Saturday, November 05, 2005

Singles Reviews (released 11/7/05 in UK)

"Free Loop" - Daniel Powter (4/5)
This piano-driven follow-up to "Bad Day" is just as good, if not better, than his first single. Instantly radio-friendly, just as gratifying, and even less monotonous. I always thought it odd that "Bad Day" had only one real verse.

"(Don't) Give Hate a Chance" - Jamiroquai (3/5)
Another fine single from Jamiroquai, although, I had to admit to being a bit tired of their sound, which doesn't seem to vary much from single to single. Again, it's disco/funk revival with a hard-driving chorus.

"Modern Way" - Kaiser Chiefs (3.5/5)
This is one of the, er, quieter moments from their fine album, Employment, and an obvious choice for a single. Not as much fun as "I Predict a Riot," but still likable. Quieter verses with surging choruses. Guitar-driven with some electro/retro sound effects thrown in.

"Hung Up" - Madonna (4/5)
Is that Madonna's biological clock ticking away at the beginning? Judging from this slice of disco/club joy, it's going to be ticking for a long time. After the disappointing last album, Madonna appears to be back in form with this first single from upcoming Confessions on a Dancefloor. Effectively samples ABBA's "Gimme Gimme Gimme" over hard (and I mean HARD) thumping bass. The only reason I don't give this a higher score is that it feels a bit "by the numbers" for Madonna, but perhaps that's what she needs right now--a safe hit.

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