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+