Music Week’s guide to the most essential tracks of the moment…
ARIANA GRANDE
7 Rings (Republic)
Apparently Thank U, Next and Imagine weren’t enough for Ariana, who has charts everywhere in a headlock with this bassy slow jam. If you didn’t know it already, 2019 is hers.
Contact Elspeth Merry
elspeth.merry@umusic.com
KAREN O & DANGER MOUSE
Woman (BMG)
There’s an enjoyable weirdness about this glammy rocker from Karen O and Danger Mouse. From the upcoming album Lux Prima, out March 15.
Contact Ben Harris
ben@runmusic.co.uk
TOM WALKER
Just You And I (Relentless)
Soft of beard and deep of voice, Tom Walker seems a clean cut pop star, which makes this tale of quadruple vodkas and “puking up” oddly compelling.
Contact Fred Mellor
fred@mbcpr.com
JERRY WILLIAMS
David At The Bar (Sunglasses Records)
Inspired by a chat with a stranger in a Portsmouth pub, Jerry Willliams’ new single is perhaps her most touching yet. “Here’s to a good life,” indeed.
Contact Jeff Powell
jeff @bighugmanagement.com
FOUR OF DIAMONDS
Blind (Virgin EMI)
Proving that leaving in week five of The X Factor is no bad thing, Four Of Diamonds maintain their crusade for pop glory with this insistent bop.
Contact Misha Clarke
misha@wecarealotpr.com
SIGRID
Don’t Feel Like Crying (Island)
Sigrid batters heartache round the chops with a massive chorus, which, thanks to clever production, dangles tantalisingly before taking flight.
Contact Elspeth Merry
elspeth.merry@umusic.com
NILÜFER YANYA
In Your Head (ATO Records)
The 23-year-old Londoner trails debut album Miss Universe (March 22) with waves of guitars and drums that crash beneath confused lyrics. Brilliant.
Contact Dan Carson
dan@they-do.com