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)

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

Thrill and Rxn - Ilemi

Hard aggressive instrumental club tracks show no sign of slowing down. In the same vein as "#Selfie" and "Animals", "Ilemi" is an explosive peak hour floor burner. Just as the others, this one is begging for some vocals, but it works well as it is. This one should be everywhere in the next few months.

-Listen to a clip and purchase here (Beatport)

Grade: A-