Lana Del Rey - Honeymoon (Audio) [Review]

Image; thefleamarcat.com

Lana fans rejoice, as Del Rey had released the title track 'Honeymoon' from her upcoming album of the same name. The album, slated for release in September sometime later this year, comes after the release of her acclaimed Ultraviolence album, which was released in June last year. Known most prominently for her cinematic ballads, 'Honeymoon' is no exception, with sweeping vocals and soaring strings being at the core of the track. 

Image; The Guardian

Standing at 5 minutes 54 seconds, the track has a distinct summery feel, and following suit of recent releases 'Big Eyes' and 'I Can Fly', it has that element of high drama and cinematic edge. Featuring some big instrumentals including military drums, piano chords and strings, 'Honeymoon' is a triumphant return for the singer who has found a name for herself with her old style vocals and classical elements. It's certainly a long and drawn-out effort, (although Del Rey doesn't seem to do anything small when it comes to her music) and it pays off, with the song being equally enticing and atmospheric. 

Image; Idolator.com

If this impressive effort is anything to go by, it seems Honeymoon will be quite the show-stopper. 

If you want to read more Lana articles, you can check out the links below:
Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence Album Review 
Lana Del Rey - The Top 10 Songs 

Listen to 'Honeymoon' below:

Selena Gomez - Good For You (Official Video) [+ Review]

And just like we promised, the new Selena Gomez 'Good For You' music video (scroll to watch) is here, with a whole new stripped down version of the song, without A$AP Rocky's segment. 

The new version features a lot less backing track but seemingly more autotune with the singer's voice being more dominant. You can certainly hear Gomez better, but the previous version sounded more atmospheric. 

It's a bold choice, one that seems to be dividing fans who are fond of the new version and those who preferred the previous. Whatever the case, the music video fits the new 'bare' version, with Gomez opting for several simplistic outfits including a white t-shirt, colourful dressing gown and other apparel. It's got everything you'd expect from this type of video: shower scene, laying on a sofa, writhing on the floor. 

Gomez shows off her new more mature image to match the different sound and it's one that pays off. Whilst the previous track may have been more catchy, the video is engaging enough to keep viewers interested. The artistic photography style and stripped back setting echo the emotional aura of the song and provide a suitable backdrop for a thoughtful video. 

You can read our review of the version of the song with A$AP Rocky here. 

Watch Selena Gomez's new video for 'Good For You' below: 

Icona Pop - Emergency [Review]

Yes, it's the zany, wacky and downright delirious Icona Pop, who are back with their newest single, 'Emergency'. Stepping out in immediate fashion, the duo kit up in futuristic gold and black outfits to perform the music video for 'Emergency', and it's an incredible party sensation. You can always count on Icona Pop to produce something a little different and outlandish, and 'Emergency' is just that; a mix of various musical stylings and with a pre-chorus like no other. Proving that they still have the wow factor after the success of 'I Love It' (feat. Charli XCX), and 'Emergency' has them returning to top form.

The track possesses a bit of a swing vibe, and you can just imagine people gaining great enjoyment from getting up and dancing to it, it's a real feel-good anthem: "I put a little twist in my hips/ kiss on my lips/ ice on my wrist 'cause I'm hot and I'm dancing". Icona Pop have teamed up with Erik Hassle who sings all about the 'Emergency', whilst the duo rave it up on the other verses. 

As anticipated, the music video is designed specifically with the song's eclectic nature in mind, and Icona Pop wear some ridiculously cool (and glittery) eye wear. There's flashlights, sirens, body bags and a whole lot of hip twisting. It's upbeat, energetic and wonderfully edited. 

Watch the undeniably charismatic Icona Pop in their latest music video for 'Emergency': 

Selena Gomez - Good For You ft. A$AP Rocky [Review]

OK, I almost can't believe I'm saying this. But Selena Gomez has a new sound (and look) and it's actually pretty amazing. Yes, Gomez has enlisted the help of some auto-tune (but let's face it, who hasn't these days?) to assist her in her new quest for musical domination but that doesn't detract from the fact that this is a sultry, solid sound for the singer. 

Teaming up with A$AP Rocky, Gomez has released the smooth audio for new track 'Good For You', and it's undeniably catchy. We're predicting big things for this song. Gomez's verses flow beautifully and intertwine with the gradually building beats perfectly (some one give this woman's producers a GRAMMY). It's slower and more drawn out than Gomez's usual up-beat pop sound, which is a big risk, but one than monumentally pays off. 

Gomez has shown she has the self-confidence, both lyrically and personally, to venture into new territory and sing something that is distinctly different from anything she has done before. Gomez has adopted a new mature sound that echoes her years (seriously people, she's 22, not 12) and will hopefully help her shed the Disney image she still carries around (undeservedly) like a dead puppet. If this doesn't do it, nothing will. 

With breathy mesmerizing vocals that possess a stunning echo, Gomez has really kicked up the ambience to an 11 in this slick production (big credit to producers: Sir Nolan, Nick Monson, A$AP Rocky & Hector Delgado). The lyrical content has an essence of self-confidence, with Gomez singing about looking good and being 'good' for her other half. Particularly notable lyrics include the use of poetry: "leave the stress from us on the floor" and "syncopate my skin to your heart beating". Also have to give a shout-out to the jewellery reference: "could even make that Tiffany jealous". A$AP Rocky also has a segment towards the end of the song which echoes Gomez's sentiments whilst also implying certain sexual acts. Overall, Gomez appears to be well a truly on form with A$AP Rocky in this impressive new single. Listen to the audio below, and check back tomorrow for our thoughts on Gomez's music video (released 26th June), directed by Sophie Muller:

Foxes - Body Talk [Review]

After releasing her début studio album last year (entitled Glorious), Foxes is back with new single, 'Body Talk' (scroll for video). The track serves as the first single off her upcoming sophomore album and by the looks of it, the singer is taking a more retro route for her music. With a distinctly disco vibe and classic synths in full force, 'Body Talk' is an interesting new venture for the songstress. Charting previously unexplored territory, it appears the singer is branching out into different musical styling and leaving her safety net. Foxes still showcases her vocal range, hitting high notes left, right and centre, but there's just something not all that memorable about the end result.

Whilst 'Body Talk' is a perfectly adequate song, it misses on the memorability factor, despite being a more vibrant, upbeat addition to her discography. It would appear the 80s is a popular musical influence on singers as of late, with many acts turning to the retro era for inspiration. Despite the somewhat lacklustre musical effort, Foxes has a particular ability to show off a range of emotions in her singing, and this is reflected appropriately in the video. Singing about a lover whom she misses but now recognises that she is over, "It's not right, now I know, I don't need him/ Let your body talk" soaring her way into the radio-friendly chorus.

Now that we've covered the track, it seems only fitting that we move on to the frankly bizarre music video. Now, we're not saying there's any people with super-imposed cat faces or donning wacky outfits, but there is a lot of petrol station/garage dancing. Yep, just spontaneous (totally not choreographed, cough) dancing with several other woman. As you do, you know, on your way to fill up your car or grab some dodgy snacks from the petrol shop. So you know, if you want your own 3am petrol jam just head down to your local stop and Foxes should be there to dance the night away. 

tumblr; gif by aobea

Anyway, whilst the concept of the video could have been better, the moody pink and blue lighting sets the tone beautifully and there's something strangely appealing about the way in which water drips down the outside back window in Foxes' car.

Tumblr; gif by frootxcx

If you want to check out Foxes' video and track 'Body Talk' then watch below, and let us know your own thoughts in the comments: