Avicii & Robbie Williams - The Days

"These are the days we've been waiting for"

So where the hell did this come from? I love it when awesome, random pop collaborations just appear out of nowhere. I don't think I ever would have considered Avicii and Robbie Williams as two artists that would go well together, but as soon as I heard their names, it made perfect sense. The Days is their new collaboration single and, surprisingly, it's a lot less dance/club inspired than I would have expected. Up until the last minute or so, it sounds like a classic acoustic 70's singalong with some modern electro production to push it forward. The hook is fantastic, and Robbie's vocals are always a treat. I was a big fan of his "dance" album Rudebox, so I certainly wouldn't mind hearing more like this in the near future.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

BeatBurger - She So High

As a writer and teacher, it's difficult for me to ignore grammatical errors. But, since this song is 90% not in English, I can forgive that wonky, apostrophe-less title. BeatBurger is the project of several producers that work for Korea's SM Entertainment. This song features the vocals of one half of TVXQ, though it sounds much more like a European house track than typical k-pop. I would expect this to come out of some place like Sweden or Norway. The soaring, yet gentle, melody compliments that surging instrumental so well. It's one of those tracks that seems a bit typical at first, but quickly reveals its melodic charms on repeated listens. It's certainly become an unexpected favorite for me, appearing almost out of nowhere to find a permanent spot on my ipod.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Donkeyboy - Hero

"There will be nothing we can't take on"

As soon as I heard those thundering drums that open this song, I knew I was in love. Actually, that's not entirely accurate. I kinda knew I was in love before I even heard the song, because since their debut with the modern classic Ambitions, Norwegian band Donkeyboy haven't put a foot wrong. Hero is catchy enough with its choral hook and melodic verses, but then two and a half minutes in, the production switches up and the track becomes a deliriously fun bit of electro dance. It's like a bonus surprise remix at the end of the song. An even greater surprise would be the debut of this long-awaited third album. We're three excellent singles in at this point, and my mouth is watering for a new full-length. Come on, guys! We can't wait much longer! At least give us a release date...



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy their music here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

One Direction - Steal My Girl

"Everybody wanna take her heart away"

Sometimes, in my weaker moments, I wish that I could be one of those "cool" music bloggers who rails against manufactured pop music and highlights "true" musicians. Then I remind myself to screw it and go with the melody, like I always have. I adore a big chorus, an awesome guitar or piano riff, and slick, polished production. Judging from Steal My Girl, One Direction are in the same boat I am. I keep expecting them to ditch this awesome, "uncool" 80's power rock sound they've brought back in favor of something more trendy and boring. Luckily, they surprise me time after time by coming back with something hugely anthemic and melodic, over the top and filled with brilliant pop cheese. I love this new single, just as I've loved everything the band have put out since their debut. I'm amazed how consistently good (and fun) their music has remained four albums in, when most of these types of bands fizzle out and go the boring, adult-contemporary route to make those last few bucks. Like, seriously... that Abba-meets-Journey piano line? I'm in heaven. And I feel sorry for anyone whose personal definition of "cool" doesn't allow them to turn this up and sing along. (But I bet even they'd do it secretly at home)



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.