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!
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.
So here we are! Last song in my 31 days of Christmas playlist and the last day of 2013. I thought this would be a perfect song to include as my last song in my playlist.
This is such a beautiful song which is originally from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard. It’s not really a Christmas song but is often regarded as such due to its reference of a new year. The lyrics are great and the track just screams 90’s! I love it. Such a silky smooth track and Dina’s voice is wonderful on it. True talent.
If you’ve followed my 31 days of Christmas playlist then thank you! It means a lot to know people actually read these and that I’m not just chatting away to myself 😉 I certainly hope you’ve enjoyed reading these entries as much as I have writing them. I promise to continue to blog on other matters in this next year. I hope you have a very happy new year.
Day 30 David Bowie and Bing Crosby – Peace On Earth/Little drummer boy
This is a last minute addition into my playlist, replacing another track. It was difficult to make this decision but after much thought, I realised I much preferred this song and couldn’t possibly exclude it! The song ‘Little drummer boy’ on its own does nothing for me. It’s a nice song but with nothing much to it. This, however, is another story. This is a combination of the 1941 song ‘Little drummer boy’, with a counter point (‘Peace on earth’) added to it.
Bing Crosby and David Bowie are both legends in their own right but this combination is just fantastic. Their voices blend so well to each other and it’s a beautiful performance. I think the two songs work fantastically together and it’s just perfect.
This is one of the more modern inclusions in my Christmas song playlist. I discovered this song this year after recalling that Lady Antebellum had released a Christmas album last year. I love this band, I think their songs are awesome and full of meaning. They are such a great addition to the Country music scene because they blend it with pop making it more accessible to the younger generation. Let’s face it ‘Need you now’ is a classic!
I fell in love with this song, the only original on the album, straight away. It’s so soft, so festive and beautiful. It reminds me of ‘Silent night’ with a country and R&B twist. Sounds strange but listen and you’ll hear what I mean. The harmonies are stunning and I love the call and response “On this winter’s night (We’ll look back on the year we’ve had) On this winter’s night (we’ll count our blessings)” – it’s just beautifully written and beautifully sung. It’s even got a children’s choir!
the-music-box.co.uk 