Single reviews: Alphabeat, Madonna, Natasha and Jimmy Eat World

Alphabeat - Fascination

The word is on your lips, and that word is Alphabeat – a Danish pop-rock group who entered the European pop scene in 2007 with their self titled debut album.

Relatively unknown in Ireland, they have been together since high school and are a welcome explosion to our music scene. Fascination, the band’s debut single, is essentially a cheesy 80s pop-song with chirpy vocals and care-free lyrics. With plenty of clatter from the drums and tambourine, this upbeat, shiny piece of pop is perfect for the summer months.

Destined for great things with their perky tunes, Alphabeat are certainly one to watch.

4/5 - Michelle Stedman

Natasha Bedingfield and Sean Kingston - Love Like This

Love Like This is the first release from the squeaky clean pop starlets third album, Pocket Full of Sunshine. In this, Bedingfield teams up with Sean Kingston for some strange reason - pity perhaps?

It is quite possible that the cheerful tune would be worthy of a listen had Kingston not ruined it with laughable raps such as, “My friends they always told me, Not to make you my wifey”, need I say more?

Taking that Kingston fella out of the equation it’s not a bad song but not even close to her former pop glories. Give it a miss.

2/5 - Grainne Kelly

Jimmy Eat World - Always Be

Always Be, the second single from Jimmy Eat World’s album Chase This Light is everything that is perfect about this band.

There’s a catchy tune, great lyrics and a soaring chorus most bands would die for. It’s a song about the one that got away, but instead of moping and crying, the band sing with refreshing honesty. An example of how music is meant to be made.

In a few years, you’ll hear it and remember the summer as you find yourself drawn in and singing along, with memories of summer being brought back to life.

Younger bands should listen and learn from a band that gets it right every time.

4/5 - Katie Redmond

Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake - 4 Minutes

Isn’t Madonna getting a little old for this? Her anthemic new single Four Minutes sees her hook up with young musical innovators Timbaland and Justin Timberlake.

Despite her age, she holds her own in the debut single from the album Hard Candy.

As with any Timbaland-produced song, it’s catchy and likely to dominate the radio for weeks on end. The Stefani-esque “tick-tocks” and powerful foghorn melody alone make it an instantly memorable track.

Set to become an essential part of Spring’s soundtrack, the collaboration between three music juggernauts is likely to be a huge hit with number one in its sights.

4/5 - Patrick Kavanagh