Late summer is traditionally a slower time for music, but there’s some new singles, released recently, that are worth your attention.  Here’s some recent entries that you should check out:

"Evacuate the Dancefloor" by Cascada
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Cascada - “Evacuate the Dancefloor”

We’ll be reviewing their latest entry next issue, but Cascada is back with a vengeance with this first entry from their third album, which will also be titled “Evacuate the Dancefloor.”  The new song has been compared to Lady Gaga, and it’s probably a fair comparison based on the lyrics and sound, but it holds up fairly well against a track like “Just Dance” favorably with a huge beat, good hook and lyrics that fit well for what is ultimately a fun song like this. Cascada strikes again, and again does quite well.

"She Wolf" by Shakira
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Shakira - “She Wolf”

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard something new from Shakira, and boy does she come back strong! The beat to “She Wolf” is one of the funkiest she’s ever provided.  The robotically layered lyrics that kick off the song set up the song weirdly, but then those classic Shakira vocals kick in and all is well.  The groove to this song is to die for, and brings her that much closer to the dancefloor.  A great entry from her; a spiritual successor lyrically and sonically to “Disturbia.”

"First Train Home" by Imogen Heap
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Imogen Heap - “First Train Home”

The lead track to upcoming release “Ellipse” and now available on the iTunes Music Store, Imogen Heap proves yet again that she can really create a powerful track.  The electronica background is more moody than previous hit “Goodnight and Go,” but the pop sensibility to this track parallels that previous hit.  It’s another beautiful melody and great vocals from Heap, who maintains a strong presence.

"Sexy Bitch" by David Guetta

David Guetta - “Sexy Bitch” (feat. Akon)

Off the incredibly infectious pairing with Kelly Rowland, “When Love Takes Over,” David Guetta continues releasing his collaborations with famous artists with this entry, paired with Akon.  Akon’s singing fondly about a girl he likes, using all sorts of language and then trying to rein himself in saying he’s having trouble being polite about it.  It’s a catchy beat and some really funny lyrics to go along with it.  Chalk another one up for Guetta.  (Another track of Guetta’s also dropped on iTunes recently: “Gettin’ Over,” featuring Chris Willis, which rivals “When Love Takes Over” in the catchiness of the beat.  It’s also highly recommended.)

"Celebration" by Madonna
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Madonna - “Celebration”

Her previous album, “Hard Candy,” was a failure as a concept album, but the songs that were remixed and released in an updated form showed there was some merit behind the tracks under it.  With her latest release, “Celebration,” she goes straight to pure dance beats again, and to a highly enjoyable result.  Sure, there’s nothing new here, but she’s finally realizing that playing to her strengths can still result in a fun track, and “Celebration” is the happy result.  This track is the opener to her latest retrospective, coming in September.

"Tonight" by Dirty Vegas

Dirty Vegas - “Tonight”

Dirty Vegas was the group behind the incredibly dark, catchy and enjoyable “Days Go By,” which was featured in a Mitsubishi ad campaign years ago.  Their latest entry, “Tonight,” has that same enjoyable moodiness to it, with those distinctive layered vocals that made the group enjoyable back when “Days Go By” was a smash.  (For those looking for a more pick-me-up version of the song, check out the Above & Beyond Remix.)