So this week I’ve gone reasonably retro back to some great music that has been released in the last two or three years. Starting with Avril – I’ve always been a huge fan since her skater boi and complicated days, but I really think her new album is one of her best and hasn’t got the credit it deserves. Throw in some Kendrick Lamar, who I am loving right now and some Mariah. Enjoy!

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: AVRIL LAVIGNE – AVRIL LAVIGNE

Okay so for starters my favourite songs from this album are not the hits at all, I mean don’t get me wrong I do think Here’s To Never Growing Up is really good fun and Let Me Go is a great duet with her husband, but I’m a much bigger fan of other gems on the album. One of my favourites is Give You What You Like which is really quite dark but the melody is beautiful – with a lovely piano and strings accompaniment that builds throughout the song. The words are also really good – a more serious song that shows off her talent.

Next we have 17 which is just such a lovely song! It immediately conjures up the images she describes in the lyrics – one of her talents is that the songs really do take you to a particular moment in time. The guitar is awesome in this too, as is her voice in the bridge. Songs like Bitchin’ Summer also create this image of teenage dreams.

Then of course we have the hit Rock n Roll which is just a great female power anthem – hey heys at the end of the chorus make you want to jam with your friends in the streets. Love the big drums too and the call and response in the bridges.

This album is full of emotional depth and more upbeat tracks and I would recommend it to everyone who is a fan of good music and Avril’s work!

SINGLE OF THE WEEK: Emotions – Mariah Carey

Speaking of power anthems – you don’t get much more power than Mariah. Here is a throwback to, in my opinion, a song which showcases her voice at its most glorious. It’s all about the whistles at the end of each verse and at the very end of the song, when she just effortlessly sings about 2 octaves above most people’s range! And just a great, groovy song!

RUNNER UP SINGLE: I – Kendrick Lamar

This is a fabulous song that immediately makes you feel good and want to dance! It’s lyrics about self love and self confidence are relatable to all audiences and this track oozes style. A great one to throw into a party mix.

COVER OF THE WEEK: Roar – Tori Kelly and Scott Hoying (Katy Perry)

This is just gold – better than the original I think and that’s when you know it’s a really good cover. Two fantastic singers and musicians jamming it out – the guitar accompaniment is lovely too!

Lots of love,

Sunny Kitty