Girls Aloud's Nadine Coyle returns with new single Go To Work and it's a certified banger: First listen review

Since Girls Aloud's split in 2012, it's felt like there's been a gaping hole in pop that's just been waiting to be filled. And who better to fill it than Nadine Coyle, whose considerable vocal acrobatics were at the centre of the group's hugest hits, and Xenomania, the songwriting and production geniuses responsible for the group's 21 Top 10 singles – including four Number 1s.

While Nadine already scored solo success with 2010 single Insatiable, and her debut album of the same name, aside from a few guest appearances – including a duet with Westlife star Shane Filan – Nadine has been fairly quiet. 

But now pop's ultimate dream team of Nadine and producer Brian Higgins, along with the rest of the Xenomania crew, have reunited to recreate the magic, and the good news is… they've still got it!

New single Go To Work is out this Friday (September 8) and after a few listens, we can tell you it's a guaranteed floorfiller that stays true to Nadine's pop roots but gives an exciting glimpse into the new direction both her and Xenomania might be heading in.

The best dance songs take their cues from the classics while keeping an eye on what's happening right now, and Go To Work mixes the two brilliantly. Its infectious housey piano and incessant beat recalls the golden era of the '90s, while the bang up-to-date production includes elements any pop fan of 2017 would be familiar with – tropical house influences are present and correct, even if the overall vibe is nowhere near as laid-back. Go To Work is here to DANCE.

The main draw here, of course, is Nadine, whose vocals have never sounded better. Nadine is always at her best when she's wrapping her powerful voice round a banger that's laden with hooks, and the the urgent lyrics and effortless delivery are quite the motivator. "Tell me what I gotta do to get you up in the morning," implores Nadine as she drags her lazy lover, but we reckon all we'd need to get out of bed would be Nadine herself – she's not to be messed with here. Nadine's voice was always a showstopper, and on Go To Work we can hear how it's matured; she sounds as powerful as ever, but there's a new depth and richness to it.

Songs can live or die on the strength of a chorus, and Go To Work is full of beans, as Nadine lays down the law, ensuring the message is sent loud and clear. Guaranteed to immediately take residence in your brain as your new favourite back-to-school banger, Go To Work is so good you'll almost forget your date of birth in all the excitement. Let's go to work!

Go To Work is available to download and stream from Friday, September 8.