Katy Perry returns to the music scene with her first single off of her upcoming album: “Prism.” (Album cover property of Capitol Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar
New Music Releases is back!
This week, I reviewed hot new singles from Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Cassadee Pope and The Wanted!
“Roar” by Katy Perry
For the first time since 2010’s Teenage Dream, the “Firework” singer has produced a new song. “Roar” features strong vocals from the Smurfette voice actress and signature lyric hooks courtesy of Perry and her cast of usual suspects (longtime collaborators Bonnie McKee, Dr. Luke, Cirkut and Max Martin) and a trifecta hybrid sound of dance pop, arena rock and power pop. Overall, this is a great single and it is the perfect way to start counting down to Prism’s release date. A
“Applause” by Lady Gaga
At the same time, Mother Monster has released her first single off of Artpop. This is an interesting track that has a similar electropop sound such as her previous hits including “Just Dance,” “Judas” and “Schibe.” While “Applause” contains catchy lyrics and a hypnotic beat, it may take a while for non-Little Monsters to embrace the song. B+
John Mayer’s “Wildfire” features superior guitar work from the singer-songwriter and strong lyrics. (Album cover property of Columbia Records & Sony Music)
“Wildfire” by John Mayer
This track is John Mayer’s second original piece since the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s vocal surgery. “Wildfire” features a superb call-and-response section and doo-wop sound that will make some music lovers dance in delight. This author hopes that there will be more tracks like “Wildfire” on next week’s Paradise Valley. A-
“You Hear A Song” by Cassadee Pope
The Voice: Season Three winner is preparing to launch her first studio album since last year’s win on the hit NBC series. Her second single: “You Hear a Song” is a terrific country rock song that has great lyrics and strong vocals from Cassadee. If she continues to produce quality material like this, Cassadee could be the show’s first superstar. A
The Wanted’s “We Own the Night” is an addicting piece of ear candy that will put a smile on the listener’s face. (Album cover property of Geffen & Island Records)
“We Own the Night” by The Wanted
The British bad boys have slowly grown on me! Their fourth single off of their upcoming third studio album, Word of Mouth, is a very addicting piece of ear candy. “We Own the Night” could rock the charts and the Top 40 radio station later this year. Your move, One Direction! B+
I do not own any of the clips that are sprinkled in this review, they belong to the artists and their respective record labels!
