This Week's New Music: RATED

Doesn't this week feel like it's gone on FOREVER? Anyway, here's some new music I heard.

Lady Gaga - A-Yo (8.5/10)

I really liked "Perfect Illusion" but I did not like "A Million Reasons". That being said, I like "A-Yo" a lot. It's really well executed and perfectly in keeping with Gaga's new direction. Definitely worth a listen.

Little Mix - Shout Out To My Ex (6.5/10)

I've always really liked Little Mix. Obviously, I am the right target for the female empowerment schtick. Saying that, SOTMYE isn't doing anything groundbreaking for the girls. Unfortunately, from a vocal standpoint they don't blow me way either. Saying that, I don't hate the song at all.

Jai Wolf - Like It's Over ft. MNDR (8/10)

I've always got time for Jai Wolf. I think he's an extremely talented young producer and I'm looking forward to seeing his impact on music. "Like It's Over" has some really great bright spots. For example, the chorus is exactly what it needs to be, especially with someone like MNDR on duty. This is a really strong effort, brilliant offering from the indie side of things.

Icona Pop - Brightside (4/10)

Something about this doesn't hit the right notes for me. First of all, this is entirely too "end of summer". We're almost in November. Secondly, we've heard music like this for the last year from everyone from Justin Bieber to Major Lazer and MØ. This isn't a new sound and they're not even doing it as well as someone like MØ. It's not hitting any buttons that no one else has. It's a shame because Icona Pop usually manages to toss out something strong by their standards.

Clean Bandit - Rockabye ft. Anne Marie and Sean Paul(7/19)

Clean Bandit don't really move me like they move other people. That being said, I really like Anne Marie and Sean Paul. I think the whole "island flavor" thing is (thankfully) starting to die out, but I also think the soundscape on this one is raucous but complex enough to work. Again, I'm not overly moved by the song but it's a really decent effort.