Two up and coming international dance acts unite for a laid-back vibe on the club track “You Know You Like It”. The British import AlunaGeorge have been garnering a lot of critical praise the past couple of years with their brand of 90’s club soul, a trend recently followed by a number of new UK imports. Dj Snake, coming off his major club breakthrough “Turn Down For What”, allows the act to stay true to their R&B club roots, while infusing the track with just the right amount of breaks and heat to melt Aluna’s cool vocal. While the track doesn’t have the most immediate hook, repeated listens reveal a subtle melody brain freeze on the “You Know You Like it” refrain.
While this track won’t be the one to break them to the mainstream here, it will continue a buzz for both acts, sure to have more potential with their next full-length releases.
Check out their unique video with a “planet of the apes” theme and then vote if you like this song better than Demi Lovato’s latest “Nightingale.” (scroll down for review and video).
I like Demi Lovato. I feel like I got to know her when she was a judge on American Idol. A smart, funny, strong young woman who was not afraid to exchange barbs with the burly Brit Simon Cowell. No easy feat, however she rose to the challenge. Her backstory also is relatable to most. A struggle through adolescence, leading to a self-destructive behavior, rehab, and recovery. All in view of the general public. She handled it all with grace and honesty, inspiring many young girls along the way.
The problem she faces is that her public personal overshadows her music. I’ve gotten to know her through her public persona, rather than through her music. She has catchy singles, seems to have a strong voice (although it is conspicuously auto-tuned and mixed down on most of her singles), and she has great stage presence.
Odd then that the one song off her last album “Demi” (2013), that shows off her vocal skills and vulnerability best, is just now getting promoted with a video which also shows off a more personal side of Lovato. “Nightingale” finds the singer looking for someone to comfort her in times of need, to help her put her fears and doubts to rest. A sweet, hopeful lyric that Lovato co-wrote herself. The melody matches the lyric perfectly, and Lovato gives an almost Auto-tuneless vocal performance (seems to be a few minor spots on the verses) that shows off her interpretive skills quite aptly. She goes from softly yearning on the verses, to powerfully pleading on the chorus’. The kicker is the soft chorus breakdown after the bridge and the powerful ending, with Lovato belting at the full end of her range and riffing with ease.
The video is also one of her best. A simple collage of backstage moments with Lovato from her tour, which again gives a true glimpse of her life (who is the mystery man she affectionately kisses?). Here’s hoping this song gets properly promoted at radio because it could set up her next album quite nicely.
[Verse 1]
I can’t sleep tonight, wide awake and so confused.
Everything is in line, but I am bruised.
I need a voice to echo, I need a light to take me home.
I kinda need a hero, is it you?
[Pre-Chorus]
I never see the forest for the trees, I could really use your melody.
Baby I’m a little blind, I think it’s time for you to find me.
[Chorus]
Can you be my Nightingale?
Sing to me, I know you’re there.
You could be my sanity,
Bring me peace, sing me to sleep.
Say you’ll be my Nightingale.
[Verse 2]
Somebody speak to me, cause I’m feeling like hell,
Need you to answer, I’m overwhelmed.
I need a voice to echo, I need a light to take me home,
I need to star to follow, I don’t know.
[Pre-Chorus]
I never see the forest for the trees, I could really use your melody.
Baby I’m a little blind, I think it’s time for you to find me.
[Chorus]
Can you be my Nightingale?
Sing to me, I know you’re there.
You could be my sanity,
Bring me peace, sing me to sleep.
Say you’ll be my Nightingale.
[Hook]
I don’t know what I’d do without you,
Your words are like a whisper come through.
As long as you’re with me here tonight,
I’m good.
[Bridge]
Can you be my Nightingale?
Feel so close, I know you’re there.
[Outro]
Ohhhh Nightingale, sing to me, I know you’re there.
Cause baby you’re my sanity,
You bring me peace, send me to sleep.
Say you’ll be my Nightingale.
CW as Chris 