By We review the latest single releases (July 24) with new tracks from Aston Merrygold, Foxes and Sigma featuring Ella Henderson.
Aston Merrygold: 'Get Stupid'
Successfully shaking off that boyband pop tag is no easy feat, but former JLS star Aston Merrygold does enough wiggling and jiggling here to give him a decent shot at it. 'Get Stupid' is considerately placed in the year of 'Uptown Funk'; its taut guitars, jumping beats and strutting brass firmly in line with the type of infectious funk that will get everyone from your dog to your nan shimmying around the kitchen. But what's most striking is Aston's powerful vocal turn. Gone are the smooth harmonies and heartthrob hums and in comes an electrifying, soulful delivery that takes advantage of the extra vocal space enjoyed by a post-group performer. Aston waits little time in making full use of it, and although he goes against his own chorus callout, is smart in doing so.
Foxes: 'Body Talk'
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion and the '80s seem to hold a heavy place in pop culture's heart. The latest popstar to echo the era is Foxes who, following the Top 5 success of her debut album Glorious and a Grammy win for Zedd hook-up 'Clarity', is looking to cement her own mark in the music history books. New single 'Body Talk' is a step in the right direction, its wafting synths and brooding undertone sounding like Drive's Ryan Gosling blasting 'Bette Davis Eyes' out of a prowling Ford Mustang. For all its yearning of yesteryear, Foxes' luscious tone manages to keep it suitably modern, taking her electro serenade back to the future.
Sigma ft. Ella Henderson: 'Glitterball'
While we continue to wait for Rebecca Ferguson to do that dance anthem we all want, Ella Henderson has stepped forward as the first X Factor babe to put her vocals on a massive DJ-helmed track. Sigma have recruited the starlet for their latest drum and bass crossover anthem 'Glitterball', which shimmers brighter than its namesake. True to form, the club number surges with adrenaline-fuelled beats and swelling strings, while Ella's distinctly soulful tone rises and breaks in just the right moments. It's a notably quicker pace than what we've heard from Henderson before, but she proves here that she's more than capable of keeping up.
