sets, look no further than this one. The original combines traditional piano Gospel music with Hi Nrg beats. The Sylvester-esque vocals are fantastic. The other remixes by Jared Jones are in a 90s Handbag House style. The happy pianos in the latter mixes are an excellent match for the vocals.

Purchase the single here (iTunes) and here (Amazon)

Grade: A

Disclosure feat Sam Smith - Omen

This is the latest single from Disclosure's forthcoming album Caracal. They have reunited with Sam Smith who previously performed vocals on their breakthrough "Latch." Despite the similar pairing, this song is significantly different from their prior collaboration. The song isn't as catchy as the prior outing, however, it appears that is by design and it will be quite the grower. This is far more introspective and a little less mainstream. The production is classic Disclosure, but it's at a lower tempo and has a slight 80s influence. Sam's falsetto-heavy vocals are gorgeous.

-Watch the club themed music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Nick Jonas - Teacher (Remixes)

The Jason Evigan-produced song is suggestive and groovy, and it is the next single from the heartthrob's current album. The song is super catchy and has multiple hooks, both lyrical and instrumental. There are remixes by Bassanova, Dave Aude, and Young Bombs. Bassanova's mix fuses Deep House and Dubstep to create an interesting mix. Dave Aude's mix keeps many of the melodic elements of the original and is Giorgio Moroder-esque. The Young Bombs mix is at a lower tempo and is in a Trap style. Overall, all 3 are well-done, though Dave Aude's is the best of the bunch.

Watch the lyric video here

Grade: A

Austin Mahone - Dirty Work

This is the latest single from the teen singer. The Electro influenced R&B/Hip Hop track with a hint of an 80s influence is super catchy and is the first single he has released that showcases his new mature sound. It has the potential to be a big hit throughout the Summer and take Austin's level of fame to the next level and help him to transition from teen star to adult star.

-Listen to a clip and purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Live Hart - We Can Change The World

This is the latest single from her album Honesty which was released late last year. It is an inspirational Reggae/Pop song with a simple yet powerful message about how love can change the world. Live Hart's vocals are velvety smooth and blend well with the poppy production. It's an all-around amazing song.

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

Grade: A

Janet Jackson - No Sleeep

This is the lead single from the legendary singer's new album due out later this Summer or possibly in the Fall. She has released a couple of singles from other projects here and there, but this is the first proper one. It is a return to form for the singer after the tepid Discipline. Janet has reunited with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who were responsible for many of her biggest hits. The song is cut in the same style as the smooth R&B of her smash janet. album. It instantly calls to mind the slinky, suggestive "That's The Way Love Goes". Janet sounds sexy and confident and in a very good place now. This is the Janet we have been longing for during these many years.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Madonna feat Nicki Minaj - Bitch I'm Madonna

The Diplo produced Trap/Hip Hop song is the 3rd single from her Rebel Heart album. It has been a fan favorite that went viral after Madonna performed this on Jimmy Fallon's show. It's a catchy, silly song in its original form with Nicki Minaj joining her in the middle. Remixes by Dirty Pop, Fedde Le Grand, Junior Sanchez, Oscar Gaeten, Rosabel, and Sander Kleinenberg will be released later this week on the digital remix EP. Dirty Pop's mix is a hard-hitting mainstream Electro/Tribal one. Fedde Le Grand's swing beat mix incorporates some elements of the original but it has lots of fun vocal effects and stutters. Junior Sanchez goes in a Deep House direction, using just a few re-arranged vocal and instrumental samples. Oscar Gaeten's mix is a tribal dub with just a sprinkling of vocals. Rosabel's main mix uses the most vocals and ends up utilizing the vocals the best. The dub mostly uses Nicki's vocals. Sander Kleinenberg's mix is atmospheric with some cool orchestral and EDM elements. Rosabel's ends up being the best of the bunch.

Grade: B+

Yinon Yahel feat. Maya Simantov - Take The World

This is the latest collaboration of the Israel-based producer/remixer/DJ Yinon Yahel and singer/songwriter Maya Simantov. They have worked together numerous times in the past on their own songs and with Offer Nissim, with whom several albums were produced. This is in a similar vein as their earlier work, however, this one sounds more contemporary and in line with Yinon's own production style which has a slightly harder Electro influence. Maya's vocals are soft and haunting, particularly in the beatless portions where she is highlighted.

Listen to clips and purchase here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Prince Royce feat Pitbull & Jennifer Lopez - Back It Up

This is the latest single from the crossover Latin/R&B singer. He teams up with Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez for this fun song which is sure to be massive on radio and dancefloors this Summer. It is a groovy, sexy midtempo which showcases Prince Royce's vocals. Oft used rapper Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez add some flavor to the song. It's a strong collaboration.

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

Grade: A

GoldNation - Sex Like A Pornstar (Remixes)

This is the first single from the album Soundtrack To Freedom. It's a suggestive, brooding Deep House track with spoken word vocals by Sir Ari Gold that is sure to heat up your Summer sets. Dr. Brooks, Jared Jones, Jose Zaragoza, and Lucius Lowe provide the remixes. The Dr. Brooks mix has a Disco meets Funky House flavor. Jared Jones hardens things up on his mixes. Jose Zaragoza's mix is in a similar vein as the original though it is far more minimal. Lucius Lowe's mixes are sleazy and sexy. Everyone of these mixes is a keeper though the Jared Jones and Lucius Lowe ones are the clear standouts in addition to the original.

Purchase the single here (iTunes) and here (Amazon)

Grade: A

Groove Addix feat Chase Silva - Free To Be Me (Remixes)

This is a new release from the JRED Music label coming out later this week. It is an uplifting, inspirational Electro/Pop song with a soulful male vocal in its original version. This is a suitable track for all of the upcoming Pride festivities. There are additional remixes by Christian Hornbostel, House of Labs, Jared Jones, Paul Goodyear, Ricky Pellegrino, and Sweet Team. The Christian Hornbostel mix is techy and minimal. The House Of Labs are hard and perfect for peak hour. The Jared Jones mixes which are bassline driven are also suitable for peak hour play. Paul Goodyear's mixes are tribal, but they have a Hi Nrg flavor to them. Ricky Pellegrino provides a techy, Deep House mix. Last but not least is the Sweet Team mix which is a gorgeous piano-based House mix. Overall, every one of the remixes is excellent! It is a solid remix package for a great song.

Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes) and here (Amazon)

Grade: A

Paris Hilton - Turn U On (Rosabel Remixes)

This was originally a song on the socialite and reality entrepreneur's debut album Paris released in 2006. While the album had limited success, several of the singles were remixed and given a club release where they did well. The songs may have lacked vocal panache, but the productions by the remixers made them palatable. Rosabel (Ralphi Rosario and Abel Aguilera) had remixed this song however, the remixes remained unreleased until now. The took the tepid original and turned it into a sex bomb with massive tribal drums. Their vocal mix is straightforward, however, their two dubs the highlights. The main Dub has almost no vocals. Their Vocal Dub has just a few spoken vocals. The big room production is thrilling and exciting with its twists and turns. It's hot.

Listen to them and download them here:


Grade: A

Sage The Gemini feat Nick Jonas - Good Thing

This is a collaboration of the rapper and rising R&B/Pop star Nick Jonas. The groovy 80s meets Hip Hop number is produced by Ilya. Nick is soulful and oozing sexuality on his pre-chorus, hooks, and ad libs while Sage's rap is fierce. They are a great match for each other. The song comes in both an explicit and clean version as the explicit one's title is actually "Good Shit" but for the single release, it is going by "Good Thing." The substitution of the profanity is appropriate so the flow of the song is not interrupted.  

-Watch the music video here (YouTube)
-Purchase the explicit version here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Avicii - Waiting For Love

This is the latest single from the Swedish DJ/producer. He co-produced the song with Martin Garrix and enlisted the help of singer Simon Aldred. The song is in a similar vein as Avicii's earlier work which was far more uplifting and atmospheric. It is far more accessible than some earlier offerings, particularly with the Alternative Rock-esque vocals. This should easily crossover and give Avicii a multi-format hit.

Watch the lyric video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Years & Years - Shine

This is the UK trio's new single from their debut album entitled Communion due out in June. The dreamy 80s Synth Pop track is in a similar vein as other singles, however, this one is far catchier. Their current single "King" has just begun to cross over in the U.S. This would be the ideal stateside followup to firmly establish them here.

Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Sinitta - Touch Me (All Night Long)

The 80s Pop princess has covered the song originally recorded by Fonda Rae and later made even more famous by Cathy Dennis. It has been remixed and remade countless times over the years. Despite having recorded a number of covers in the past, this one didn't turn out so good. The phrasing and vibe of the vocals feel uninspired. She's on key and whatnot, however, she just doesn't sound like she is feeling what she is singing. The Hi Nrg-influenced productions of all the remixes are on point though. The vocals work best on the SAW-inspired Matt Pop mixes.

-Purchase the digital EP here (Amazon)

Grade: C+

Aiden Leslie - I Just Go (Remixes)

This is the singer-songwriter's newest single. It is a melancholy midtempo dubstep inflected ballad. It has the feel of an early 90s Erasure track. The song has been spiced up for the dancefloor with a massive package of remixes. All of the mixes are well-done, however, the best of the bunch are by Frank Lamboy, Mike Rizzo, and Taj. Frank Lamboy's is a hard peak hour stormer while Mike Rizzo's is more mainstream and chill. Taj's accessible big room mix with a massive drop will work the best overall.

-Purchase the song here (iTunes)
-Purchase the remix package here (Amazon)

Grade: A

Madonna - Ghosttown (Remixes)

The second package of remixes of the power ballad have been released. Armand Van Helden, Mindskap, and Offer Nissim. Armand Van Helden's mixes are a throwback to the 90s and feature a Deep House production and a killer bassline, however, the majority of the vocals have been removed and the few that are there do not fit with the production. Mindskap's mix is in a similar vein, however, it has even less vocals. Offer Nissim saves the day with his two mixes. The first is the Drama mix which begins with a stunning orchestral intro leading into the first verse. This mix contains nearly all of the vocals. The mood of the original has been perfectly translated into remixed form with this one. The other mix has a proper intro and is just slightly harder and omits the first verse. This one feels more like a vocal dub. The Drama mix is easily the best mix of the song so far.

-Listen to the mixes on Madonna's YouTube channel

The remix EP will be released for purchase in mid May

Grade: A

Janelle Monáe & Jidenna - Yoga

The avant garde R&B singer-songwriter is back with a suggestive new single about the popular Indian exercise discipline. It is re-purposed as an erotic dance here. Janelle's vocals and sinewy and sensual throughout as is twerking-ready production. Newcomer Jidenna joins her during the middle of the song, giving the song a fun feel. The lyrics are clever and over the top, but that's what makes this song enjoyable.

-Watch the sexy music video here (YouTube)
-Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Adam Lambert - Ghost Town

Newly signed to the Warner Bros. label, the American Idol alum has released the lead single from his 3rd album The Original High. Produced by Pop wunderkind Max Martin, the song fuses Acoustic and Folk elements with 90s House. The deep bassline that comes in 1/3 of the way through the song is reminiscent of Marc Kinchen's signature sound which has recently made a comeback. Adam's vocals sound fantastic from the ballad sections to the uptempo sections. It's one of the strongest singles he has released in a long time.

Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Madonna - Ghosttown (Remixes)

This is the second single from her critically acclaimed Rebel Heart. The song had been a favorite when it was released as part of the first 6 in late December of 2014. The power ballad is a post-apocalyptic love song (the cinematic music video released last week plays up that post-apocalyptic angle) and has one of the best vocals on it that she has done in a long time. Remixes have also been produced. Dirty Pop, Don Diablo, Mike Cruz, and Thrill. Dirty Pop provides a straightforward Electro/Pop mix. Don Diablo's heavy Electro mix has some nice moments when the vocals come in, but the emotional aspect of the original doesn't translate well. Mike Cruz's circuit mix brings the energy but the production doesn't go with the vocals. Thrill's mix has a good production but it doesn't go with the vocals either.

Listen to the mixes here (YouTube)

Grade: A+ (for the original)
Grade: C (for the remixes)

Giorgio Moroder feat. Sia - Deja Vu

This is the latest track to be released from the legendary producer's new album featuring a variety of collaborations with today's hottest singers. Sia performs vocals on this gorgeous, uplifting tracks that recalls Giorgio's work on Donna Summer's celebrated Once Upon A Time. Sia has performed vocals on songs in different genres throughout the years, and she does them all perfectly. She sounds like a mysterious Disco diva on this.

Listen to the song here (Direct Lyrics)

Grade; A

Danny G Italy - Never Stop EP

This is the inaugural release from the Gonna Be Records label. It's an EP containing some progressive and big room oriented tracks. The title song starts things off with a haunting male vocal drop in the middle. It's atmospheric and driving. "Oblivion" is next with a 90s piano hook throughout it. "Running Out Of Time" is a dark peak hour track, also with a nice vocal drop in the middle. The EP closes with an instrumental version of the title track. Overall, this is a solid collection of tracks.

Listen to clips and purchase here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Chic feat. Nile Rodgers - I'll Be There

Chic was a much celebrated Disco/R&B group that had a string of radio and club hits. Their sound has influenced countless Dance and R&B songs. Nile Rodgers made a comeback of sorts working with Daft Punk and Pharell Williams on "Get Lucky" and with Adam Lambert on "Lay Me Down" and "Shady." This is the lead single from Chic's first album in over 2 decades. The gorgeous single picks up exactly where Chic left off back in the day. It could have easily been on one of their earlier albums, but it also could have been made and released now. It has a timeless quality to it. The new record is expected to feature some previously unreleased, unfinished material that has recently been completed.

Listen to a clip and purchase here (iTunes)

Grade: A+

Calvin Harris feat Ellie Goulding - Outside (Barry Harris Remix)

Although it was released in October, the song has only recently begun to smash. The original does not deviate much from Calvin's usual, however, it is a nice slice of Dance/Pop. There have been dozens of remixes, however, the best remix by Barry Harris only surfaced a couple of days back. Barry has done his mix in an early 90s Handbag House style with lots of happy piano elements. Ellie's vocals float beautifully over the lush production.

Listen to the remix and download it here:


Grade: A+

Jason DeRulo - Want To Want Me

This is the lead single from the red hot popstar who had a massive year last year with a string of radio friendly hits. He hops on the throwback bandwagon, going for an 80s synthpop sound. He sings in falsetto for the majority of the song, giving it an even more retro feel. The song is super catchy and has a familiar feel to it. It is a surefire smash waiting to happen.

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

Grade: A

Mama Tits - Bad Girls

This is the new single from drag performer Mama Tits. The hooky song is oodles of fun with its playful attitude and divalicious backing vocals. The main vocals recall the late great Divine. There are several remixes by Groove Addix, SLM, and Wayne Numan. The Groove Addix mix is in a Deep House style and is uplifting. SLM's mix is funkier and more suited for mainstream play. Wayne Numan brings it on his meatier peak hour mix. All 3 mixes are hot.

Listen and purchase here (TraxSource)

Grade: A

Ty Dolla $ign feat. Charli XCX & Tinashe - Drop That Kitty

This unlikely collaboration of a rapper, a Dance/Pop siren, and R&B songstress may sound strange, but it all somehow works on this Stargate and Cashmere Cat produced club banger. It is super sexy with its hypnotic beat and synths. Charl XCX chants the naughty hook while Tinashe sings the bridge. The overly autotune rap is surprisingly tame for a song about this subject. Overall, this is a fun song that should be everywhere in the next few months.

Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

Calvin Harris feat. HAIM - Pray To God

This is the 6th single from the Scottish DJ/producer's latest album Motion. Pop/Rock trio HAIM provides the vocals on this rousing song. The song does not deviate that much from the group's own material but it has a slightly harder edge that is characteristic of Calvin's usual. There is an alternate remix co-produced by Calvin Harris and Mike Pickering (formerly of British Dance/Pop group M People). The remix is cut from the same cloth as M People's brand of mainstream yet underground House music in the mid 90s. The song lends itself well to that style of production and is a joy to listen to. Part of the alternate hook from the bridge is brought out in the remix and used as a loop. This is brought out further in the extended version.

-Watch the music video for the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Calvin Harris vs Mike Pickering remix here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Tony Moran feat. Martha Wash - Free People (Vol 1)

The legendary big voiced diva has teamed up with Tony Moran once again for another uplifting club track. The main version produced by Tony Moran and longtime collaborator Warren Rigg is big room-oriented with big synths. Martha's vocals are fantastic. The first of two volumes of remixes has been released and features an all star lineup including Antony Reale, Cruelty, Funky Junction, Giuseppe D, The Noisemakers, Rene Ablaze, Splashfunk, Laera & Jeyjon, Victor Dinaire & Bissen, and Yinon Yahel. Antony Reale & Funky Junction deliver a big room-oriented House mix which feels like a meatier Freemasons remix. Cruelty provides a 90s Rave meets Handbag House remix. Giuseppe D's piano-heavy is especially hard-hitting and beautiful. The Noisemakers mix is in a soft House style. Coming out of left field is Rene Ablaze's epic big room Trance remix which uses only a limited amount of vocals. Splashfunk, Laera, and Jeyjon's mix is also piano-heavy. Victor Dinaire & Bissen deliver something techy. Yinon Yahel's mix is dark and dramatic. Overall, Giuseppe D and Rene Ablaze's mixes are the best of the bunch.

Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Novaspace feat. Drea Delacruz - Gravity

The Swedish producer/DJ has a brand new single out. It is in a similar vein as earlier singles. The Electro/Pop track has a stellar vocal by singer Drea Delacruz. The big room production will make this one a floorfiller in the coming months.

Listen to the song here:
Grade: A

Amor Kismet - Radar

This is the debut single from the sister trio. It is a delightful throwback to 90s House music with Pop sensibilities. They showcase their gorgeous vocals over the lush piano-laden production. This one is super catchy and has the potential to be a big hit in the clubs and eventually cross over to radio.

Listen to the song here:


The group has an EP which can be previewed here (YouTube) and the songs can be heard in full here (Soundcloud)

Grade: A

Madonna - Rebel Heart (Review)

The highly anticipated 13th studio album from the Queen Of Pop is slated to be released next month, and there are rumors it may be moved up to next week to coincide with her Grammy Awards performance on Sunday.

Madonna began work on this album last year. She was very active on Instagram throughout that year documenting her process with many collaborators including Alicia Keys, Avicii, Diplo, Kanye West, Mozella, Nas, Natalia Kills, Nicki Minaj, Ryan Tedder, Toby Gad, and many others.

Nearly a week before Christmas, a number of unfinished demos and work in progress versions of songs from the album leaked online forcing Madonna and her team to release the first 6 songs as 'instant downloads' when fans pre-ordered the album on iTunes. The lead single "Living For Love" was one of the songs to be released then. A full remix package has also been released and a music video is in the works. The album was originally envisioned as a concept project with two discs each containing a particular them with one being "Rebel Heart" with the more socially conscious and emotional songs and then "Unapologetic Bitch" with the more playful and light-hearted songs. That concept was abandoned due to the leaks and it is now one album going back and forth between the themes.

Here is a track by track writeup.

Deborah Cox - Kinda Miss You

This is the lead single from the R&B and Dance diva's new album Work Of Art due later this year. It is a lovely fusion of all the styles Deborah has showcased in the past. It has the soulfulness of her R&B work with the accessibility of her club-oriented material. It begins with a "Rumour Has It" style marching band beat before a short dropout change into a "Latch" style beat that continues after that. Deborah sounds fantastic. It's a cute and catchy song that is just waiting to crossover. This will lend itself well to club remixes.

Listen to the original here:


Purchase the song on iTunes here

Grade: A

Whitney Houston - My Love Is Your Love (Audio Assembly Remixes)

This was the title track from the late R&B powerhouses 1998 album. It was a big hit on all formats, most notably on the club charts with the fantastic remixes by Jonathan Peters and Thunderpuss. This song remains a favorite by many to this day and was the inspiration for last year's hit "I Got U" by Duke Dumont which included some lines from the song re-sung by a new vocalist. 

Just as the Lifetime network biopic featuring re-recorded songs by Deborah Cox is to premiere, remixing team Audio Assembly has released 3 newly remastered mixes of this classic. They retain the essence of what made the Jonathan Peters and Thunderpuss mixes so memorable but they put their own unique spin on it. The longer, extended version nearly clocking it at 15 minutes features a gorgeous drop into a downtempo piano section. All 3 mixes are excellent.

Download and stream all 3 mixes here:

Grade: A

Madonna - Living For Love (Remixes)

This is the lead single from her forthcoming 13th album Rebel Heart. The song is a return to her Dance/Pop roots. It's an uplifting song produced by Diplo about moving forward after a breakup. It features traditional House elements including a groovy piano hook and straight out of church diva backing vocals. There are plenty of remixes already by Dirty Pop, Djemba Djemba, Mike Rizzo, Offer Nissim, and Thrill. The Dirty Pop remix is an electro-drenched one with a limited amount of vocals. The Djemba Djemba one is close to the original however it strips down certain sections. His mix uses all of the vocals. Mike Rizzo's remix takes the concept of the original and turns it into a hands in the air floorfiller. Offer Nissim delivers a darker, big room full vocal take that is appropriately titled as it does bring the drama. Thrill's remix is techy and plays up some of the choir backing vocals but it lacks direction. Overall, Mike Rizzo and Offer Nissim's mixes are the best of the bunch in addition to the fantastic original.

-Listen to the original here
-Listen to the Dirty Pop remix here
-Listen to the Djemba Djemba remix here
-Listen to the Mike Rizzo mix here
-Listen to the Offer Nissim remix here
-Listen to the Thrill remix here

Grade: A

Fierce Angel Presents Wayne G & Peyton - High

Wayne G and soulful singer Peyton have done a new remake of this song by the Lighthouse Family. It was a hit for them in 1997 and 1998 throughout much of Europe. It had a bunch of remixes, however the François Kevorkian one is the most well-known. Tony Moran also recorded and produced a cover version for his own sets with Nicki Richards and Zhana Saunders. An alternate edit of that was released on the Circuit movie soundtrack. A different mix was unveiled last year, however, a remix by Eric Kupper and Richie Jones was released on the newest Fierce Angel compilation. It is a lush, uplifting mix that is straight out of the Disco era. It's so pretty.

Purchase the Eric Kupper & Richie Jones mix here (Beatport)

Grade: A

David Morales presents The Face feat Kym Mazelle - Lovin'

The legendary producer/remixer/DJ's latest release is a track based on the Disco classic "Lovin' Is Really My Game" originally recorded by Brainstorm. The production combines the flavor of the original but adapts it for today's dancefloors. Veteran clubland songstress Kym Mazelle performs the lead vocals. Only a selected section of the main vocal hook and the recognizable riff that has been sampled countless times throughout the years are used. This is one of the best new releases of 2015.

Listen to a clip here:


Grade: A