KC and the Sunshine Band – “We Belong Together”: Yes, THAT KC and the Sunshine Band. This, um, sunny dance tune doesn’t have a whole lot of depth to it but it is fun and ready for the dance clubs. The song doesn’t really work for passive listening – it is meant for a communal dance setting. But do you really spend your time jamming on the couch to “Shake Your Booty” and “That’s the Way (I Like It”? You only dance to these songs at nostalgic events in massive groups of people right? I thought so. “We Belong Together” is the band’s attempt to bring their sound into the modern dance era.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF0_uj0v2wk[/youtube]

The Band Perry – “Comeback Kid”: This new single by the famed country pop group finds the band squarely in pop territory with a hint of banjo. The vocal style is moving toward the popular breathy indie-pop-by-a-female-singer style. The “uh ohs” and “heys” feel a little awkward, but otherwise this song is a catchy tune about resilience for the wannabe country fan. The song never quite gets terribly loud, but this allows for the vocals to shine in a more traditional sense as we get to the bridge.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSeEw-E3sDM[/youtube]

Bullet Height – “Hold Together”: Well, if you find yourself unenthused by The Band Perry above perhaps this song by Bullet Height will do the trick. Industrial elements meet EDM and outright rock and roll from this German duo who explore what might happen if Nine Inch Nails and PVRIS cross paths in the studio. The video for this banger of a tune was shot on location in Berlin. I find this song pretty badass and wish I wasn’t behind the times in its discovery.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfie7ok8-XI[/youtube]

Bryan Howell – “Angel From the Lonely Coast”: This alt-country song rocks slowly, steadily, drawing the listener in. The vibe of the horns backing the warm tones of the electric guitars is sultry and dare I say a little sensual. This song is fresh. I honestly feel like I’m listening to a seasoned veteran even though the song takes its time I still felt like it was over too soon. This single comes to you from the album titled Take the Risk, which will release August 5th. You can stream the song here. We would have waited and posted the song ourselves…but we had to give you the link to the exclusive stream because it’s that good. [Photo credit – Mark DiOrio]