"This Ain't Over" by Alex Newell - Single Review

   Following a starring role on the fifth season of musical phenomenon Glee, 23-year-old Alex Newell set his sights on a music career, releasing a couple of brilliant covers, such as his 2015 rendition of "Show Me Love" by Robin S., and appearing as a vocal guest for tracks by other artist, including "Stronger" by Clean Bandit. However, after those cover releases and a recent announcement as the opening act on the upcoming U.S. leg of Adam Lambert's anticipated The Original High Tour, Newell presents his first original single, the dance-driven "This Ain't Over".

    With a shimmering, captivating dance/pop beat and a commanding vocal performance at the forefront, the uptempo, club-ready "This Ain't Over" is an extremely promising, polished and addictive first taste of Newell's upcoming debut extended play, set for release in February. The euphoric effort finds the unconventional diva finding strength in an inspiring, encouraging pep talk. Supported by production and effects ripped straight for the 90s, Newell holds his own with one of the most effective performances of 2016... so far.

   The bright and glamorous single will be an appreciated anthem for the down-trotted, as they brush off the haters, and walk to the beat of their own drum. "No doubt you wrote me off long ago, but know I won't give up, this ain't over, over, over, this ain't over, over, over, and each time you let me off, cut the rope, I just come back harder," the artist boldly belts over the thumping and powerful chorus. With utmost conviction, Newell just easily gave a beautiful voice to those too afraid to speak for themselves.

   "This Ain't Over" proves that a soul will never die, that a fighting fire will never be extinguished. Newell's unique and effortless vocals carry the somewhat simple yet effective lyrical content of pushing forward. The sing-along worthy future dance smash could be the soundtrack of 2016, played by those who know they have a long road ahead before they reach triumph. There's influences from many forces within the dance, disco and house genres present in the energetic, emotive release, and they all work to blend, not fight for attention.

   With Newell's POWER EP just on the horizon, set to feature collaborations with songwriter Diane Warren and legendary producer Nile Rodges, we should expect more dance/pop bangers from the rising music star. The artist easily has one of the best new voices on the scene, and he appears to be using it to spread a universal message of perseverance. As the lead single from an upcoming project, "This Ain't Over" does its job of building positive buzz, and does it damn well.