Happy Halloween!
Whatever you’re up to today/this evening, have fun and stay safe!
Here’s a playlist of songs perfect for the occasion.
Category: My Playlists
Music Monday – Volume Seventy Three
1) Shura and Mura Masa – Love For That
Shura teams up with Mura Masa on this chilled-out EDM track. Mura Masa provides the instrumentation, utilising sounds reminiscent of pan pipes, orchestral strings and steel pans whilst Shura’s syrupy vocals are layered on top. A unique and enjoyable track.
2) Snow Patrol – Take Back the City
Epic driving rock anthem by alternative rock band Snow Patrol. Reportedly a testament of frontman Gary Lightbody’s love of Belfast, it’s an empowering track slightly reminiscent of ’80’s glam rock.
3) Janet Jackson – Broken Hearts Heal
Sugary sweet disco track which serves as a tribute to Janet’s brother Michael both lyrically and musically. Lyrical content addresses their growing up together and a more care-free phase. Musically, the track is heavily reminiscent of Michael’s catchy and soulful material on début solo album ‘Off The Wall’, particularly upon the emergence of bells during the final minute. Irresistibly sweet and catchy.
4) Janet Jackson – Take Me Away
Emotive and desolate track evidently about the aftermath of brother Michael’s death. Drawing upon electro-rock influences, it features an epic and grand chorus.
5) Daniel Bedingfield – Wrap My Words Around You
Brilliant and overlooked track by Daniel Bedingfield, released back in 2005 as the second single from his album ‘Second first Impression’. Gentle acoustic-based verses develop into a huge chorus.
6) Kate Winslet- What if
Gorgeous and emotive ballad written by Steve Mac and Wayne Hector (pop gurus responsible for material by the likes of Westlife and JLS). The song was written for and featured in the animated version of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. Upon Winslet’s request, all proceeds from the single went to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Sargent Cancer Care for Children. It was largely successful, peaking at Number Six in the UK charts and still receiving airplay today.
7) Nothing but Thieves – Wake Up Call
Nothing But Thieves are by far one of the best bands currently around in the UK. Formed in 2012, they are a five-piece alternative rock band from Southend-on-sea in Essex. Front man Conor Mason’s vocals carry a gorgeous tone – powerful, unique and slightly eerily like Jeff Buckley. The contrast between Mason’s falsetto vocals and the heavy rock instrumentation in the chorus works beautifully.
8) Take That – Hey Boy
It’s back to the 80’s for the Take That lads with their incredible new single ‘Hey Boy’. Continuing the fun pop sound they explored on ‘III’ with the likes of Greg Kurstin, John Shanks, Stuart Price & Mattman and Robin, this is the lead single from the 2015 repackaged edition of ‘III’. The Nile Rodgers/Chic-like disco riffs return amongst stomping percussion, a funky bass line and rich harmonies.
9) One Direction – Perfect
From one boyband to another, this is the latest single from One Direction. ‘Perfect’ is a mid-tempo pop ballad which draws upon stadium-rock influences. Harry Styles presumably steers the song lyrically; most of the song appears to be a dig at ex Taylor Swift. It’s the most enjoyable of the material from forthcoming album ‘Made in the A.M.’ so far, an emotive and powerful pop track.
10) Nothing But Thieves – Lover Please Stay
Stunning, raw and emotionally charged ballad from Nothing But Thieves’ self-titled début album. If any other material by the band wasn’t enough to reinforce Conor Mason’s Jeff Buckley-like vocals, this track will affirm it. Utilising only gentle guitars and Mason’s powerful and aching vocals, this is music at its best.
Music Monday Volume Seventy One
1) Birdy & Rhodes – Let It All Go
Gorgeous ballad by two highly talented artists from the UK. Utilising gentle piano tones, airy synths, crashing waves of percussion and rich layered harmonies, this is easily one of the most beautiful songs of recent years.
2) George Michael – I Can’t Make You Love Me
Perhaps one of the most covered songs in Pop history, this gorgeous and emotive ballad was originally bought to attention by Bonnie Raitt in 1992 who did a wonderful job. Since then, it has been covered by a multitude of artists from Boyz II Men to Adele. George Michael covered this during his incredible MTV Unplugged performance in 1997 to critical acclaim. It was later released as a b-side to his single ‘Older’. George’s interpretation captures a sincerity and anguish that others just seem to lack.
3) The Weeknd & Disclosure – Nocturnal
A rich fusion of The Weeknd’s dark R&B sound and slick falsetto vocals and Disclosure’s euphoric house sound. Awesome opener to Disclosure’s later album ‘Caracal’.
4) Jack Garratt – The love you’re given
Eeerie, jittery and sophisticated, this is a gorgeous down-tempo trip-hop track. Garrat’s falsetto vocals echo endlessly into the minimalistic production.
5) Ryan O’Shaughnessy – Fingertips
You may remember Ryan as a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent a few years ago. ‘Fingertips’ is his first single after a lengthy break. Whilst maintaining his signature acoustic sound, ‘Fingertips’ adds eerie sounds and programmed percussion to create a more polished track.
6) Sonny J – Can’t Stop Moving
Whilst never a huge hit for little-known DJ Sonny J, this song has been used in multiple commercials and TV programmes since. With sweeping sixties strings, gospel tinged keyboards and huge soulful vocals, it’s irresistibly catchy.
7) Earth Wind & Fire – September
Another track which is irresistibly catchy. ’70’s disco at its best.
8) John Waugh – Flight
John Waugh is a saxophonist who has played for a variety of acts and bands. He is perhaps best known for his saxophone solos in music by The 1975. ‘Flight’ is his début EP – a gorgeous and sophisticated collection of lovingly made Jazz tracks with modern twists. The title track is perhaps the strongest track featuring funky piano, bass and guitar riffs and a gorgeous saxophone solo.
9) Lawson – Mountains
Epic power ballad from Lawson’s latest EP. Screaming guitars, heavy percussion and Andy Brown’s emotive vocals all blend to create a powerful pop-rock track.
10) Janet Jackson – Shoulda Known Better
Despite its slight disjointed nature, ‘Shoulda Known Better’ is one of the best tracks Miss Jackson has put her name to in YEARS. A follow up to her 80’s smash ‘Rhythm Nature’, this is a powerful and catchy EDM track which cries out for world peace.
Music Monday – Volume Seventy
1) One Direction – Infinity
This week, One Direction announced their fifth album ‘Made in the AM’ in addition to the release of this new track. An emotive pop-rock ballad featuring weeping guitars, reverberating vocals and syrupy sweet harmonies, the song features an epic climax.
2) Carly Rae Jepsen- Let’s Get Lost
Funky track in a similar vein to The 1975 featured on Jepsen’s new album ‘Emotion’. An effervescent affair featuring funky guitar riffs, clinking synthesisers, gorgeous layered harmonies and a rogue saxophone solo, it’s a piece of pop perfection.
3) Carly Rae Jepsen – All That
Jepsen continues her 80’s synthpop vibe on this gorgeous slushy ballad. Giggly synthesisers and whimpering bass lines lead the track whilst Carly’s seductive vocals trickle gently atop. The climax is rather powerful too.
4) Ryan Adams – I Wish You Would
Whilst Ryan Adams and Taylor Swift share a musical background which covers country music, the concept of indie singer-songwriter Adams covering Swift’s entire synthpop ‘1989’ album sounded like an awful idea on paper. Amazingly, however, it works beautifully. Adams turns this into a moody acoustic ballad with wailing guitars and his heavy vocals endlessly reverberating.
5) Ryan Adams – Bad Blood
Adams somehow produces a cover better than the original. This alternative rock interpretation works perfectly, rife with various guitars.
6) Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike & Ne-Yo – Higher Place
Moody club track built around gentle piano riffs and the gorgeous contrast between Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s bass, low registered vocals and Ne-Yo’s gorgeous higher-toned vocals.
7) Mariah Carey – Dreamlover
Catchy Pop-R&B track which enabled Carey to break into the pop market. It’s all very ’90’s with its fierce drum machine and glittery piano riffs but it’s impossibly catchy and a lovely feel-good track.
8) REM – Man on the Moon
One of alternative-rock band REM’s biggest hits, this track is lyrically a tribute to performer Andy Kaufman.
9) Mumford and Sons – Believe
Upon release, ‘Believe’ marked a musical departure for the band. Best known for their organic, acoustic instrumentation, ‘Believe’ enters a more electric and alternative territory. A gentle, eerie opening develops into a powerful and energetic stadium-rock anthem.
10) Duke Dumont – Ocean Drive
Duke Dumont demonstrates a different side to him as ‘Ocean Drive’ enters a more funky, electropop territory compared to the usual deep-house tracks he produces.
Music Monday – Volume Sixty Nine
1) Seal – Every Time I’m With You
Seal returns with a gorgeous and triumphant ballad abundant with his signature raspy vocals, gentle guitar strums and sweeping strings. This is Seal’s first original track in five years; previous two albums were cover albums of Soul classics. ‘Every Time I’m With You’ is the lead single from Seal’s upcoming album ‘Seal 7’, released on 6th November.
2) Frances – Grow
Beautiful, emotive piano ballad by up and coming British indie artist Frances. Gorgeous song definitely worth a listen.
3) Frances – What Do You Mean (Radio 1 Live Lounge)
Frances was fortunate enough to be invited to perform in Radio 1’s Live Lounge following The Libertines’ cancellation. She performed a gorgeous piano cover of Justin Bieber’s huge Summer smash ‘What Do You Mean’. Beautiful.
4) Jamie Woon – Sharpness
Soft soul track featuring a punchy bass line, catchy percussion and gentle vocals.
5) Duran Duran – Pressure Off
Effortlessly catchy track from Duran Duran’s latest studio album. Aided by Chic mastermind Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Mr Hudson and Janelle Monrae, ‘Pressure Off’ is a rousing pop track featuring funky guitar riffs, punchy percussion and a huge stadium-anthem chorus. Awesome track.
6) Duran Duran – You Kill Me With Silence
Dark, hip-hop influenced verses evolve into a soaring and infectious chorus on this emotive synthpop track. Produced by Mr Hudson, it builds up to an eerie and eclectic ending rife with giggling synthesisers, distorted sounds, wailing sounds and hip hop beats.
7) Death and The Stars – Sad Drive
Awesome ’80’s-esque driving rock ballad masterminded by Ben Mark (frequent Take That and Mark Owen co-writer).
8) Sam Smith & Disclosure – Hotline Bling (Radio 1 Live Lounge)
Incredible interpretation of Drake’s R&B jam. Sam Smith sprinkles his emotive vocals over Disclosure’s funky tropical house backing track full of punchy bass, steel-pan like keys and air crushing synths.
9) Nathan Sykes – Ordinary People (Live)
Ex member of The Wanted Nathan Sykes showcases his syrupy smooth, soulful vocals on this acoustic interpretation of John Legend’s beautiful ‘Ordinary People’. A fine, relaxing cover.
10) James Bay – Scars
James Bay once again reinforces why he is one of the biggest stars in the UK right now. Emotive and raw folk-rock track comprised of nothing but organic instruments. Gorgeous.
Music Monday – Volume Sixty Seven
1) Take That – We Love to Entertain You
Electrifying and rousing stadium anthem that somehow managed to escape inclusion on an album. Whilst it did appear as a b-side to massive hit ‘Shine’ and was used in a German commercial, it was worthy of far more attention and credit. It’s a fitting tribute to fans; a sort of predecessor to ‘Hold Up A Light’, ‘Portrait’ and ‘I Like It’.
2) Beyonce – Love on Top
Funky and soulful R&B track; unbelievably catchy with an infectious melody and bouncy percussion. Highly influenced by 70’s disco tracks by Stevie Wonder and The Jackson Five, Beyonce braves FOUR key changes and blasts her powerhouse vocal effortlessly. One of her best.
3) Taylor Swift – Wildest Dreams
Miss Swift proves once again she is currently the biggest female Popstar in the world. Clearly influenced by the moody and breathy production Lana Del Ray is famous for, the chorus is unmistakeably Swift and the melody isn’t far removed from her signature Country-sound. A lovely track full of emotion, crashing beats and 80’s-esque synthesisers. Irresistible.
4) The Japanese House – Clean
Elusive and enigmatic act Amber Bain (better known as The Japanese House) released another enchanting track earlier this week, once again produced by Matty and George from The 1975. Full of twinkling bells, fizzy synths, distorted brass instruments and unsteady percussion, it’s beautifully endearing and cinematic.
5) Tame Impala – Yes I’m Changing
Aesthetic, downbeat and dreamy, this is another lovely moment from Tame Impala’s latest album ‘Currents’. Evidently influenced by ’80’s synthpop, it has a great bassline and hazy vocals.
6) Oasis – Half the World Away
Lovely acoustic ballad written and sang by Noel. Whilst never released on a studio album or as a single, this became well known for being used as the theme tune to the BBC Sitcom ‘The Royle Family’. It has also since been featured on two Oasis compilation albums.
7) The Blue Nile – Everybody Else
Whilst not the most recognised of bands, Glaswegian adult-alternative band The Blue Nile have received much critical acclaim and have gained a cult following over the years. They purposely never chased fame and are notable for their perfectionist approach to releasing music, releasing only four albums in a thirty four year career.
‘Everybody Else’ is a beautifully simplistic track featuring only a strumming guitar, computerised percussion, sweeping synthesisers and Paul Buchannan’s melancholic but sincere vocals. It is the penultimate track on their final album to date, 2004’s ‘High’.
8) Kylie Minogue, Garibay and Shaggy – Black and White
Miss Minogue is back on form with this sultry and sensual club banger, produced by Fernando Garibay and featuring a rap by legendary Shaggy. It is a return to Kylie’s club roots after previous album ‘Kiss Me Once’ was a more R&B-led affair and was only a moderate success commercially.
9) Lawson – Love Is You
Lovely acoustic-based ballad by Lawson, released as a free download on their website just days ago. Andy Brown’s voice is sincere as always and the chorus is very pretty.
10) Duran Duran – Ordinary World
One of Duran Duran’s biggest hits, ‘Ordinary World’ launched the band back into the charts after a period of declining popularity in the early 1990’s. Written about front-man Simon Le Bon’s late friend David Miles, this became a huge hit around the world in December 1992. Emotive, powerful and dramatic, it is one of Duran Duran’s best works.
Music Monday – Volume Sixty Six
1)Tamzin Archer – Sleeping Satellite
Moody 90’s pop track with lovely lyrics and an incredible vocal performance by Tamzin Archer.
2) Des’ree – You Gotta Be
Self empowering, sunny pop-soul track bound to leave a smile on the listener’s face. Featuring a tinny keyboard sound and R&B percussion, it is SO 90’s but with a lovely message.
3) Kate Bush – This Woman’s Work
Stunning piano ballad by Kate Bush, written for the John Hughes movie ‘She’s Having a baby’. Featured in the film’s dramatic climax, it’s a fitting accompaniment to the emotional scenes but is just as beautiful as a stand-alone song.
4) Maxwell – This Woman’s Work
This may be the first time Music Monday has included two different versions of the same song in the same playlist but this had to be done. The original, as previously mentioned, is a beautiful piano ballad by the ever-elusive but incredibly talented Miss Kate Bush. Maxwell, known for his slick falsetto vocals gives this an R&B makeover complete with a twinkling harp, weeping guitars and R&B percussion. It’s a gorgeous interpretation of a lovely song.
5) Joe Jonas – Levels
Joe Jonas has certainly reinvented himself from the cheesy teen-rock he produced with his brothers and is fast becoming the latest pop-prince in the music world. The bar was set high by Jonas’ debut single ‘Jealous’, a huge pop hit which charted well around the world. ‘Levels’ is just as good, however; if not, better. Incredible falsetto vocals and funky production carry this catchy track.
6) The Weeknd – Shameless
Moody Ed Sheeran-esque ballad with gorgeous falsetto vocals by Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. Obsessed with this right now.
7) The Weeknd – Tell Your Friends
Soul-infused R&B jam from The Weeknd’s latest album ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’. Produced by Kanye West, it’s much in the same vein as some of West’s early material.
8) Oh Atoms – Sugar Mouse
Pretty and gentle little folk ballad featured in cult favourite ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’. Gorgeous harmonies too.
9) Robbie Williams – The Road to Mandalay
One of Mr Williams’ most underrated works and one of his best lyrically. Genius, poetic lyrics crooned over gentle guitar strums and a gorgeous French melody leading the chorus. Simple but beautiful.
10) Michael Ball – Love Changes Everything
A very personal choice by myself as this was played at a funeral I attended last week. Beautiful song composed by theatre guru Andrew Lloyd Webber for his musical ‘Aspects of Love’ and sang flawlessly by Michael Ball.
Music Monday – Volume Sixty Five
‘Music Monday’ is a weekly blog in which I compile a list of ten songs I have been enjoying in the past week. This edition features Robbie Williams, The Weeknd, Kings of Leon amongst others.
1) JoJo – Save My Soul
JoJo is best known for 2005 smash R&B hit ‘Leave (Get Out)’, released when she was just fifteen years old. Since then, she took a hiatus and returned a five years ago but with limited success. ‘Save My Soul’ is a powerful and emotive ballad from her latest EP ‘III’ with a soaring melody, crashing percussion and haunting piano chords. Stunning.
2) Tove Lo – Talking Body
Sensual and seductive synthpop song by Swedish recording artist Tove Lo. A fine pop track; catchy with an easy sing-along chorus.
3) Steve Angello – Wasted Love
Epic dance track with the Coldplay-esque euphoria. Dougy, lead singer of The Temper Track lends his vocals to this powerful and uplifting song.
4) Daniel Bedingfield – Never Gonna Leave Your Side
This was always a little inferior compared to Bedingfield’s other famous ballad, the gorgeous ‘If You’re Not The One’. It’s a beautiful song nevertheless and a lovely pop ballad.
5) Richard Marx – Right Here Waiting For You
Slushy and sentimental ’80’s power ballad, a little cheesy but gorgeous nonetheless. One of the most beautiful ballads in pop history, evident from its extensive list of covers.
6) Kings of Leon – Use Somebody
A plea for help but refreshingly presented in an alternative rock format instead of as a ballad. An epic, emotive track full of stadium-rousing ‘oh’s’, wailing guitars and Caleb Followill’s raspy vocals. Still as good now as it was upon release back in 2008.
7) Robbie Williams – Different
One of Williams’ most underrated singles of his career. Co-written by Gary Barlow and Jacknife Lee, it’s a haunting and powerful pop-rock track aching with sincerity. Williams’ forte has always been the ability to put his heart on his sleeve and channel this into well-written lyrics. This deserved to fare SO much better on the UK chart.
8) Justin Bieber – What Do You Mean?
Bieber appears to have made it through his rough Britney-esque meltdown and has returned triumphantly with his best music yet. ‘I Need U’, a collaboration with Diplo and Skrillex was an incredible comeback and ‘What Do You Mean’ continues Bieber’s new electronic-dance-music sound. ‘What Do You Mean’ uses minimalistic instrumentation and gentle, funky production built up of squeaky, steel-pan-like synthesisers, skippy percussion and Bieber’s gentle vocal.
9) The Weeknd – As You Are
Dark, powerful and catchy track from The Weeknd’s (real name Abel Tesfaye) third and current album ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’. Canadian Tesfaye has been in the industry for a while but is only now finding worldwide success, aided greatly by ‘Earned It’, featured in this year’s Fifty Shades of Grey movie. Tesfaye is a pioneer of the ever-developing PBR&B (an alternative version of R&B music) and ‘As You Are’ is a strong demonstration of this. With slamming 80’s-styled percussion, echoing vocals and gentle synthesisers, it’s an explosing and haunting track. Incredible song.
10) The Weeknd – I Can’t Feel My Face
It’s easy to dismiss this song at first with it’s slightly deranged lyrics but it is also unmistakably catchy with its funky guitar riffs and heavy percussion. Very MJ.
Music Monday – Volume Sixty Four
1) Chris Brown – Your World
Verging slightly on Beiber territory, on paper, this shouldn’t work but it somehow does… It’s easy to see why this didn’t make the main tracklisting for Brown’s album ‘Fortune’ (it only appears as a bonus track on the Japanese edition) – it’s a little on the cheesy side but it’s a pretty little R&B track.
2) Liberty-X – Holding on For You
Slushy pop ballad from one of the UK’s best and most underrated pop groups. A beautiful melody leads the track, lined by tight harmonies and catchy production.
3) Razorlight – America
A song too easily forgotten until its occasional re-play on the airwaves. Gentle dreamy verses escalate into a huge stadium-anthem chorus. Irresistibly catchy; one of the greatest indie-rock songs ever recorded.
4) Rita Ora and Chris Brown – Body On Me
Steamy and sensual R&B track with crashing beats and a rousing chorus. It’s a massive track; another success in both artists’ ever-increasing discography. One of the hottest tracks currently around.
5) Sigala – Easy Love
The song of the summer. Cleverly sampling massive Jackson 5 hit ‘ABC’, it’s a huge dance track full of house-tinged piano riffs and synthesisers mimicking steel pans, not too dissimilar to Duke Dumont’s huge 2014 summer hit ‘I Got U’. It’s impossible for this song not to leave the listener with a huge grin on their face.
6) Stylo G & Gyption – My Number One
Catchy reggae track. Depends on mood for the enjoyment of this one but it’s a great summer song.
7) Jess Glynne – You Can Find Me
Brilliant Prince styled track full of punchy percussion, gospel layered vocals, funky bass and 80’s synthesisers. SO good.
8) Galantis – Peanut Butter Jelly
It’s hard to determine if this is meant to be taken seriously or as a novelty track. Either way, it’s an impossibly catchy dance track full of sweeping 60’s styled strings.
9) Robbie Williams – Nan’s Song
Beautiful acoustic ballad which closed Williams’ best album ‘Escapology’. Williams croons about the loss of his grandparent, aching with sincerity. One of very few tracks Williams wrote alone, its a well-written and lovely track.
10) Michael & Janet Jackson – Scream
Aggressive and explosive electro-rock track by two of the Jackson siblings. Both Jacksons more or less spit the lyrics in assertion as they demand the press to “Stop f*****g with me”. The fury in the track is understandable considering it was Michael’s first single release since his 1993 child molestation allegations. Awesome, powerful track.
Music Monday – Volume Sixty Three
- Selena Gomez & A$AP Rocky – Good For You
Moody and seductive, Gomez is pulling out all the stops to emphasise her new-found maturity. It never quite reaches its full potential; it’s crying out for a huge climax towards the end of the song but with its provocative message and the inclusion of A$Ap Rocky’s rap, it’s a step in the right direction of producing more grown-up music.
2) Jack Garratt – Weathered
Jittery with fierce beats, grunge-y guitars and a silky smooth vocal delivery from Garratt. It’s a huge song with fantastic production.
3) Jennifer Lopez – Play
Throwback to when J-Lo was still producing GOOD music. Drawing upon Prince and Madonna for influence, it’s a catchy and funk-driven dance-pop track with squeaky synths and slamming beats. One of the best pop tracks from the noughties era.
4) Leona Lewis – Fire Under My Feet
Explosive comeback single for 2006 X Factor winner Leona Lewis. Unfortunately, the lead single from Lewis’ forthcoming album has fallen under the radar due to slack promotion from new label Island/Def Jam. With stomping percussion layered with hand claps and moody piano chords, it’s Lewis at her best.
5) Chris Brown – Don’t Judge Me
Sombre, sulky and aching with sincerity, this is Brown at his best. The lyrical content is straight from the heart and Brown croons passionately over stuttering percussion and remote production.
6) Mark Owen – Makin’ Out
Much of this blog discusses how underrated I consider Mark Owen’s solo discography to be but I shall continue to reinforce my point! Quirky rock-fuelled track from Owen’s 2005 album ‘How The Mighty Fall’, this single was only a moderate success and deserved to fare far better. Brilliant lyrics and powerful vocal delivery from Owen as always.
7) Taylor Swift – Bad Blood
The album version is far superior to the single version with Kendrick Lamar although Lamar’s rap does not particularly detract from the power of the song. Fierce.
8) Taylor Swift – Style
Still one of Swift’s best singles of her career so far. Moody and sultry with funky 80’s styled guitars and crashing percussion.
9) Take That – Today I’ve Lost You
One of the most underrated songs of Take That’s career. Originally written as the follow up to 1995’s massive hit ‘Back For Food’, Barlow saved this one (many other songs written for what would have been Take That’s follow up album to ‘Nobody Else’ appeared on Barlow’s debut album ‘Open Road’) and it was recorded for the band’s 2005 Greatest Hits compilation. Barlow’s gentle vocals trickle over a soft and organic backing track, comprised of soft guitar strums and piano chords, sweeping strings and an awesome guitar solo. It’s a shame this was never taken further and released as a single; it’s a beautifully written and performed song.
10) Gary Barlow – My Commitment
Schmaltz-y love song from Barlow’s début solo album ‘Open Road’ which screams ’90’s!’ with its heavily programmed drum machine and glittery pianos. Co-written with songwriting legend Diane Warren, this is a beautiful ballad with a lovely message.
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