Song Of The Day: "Losing" by Becky Hill

firstinstinctmagazine.com

So far, the Voice UK has got two promising talented alumni compared to the US version. I think it's time we give up on these other shows and try to bring American Idol back to its best. Based on that photo, 21 year old singer-songwriter and Voice semifinalist Becky Hill would agree with me. This big-voiced starlet was mentored by our favorite melisma addict Jessie J and was probably the only one worth watching. Like fellow alumna Leah McFall, her talent seemed a little too good for the show and she's done rather well for herself as a featured vocalist, working with Rudimental and Oliver Heldens (which reached #1 across the pond).

As a solo artist, we don't have much to go on with Becky. Her first promo single "Caution To The Wind" didn't exact set my pop sensors on fire and seemed too critically aimed to ever be enjoyable. But thankfully, her BFF and supremely talented pop producer MNEK brought her to the light with her real debut single "Losing.""I'm through with Losing" is a pretty great lyric. Ms. Hill somehow sounds like she isn't even trying to sound so powerful over the bouncy, 90's leaning tune that signifies two things. One, this is a certified hit and two, we haven't even scratched the surface with Becky Hill. 

Song Of The Day: "Home" by Leah McFall feat. will.i.am

Leah McFall is a very special girl indeed. The Irish singer came to prominence after appearing on the UK version of The Voice. Now, we have to have a quick discussion about the Voice. As a reality television program, the Voice is great. Celebrities judging normal people, comedy, and occasional diva wails draw in the crowd and makes for good TV. However, as a way to give young talent a chance to make it big in mainstream music, it has no value. Not a single talent has come out and changed the face of music like Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis have from their respective shows.

However, Leah McFall has proven that the show has the ability to find true talent. Though I haven't seen the series, McFall's version of "I Will Survive" is sublime and showcases her killer vocal acrobatics. Even though she came in 2nd place, everyone could tell big things were in store for Leah. Now in 2014, Leah has teamed up with her mentor will.i.am to release her debut single "Home." A rousing anthemic song, it takes all the best parts of Fun. and puts a great pop twist on it. Even though it underperformed on the charts, there's no denying Leah's got the voice to change music and if her debut album follows the same vein as Home, I may finally get into folk pop (what is the world coming to?!).