This Week's Single Releases: Bruno Mars, Maverick Sabre, Pixie Lott feat. Pusha T, Tinchy Stryder feat. Calvin Harris

Taken from the soundtrack for the latest sparkly-sparkly-bitey-bitey-lovey-dovey Twilight vampire film 'Breaking Down' (is that a typo or what you do when you've seen it, not sure) is Bruno Mars' 'It Will Rain'. It's no 'Grenade' or 'Marry You' or 'The Lazy Song' but I'm sure it will sound great on the film as the leads look into each other's eyes as they declare their love for each other, or realise they've kissed and she's had garlic or whatever, due to its swelling strings, operatic orchestral bits or heartfelt lyrics. Sure, it's a sloppy by-numbers ballad, but it's a pleasant enough way to spend four minutes and it's a well put together song, just a little too much 'X Factor' for my liking. And it sort of ends like they weren't sure where to go next. 6/10

Having appeared as a guest artist on Professor Green's album, it's now time for Maverick Sabre to step into the spotlight with 'I Need'. With a voice that doesn't match his look at all, this is a smooth, slick single with a summery chorus that mixes Macy Gray with Cee-Lo Green. Yes, the bits after the chorus wander a little aimlessly but otherwise it's a cracking, laid back track that doesn't feel restricted by its musical structure, which is enjoyable in itself. A great listen and something a little different for the charts. Sit back, put it on and relax! 7/10

First cut from second album 'All About Tonight' was a great song and a deserving number one, and now Pixie Lott is back with her follow-up 'What Do You Take Me For?' which features rapper Pusha-T on support, kicking off the track ala 'Umbrella' with an introduction and the usual cliched staples of announcing the artists names. His introduction at the start is short and, unsurprisingly he returns later for some more in a slow, functional but lacklustre section. I usually enjoy songs that throw in a little bit of rapping but it's been done so many times before now and getting a little tired. Elsewhere, the musical backing is thick, heavy and basey and gets the thumbs up and the verses and chorus are powerful and is fun to listen to. Another top track from Pixie even if it's not as good as her previous hit with not as distinctive sections as the number one, and though the rap additions are interesting they're nothing we've not heard many times before. 6.5/10

Calvin Harris continues to carve a niche in producing for other artists. Having joined up with Kelis and Rihanna among others this time it's Tinchy Stryder with 'Off The Record', with a video that you expect to be sponsored by Barclaycard. If you've heard a Calvin Harris-produced track before then you'll immediately recognise this, as you could immediately start singing 'Dance Wiv Me' at times and Tinchy name-checks 'The Girls' at one point which just adds to the repetition. In essence it's a great club track but it's too similar to Calvin's previous work so sounds more like a mash-up than a fresh track. Tinchy does a great job on his vocals even if the lyrics let him down at times (yes, another reference to Las Vegas, gambling and being 'all in') but he's let down by a tired backing track. [5.5/10]