Comebacks from one of the world's biggest stadium rock bands, the original M.I.A. and Victoria Beckham's former arch-nemesis all feature in this week's guide to the best recently-unveiled tracks.
Neneh Cherry – "Blank Project"
Although Neneh Cherry has kept herself busy via collaborations with jazz trio The Thing and trip-hop collective Cirkus, it's been 17 years since her last solo LP, Woman. An intense Four Tet-produced account of a love-hate relationship, the title track from her forthcoming fourth studio effort proves she remains as compelling as ever.
Solange – "Cash In"
After kicking off the year in style with the stunning True EP, the most interesting Knowles sister now ends it with another gorgeous slice of leftfield R&B taken from her Saint Heron compilation – the first release on her own boutique label Saint Records.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor – "Young Blood"
Capitalising on her current run on Strictly Come Dancing, the UK's most well-spoken pop star abandons the elegant electro she made her name with in favour of a lush and cinematic baroque-pop ballad which certainly bodes well for her upcoming fifth album Wanderlust.
Royksopp – "Something In My Heart"
Accompanied by the yearning James Blake-esque tones of The Irrepressibles' Jamie McDermott, the Norwegian duo confirm their status as kings of electro-pop heartbreak with a typically dreamy blend of chugging synths, melancholic melodies and slow-motion beats.
U2 – "Ordinary Love"
Following the commercial disappointment of 2009's experimental No Line On The Horizon, U2 now go back to basics with their contribution to the new Nelson Mandela biopic. Produced by Danger Mouse, "Ordinary Love" combines a resonant piano hook with The Edge's familiar echo-drenched riffs a to produce the band's most quietly affecting single in years.
