I’ve got a FREE YARD and guess what I’m doing? writing up this week’s Eargasms. Clearly getting old. I’ve got family staying over and occupying my room so staying over at my cousin’s house since they’re on holiday. The parties I’ve had here, let’s just say somebody got HURT REAL BAD. Not saying who but somebody! (me). Jog on after the cut for audio goodness from the likes of The XX, Aaliyah, Ciara and more.

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CIARA

‘Livin’ It Up‘

Her last few projects have not been very successful, and with the negative reaction her ‘buzz single’ ‘sweat’ received, it wasn’t looking too good. So she’s gone down the pop route which seems to work for her, Ciara is not exactly a heavyweight vocalist, these kind of songs suit her abilities. ‘Livin’ It Up’ will more than likely give her some success again, the beat is refreshing and the sample ‘ooh la, ohh la eh’ from Kid N Play’s tune is catchy. It’s quite instant, it’s pop but it’s not euro pop, I like it.

Selected by Yang

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THE XX

‘Sunset‘

The album is available online *ahem* but I recommend you buying it on the 10th. It’s one of those albums! Sunset is one of my favourite tracks from The XX‘s sophomore record ‘Co-exist’. It’s strong album but I don’t think it’s as good as the debut yet. Need to give it a few more spins though..

Selected by Yin

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TODDLA T x CLEO SOL

‘Code To Crack (feat. Scrufizzer)‘

Notting Hill Carnival returns to mark the event Toddla delivers a dub-heavy, jungle-tinged carnival mix of Cleo Sol‘s ‘Code To Crack’. Rather than exercising her powerful pipes, Cleo’s vocals ride the infectious beat in a style reminiscent of dancehall toasting. While the cut could’ve done without Scrufizzer‘s verse, it has all the right ingredients to mash up a soundsystem this Bank Holiday weekend!

Selected by Tahirah

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LEONA LEWIS x CHILDISH GAMBINO

‘Trouble‘

Leona and Childish Gambino… quite a surprise collab there! Leona is one of those artists that can be labelled samey because she is just about singing and these days people expect a little bit more. This song is a little bit different to her other songs obviously because of the rap verse from Gambino; I also like that she’s held back on her delivery- it’s quite haunting.

Selected by Yang

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THE SCRIPT x WILL.I.AM

‘Hall of Fame‘

Working together on The Voice obviously stirred up some kind of friendship between Danny O’Donoghue and Will.I.Am. Fresh from their stint on television they have joined forces once again only this time doing their day job which is making music. This will be the lead single taken from The Script’s forthcoming album. Obviously with Will being coming from the “Hip-Hop” world the song has a little bit more of an urban tinge when comparing to past Script offerings however this change in musical direction doesn’t seem out of place or corny which is a good I suppose.

Selected by DJB

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AALIYAH

‘One In A Million (Urban Noize Remix)‘

I’m not one of them hardcore Aaliyah fans but I do love a few of baby girl’s singles, including this one. After that horrid Drake x Aaliyah single, I was reluctant to click play on this Urban Noize remix of her song ‘One in a Million‘ but to my surprise, it’s a refreshing refix of a classic. They’ve brilliantly maintained the essence of what Miss. Houghton was all about whilst updating it with a slightly renewed sound. TUNE.

Selected by Yin