Category: Song Of The Day

SONG OF THE DAY (SUNDAY FUNDAY): Rita Ora – “Radioactive”

Here’s a simple formula: great producer + great songwriter + great pop artist = great pop song. British singer/songwriter Rita Ora exploded on the scene in the UK first as a featured singer on DJ Fresh’s dubstep pop hit “Hot Right Now.” She then scored solo with the chart topping singles “How We Do (Party)” and “Shine Ya Light.” While she hasn’t conquered the US with such success, her new single “Radioactive” just might do the trick. Written and produced by Sia Furler (who we all know from her solo work along with massive David Guetta/Flo Rida collaborations) and Greg Kurstin (from hits by Kylie and Kelly Clarkson and Tegan and Sara?s recent “Closer”), this stadium house-grooved europop record is love at first listen. With lines like “hand to the sky” and “I feel it” and incredibly strong remixes by Dutch producers Baggi Begovic, Flexican and Lucien Foort, “Radioactive” will definitely generate a lot of DJ love.


Image Courtesy of Roc Nation.

SONG OF THE DAY: Christian Burns, Paul Oakenfold & Jes – “As We Collide (Orjan Nilsen Remix)”

Life after a boy band is always a challenge, yet after the break up of BBMak, singer Christian Burns has done quite well by embracing EDM. He collaborates with some of the best (Armin van Buuren, BT, and Tiesto), and continues his trajectory by working with the legendary Paul Oakenfold. “As We Collide” (Why do I always call this song “As Worlds Collide”?) is an energetic big room club track that acts as the background for a gorgeous and inspired vocal duet by Christian and the much-loved Jes. Vocals in club records are often relegated to the background or simplified and auto tuned to the point of being robotic. On “As We Collide,” both singers shine with emotional performances that show their range and true vocal talent. Somehow I missed this when it was originally released back in October, but Norwegian producer Orjan Nilesen?s remix here really grabs me. He completely reworked the track and added a new melody line similar to Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy” or maybe the interpolated pattern of September?s “Cry for You.? A more lush feel is given to the emotional nature of the song while its energy is increased for the dance floor. If you missed this track the first time around, it would do you well to check it out along with this hot new remix.


Image Courtesy of Armada.

SONG OF THE DAY: tyDi ft Christina Novelli – “Fire and Load”

An inspired pairing… “Fire & Load” unites producer tyDi (last heard with Kerli on the epic “Glow in the Dark”) and Christina Novelli (singer on “Concrete Angels” which was one of the best tracks of 2012). A straight-ahead progressive beat anchors a dark pop melody featuring great keyboard work and some dramatic tempo changes.? Speaking of drama, the repeated line “don’t you let me go,” sung with heartfelt emotion by Christina, could be sampled on its own and be the basis of an amazing trance track.? For those wanting a harder mix, Ryan Mendoza pumps up the track with harder electro beats while keeping the vocals intact, not an easy feat.? “Fire and Load” is just proof that when great people work together, wonderful music is bound to follow.


Image Courtesy of S107/Armada.