IT MAY actually be a physical impossibility to not to smile from ear to ear when you hear the new single by Bruno Mars. 24K Magic is three and a half minutes of pure joy and is without doubt one of the best commercial songs of 2016.
Funky, soulful and fun the track has obviously been inspired by Bruno's partnership with Mark Ronson on Uptown Funk and comes across as a more laid back version of that song – less frantic but still intensely funky and groove laden.
Although mark Ronson has been involved in the production of Mars' upcoming new album, this song was produced by The Stereotypes who have crafted music for everyone from Justin Bieber to Far East Movement and from Chris Brown to Usher.
24K Magic sounds like a party at James Brown's house with Prince as the guest of honour and is one of those enviable tracks where the verses are just as catchy as the chorus and the phrase 'feel good' doesn't even come close to describing the record's power and impact.
The song is brimming with style, swagger and charisma and if the new album is more of the same you can expect Santa's sack to be bulging with Bruno this year.
GREEN PARTY
Green Day's new album Revolution Radio is finally here and it would seem that the band have gone back to their roots of power pop punk.
After rock operas and that perhaps ill-advised period of releasing three albums in one go, the guys have simply delivered a highly impressive collection of full-on songs filled with crashing drums, runaway rhythms and massively melodic guitar riffs.
The trailer single Bang Bang pretty much sums up the record where the verses break down to just drum patterns and vocals followed by an all hell let loose chorus.
Top tracks after the first few listens are the excellent Still Breathing and the instantly addictive Troubled Times.
ONE LOVE
One Republic have just released their new album Oh My My and as you would expect from frontman Ryan Tedder, the record is filled with near perfect pop songs. The singles Kids and the short but sweet Wherever I Go are fine examples of his ability to seemingly effortlessly produce songs that are almost blueprints for radio hits – albeit a little sterile and unimaginative.
From writing hits such as Bleeding Love for Leona Lewis and helping to whip U2's last album into shape, his professional credentials are there for all to see.
Oh My My is not exactly the most exciting album you'll hear this year but if it's clean cut, risk free symmetrical pop/rock songs that float your boat then this the album for you.
