After adapting Music Monday to make it strictly about current and new music, we realised that there was no way to draw focus to older music on this blog. So we have decided to publish a mixtape (or Spotify Playlist) of 20 songs on the first day of every month.
This makes January’s rather late but with no further ado, here’s the Music Box’s January Mixtape:
1) Usher – I don’t mind
God-damn awful lyrics aside, I love this. Slick, smooth and simple: the characteristics of the perfect pop song! Just don’t pay too much information to the lyric content and try and block out Juicy J’s completely useless rap!
2) Gary Barlow – Offer My Peace
B-Side from the Japanese release of the wonderful ‘So Help Me Girl’. It’s classic 90’s schmaltz complete with bongo-type percussion and an electric piano but that’s a lot of what makes it so endearing! Wait for that key change 😉 Lovely little song.
3) Iggy Azalea & Jennifer Hudson – Trouble
Despite my best efforts not to like any of Iggy’s music, I always seem to get drawn in eventually… Despite some of her others which I won’t readily admit to enjoying, I will openly admit that I absolutely love this! Effortlessly catchy, simple, jazzy and just SO damn great. Completely forgot what an incredible voice J-Hud has. She makes it what it is, of course but there’s the perfect balance of rap and singing on it.
4) Longfellow – Where I Belong
Heard this on the radio and completely fell in love with it. It’s not ground-breakingly original but it’s a powerful song. Gorgeous falsetto on that chorus and love the piano too!
5) Janet Jackson – Let’s Wait Awhile
Critics would argue that this is classic 80’s cheese and yes it does have a particular element of that to it. Despite that, the message is still relevant today. It’s such an important song to multiple generations and utterly irresistible. Janet was an incredibly proficient artist in using her music as a means of raising awareness on many important issues back in the 80’s. This song is a part of that movement. The song’s producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis also do a sterling job on this beautiful song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J75aXgdmEPw
6) Janet Jackson – Nothing
Beautiful simple song by Miss Jackson. The resemblance to Michael is uncanny in some places…
7) George Michael – Please Send Me Someone to Love (Anselmo’s Song)
Lovely track from George’s last album ‘Patience’. Chilled out and obviously very personal (Anselmo was George’s lover who died from AIDS related illness back in the mid-90’s) it’s George at his best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMtM1dl0qu8
8) John Mayer & Katy Perry – Who You Love
Yes it may be a little cheesy but it’s such a beautiful song. Love how the lyrics come from two different perspectives by the couple and it’s lovely to hear Katy’s raw, organic vocals without any of the usual processing it receives. I love this couple so much – two of my favourite artists together.
9) JLS – Close to You
Not exactly innovative but a lovely R&B love song all the same. Really love this.
10) Usher -Burn
An often forgotten gem from eleven (was it really that long ago?!) years ago. Usher does heartbreak R&B ballads like no other. Such a beautiful song.
1) Kodaline – The One
Beautiful ballad. Simple but effective!
2) Jessie J – I need this
Powerful emotive song from Jessie’s debut album ‘Who You Are’. Originally written for Chris Brown and featured as a bonus track on his Graffiti album, Jessie sticks to his formula despite the key change and some extra nice little ad libs at the end. The piano arpeggios are pretty, the explosive guitar heavy chorus adds sheer power and the lyrics are fantastic. Awesome song.
3) Chris Brown – Don’t Judge Me
I prefer the David Aude remix of this, funnily enough, despite not usually being a fan of remixes. This past week, I have fallen in love with the original version however. Smooth, emotive and a great, great song. Very chilled. Haven’t been able to get enough of this over the past week.
4) Chris Brown – I Love U
There’s something impossibly endearing about this album track from Chris’ ‘Graffiti’ album. Whether it’s the use of an accordion, the incredibly catchy chorus or the sing-song melody, it’s just a great, great track.
5) London Grammar – If You Wait
Haunting, stunning, emotional; three things every London Grammar song tends to be. This is no exception. Absolutely gorgeous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyVuiZmxm18
6) Fleetwood Mac – Sara
It’s Fleetwood Mac, what’s not to love? Soft, rather haunting with catchy piano instrumentation. Stevie Nicks’ voice is one of the greatest in history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzKh9q7vvHY
7) John Mayer – Gravity
Perhaps his signature song and rightly so. Blues-y, chilled out and so simple but so damn good. I’ve been able to completely relate to these lyrics this past week. Very cleverly written. The man’s a musical genius. “Gravity is working against me, gravity wants to bring me down.”
8) Ryan O’Shaughnessy – Hold Me Now
Absolutely stunning song by 2012’s Britain’s Got Talent Finalist, Ryan O’Shaughnessy. Big fan of his work and songwriting.
9) Charles Hamilton & Rita Ora – New York Raining
Really liking this right now! Very catchy.
10) Disclosure & Eliza Dolittle – You & Me
LOVE Disclosure. Still an absolute tune. Catchy and house-infused but rather haunting and beautiful at the same time.
1) Simply Red – Say You Love Me
One of their best yet most underrated songs. Mick Hucknall is a musical genius. Gorgeous ballad from the fantastic ‘Blue’ album with soulful vocals, soft guitar strums and predominant piano chords throughout.
2) Simply Red – To be free
A great feel-good song also from the 1998 ‘Blue’ album. Great song with thoughtful lyrics.
3) Simply Red – You’ve Got It
Love, love, LOVE this song. Another underrated single by the band, this time from 1989’s ‘A New Flame Album’. Co-written with legendary soul writer Lamont Dozier, this soulful ballad has the same feel as his songs written in the ’60’s but with Simply Red’s 80’s sound blended in. Mick Hucknall and Lamont Dozier was a winning combination. Mick Hucknall’s stunning vocals really shine on this track. Love the interesting chords too.
4) Simply Red – Your Eyes
Yep, I’ve been having a Simply Red week… 1999’s ‘Love and the Russian Winter’ was more or less a commercial failure, a shame when it’s such an adventurous and fantastic album. It’s my favourite Simply Red album infused with a more computerised/electro sound. ‘Your Eyes’ was the lead single. A smooth R&B/Pop love song, it’s an awesome song. Mick Hucknall sure knows how to write a great love song. Should have faired much better in the charts.
5) Taylor Swift – Style
One of her best singles to date, I’ve loved this since the release of her ‘1989’ album and am so glad she’s released this as a single. Catchy with great production and fantastic Swifty lyrics, it’s awesome.
6) One Direction – You & I
Months later and the departure of Zayn Malik made me return to my obsession with this song. I love the lyrics, I love the vocal performance of each of the boys but most of all, I love how the song builds. Particularly in the single version, percussion doesn’t enter the song until after the first chorus and the song ends in a mesmerising climax after the second chorus in which wailing guitars, heavy drums and Zayn Malik’s gorgeous falsetto kick in. Beautiful song.
7) Michael Jackson – Ghosts
A catchy new jack swing number from 1999’s ‘Blood on the Dancefloor’ album, the paranoia in the lyrics and that crazy drum beat makes it an awesome song.
8) John Mayer – In Repair
A rather long but great song from John’s 2005 ‘Continuum’ album, I love this. Lyrically, it’s about being in a state of repair – getting back to being yourself again, something I am more than able to relate to.
9) Annie Lennox – No More I Love You’s
A song originally by 80’s New Wave group ‘The Lover Speaks’, covered by Annie Lennox on her second solo album ‘Medusa’. The original is a dark indie song but Lennox truly made the song what it is. Her pop version released in 1995 became a massive hit and added an extra depth missing from the original. Her vocal performance is incredible (as always), Stephen Lipson’s production is on point and it’s just a beautiful song, one of my all time favourites.
10) Favela – Easy Yoke
A song I found on a Spotify playlist last year that I rediscovered recently. Love the chords, love the chilled-out vibe of this and the meaningful lyrics. It’s a shame this song isn’t known by more because it’s beautiful and catchy at the same time.
1) Circa Waves – Fossils
Cannot get enough of this right now. So, so catchy with a massive chorus. Love the chord progression too.
2) The Script – Man on a Wire
One of their best singles to date, ‘Man on a Wire’ is a powerful, emotive song. So glad The Script have released it as a single.
3) Joni Mitchell – A Case of You (Both Sides Now version)
A great song in its own right, Joni gives her classic hit the jazz treatment and it’s absolutely magical. Taken from her jazz concept album on which she covers classic jazz songs and arranges two of her best songs in a jazz style, this is just gorgeous. Joni’s raspy vocals, stunning strings and the laid-back nature of it make it effortlessly beautiful.
4) Stateless – Bloodstream
A haunting, fantastic track.
5) Elbow – asleep in the back
An absolutely stunning waltz-like ballad from the band’s 2001 album of the same name. It’s soft, gentle and beautiful with minimal fuss. The piano arpeggios, gospel organ and gentle guitar strums along with Guy Garvey’s warm voice.
6) Elbow – Great Expectations
Another beautiful ballad by Elbow.
7) John Mayer – Belief
One of the greatest and most powerful songs ever written, in my opinion. John Mayer can do no wrong, musically. The fierce guitar, powerful drum pattern and thoughtful lyrics make this an incredible song. The last minute always sends shivers up my spine.
8) John Mayer – Vultures
Another powerful song by Mr Mayer. Love that outro with the repetition of ‘Don’t give up, give up’.
9) Jeff Buckley – Everybody Here Wants You
Upon discovering this song, I felt a strange sense of de ja vu. It seemed so familiar but I can’t put my finger on where I heard it before. So soft and in true Jeff Buckley style, this is a wonderful, soulful song.
10) Mark Owen – Clementine
One of the best solo records by a Take That member ever, this is SO underrated. It’s cool, almost indie-pop with an irresistibly catchy chorus. SO good.
1) Robbie Williams – The Pilot
Catchy number from Rob’s latest album of unreleased material: ‘Under The Radar’. It’s a song more than worthy of being on a commercial album by Rob and possibly even single material. Catchy beat, fierce guitar strums and a great vocal performance from Robbie.
2) Robbie Williams – Love Is You
Beautiful ballad reminiscent of Rob’s work from 2005’s ‘Intensive Care’ album.
3) Robbie Williams – Baby Girl Window
Beautiful ballad that closes Rob’s ‘Life Thru a Lens’ album. I’d never really paid attention to it but after giving it a proper listen recently, I fell in love with it.
4) Take That – Get Ready For It
Powerful closing track to ‘III’ and a great, great song. The single release has added orchestration which makes it even more emotive.
5) Zak Abel – These Are The Days
Catchy, soulful number. Love this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BP7XC699Jc
6) Prince – Welcome 2 The Dawn
Gorgeous acoustic based ballad from the late 90’s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOMG7R8K8xk
7) Ed Sheeran and John Mayer – Thinking out loud
Absolutely love Ed and this song anyway but throw one of my favourite artists – John Mayer into the mix and you create utter perfection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWZnup4zYEk
8) William Fitzsimmons – Just Not Each Other
Found this artist through a Spotify playlist and fell in love. This is my favourite by him – a beautiful low-key ballad which discusses lost love. Love the final part of it with the layered vocals. Beautiful.
9) William Fitzsimmons – I don’t feel it anymore
Stunning ballad and the song that got me into William Fitzsimmons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mld3NLHNebw
10) William Fitzsimmons – Fade and then return
Great, rather catchy track by William.
1) John Mayer – Dreaming with a broken heart
Beautiful ballad from John’s 2005 ‘Continuum’ album. Great lyrics and I love the fact it’s piano based which makes it stand out from John’s usual guitar sound.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1dOE-oeLG0
2) Cage The Elephant – Lotus
Heard this when out the other day and really enjoyed it! Reminds me a bit of the Red Hot Chillipeppers.
3) London Grammar – Metal & Dust
I love London Grammar but only got round to checking out their album in its entirety this week. This is one of the stand-outs for me. Love that drum rhythm.
4) London Grammar – Interlude (Live)
Another beautiful song from London Grammar’s début album.
5) One Direction – Stockholm Syndrome
Yes, I know this was in one of the playlists a couple of weeks back and I tend to avoid including songs more than once but I had to include it again. I cannot get enough of this intense, incredibly catchy song. The lyrics are well-written, the drum rhythm is catchy as hell and I love that melody. One of the stand-outs from ‘Four’.
6) Robbie Williams – Deceptacon
A stunning song from ‘Reality Killed The Video Star’. Soft, dreamy and pretty spaced out, I just love the feel of this song. One of Robbie’s most underrated songs.
7) Taylor Swift- Blank Space
Taylor Swift is dominating the charts at the moment and rightly so. She’s delivered an incredible album full of killer songs. Great song.
8) Labrinth – Jealous
Dismissed by many as ‘boring’, I just think this is really quite beautiful. It may not be the best song I’ve heard but credit where it’s due. There’s some gorgeous chords in this, the lyrics are beautiful and Labrinth’s voice is fantastic.
9) Bing Crosby & David Bowie – Little Drummer Boy
When considering my favourite Christmas songs, I always manage to forget about this classic. Their voices just melt together and it’s a beautiful version of a gorgeous song. Perhaps one of the greatest duets in history.
10) Lawson – Driving Home For Christmas
‘Driving Home For Christmas’ is one of my top 3 favourite Christmas songs of all time. Lawson are one of my favourite bands. Put them both together and you get this level of perfection! Such an awesome version.
1) The Beatles – Across the Universe
Such a pretty little song. Love the lyrics and the melody in this one. “Nothing’s gonna change my world…”
2) The Beatles – Blackbird
I am obsessed with this song right now. It’s a song I’ve always been aware of but I’ve only grown to appreciate it fully this past week where I have checked out pretty much all of The Beatles’ discography. It’s an interesting song musically and simplistic instrumentation-wise. Love it!
3) The Beatles – Magical Mystery Tour
Just an all round brilliant song!
4) John Mayer – Come back to bed
John refers this as an early version of his signature song ‘Gravity’ which makes sense rhythmically. I’m not sure I’m keen on that analogy however because it feels like John has therefore dismissed this beautiful and fantastic song because he wrote something similar and better a few years later. Awesome lyrics and a great chilled-out feel. Also love the way it builds. “Don’t hold your love over my head”.
5) Lawson – Taking over me
One of their best and it still sounds awesome two years later. SO catchy and such a feel-good song.
6) One Direction – Night Changes
Beautiful, low-key second single from new album ‘Four’. The below video is for a stunning live acoustic version.
7) S Club 7 – S Club Party
There ain’t no party like an S Club party! They received a mixed reaction when they reunited at BBC Children in Need on Friday night but overall they caused a lot of fuss and excitement. Still an irresistible pop track!
8) Take That – Patience
The song that had a massive contribution to Take That’s massively successful comeback, this song is still just as powerful eight years after its release. Amazing lyrics, an irresistible chorus and an awesome song.
9) Wild Beasts – Reach a bit further
Hauntingly beautiful song. Love the moody feel to this track.
10) Gabrielle – Dreams
One of the best songs from the 90’s, this is 90’s R&B at its best. Just an all round fantastic song and Gabrielle has one of my favourite female voices ever.
1) Robbie Williams – No One likes a fat popstar
One of many songs that highlights Robbie’s genius. Witty, well-written lyrics that poke fun at the media and those fond of food, its self deprecation style is actually a little sad too. Love the merry-go-round feel of the verses and the operatic chorus. Awesome song.
2) B.o.B & Hayley Williams – Airplanes
Still an absolute tune, I really love the lyrics to this song. Hayley Williams has an incredible voice and B.o.B is a great artist.
3) U2- I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
A song that will forever be relevant to many people a little lost in life. An all time rock-classic.
4) The Magician ft Years & Years– Sunlight
A song reminiscent of early 2000’s house, this is one of the best dance tracks in years. So catchy and SO damn good.
5) Take That – These Days
They’re finally back after a three year hiatus! Take That’s new track is a rather camp, poppy, danceable track which is destined to be a hit. Love the 1980’s feel and the blend of their voices together. Awesome song.
6) Coldplay – Always in my head
A melancholic, chilled song that’s utterly beautiful.
7) John Mayer – Belief
I honestly believe this is one of the greatest songs ever written. Incredible lyrics and the last minute or so is just sheer power. Amazing.
8) Coldplay – 0 (Fly on)
A stunning end to Coldplay’s incredible ‘Ghost Stories’ album. ‘Just a flock of birds is how you think of love’ – what a line.
9) Mark Owen – Falling Star
A song featured only as a bonus track on the Japanese edition of Owen’s 2005 ‘How the mighty fall’ album. It’s a song which proves quite how underrated Mark Owen’s solo career is and this should have been on the standard edition of the album. Utterly stunning.
10) Calvin Goldspink – Grown Up
A great, great song by Calvin Goldspink who, many years ago, was a member of the S Club Juniors (or S Club 8).
1) One Direction – Fireproof
There’s been a bit of a mixed reaction to this track which was made available for free for 24 hours this week. It’s a lot more mature with a soft beat and gorgeous harmonies and I absolutely love it. Such a great song.
2) Favela – Easy Yoke
Found this on a Spotify placement I was listening to yesterday and have listened to it over and over since. Such a beautiful song. Very spaced out and the strings are just stunning.
3) The 1975 – Heart Out
I’ve loved this since I purchased The 1975’s début album almost a year ago but the release of the video last week has given the song a new lease of life for me. So catchy it’s unreal and I love the saxophone break.
4) Ten Walls – Walking with elephants
Been hearing this on the radio a lot lately and I really love it. It’s great to have a classic instrumental club track in the charts.
5) Nina Nesbitt – Two worlds away
Found this completely by accident and have fallen in love. Such a pretty acoustic-based song.
6) John Mayer – Say
One of John’s more underrated efforts and one I feel even he neglects sometimes. This was written for and appeared in the movie ‘The Bucket List’ although I came to know it through the modern re-adaptation of ‘The Karate Kid’ a few years back. It’s the song that got me into John Mayer and it’s so pretty. It’s one of the most inspiring songs and I just love it so, so much.
7) Coldplay – True love
Hauntingly beautiful. Love this.
8) George Ezra – Barcelona
This man is such a talent. Really love this song.
9) George Ezra – Song 3
Another incredible song off George’s debut album. Awesome.
[Unfortunately this isn’t on YouTube]
10) Beck – Morning
I went and saw ‘If I stay’ at the cinema the other day and this appeared in the movie. I instantly fell in love with the soft guitars and the haunting melody. Such a haunting, stunnning song.
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