Will Joseph Cook turns on the pop with “Girls Like Me”

17 February 2016, 10:45 | Written by George O'Brien

(Tracks)

(Will Joseph Cook)

Will Joseph Cook’s career has been simmering very nicely since he first appeared with “Streets Of Paris” almost exactly a year ago. A debut EP displayed his obvious knack for songwriting, and with a Spotify Spotlight On 2016 tag to his name, the year ahead seems set up perfectly.

Now, having relocated from Tunbridge Wells to London, the 18-year-old Atlantic signee unveils the first taste of a yet unnamed debut record, due for release this summer, and it’s his poppiest, most radio-ready hit to date.

The instant, summery cut once again puts the talented teen's characteristic vocal out front as he pines immediately into another incredibly infectious chorus - something to which fans have become accustomed (see “Beach” in particular). The “la la la”-filled refrain is a glistening earworm with gentle winks to Mark Ronson’s funk revival thanks to the twitching guitar work and brilliantly clean and clever production.

SXSW and The Great Escape await, and if “Girls Like Me” is anything to go by, Will Joseph Cook is ready to win over swathes of indie pop fans and turn early support into full-blown mainstream love. Artists like this don’t come round very much.