New releases

SHAKIRA - EMPIRE

Surprising is a complete understatement to describe the Colombian singer's new tune, which unveils a whole new side of Shakira - the one that doesn't get your hips moving but your head banging instead.

It starts off as some sort of ballad, then rocks out for the chorus - which sounds like it's been tampered with auto tune - and gives off what I would call a very Alanis Morissette vibe.

AFROJACK - MUSICIAN

This thumping electro-dance tune is guaranteed to take over the speakers at nightclubs and is also set to be added to the playlist at Tomorrowland, one of the biggest and most anticipated festivals, in Belgium this July. It's also sure to bring the Grammy-winning producer and DJ to greater heights.

S.M. THE BALLAD - BREATH

Well, we didn't see this coming. S.M. The Ballad, entertainment giant SM Entertainment's sub-unit consisting of eight SM artistes with the best vocal prowess, returns from a four-year hiatus.

Going by lead single Breath, taken off the group's latest same-titled mini album, the results are pretty positive. The soaring duet by SHINee's Jonghyun and Girls' Generation's Taeyeon is the first time we truly get a grasp of how well they can hold a tune.

- Catherine Robert and Tan Kee Yun