Music review:

By:Muhammad Taufiq Ismail

1. 'Lay Me Down' - Sam Smith ft. John Legend

Some pairings were just meant to be, fish and chips, Ant and Dec, Kendall and Kylie and now Sam Smith and John Legend. These two vocal powerhouses have absolutely stormed the chart this week with their new version of Sam's 'Lay Me Down'. Sam Smith invites JohLegend for a new duet version of the lead single off the UK singer's debut album In the Lonely Hour "Lay Me Down." The two masterful singers exchange verses and flawless harmonies in this excellent new rendition of Sam's memorable ballad.

My favourite lyrics: The days just seems so dark/The moon, the stars/Are nothing without you

2. ‘Conqueror’ – Estelle ft. Jussie Smollett

Grammy winner Estelle released the first single off her upcoming album, True Romance, out November 4. And the song, "Conqueror," will give you chills. The lively chemistry and commitment are inspiring beyond belief. Both of these voices together produce a perfect lullaby that is powerfully epic, as the wind comes and swarms the lyrics into the heart like a train wreck. It is evident that this song is meant to motivate and encourage anybody in their darkest hours. With a synth symphonic vibe and soaring, emotional vocals, it's the perfect addition to your rotation of belt-it-out-in-the-shower tunes, push-through-the-last-part-of-your-workout songs, and karaoke-with-your-besties picks.

My favourite lyrics: I'd rather stand tall/Than live on my knees/' Cause I'm a conqueror/And I won't accept defeat

3. ‘Hold Back the River’ – James Bay

If you're looking for the next big folk singer, it's time to hear James Bay. Bay’s latest single Hold Back The River, from the EP of the same name, showcases his distinctive melodic guitar writing and warm, highly charged vocals. The blues-kissed track’s perpetual build up culminates in spine tingling vocal layering, as Bay is accompanied by a rousing arrangement of gospel harmonies. Its anthemic chorus is completely infectious and fosters an intimacy between performer and audience, supported by the track’s simple, familiar and cosy ensemble instrumentation.

My favourite lyric: Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes/Hold back the river so I

/Can stop for a minute and be by your side

Reference:

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/samsmith/laymedown.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lay_Me_Down_(Sam_Smith_song)

http://fdrmx.com/empire-cast-feat-estelle-and-jussie-smollett-conqueror-single-review/

http://www.metrolyrics.com/conqueror-lyrics-estelle.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hold_Back_the_River_%28song%29

http://www.metrolyrics.com/hold-back-the-river-lyrics-james-bay.html