Nikki Williams - Glowing (Remixes)

This is the current single from the South African singer/songwriter. After the midtempo "Kill, Fuck, Marry" comes this Dance/Pop song. In the midst of all the generic Dance/Pop singles that are all over radio, Nikki's song is in a league of its own as the lyrics are not just about dancing and drinking, and the vocals are absolutely amazing. This song could easily be a power ballad if the Electronic elements were removed.

Though quite Dance-oriented in its original version, there are remixes by Cazzette, Danny Verde, and Fedde Le Grand. Cazzette's hard electro/tribal mix pumps up the energy of the song while Danny Verde's mixes are in the same vein as the original, making it just a little harder. Danny's mixes are very pretty. Fedde Le Grand dirties things up with his synthy electro mix. Overall, Danny Verde's are the best of the bunch.

-Listen to a preview and buy the original here (iTunes)
-Listen to a preview and buy the remixes here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven (Remixes)

This was the lead single from his highly anticipated Unorthodox Jukebox album. The song's verses instantly call to mind Alcazar's club classic "Crying At The Discotheque" which sampled Sheila B. Devotion's "Spacer." The electronic/rock/pop song is insanely catchy.

There are some remixes by Cazzette, Late Night Hustle, Major Lazer, Paul Oakenfold, and R3hab. Cazzette's mix is a straightforward big room electro/house mix. Late Night Hustle's electro mix has an 80s synthpop type of sound. Major Lazer's mix is laidback with a light reggae sound. Paul Oakenfold opts for a heavy electro sound with only the verses having a lot of melody. R3hab deviates from the usual for a hip hop meets dubstep styled mix. Overall, Cazzette and Major Lazer's mixes are the best of the bunch.

-Listen to the Cazzette mix here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Major Lazer mix here (YouTube)

Grade: A-