My shooting music stars of 2025 – and they’re all Brits

My shooting music stars of 2025 - and they're all Brits

As a seasoned music enthusiast with decades of listening under my belt, I must say that these new releases have truly piqued my interest. The Bryan Adams live album at the Royal Albert Hall is a must-have for any true fan. The energy and raw passion that radiates from those three nights in London are palpable even through the speakers. It’s like being there, minus the crowdsurfing and spilled beer.

The Ed Sheeran live album takes me back to the time when I was a young lad at one of his concerts, feeling like I was the only person in the world as he crooned “Shape Of You” into the microphone. The simplicity of his loop pedals and heartfelt performances transport me right back to those moments.

Robbie Williams’ new album is an interesting twist on his iconic hits, and while the re-recordings are a bit hit or miss, the CGI monkey biopic version of “Let Me Entertain You” had me rolling with laughter. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see Robbie as a CGI monkey belting out that classic tune?

Overall, these new releases offer something for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to relive some memories. And hey, if the monkey version of “Let Me Entertain You” doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will!

Among the local talents I believe will thrive this year are standouts from TikTok, a singer adored by Lorde, and a rising star reminiscent of an English rose.

Alessi Rose

A rising British artist, Alessi Rose, excels in creating raw and introspective tunes about past relationships, reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, and Chappell Roan’s emotional narratives. She is poised to bring a unique, British perspective to this genre of heartfelt storytelling.

The 22-year-old from Derby, who doesn’t shy away from apologizing, states: ‘If people prefer not to be the subject of my songs, they should avoid doing wrong things.’ She stands by her promise on tracks like Say Ur Mine and her latest release, Pretty World, a personal pop ballad.

Even though it’s been just a year since her first performance, she’s already causing quite a stir on the live music scene. She’s shone at events like Latitude, Reading, and Leeds festivals, while simultaneously gathering a devoted fanbase (known as the ‘Delulu Girls’), drawn to the sincerity of her lyrics.

She starts a UK tour at SWG3, Glasgow, on April 2 (alessirosemusic.com).

My shooting music stars of 2025 - and they're all Brits

Myles Smith

In the tradition set by artists like Adele, Sam Fender, and the 2024 BRITs Rising Star winners The Last Dinner Party, Myles Smith, a 26-year-old singer-songwriter from Luton, is the most recent recipient of the BRITs Rising Star award. This honor indicates that Myles Smith could be the emerging male pop star of 2025.

From a young age of 12, I’d already mastered both the guitar and piano through self-teaching. I took every opportunity to showcase my skills at open mic nights and pub gigs, feeling the rhythm flow through me like never before.

Previously sharing cover songs on TikTok, he later started publishing his self-composed pieces – heartfelt country-infused tracks centered around ordinary experiences, reminiscent of Coldplay’s catchiness. In the year 2023, he successfully signed a solo contract with RCA Records.

2024’s song “Stargazing” by him is nearing 600 million plays on Spotify, and you can see him live during his UK tour that kicks off at the O2 Academy in Leeds on February 15. You can find more details about the tour on mylessmith.co.uk.

My shooting music stars of 2025 - and they're all Brits

Fabiana Palladino

Initially, Fabiana Palladino, who started as a backing musician, experienced gradual success. After completing her music studies at Goldsmiths University in London, she joined Jessie Ware’s touring band. By the age of 36, she finally released her long-awaited debut solo album, which was postponed due to Covid-19, last April.

Since then, things have picked up pace significantly, particularly after the release of that self-proclaimed LP, which combines sultry vocals with smooth, contemporary R&B sounds. This album has caught the eye of New Zealand singer Lorde, who praised it as the standout album of the previous year and is now teaming up with Fabiana for a collaboration.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but gush about the daughter of the legendary bassist Pino Palladino – one of Britain’s most refined session musicians. This talented lady is not just carving her own path as a musician, but also making waves as a promising producer. In her own words, “The songwriting may be traditional, but the production certainly isn’t.

She plays Cross The Tracks, a London festival, on May 25 (fabianapalladino.com).

Good Neighbours

Since joining forces in November 2023, Oli Fox and Scott Verrill, who were originally independent artists, have flourished as a dynamic duo by combining their talents and resources.

Originating from Essex and South London respectively, Fox (known for his successful solo career that included supporting Sigrid on her 2018 UK tour) and Verrill draw from the realm of alternative pop. Their tunes are vibrant and easy-to-listen-to, finding inspiration in American bands like MGMT and Bleachers.

Before their official release of Home in January 2024, their dreamy debut single had already gained significant popularity on TikTok. Additionally, the duo has been generating buzz with their unexpected cover versions, such as renditions of Lana Del Rey’s Video Games, Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, and Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams.

This month, a fresh solo track titled “Ripple” will be released, followed by a six-week North American tour that they’ll embark upon alongside Foster The People as stated on wearegoodneighbours.com.

Brooke Combe

Originating from Dalkeith, which lies close to Edinburgh, Combe is a graceful young lady known for her potent, smoky vocal abilities and highly beneficial ties within the indie-rock scene.

As a youngster, my mom introduced me to the soulful tunes of Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, sparking a lifelong passion within me. I couldn’t just be a listener; I yearned to create music myself. So, I honed my skills on drums, guitar, and piano, all while nurturing my own vocal talents. Fast-forward to 2023, I signed with a major record label and unveiled my debut project, “Black Is The New Gold,” an eight-track EP that pays tribute to the musical legends who first ignited my love for music.

After shifting to Liverpool’s indie label Modern Sky, she has collaborated with The Coral’s James Skelly on an album titled “Dancing At The Edge Of The World”. Regarding the record, which will be released on January 31st, she states, “We’ve produced a genuine summer soul album.” With Adele temporarily stepping away, there is a vacuum in British music for a powerful soul vocalist. Combe has managed to time her entrance perfectly.

She begins a UK tour on April 3 at the Arts Club Liverpool (ticketmaster.co.uk).

Welly

2025 might see a resurgence of British music groups, similar to Oasis’s return, and if this trend holds true, up-and-coming band Welly – a quintet named for their frontman and producer who hails from Southampton – are poised to take advantage.

The band’s tunes, featuring prominently guitars, keyboards, and satirical lyrics, show stronger influences from Blur, Pulp, rather than the Gallagher brothers. Yet, they carry an edge that might resonate with the upcoming year’s vibe. Welly remarks that British music has lacked fun for quite some time. He adds, ‘Music hasn’t been fun for a while.’

On March 21st, the band’s first studio album titled “Big In The Suburbs” will be released, and their UK tour kicks off at The Louisiana in Bristol on February 1st, as reported by worldwidewelly.com.

Best of the new releases…

Bryan Adams: Live At The Royal Albert Hall 2024 (Bad)

The new collection by The Groover from Vancouver focuses on his three-night residency in London last year, where he performed an entire album at each show. This set is available as a 4-LP vinyl package priced at £95 and a 3-CD box for £45, with a Blu-Ray disc included in both versions. The highlight of this collection is the classic blue-collar rock album “Reckless,” released in 1984.

Currently, Adams is more focused on preserving his musical legacy instead of creating new paths, but songs such as “Summer Of ’69” and “Heaven” truly shine during live performances. The collection is rounded out by the 1996 album “18 Til I Die,” and the recent release in 2022, “So Happy It Hurts,” which carries a vintage sound.

Ed Sheeran: +-=÷x (Tour Collection: Live) (Atlantic)

In response to fan demands for a live album, Sheeran has decided to highlight his ongoing Mathematics world tour, which began in Ireland in 2022 and concludes in Dusseldorf this September. This sister release to the 2024 ‘best of’ compilation is called Tour Collection: Live, and it focuses heavily on hits. It will be available as a double CD, double cassette tape, and digitally.

Currently, Ed Sheeran performs with a full band during his tours, yet it’s his more straightforward compositions, the use of loop pedals, and charming audience interactions that truly captivate audiences. Some standout numbers include “Shivers,” “Thinking Out Loud,” and “Sing.

Robbie Williams: Better Man (Columbia)

In the soundtrack for Robbie’s latest biopic, where he’s depicted as a computer-generated monkey, the song Better Man is included. This track features remakes of his popular songs, along with input from the movie’s actors. The new renditions aren’t consistent, but Let Me Entertain You, originally from the 2003 Knebworth Park residency, once again emphasizes his status as a masterful pop performer.

As someone who grew up listening to a wide range of music, I find the selection of covers quite intriguing. The inclusion of “Relight My Fire,” a disco hit that was popular during my teenage years when Take That and Lulu ruled the airwaves, is particularly interesting. Additionally, the 1960s soul standard “Land Of 1000 Dances” brings back memories of my parents’ old vinyl records. Lastly, “My Way,” a classic that I have heard covered numerous times, offers a fresh take on this timeless song. Overall, this collection of covers is a delightful journey through the decades of music that has shaped my life.

2025-01-03 03:29