First Impressions is an interns roundtable review of songs on first (or second) listen. Each week we each review six new songs from the week past, each giving them a score out of five and awarding one our pick of the week.
This week, we're taking on all things pop with BenZel's love lorn new single, Say Lou Lou's collaboration with Lindstrom, Nicki Minaj's ode to big buns and more. Read below as we clash heads, sync opinions and make our pick.
Say Lou Lou & Lindstrom- Games For Girls
Lizzie: I feel like i’ve gone back in time about 20 years. This is a sweet, poppy gem which make me instantly happy. I kinda want to invest in a Xylophone... 3.5 Lizzie’s Pick
Sam: I like everything apart from the fact that we have to wait until February for the album. Of all the stellar tracks these twins have released, this one sounds the most polished, confident and delectable. It’s also the most different sounding thing they’ve released, probably thanks to Lindstrom’s groove-heavy production. 3.5
Bianca: This has such a great groove to it. I'm really digging the nu-disco vibe that Lindstrom is laying down below the twins' poppy vocals. Double trouble! 3.5 Bianca's Pick.
[soundcloud width="740" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/sayloulou/say-lou-louxlindstrom-games-for-girls[/soundcloud]
BenZel- Wasted Love
Lizzie: Love the chorus breakdown, it’s very textured and evocative - especially her voice it just draws you straight in. I have many many feels after this song. 3.5
Bianca: I'm really getting a Jessie Ware vibe from this track but one that's been injected with a warm dose of R&B. Stevie Neale's honey-smooth vocals are an inviting addition to the already super-smooth beat. 3.5
Sam: The fact that BenZel are not two Japanese teenagers makes them no less impressive. Every pop act is surely champing at the bit to work with this duo following Jessie Ware’s Tough Love and now this. It’s a beautiful, understated pop song with a verse that rushes like a hit of sugar to the head. 4
[soundcloud width="740" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/officialbenzel/wasted-love[/soundcloud]
Nicki Minaj- Anaconda
Lizzie: After I managed to draw my eyes away from her derriere for just a second I was able to listen to hear this song in all its glory. Maybe “glory” was not the right word to use. This track is a royal pain in my tiny (comparatively) arse. 1.5
Bianca: She just butchered a classic fave from my childhood and Sir Mix-a-lot deserves a written apology. Yes, we get it. You've got buns, hun. A baker's dozen worth. 1
Sam: I couldn’t agree less with Bianca. The original is far from a classic. As far as I’m concerned this is more palatable. I’m just going to put the fact that this is completely ridiculous to the side and give Nicki some cred. She’s really the only artist on radio right now churning out stuff with a bit of colour and personality. She’s ditched the dance-pop side of things and is heading for a much more well-rounded third album. 3