Such a great song. Obviously the original is the definitive version but I love Mutya’s version too. People may scoff as it’s an ex-Sugababe member but she has a really distinctive tone and it’s a fab version.
2) Leanne Mitchell – To love someone like you
Winner of the first series of The Voice UK who disappeared quickly from the public eye. A real shame too – she has an incredible voice. Anyway, this song is truly special and very beautiful. It reminds me of something Whitney might have done in her career.
3) Kelly Rowland – Train on a track
This was something suggested to me on Spotify based on my listening habits and I’m so glad it was. Such a smooth, beautiful song and I can’t get enough of it right now.
4) Eric Clapton – Blue Eyes Blue
Gorgeous song – very soppy but I love it so much. Definitely check this one out.
5) The 1975 – Falling for You
This is really chilled-out and beautiful. We all know that sense of awareness we have of falling for somebody and this song documents that.
6) Eurythmics – There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)
I’ve heard this a couple of times recently and have been reminded of what a great track it is. LOVE Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart is an amazing writer/musician.
7) Joni Mitchell – Both sides now
One of my favourite songs of all time. I love the original but the version I love most is a jazz version Joni recorded in 2000. I first came across it in ‘Love Actually’ during one of the most heartbreaking scenes in a movie ever. It’s just an absolutely stunning song. Was reminded of this by the gorgeous version by Sally on The Voice UK.
8) John Waite – Missing You
Another track I was reminded of after a performance on The Voice UK. This reminds me of a crush I had a few years ago!
9) Vanessa Carlton – Thousand Miles
One of the greatest piano-based pop songs ever written. I adore the piano instrumentation on this track and it’s such a sweet song.
10) Gary Barlow – Lie to Me
One of the greatest Barlow compositions ever and yet it’s pretty heartbreaking it never got the recognition it deserved. It could have been a massive single. So emotive, so well-written and the production is so polished. Gary Barlow’s song-writing at its best.
Came across The 1975’s live cover from Dermot O’Leary’s Radio 2 breakfast show the other day. It’s a beautiful simplistic cover which made me look at the original in an entirely new light. Since then, I have been listening to both over and over again. Vince Clarke – the writer and musician on the original track is a genius and Alison Moyet’s voice is amazing.
2) The Vamps – Last night
This is just so catchy and irresistible. Really love this
3) Gary Barlow – Since I saw you last
One of my favourites when I first listened to the album but I placed it on the back burner for a little while whilst I enjoyed other other songs. Since the release of the video, however, I have fell head over heels back in love with this. It’s so powerful, so emotive and so catchy.
4) John Mayer 3×5
A catchy, well-written little track towards the end of John’s debut album ‘Room for squares’. I love listening to this on a calm, warm day when I am walking on the way to somewhere. The lyrics are fantastic.
5) Jakwob – Somebody new
Keep hearing this on Radio 1 and I think it’s awesome.
6) Meanie C – Be The One
A track off Mel’s debut album ‘Northern Star’, this is so simple but so beautiful. I find it very summery and have been listening to it on repeat recently.
7) Kylie Minogue – Fine
The closing track to Kylie’s current album ‘Kiss me once’, this is so fresh and so current yet also loyal to Kylie’s iconic sound. Can’t get enough of this right now.
8) Paloma Faith – Only love can hurt like this
This is an awesome track penned by Diane Warren (who’s written with and for Celine Dion, Aerosmith, Sugababes, Beyonce, Gary Barlow and others). I love it’s retro/motown feel and Paloma sounds incredible on it.
9) The 1975 – Robbers
Yep The 1975 are in yet another one of my playlists. This song is just so beautiful and emotive. Really looking forward to seeing the video once it’s done.
10) One Direction – Strong
A friend told me to listen to this and I haven’t looked back since. Say what you want about One Direction but they have some great hits and songs to their name and this is one of them. Really love the power of the chorus, especially the melody. Discovering new favourite songs through friends is the best.
Bit of a strange combination of tracks this week, admittedly! There’s always a fair amount of diversity in my music taste but I think this week’s is the one to fully highlight that. Anyway, here’s the 10 songs I have been loving/listening to this past week.
1) The 1975 – AntiChrist
I knew this song existed of course but for some unknown reason, I just never listened to it. I think I dismissed it as an instrumental off one of their E.Ps. How wrong I was though. Some fantastic, inquisitive lyrics and it’s an incredibly powerful song. The last minute really reminds me of something Coldplay might do. Awesome track.
2) London Grammar – Hey Now
Similarly to the above, this is pretty haunting but very beautiful. Love this band.
3) Chris Malinchak – So Good To Me
Heard this on Radio 1 again the other day and was reminded of what a great song it is. So chilled out despite it being a club track.
4) George Michael – It doesn’t really matter
I’ve loved this ever since I stumbled across the ‘Older’ album last Summer. It’s so chilled-out and so perfect. It’s one of those songs where I can’t necessarily relate to what it was written about but it’s so personal that it still manages to come to mean something to you. The lyrics are perfect too.
5) Melanie C & Lisa ‘Left eye’ Lopes – Never be the same again
I’m a massive Melanie C fan as many of you know. As well as loving The Spice Girls, Sporty Spice has always been my favourite and had the best voice. Her solo career is massively underrated and I own a great deal of her solo material which I love listening to. This song is just awesome and thankfully was a big hit over here. It’s just well written, a perfect pop track and I love the randomness of having Lisa Lopes rap on a Spice Girl solo track!
6) Drake – Find your love
Heard this on the Nixtape on Radio 1 last week and was reminded of what an awesome song it is. Not a fan of Drake at all but this is the only song he’s ever done that I’ve thought anything of. Love the production, the beats, the chords and it’s just a great tune.
7) George Michael – Though
Beautiful penultimate track off George’s ‘Patience’ album. Very personal and very underrated.
8) Jennifer Lopez – Baby I Love U!
Perfect pop cheese. My favourite track in this week’s playlist! This happens to be my favourite J-Lo song ever. SO good.
9) Wayne Wonder – No letting go
A classic that I’d forgotten about! Again, heard this on The Nixtape and was reminded of this awesome song. Gives me some beautiful fond memories of Summer 2003 listening to this really loud 🙂
10) Shola Ama – You Might Need Somebody
Not the original of course but a bloody good version. Really fantastic version of a great song.
I’ve always respected the Kaisers even if I haven’t been a big fan of their music, though obviously ‘I predict a riot’ and ‘Oh my god’ are classics. I was checking out their latest stuff through being impressed with Ricky Wilson on The Voice UK. This is their latest single and I love it. Really love the melody to the verses. Video’s awesome too.
2) Beverley Knight – After You
I’ve neglected Bev for a while despite her being one of my favourite artists. She’s one of the most underrated singers in the UK by far. Love this track – so catchy and so summery.
3) The 1975 – You
Been obsessed with this on and off since January. I’d always enjoyed this track but the first time I really took notice was hearing it live. I got completely lost in the track which has never happened live before. It’s probably one of the most underrated tracks ever – the sweeping guitars, Matt Healy’s echoing voice and the way it builds up into a heavy ending. It’s so honest and so emotive. I’ve included my favourite live version instead of the studio one because I think it captures more emotion live.
4) Kylie Minogue – Sexy Love
All right, I’m cheating a little as I’ve only heard this for the first time today! But this is catchy as fuck. Reminds me so much of ‘Wow’ – another of my favourite Kylie songs. Awesome track, loving that our princess of pop is back ❤
5) John Mayer – Queen of California
Really, really summery. Perfect for when the sun is out.
6) Kylie Minogue – Into the blue
Great track.
7) Scissor Sisters – Mary
A song largely forgotten about but an incredibly beautiful track. Many compare this to something Elton John would do and that doesn’t discredit the song in the slightest. Apparently Jake Shears wrote this for a friend who had a tough time about her weight. Knowing the meaning makes the song even more meaningful. Love the piano and saxophone on this.
8) George Michael – You’ve changed
The original is a classic of course but I love George’s version which appeared on his 1999 cover album ‘Songs from the last century’. I particularly love the last few seconds where he sings “I miss you” – really gets me!
9) Lenny Kravitz – California
Lenny Kravitz is a musical genius and this is my favourite by him. So damn catchy and I love those harmonies. I’d love to write a song like this!
10) Lawson – Love locked out
Again, SO catchy. Really different to Lawson’s usual stuff but I love the groove to this song.
I’ve loved this song for a while after discovering Annie Lennox’s cover. I love both versions equally and it’s an incredible song. Reminds me of an evening road trip. Very underrated track
2) Keane – She has no time
Been listening to a lot of Keane again recently. Tom Chaplin’s voice is absolutely gorgeous, as is this song. Very beautiful
3) Coldplay – We never change
I’m really addicted to this. I checked out the Parachutes album for the first time last week and have fallen in love with it. This song is just stunning. I really love the lyrics
4) Coldplay – Everything’s not lost
Another gorgeous track off Parachutes.
5) Coldplay – Trouble
Just gorgeous.
6) John Mayer – Speak for me
The melody for the verses is perhaps one of the best I have ever heard. It’s just such a sing-song melody. The gorgeous weather always makes me want to listen to John’s ‘Born and Raised’ and ‘Paradise Valley’ albums as they’re just so chilled out and happy.
7) John Mayer – A face to call home
This begins as another chilled-out country themed track like the rest of the Born & Raised album but in the last minute or so, it turns into a very Coldplay-inspired track. Love the lyrics to this.
8) Disclosure – F for you
Love Disclosure so much. Add a bit of Mary J Blige and a masterpiece is created. Awesome track.
9) The 1975 – What makes you beautiful
I’m a big fan of the original too but The 1975 completely turned the track on its head and created something very beautiful.
10) Prince – Wherever u go, whatever u do
Very generic for a Prince song, I’ve seen these chords in many other pop tracks but I just think it’s a really sweet song.
In order to keep myself blogging and to share my love of music, I am going to begin a series of blogs called Music Mondays. Music Mondays will feature a playlist of ten songs I am currently loving. Some may be new releases whilst others may be older but they will all be songs that I am listening to over and over again.
So with no further ado, here’s this week’s playlist!
1) Arctic Monkeys – Why’d you only call me when you’re high
Just amazingly catchy and so damn cool.
2) Toby Burke and George Michael – Waltz away dreaming
A George Michael song I had no idea existed until a scroll through his complete Discography. This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.
3) The 1975 – Head.Cars.Bending
Glitchy, energetic – awesome song.
4) The 1975 – Pressure
I always overlooked this track on the album but recently I’ve fallen in love with it – very catchy and the lyrics are awesome.
5) Jake Bugg – Songs about love
Not overly keen on all of Jake’s stuff but he’s incredibly talented. Keep hearing this on the radio and it’s definitely my favourite track by him. Very acoustic based and a beautiful song.
6) Eric Clapton – Change the world
Was reminded of this when I found a video of Andy Brown (lead singer of Lawson) covering it on YouTube. Such a great acoustic based track which makes me smile a lot.
7) Neil Young – Harvest Moon
Heard this when watching the movie Eat Pray Love the other day and instantly fell in love with it. Very soft and very romantic.
8) Clean Bandit ft Jess Glynne – Rather be
There’s something very unique about this track and I love that. It’s so catchy and so upbeat, I really love it.
9) Beyonce – XO
This has had a lot of stick but it’s my favourite track Beyonce has ever done. I agree that lyrically it’s not the best and it’s quite generic for a Beyonce song but I find it really powerful, really emotive and very addictive.
10) Coldplay – Magic
This was only released to the world today so this is brand spanking new! Again, it’s had a lot of stick from Coldplay fans about the change in music direction but I love this. I love Coldplay’s older stuff and I also love their newer sound too. I love this because it’s very chilled out and very special. I’ve already listened to this countless times today!
Wednesday saw the 34th Brit Award Ceremony take place at the 02 arena and broadcast live across the world for the first time. Here’s my take on the events of the evening.
The Brits 2014 saw a massive drop in ratings – 2 million less people than last year. Yet, in my opinion, the 2014 Brits were a million times better than last year’s rather dull affair. Bizarre acceptance speeches, electric performances, dodgy jokes and self promotion riddled this years ceremony but in a way that made fantastic entertainment. The Brits has a reputation for generating and attracting controversy but that’s part of what makes it so endearing.
James Corden did a wonderful job of presenting once again, moving the show along nicely aided by a few funny gags and some spontaneous quips (a selfie with Prince and a pinch of a member of the Arctic Monkeys’ bum were particular highlights). Whilst not everyone was equally pleased with some of his remarks, I think James was awesome once again and I will greatly miss him hosting The Brits. He’s not overly controversial, a great guy, loves his music and funny with it. I hope whoever is lined up to present next year’s Brits will be able to bring something original to the table.
Performance-wise, whilst this year’s list of performers perhaps looked a little dull on paper, there were some great performances. Katy Perry delivered a theatrical Egyptian-themed performance of new track ‘Dark Horse’, which, despite the song not being her strongest release, managed to entertain. Bruno Mars took to the stage to sing the fantastically catchy ‘Treasure’ in which, whilst being an amazing performance, one must question whether this was a performance by Bruno or by The Bruno Mars band. There was very little solo by Mr Mars himself, instead, he was joined by an assemble of men to the point it rather looked and sounded like a Boyz II Men super-group on-stage. Beyonce appeared in a stunning, sparkly green gown to perform powerful new single ‘XO’. Disclosure managed to significantly improve incredibly scary Lorde’s ‘Royals’ by transforming it into a house track and Pharrell Williams gave a great rendition of ‘Happy’ with a little help from funk royalty Nile Rodgers.
As for the awards themselves, there were no major surprises. Daft Punk inevitably collected ‘International Group’ award after an amazingly successful year. Rudimental took home a gong for club-crazy ‘Waiting all night’ for Best British Single. One Direction won an award for a seemingly tailored-just-for-them ‘Brits Global Success Award’ in addition to ‘Best British Video’. Whilst many ridicule them, the lads certainly deserved these awards, particularly the latter, although there wasn’t any strong competition as the other Video nominations were incredibly weak and unoriginal. At least ‘Best Song Ever’ was unique, comedic and well-written/directed. Arctic Monkeys also took home two awards for Best British Group and Best British Album whilst Best British Breakthrough Act went to Bastille. Lorde appeared rather creepily onstage again to collect International Female Solo Artist whilst Bruno Mars received the male equivalent. Best British Female artist was won by Ellie Goulding whilst Best British Male was deservedly won by David Bowie.
What was perhaps most interesting this year were the presenters of the awards and the acceptance speeches. Pop royalty Prince appeared with new band 3RDEYEGIRL which was really awesome, Katy Perry returned onstage to present an award, Tinie Tempah was rather oddly paired with Fearne Cotton, Emeli Sande couldn’t keep away from The Brits, Pharell and Kylie, Jimmy Carr, glamour model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Lily Allen, Cesc Fabregas and Nicole Scherzinger, Grimmy (who passionately snogged James Corden on live telly) and Noel Gallagher. We were subjected to excessive plugs of new releases and dresses and suits for the ceremony. A confused Lily Allen struggled to comprehend her role whilst Jimmy Carr attempted three feeble jokes after which the silence was deafening. Katy Perry asked the audience if they would be attending her tour later this year to which she received a wall of silence. Kate Moss accepted David Bowie’s award on behalf of the man himself, reading a witty speech he had written in which he managed to somewhat randomly incorporate his political views (‘Stay with us Scotland.’) A rather drunk and/or stoned Alex Taylor slurred through an egocentric rant on ‘Rock n roll’, looking as if he wished to be anywhere but there.
The issue is, whilst this was all great in the name of entertainment, it just reinforced the view of many. That The Brits is less about the music and more about self-promotion and entertainment. Few of the acceptance speeches were genuinely thankful, many highly successful artists were overlooked in nominations and quite frankly, some of the song nominations were bizarre.
There is no denying that it was an entertaining show, however and a drastic improvement on last year’s bore. So, another year, another Brits over. I already look forward to next year’s!
I love The Brit Awards. It’s one evening I spend every year where I sit down and do nothing else but relax and enjoy the ceremony. Sure, many of my favourite acts are often not nominated. There’s artists that prompt me to think “Who the hell is that?!” Some of the artists performing I can’t stand. But it’s pure entertainment.
I believe The Grammys are superior – after all, the performances are usually a great deal more interesting and I’ve usually heard of 90% of the nominees. It’s a lot more sophisticated and prestigious. But I also can’t help but love The Brits because it’s usually a couple of hours of madness. Presenters and nominees swearing pre-watershed, wardrobe malfunctions, lengthy and drunken speeches and things going wrong. It doesn’t happen every year (last year ran relatively smoothly compared to The Brits’ usual reputation) but when it does, it’s brilliant. And if nothing controversial happens, it’s still fun to watch.
It’s safe to say I’m pretty disappointed that some of my favourite and, in my opinion, some of the most talented musicians in the UK have been completely overlooked this year. Gary Barlow returned from a 14 year solo-career hiatus to deliver a fantastic album which was ignored. The 1975 launched from nowhere, gaining a Top 20 single and a Number One album. Lawson are yet to be recognised despite enormous success in the UK. Robbie Williams achieved massive sales with a fantastic album. Kodaline released a beautiful album and Matt Cardle wrote an awesome album. You may think I’m biased because many of these are my favourite artists but it’s not just that. These artists all write their own songs and have worked hard to be in the position they’re in. They’ve achieved massive success in the last year and haven’t relied on talent shows to get to where they are. I just think it’s a shame they’ve been overlooked.
On the positive side, it’s great to see Laura Mvula nominated – her album ‘Sing to the moon’ is stunning and original. Likewise, Disclosure, David Bowie, Tom Odell and London Grammar are all more than worthy of nominations.
I will be blogging after the event itself but I thought I would publish a playlist of my favourite songs by this year’s nominees and performers. This isn’t a full list of my favourite songs by them as I’ve limited them to songs by the artists in the last year or so. For example there’s no ‘Teenage Dream’ or ‘Firework’ by Katy Perry because I’m featuring songs from her latest album Prism.
Here’s my favourite London Grammar track (I have no idea why it’s not available on Spotify)
As it’s Valentine’s Day, and I happen to be a big fan of slushy love songs, I thought I would compile and publish a list of just some of my favourite songs ever written/released. This is not a definitive list by any means – I can think of many more I love just as much/lots of iconic songs that aren’t here. This is just a selection of ones I either think deserve more recognition or that I absolutely love. Many of these have been played time and time again! I’ve chosen not to talk about all of them as that would have taken me ages but I’ve just selected a few to discuss why I love them so much.
1) Shania Twain – You’re still the one
An absolute country classic which I’d forgotten about until hearing it a few days ago. It’s such a beautiful, simplistic song and I adore the harmonies in the chorus. Definitely one of the greatest love songs ever written.
2) Olly Murs – Hand on heart
An underrated track, I’ve always loved this since my first listen. I just think it’s a really powerful, emotive song which also somehow manages to be really catchy.
3) Take That – Rule the world
My favourite song of all time had to be in there somewhere! I adore everything about this – from the piano chords, Gary’s vocals, the harmonies, the lyrics – it’s just beautifully written. “All the stars are coming out tonight, they’re lighting up the sky tonight for you” – it’s so simple but gorgeous.
4) Gary Barlow – My Commitment
Hidden gem on Gary’s debut album, it’s astonishingly soppy but also very beautiful. Proper piece of 90’s cheese, this!
5) George Michael – I can’t make you love me
Not the original but perhaps the best version. Bonnie Raitt’s beautiful original is fantastic too though. I just prefer the instrumentation on George’s – Bonnie’s features a synthetic sounding keyboard whereas George’s features all real instruments and beautiful strings. This is just so amazingly heartfelt, so emotive and absolutely stunning.
6) George Michael – Amazing
7) Michael Jackson – Butterflies
Another hidden gem. This appeared on what would become Michael’s last solo album in his lifetime- ‘Invincible’ and was written by UK female duo Floetry. It’s silky smooth, full of soul and sweet falsetto – it’s just perfect.
8) Daniel Bedingfield – If you’re not the one
Yes, I can’t deny that this one is incredibly cheesy but it has become one of my all-time favourite songs in the last few years. I just think the lyrics are incredibly beautiful and relatable.
9) Katy Perry – Thinking of you
Not many know this song by her as it’s overlooked by the more commercial stuff but it’s the song that made me love her. It’s a shame this isn’t as well-known as some of her other tracks as this really does show how talented she is. One of only a handful of songs written by Katy alone, this was a single from her debut ‘One of the boys’. It’s a pop-rock style track which contains some of my favourite lyrics ever written. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
10) Will Young – Who am I
This was a hit back in 2006 but I never hear it anymore which is a shame because again, it’s beautiful. Written about not wanting to let your lover down, it’s an interestingly written song.
11) Will Young – Love is a matter of distance
12) Michael Jackson – You are not alone
A masterpiece by R. Kelly written for Michael’s HIStory – Past Present Future Book 1 album. I see this less as a love song for a lover but more of a song of support for loved ones, as cheesy as that sounds. Particularly as it was released in a time of turbulence for Michael, I see it as being an important song to him which is perhaps why I find it so beautiful. I love the last few seconds as it fades out – just really like MJ’s ad-libs and the chord progression.
13) Gwen Stefani – Cool
This is just a brilliant song. Taking influences from 1980’s synth-pop, this is a piece of pop heaven. A song about remaining ‘cool’ with an ex or an ex crush, again, it’s a uniquely written song.
14) Leon Jackson – Stargazing
This song is so incredibly underrated! Written by Michael Buble’s co-writers, this is a stunning song. Romantic, with soft acoustic guitars and sweeping strings, Leon croons this soppy ballad beautifully.
15) Mark Owen – Alone Without You
Most people know how I feel about Mark’s solo career anyway but this song is concrete proof why I feel like I do. I love the lyrics and the rawness and openness of this track. Amazing song.
16) Take That – Like I never loved you at all
Another underexposed song as it’s only an album track. I just love this song as it’s so acoustic based and just so beautiful. I don’t think this has to just be about lost love, I also see it as a song about lost friendship which is part of what makes it such a perfect song. Definitely one of my favourite Take That songs ever.
17) Lawson – Standing in the dark
I remember listening to the premiere of this song on Radio 1 and instantly falling in love with it. It has so much power through its hard rock sound and Andy Brown’s flawless vocals. It’s such an emotive song and it never fails to give me goosebumps.
18) Sara Bareilles – Gravity
Another example of how simplicity can sometimes be the best. This track relies on Sara’s beautiful voice, a piano and strings and tells of not being able to get over someone. It’s really worth a listen.
19) John Mayer – Back to you
20) Neyo – Go on girl
21) Coldplay – Yellow
22) Phil Collins – You’ll be in my heart
23) Beverley Knight – Gold
Beverley is without a doubt the most underrated singer the UK has. She has an absolutely incredible voice and her music is up to the same standard. ‘Gold’ is one of my all-time-favourite songs
24) Lawson – Taking over me
25) Prince – One kiss at a time
This reminds me of summertime – it’s a very chilled out, optimistic track about love from Prince’s awesome three disk 1995 album ‘Emancipation’. Unfortunately I can’t link it as it’s not available on Spotify or YouTube.
26) Prince – The most beautiful girl in the world
Prince’s only UK Number One single to date, this is an awesome song. I love the intro and middle eight, the lyrics and Prince sounds absolutely incredible on it. Particularly gotta love the high notes he hits at the end.
27) John Legend – Ordinary People
Sometimes simplicity is key in music and this is a prime example. A jazzy piano instrumentation and John Legend’s silky vocals over the top with a few strings at the end for good measure, this is just bliss. It’s an honest take on the ups and downs of love.
28) Kylie Minogue – Never too late (Abbey Road version)
The original version of this is, of course, a cheesy pop Stock-Aitken-Waterman written and produced track released in the late 1980’s. Kylie transformed this into a beautiful pop ballad for her 2012 album ‘The Abbey Road Sessions’ and really emphasised what a great song this is.
29) Lemar – Invincible
Lemar’s entire ‘Invincible’ album was severely underrated and overlooked but the lead single in particular deserved more attention. ‘Invincible’ is a beautiful pop-rock track about lost love.
30) Chris Brown – I should’ve kissed you
Overlooking the personality and the man himself, Chris Brown manages to write some great tracks. This was a track from his album ‘F.A.M.E’ – it’s schmaltzy but catchy and incredibly sweet.
31) Whitney Houston – I have nothing
32) Maroon 5 – She will be loved
This is without a doubt one of the greatest love pop tracks ever written. Adam Levine has such a beautiful voice and it’s just an all-round great song.
33) Simply Red – Say You Love Me
This reminds me of being very young as this’d often be played around the house. As I’ve grown older I’ve come to love it even more as I’ve paid more attention to the lyrics.
34) Wet Wet Wet – Goodnight girl
Another simple song which features nothing more than a guitar, piano and vocals, this song is about secret love, distinguishing it from other more cliché love songs. Marti Pellow has such a great voice and it’s an incredibly beautiful song and one I love very much.
35) East Seventeen & Gabrielle – If you ever
I believe this to be one of the best boyband tracks ever. Originally an A capella track by US band Shai, this was transformed into a 90’s pop track for East Seventeen with a little help from Gabrielle. Gabrielle has one of my favourite female voices and Brian Harvey sounds perfect with her. The harmonies are impeccable on this too.
36) Seal – Kiss from a rose
37) Mark Owen – Makin’ out (acoustic version)
The original is great too but I fell in love with this song after hearing Mark perform it acoustically on YouTube. The lyrics are really sweet and it’s a fantastic song.
38) Amy Winehouse – Love is a losing game
39) John Mayer & Katy Perry – Who you love
40) Oasis – Wonderwall
41) Busted – Sleeping with the light on
42) Mel C – Immune
Mel C’s solo career is incredibly underrated. This song was co-written by Busted member James Bourne for Mel’s 2007 album ‘This Time’ and is definitely worth a listen. Beautiful song.
43) Gabrielle – Out of reach
44) Duffy – Warwick Avenue
45) Blue – Breathe easy
Mr Lee Ryan’s vocals on this are insane. Stunning, powerful song.
46) The Script – Millionaires
47) Avril Lavigne – I’m with you
48) Britney – Everytime
Whatever you say about Britney, you can’t deny this is one breath-taking song. Perhaps the best she’s ever released.
49) Conor Maynard – Just in case
It’s easy to write Conor Maynard off as a not all that credible artist but this is a great song. Love the piano arrangement in it and the lyrical content. There was a time when this meant a lot to me.
50) The Corrs – What can I do
51) Duncan James – Can’t stop a river
52) Jennifer Lopez – Baby I love you
53) Mike Dignam – Lungs
I bought Mike’s EP after being impressed with him supporting Lawson on their Chapman Square tour last year. This song is one of my favourites; such a sweet little song with a great chord progression.
54) Lee Ryan/Andy Scott Lee – Guardian Angel
Written by Blue member Lee Ryan for an album that remains unreleased, this track was also a contender to be entered as the UK’s entry into the 2005 Eurovision Contest. It ended up being beaten by Javine’s Touch My Fire. Don’t let the fact it was a Eurovision song contender discourage you, however – it’s an absolutely beautiful (admittedly rather cheesy) track and Andy sounds amazing on it. The reason I’ve credited it to both artists is because there’s confusion on YouTube of who’s singing the track.
I wrote this around a year ago but only got round to making a demo for it a few days ago. It’s not a reflection of current emotions but it’s still a personal track to me.
It also samples a well known pop track somewhere – just thought it fitted well despite it being a very different song!
As usual, comments are appreciated and please try and see past my exceptionally weak vocal ability!
the-music-box.co.uk 