Great song off Charlie’s début solo album with a catchy, beautiful melody.
3) Charlene Soraia -Caged
Great pop track.
4) Stereophonics – Have a nice day
Such an uplifting, catchy song which is perfect to lift your spirits at the beginning of the day. Always reminds me of the summer and always makes me feel great.
5) Ronan Keating – Life is a rollercoaster
Cheesy Pop at its best. Catchy, uplifting and a fine, fine song. One of my favourite songs of all time.
6) Friendly Fires – Hurting
Such a catchy song with a 1980’s electro-feel to it.
7) The Vamps – Smile
Perfect closing track to The Vamps’ début album. A catchy, feel-good anthem.
8) The Vamps – Lovestruck
A slightly darker track on The Vamps’ début album, this is a great song.
9) Robbie Williams & Brad Paisley – Collision of worlds
A perhaps less known track, this appeared on the soundtrack to the movie ‘Cars 2’. The lyrics are witty and very cleverly written and it’s such an awesome song.
10) John Mayer – 83
A great little song that appeared on John’s début ‘Room for Squares’ that deals with nostalgia and wishing to be a child again. It’s easy to relate to and a fantastically written song.
This is so catchy, so cool and such a great, uplifting summer song. One of her best off ‘Prism’ and I’m so glad Katy’s releasing it as a single. Great video too.
2) Tulisa – Young
Whatever you think about Tulisa and N Dubz in general, this remains one heck of a tune. This is uplifting, summery and so damn catchy.
3) Take That – It only takes a minute
A massive guilty pleasure, this was a great interpretation of an old disco classic. Its sound and production has certainly been left in the ’90’s but it still sounds awesome and Take That’s version is perhaps the best loved and most known version. Such a catchy chorus.
4) Take That – Once you’ve tasted love
One of Take That’s most underrated songs of their entire career. It may have been on their début ‘Take That and Party’ which is undoubtedly cheesy and lacks credibility in places but it remains a great, great album. This song is infused with electro-pop influences and it’s just so well written/produced. Big chorus too.
5) The 1975 – She Way Out
Almost a year later and I’m still just as addicted to The 1975’s début album as I was upon my first listen. ‘She Way Out’ is definitely one of my favourites. It’s repetitive but it’s so damn good, so catchy and has an unbeatable sing-along chorus.
6) Jessie Ware – Tough love
I’ve heard this on the radio for months now and I’ve begun to realise I fall in love with it a little bit more with every listen. It’s soft, understated but remarkably beautiful. So chilled out and a great song.
7) John Mayer – Good love is on the way
A song that’s never appeared on a John Mayer studio album, this has only been included on John’s live albums. It’s an awesome song, however. I love the guitar instrumentation and the lyrics. Very catchy and an awesome tune. Would love a studio version someday.
8) Charlie Simpson – Long road home
I decided to check out Charlie’s new album the other day and was pleasantly surprised. Every song was beautifully written with smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. This is the opening track to Charlie’s second album and it’s a killer opening. Awesome tune.
9) Charlie Simpson – Hold On
Smooth, fluttering harmonies and gorgeous lyrics. Love the guitars in this and the feel of the song in general. Incredibly beautiful.
10) Madonna – Don’t tell me
One of Madonna’s best, I particularly love the stutter-y production on this. It’s smooth, low-key and very summery. I loved Madonna’s music of this era – the country themed songs and minimalistic production.
Mark Owen’s solo career is massively underrated. All of his four solo albums have been fantastic but have achieved only moderate success. 2013’s ‘The Art of Doing Nothing’ is probably his best and lead single ‘Stars’ is a masterpiece. Unusual chord structure, electronic sounding, fantastic instrumentation, beautiful vocals and thoughtful lyrics. SO good.
2) Mark Owen – Giveaway
The opening track to ‘The Art of Doing Nothing’. Haunting introduction, Mark’s echoing vocals and a fine way to open the album, building into a catchy track.
3) Demi Lovato – World of chances
I discovered John Mayer had co-written this song with Demi for her 2009 album so decided to check it out. It’s a beautiful song and I can hear both artist’s influences stamped all over it. Such a great track.
4) Republic of Loose – Comeback Girl
Catchy as hell with minimalistic instrumentation. Great summer track.
5) Take That – When we were young
Beautiful song that deserved to fare better in the UK singles chart. A song that returned Take That back to their pop-rock style after the whirlwind that was 2010’s ‘Progress’, it’s warm, heartfelt and beautifully performed.
6) Take That – Happy Now
One of my all time favourite Take That songs and one of the best from their career. An amazing backing track from Gary Barlow with paranoid, robotic and dark verses before a disco, Bee-Gee-esque chorus that’s catchy as hell. It’s an incredible piece of electro-pop with well-written lyrics and the blend of the dark verses with the optimistic, catchy chorus works fanatically and makes it stand out amongst other songs of a similar genre.
7) Take That – What do you want from me
Haunting, heartfelt and emotional. Mark Owen puts his heart and soul into this and Stuart Price’s production is incredible. Awesome song.
8) Michael Jackson – Scared of the moon
Out-take from the ‘Bad’ album which appeared on the 2005 box set; ‘The Ultimate Collection’. It’s simple with just Michael’s voice, a piano and strings but it is absolutely stunning. Michael & Quincy Jones were right to leave it off ‘Bad’ as it simply wouldn’t have fit but it’s an incredibly beautiful song nonetheless.
9) John Mayer/Lawson – Gravity
John Mayer’s signature tune, this is absolute perfection. Silky smooth, Blues-infused and with minimal but heartfelt lyrics. It’s a song John tried to write for a long time before finally getting it right. Lawson are one of my favourite bands who also admire John. They have performed a cover of this song a couple of times, both live in concert and on a live-stream. Their cover is absolutely beautiful so I am including it below too.
10) John Mayer – Wheel
Understated, soft closing track to 2003’s ‘Heavier Things’. It’s a beautiful song with fantastically written lyrics and it has the ability to leave you heartbroken. Gorgeous track and the perfect way to end an album.
Such an awesome club track that I keep hearing on the radio. The bass line is great and the whole song is very 90’s. Absolutely loving this right now.
2) Tom Misch – Memory
Another track I heard on the radio that I am loving. Very chilled with lots of summer vibes through the downtempo beat, gentle strings and steel pan-like sounds. Love its changes in direction too – it changes direction multiple times but keeps its flow. Great guitar solo towards the end.
3) Adam Levine – Lost stars
I saw ‘Begin Again’ at the cinema, hence these next four songs. They’re all written by one of my favourite songwriters, Gregg Alexander, who’s behind some big hits (You get what you give, Life is a rollercoaster, Lovin’ Each Day, Inner Smile). This song is the lead promotional track for the film and it’s a gorgeous song.
4) Adam Levine – A higher place
Another from ‘Begin Again’, in the same vein as writer Gregg Alexander’s previous work for Ronan Keating. So catchy and Adam Levine’s voice is to die for.
5) Keira Knightley – Like a fool
A sweet song also from ‘Begin Again’. It’s simple but it’s beautiful.
6) Keira Knightley – A step you can’t take back
I could have included the whole ‘Begin Again’ soundtrack in this week’s blog but I wanted to keep it diverse plus I have been loving a lot of songs this week. This is played a few times in the film and it’s beautiful. I love the way it develops and builds.
7) 2Pac, Roger Troutman & Dr Dre – California Love
Heard this on the Nixtape last Friday and was reminded of what an absolute tune it is. SO catchy and just an all-round awesome hiphop track.
8) Counting Crows & Vanessa Carlton – Big Yellow Taxi
I know this is going to be controversial but I actually prefer this version to Joni Mitchell’s original. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Joni Mitchell and her version is obviously great but I love this interpretation more. It was fantastically adapted for the 21st Century and I love its pop-rock feel. Vanessa Carlton’s little ad libs and backing vocals make it even sweeter. One of the greatest covers of a song ever.
9) Babyface – Shower the people
I’ve always adored Babyface as a writer and equally, I have loved his solo career. His cover of James Taylor’s ‘Fire and rain’ is one of my favourite songs/covers ever. This is another cover of a James Taylor track off the same album on which Babyface covers his favourite songs. This is a song I managed to miss but it’s so beautiful. The original is just as great but Babyface’s harmonies and interpretation is smooth, sophisticated and fantastic. Can’t get enough of this right now.
10) Rizzle Kicks – Tell her
Love these lads – their energy, charisma and their uniqueness. This song is so catchy, something very 1970’s about it. Awesome song.
I do think this band is very overrated. Having said that, this song is irresistibly catchy and I do enjoy hearing it on the radio very much.
2) Usher – Good Kisser (Disclosure Remix)
Those that follow me on Twitter will know how much I love this song through my excessive tweeting about it. I’ve also already included this track in one of my previous editions of Music Monday but this is slightly different as it’s the Disclosure remix. I love the Disclosure boys – their debut album is amazing, their songs are fantastic and their remixes are awesome. Love this.
3) Chris Braide – Last great hope for mankind
You may not have heard of him but Chris Braide is the writer of many well-known and much loved songs. He’s one of my favourite song-writers. Along with his writing, he has also released a handful of his own material on a collection of albums. I love this song and how happy it is.
(Unfortunately there are no videos on YouTube for this – Spotify or iTunes it if you can!)
4) Lady Antebellum – Can’t take my eyes off you
I’ve always loved Lady Antebellum’s single releases but this week I decided to check out their albums. I fell in love with a lot of songs, the harmonies, chord structures and country-feel to each song but I especially loved this one.
5) Jess Glynne – Birthday/I wanna be your lover (Live in the Radio 1 Live Lounge)
Jess Glynne is definitely an artist to watch. She was lead vocalist on Clean Bandit’s awesome song ‘Rather be’ and also on Route 94’s ‘My love’. This was a live version of Katy Perry’s amazing track, ‘Birthday’ which in itself was already great. But then she mixed it up with some of Prince’s ‘I wanna be your lover’ and made it even more crazy. Awesome.
6) Nerina Pallot – Learning to breathe
This is a wonderful song. After re-discovering ‘Sophia’, I decided to check out the album the track was from. I loved all of the songs but I really fell in love with this song. Catchy and emotive chorus.
7) Nerina Pallot – Sophia
This song gives me lots of fond memories. I loved it upon its release back in 2006 and I remember listening to it in the car on my way home from school during my first few weeks of secondary school. It’s an absolutely gorgeous song and I love it very much. Nerina Pallot is amazing.
8) Bipolar Sunshine – Deckchairs on the moon
I keep hearing this on the radio and I love it. I love the piano and how summery/space-y it feels. Very electronic and catchy. One of the best new tracks I’ve heard in a while.
9) Lower than Atlantis – Here we go
This is quite a heavy track for me to like but I’m really loving this!
10) Oasis – Guess God thinks I’m abel
I love the guitar and chord structure on this track. Awesome song
One of Michael’s more understated and underrated tracks. Written by R.Kelly, this was the second and final single off what was to become MJ’s final studio album in his lifetime, 2001’s ‘Invincible’. It’s one of my favourite MJ songs and it’s such an uplifting beautiful track. In the same vein as ‘Man in the mirror’ and ‘Heal the world’, it’s an inspiring change-the-world song.
2) Ed Sheeran – Afire love
This is so beautiful it’s unreal. Fell in love with this upon hearing it on the radio the other day. Ed is such an incredibly talented guy.
3) Ed Sheeran – Bloodstream
‘X’ is an amazing album. I really love this track. It’s a little dark but it’s catchy. Interesting that Rudimental was involved in the creation of this track.
4) Mark Morrison –Return of the Mack
An absolute classic. Heard it on the radio and was reminded what an awesome tune this is!
5) Raleigh Ritchie – Stronger than ever
Love this. So powerful and emotive.
6) Michael Jackson- Man in the mirror
Classic Michael Jackson song. I always loved it but the fact on the day of his death, this was being played everywhere, this song now has an even deeper meaning for me. Beautiful lyrics and a beautiful song.
7) United we stand – What more can I give
Between 1999 and 2002, Michael Jackson organised an almost Part 2 of USA for Africa (who achieved major chart success in 1985 with ‘We are the world’.) Michael was inspired to write the song after meeting President Nelson Mandela in the last 90’s and was originally rumoured to perform it live at some of his concerts. The song was pushed aside, however, until the 2001 9/11 terrorist attacks. Encouraged by a friend, Michael re-wrote the song and selected a team of A-list artists to contribute to the project. Artists such as Beyonce, Nsync, Celine Dion, Usher, Luther Vandross, Anastasia amongst others contributed vocals towards this incredibly beautiful song. They also performed it live at 2002’s ‘United We Stand’ charity performance. Ultimately, the song was never fully released as a singe. It’s a terrible shame when it’s such an incredible song.
8) Blackstreet – Joy
An idea by Michael Jackson sparked this track off. Teddy Riley (producer of Michael’s Dangerous album) then took this idea and turned it into a full-blown song with his band Blackstreet. I love how smooth and soulful this is.
Love the simplicity and the old-school feel to this song. It’s so Beatle-esque and it’s just a fantastic song.
2) Oasis – Cast No Shadow
Beautiful little song.
3) Ellie Goulding – I’ll hold my breath
Really, really love this. ‘Lights’ is an incredible album.
4) Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Stop the clocks
This is almost like a Part 2 to ‘Champagne Supernova’. Great ending track.
5) Phil Collins – You’ll be in my heart
One of my favourite of Phil’s amazing collection of songs. The perfect ending to the ‘Tarzan’ movie and a truly beautiful song. One of the greatest love songs ever written.
6) All Saints – Pure Shores
I watched ‘The Beach’ (the movie in which this song is included) and fell in love with this song all over again. SO summery.
7) Take That – The Garden
One of Take That’s finest songs of their career. It’s a beautiful, inspiring song and it’s lovely to hear all the boys have lead vocals on it.
8) Robbie Williams – Me and my monkey
Robbie’s lyrics have always been some of the best and this song features storytelling as its finest. Very clever lyrically and a fantastic song overall. ‘Escapology’ was an incredible moment in Robbie’s career.
9) Ellie Goulding – This love will be your downfall
Another fantastic, well-produced track from Ellie’s ‘Lights’ album.
10) Ellie Goulding – The Writer
I’ve always loved this song. It’s truly beautiful and it’s one of her most underrated songs in my opinion. Great to play on the piano.
Not a massive fan of Drake but I really love this song. Pretty dark but nice and emotive. Love Alicia Keys too, very talented.
2) Snoop Dogg – Different Languages
Found this in a Summer playlist and have been really enjoying it.
3) Passion Pitt – Sleepyhead
So damn catchy.
4) Le Youth – Cool
Heard this at a party once and fell in love. Ridiculously catchy.
5) Oasis – Champagne Supernova
Heard a cover of this by The Pretty Reckless in Radio 1’s live lounge and really enjoyed it. Then checked out the original and haven’t stopped listening to it since. Amazing song. One of the best closing tracks to an album ever.
6) Lana Del Rey –West coast
Love how dreamy this is. Bits of it remind me of ‘Pure Shores’ by All Saints – another amazing summer track.
7) Ella Henderson – Ghost
A pleasant surprise by a former X Factor contestant. Amazing, catchy song co-written by one of my favourite songwriters, OneRepublic front man, Ryan Tedder.
8) Arctic Monkeys – Snap out of it
Love the feel of this track.
9) Example- Stay with me
SO 90’S, SO GOOD.
10) Oasis – Don’t go away
I’d never heard this before but I have fallen head over heels in love with it. SO beautiful.
SO catchy. I have no idea why this is only available on the deluxe edition because it’s probably my highlight of the album.
2) Darius – Maliblue
I found this in someone’s summer playlist on Spotify. A really catchy electro track.
3) Ella Henderson – Ghost
Heard this on the radio the other day and loved it. Had no idea who it was until Grimmy mentioned after and it was a pleasant surprise! I always liked Ella on the X Factor but wasn’t sure if she’d go anywhere after the show. This is easily one of the best songs around at the moment so she’s heading in the right direction! Co-written by one of my favourite songwriters, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder.
4) Laura Mvula – She
LOVE this. The harmonies are gorgeous and it’s just a very powerful, beautiful song.
5) Alexia Keys & John Mayer – Lesson learned
Beautiful song by two very talented artists. Very chilled out.
6) Peter Andre – I feel you
Bit of 90’s cheese. I know he’s not liked by any but I really like him as a person and as an artist. Love this soppy ballad 🙂
7) Matt Cardle – It’s only love
This man is so bloody underrated. Such a talented guy. Really love this song.
8) Kelly Rowland – Can’t nobody
Bit of a throwback. Really love how catchy this is.
9) Usher – Good kisser
So damn catchy. Love those dreamy harmonies!
10) Laura Mvula – Yellow
The original by Coldplay is one of my favourite songs of all time. I love Laura Mvula and I found her performance of this the other day on YouTube and fell in love with her all over again. One of the most talented women to emerge from the UK in years. Stunning piano-vocal version of a beautiful song. Some of those chords give me goosebumps!
A song I’ve always loved but I fell even deeper in love with it in this past week after watching a live performance of it. The lyrics are some of the best ever written and it’s such a beautiful, emotional song that I can really relate to.
2) Peter Andre – I do
People may scoff at Peter Andre but he has created a great swing/retro album. This is a lovely song.
(You’ll have to Spotify this one!)
3) John Mayer – Free fallin’
One of those rare songs that happen to be better than the original. Amazing.
4) Katy Perry – Teenage dream
This never gets old. Reminds me of summer 2010 – it will always remain my teenage anthem.
5) East 17 & Gabrielle – If you ever
An underrated 90’s R&B classic, this is SO good. Another song that is better than the original. Brian Harvey’s vocals are silky smooth and Gabrielle has one of my favourite female voices EVER.
6) The Cranberries – Linger
Just absolutely unique and beautiful.
7) S Club 7 – Show me your colours
Again, before people scoff at this being by S Club 7, listen to the track first. Awesome song.
8) Pharrell – Angel
Catchy as hell. Pharrell is a genius.
9) TLC – No Scrubs
This girl group were one of the best of the 90’s. This remains an absolute tune. SO good.
10) Katy Perry – Thinking of you
An underrated track by Katy, this is one of her best. One of very few songs she wrote on her own, this needs to be heard by more people so they realise how talented she actually is. Beautiful, relatable lyrics.
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