Tag: music playlist

Monthly Mixtape – April ’25

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Hey!
Hope you’re doing well and enjoying this glorious sunny weather, if you’re in the UK. It just makes everything feel that little bit brighter, doesn’t it?

I’m super excited to share these songs with you. It’s been another brilliant month of music, and the longlist was extensive. Going forward, I won’t be sharing the entire playlist—just the top 20 tracks I’ve been enjoying. That’s probably still quite a lot, but I couldn’t narrow it down any further!

I’m hoping there’s something here for everyone. Lots of Pop, of course, but also Soul, R&B, indie-pop, Country, and Folk.

I really, really appreciate every visit and read.

Love as always,
Marc

Read More »

Music Monday – Volume Ninety Eight

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Welcome back to Music Monday. We’ve been a little bit AWOL in the last few months and for that, we’re sorry! Music Monday blogs will now feature five tracks instead of ten to enable us to continue to bring you the best in new music. Enjoy these 5 massive tracks!

1) Mollie King – Back To You

Member of The Saturdays, Mollie King has delivered an incredible and triumphant debut solo single. ‘Back To You’ is a moody electropop track with an equally stunning cinematic video.

2) Usher – Crash

Usher at his most underrated is Usher at his best. Minimalist yet slick and catchy, this moody piece of R&B utilises Usher’s gorgeous and faultless falsetto over jittery percussion.

3) Sons of Sonix ft Melanie C – Numb

Ex member of the Spice Girls Melanie C once again proves her versatility and worth as a solo artist on this huge summer smash. This huge tropical house track is a collaboration with London production duo Sons of Sonix.

4) Christine and The Queens – Tilted

This simplistic yet effortlessly catchy artpop track is without a doubt one of the best tracks of 2016. It may have been around for a while but we haven’t had the opportunity to include it in a Music Monday edition yet so here it is!

5) Tieks FT Dan Harkna – Sunshine (Extended Mix)

This huge house track has earned a surge of popularity from its use in the new Fiat 500 TV advert. Repetitive, maybe but its house piano riffs and sturdy vocals make it a feel-good classic.

 

Music Monday – Volume Eighty One

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Music Monday is our weekly feature which showcases the hottest tracks in the world right now.

1) Wretch 32 ft Anne Marie and PRGRSHN – Alright With Me

Wretch 32’s commercial crossover is a triumph. Anne-Marie showcases her powerful vocals on an impossibly catchy hook whilst Wretch 32’s rap is refreshingly clear.

2) Babyface – We’ve Got Love

Whilst Babyface is an artist in his own right, he is also the songwriter behind many huge hits by the likes of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown and Beyonce. ‘We’ve Got Love’ is his latest single, a catchy & uplifting R&B track with elements of new-jack swing. It’s a song which is bound to fall beyond the radar commercially but it’s one of the best R&B tracks in years.

3) NAO – Bad Blood

Slick and soulful vocals coat an eerie electro track with reverberating vocal samples. Nao is an up and coming British singer-songwriter from East London with a sound best described as ‘neo-soul with electronic’.

4) Grace Feat. G-Eazy – You Don’t Own Me

Whilst it’s still not a patch on the original by Lesley Gore back in 1963 , Grace & G-Eazy’s modernised interpretation is enjoyable. Produced by legend Quincy Jones (best known for his work on Michael Jackson’s ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ albums), G-Eazy’s rap and hip-hop beats bring the track into the 21st century.

5) Liss – Try

Danish band Liss perform a perfect spin on Pop music on the incessantly catchy ‘Try’. Abundant with broken vocal samples and tropical house-influenced synths, it’s a fun throwback to 80’s synthpop.

6) The 1975 – Ugh!

The 1975 perform their best Prince initiation on this R&B-Rock jam. Featuring heavily auto-tuned vocals, tinny guitars, luscious layered harmonies and rubbery bass-lines, it’s absolutely brilliant & fuses 80’s & 90’s music together perfectly.

7) Fleur East – Sax

Energetic and bouncy dance-pop track with funky guitar riffs and brilliant use of brass instruments. Whilst it’s been on the radio airwaves for weeks now, it’s still as hot as it was on its première.

8) WSTRN – In2

‘In2’ is West-London trio WSTRN’s début single; an R&B/Hip hop track with moody guitar riffs and an irresistibly catchy hook.

9) 99 Souls – The Girl Is Mine

99 Souls cleverly fuse two huge R&B tracks, Brandy & Monica’s ‘The Boy Is Mine’ and Destiny’s Child’s ‘Girl’ into a funky house track which is bound to become a huge club hit.

10) The Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir – A Bridge Over You

A strange inclusion on this edition, perhaps but in a chart so dominated by over-produced music, it’s refreshing to hear music in its simplistic form. Unaltered vocals accompanied only by a piano result in a gorgeous mash-up of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’. And of course it’s for a brilliant cause.

Music Monday – Volume Eighty

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Shura – Touch

Slick and smooth, this is an effortlessly cool R&B jam by Shura.

2) Tame Impala – Yes I’m Changing

Melancholic and moody but a brilliant track which mirrors lots of ’80’s pop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhlPXa6g4C8

3) The 1975 – Ugh!

The 1975 dropped another incredible track this week. This is reminiscent of some of Prince’s funkiest material and it’s bloody awesome.

4) Girls Aloud – The Loving Kind

Completely forgot about this track until it appeared as a suggested video on YouTube the other day. Written by The Pet Shop Boys, this is one of their best.

5) Donny Hathaway – This Christmas

Smooth and soulful, this is old-school Christmas music at its best. Absolutely brilliant track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSBvJG2yLJQ

6) Snakehips ft Tinashe & Chance the rapper – All my friends

Love the chilled out nature of this and the chorus is very anthemic.

7) Roxette – It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)

Before this track came to prominence, it was actually a Christmas song. Not a lot had to be removed to turn it into a generic track and both versions are lovely. One of the best and most emotive power ballads from the ’80’s.

8) James Bay – Hold Back The River

This is still an incredible, rousing and uplifting track. James performing it on the BBC Music Awards reinforced that for me.

9) Cliff Richard – Young Love

Anything by Cliff is a guilty pleasure. I have no idea how I came across this but it’s a nice little song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXc7REiJwMc

10) The Pretenders – 2000 Miles

An often forgotten about Christmas song. It’s not the most cheery of festive songs but it’s a brilliant song and Chrissie Hynde’s vocals are still some of the best out there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9v5X1a23fU

Music Monday – Volume Seventy Nine

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) A$ap Rocky –Fashion Killa

Built around a mesh of jittery synth clips, this is just so damn good.

2) Burial – Shell of Light

UK garage music at its best.

3) The 1975 – Me

It was only when I saw The 1975 live a couple of weeks ago that I finally paid full attention to this song. Prior to that, it was the one song by them I didn’t care much for. On closer inspection of the lyrics, I found it beautifully haunting and very relatable in some areas.

4) Shura – Kids N’ Stuff

I’ve been even more obsessed with Shura since seeing her live last week. This was a new track from her forthcoming album and I fell head over heels in love with it. Bittersweet, gentle & so eighties it hurts! It transported me into another world whilst there and I cannot stop listening to this even when the quality isn’t brilliant. Studio version soon please!

5) Coldplay – Kaleidoscope

Beautifully haunting instrumental which features on Coldplay’s latest album.

[Songs are not available on YouTube or Spotify – all is available is these snippets]

6) Coldplay – Amazing Day

Lovely waltz-like ballad from the latest album ‘A Head Full of Dreams’.

[Songs are not available on YouTube or Spotify – all is available is these snippets]

7) Coldplay – Up & Up

For any Coldplay fans disappointed with the very Pop-inspired direction of the new album, this song is likely to be the album’s redemption. Powerful and uplifting track with Noel Gallagher contributing his guitar playing.

[Songs are not available on YouTube or Spotify – all is available is these snippets]

8) Troye Sivan & Betty Who – Heaven

Troye Sivan’s début album is probably one of the best of 2015. This is a gorgeous song and one of many which documents his experience of coming out as gay.

9) Troye Sivan – Youth

Bouncy pop track with an awesome hook.

10) Troye Sivan – for him.

A slightly lighter and more breezy track from Troye Sivan’s début album.

Music Monday – Volume Seventy Eight

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) George Michael – Edith & The King Pin

Gorgeous jazz cover of Joni Mitchell’s 1975 ‘The Hissing of Summer Lawns’ album. George has always produced wonderful covers and this is no exception.

2) Anastacia – Left Outside Alone

Killer pop-rock track released eleven years ago (I know, I can’t quite believe it either!) Co-written by Anastacia with hit songwriters Dallas Austin and Glen Ballard, this was a huge pop hit upon release and remains a brilliant song.

3) Anastacia – You’ll Never Be Alone

Lovely, if slightly slushy, pop ballad by Anastacia. She truly is one of the most underrated pop acts in the world. What a voice!

4) Anastacia – Take This Chance

Uplifting and inspiring new track from Anastacia’s Greatest Hits compilation album. She’s still got it! Awesome song.

5) Carly Rae Jepsen – Tell Me

Carly Rae Jepsen’s debut album did not receive much attention upon release. I only came across it this week and fell in love. It’s different to the stuff she’s become well-known but each song is hugely enjoyable. This is a great acoustic-based ballad.

6) Carly Rae Jepsen – Sunshine on my shoulders

Lovely and relaxing cover of the John Denver track.

7) Carly Rae Jepsen – Worldly Matters

Another acoustic based pop track. The entire album is a hugely enjoyable listen – full of sunny & chirpy pop tracks.

8) Coldplay – Everglow

Classic Coldplay ballad but with greater electro elements. This is a promotional track for the band’s upcoming ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ album.

9) The 1975 – The Sound (Live)

MY GOD THIS IS GOOD.

Catchy as hell. I am SO ready for this next album.

10) The 1975 – Somebody Else (Live)

Cartchy 80’s-esque indie-pop track comprised of broken vocal samples, funky bass lines and slamming percussion. The 1975 at their best and a teasing insight into how the new album is going to sound.

Music Monday – Volume Seventy Seven

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Troye Sivan – Wild

Incredibly catchy synthpop track featuring eerie electro elements and crashing percussion.

2) Troye Sivan ft. Broods – Ease

Another brilliant and sincere track from Troye Sivan.

3) Lucy Rose – Till The End

Strong 90’s vibes on this incessantly catchy track. Mirroring All Saints’ ‘Pure Shores’ with distorted trip-hop styled percussion, pretty piano riffs and funky guitars, it’s an awesome & uplifting track.

4) Jason Reeves – Back With Me

Gorgeous acoustic ballad.

5) Crissi Cochrane – Pretty Words

Gorgeous acoustic ballad with lovely Sara Bareillies/Christina Perri-like vocals.

6) Amelia Lily – You Bring Me Joy

Was reminded how awesome this track is at the gym the other day. Awesome and underrated pop-rock track.

7) Adele – When We Were Young

Gorgeous emotive ballad which completely blows ‘Hello’ out of the water.

8) Take That – Will You Be There For Me?

Gorgeous and vulnerable ballad from Take That’s re-packaged ‘III’ album. It carries an R&B-like vibe and is beautiful from start to finish.

9) Take That – Bird In Your Hand

Stunning synthpop ballad with lush layered harmonies and a gorgeous vocal performance from Mark Owen.

10) Troye Sivan – Fools

Brilliant pop track which opens tentatively with gorgeous piano chords before evolving into a jittery R&B track.

Music Monday – Volume Sixty Seven

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhlPXa6g4C8

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK_Mrpjppwk

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’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQYn5WgvBqU

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFkw8v8eyvM

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 Thirty

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Jason Segel & Peter Linz – Man or Muppet

Yes, it’s a song by The Muppets from their 2011 Disney movie. It’s comical but yet utterly beautiful at the same time. I think the reason I love it so much, besides the fact it involves The Muppets which I love, is that is reminds me of 1980’s power ballads and musically, it’s a little like Elton John’s ballads. Reminds me a little of one of my favourite songs by The Scissor Sisters (‘Mary’) too. Just a beautiful little song.

2) Simply Red – Fairground

One of the best pop-house  tracks from the 90’s. Such a feel-good, catchy song. Awesome drum track, sing-song melody and a bloody brilliant chorus. SO good.

3) The Script – No good in goodbye

The Script got mixed reviews for their previous album, ‘#3’ and so it seems they wanted to return to form with new album ‘No sound without silence’. And that, they have. This is the opening track and it’s unbelievably good. Great, well-written lyrics and I love the chord progression of the chorus, though it does sound rather like Duran Duran’s ‘Ordinary World’! Can’t get enough of this right now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfahSzwCNHM

4) Paolo Nutini – Iron Sky

Incredibly haunting, beautiful and dark. Paolo’s vocal performance on this is insane. SO emotive.

5) Chris Brown – Add Me In

As much as I can’t stand Chris Brown as a human being, I do love a lot of his music. Latest album ‘X’ is great and this is my favourite track off it. A little like something that would have appeared on Michael Jackson’s ‘Off the wall’ album but with a modern twist. Great song.

[Not on YouTube yet]

6) Alt-J – Every other freckle

Another haunting song, this is a little creepy. Awesome record, though.

7) SecondCity featuring Ali Love – What can I do?

SO good. One of those rare new songs that I loved upon my first listen. Sounds a little like a 90’s house track which is part of what makes it so endearing. Summer hasn’t disappeared just yet!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmXTTwCNj6o

8) Jamie Cullum – Photograph

I love Jamie Cullum – he’s one of the most underrated artists in the UK. This is a beautiful little song I came across after reading an interview with him in which he discussed this song. Great lyrics and I love how the song builds and develops. Love this.

9) Simply Red – Your Eyes

Taken from one of Simply Red’s most underrated albums and one that happens to be my favourite by them; ‘Love and the Russian Winter’. Great, great song.

10) Ariana Grande & Nathan Sykes – Almost is never enough

I loved this when it came out but forgot all about it until reading about Nathan Skyes reportedly working on a solo album. A chilled, jazzy affair with incredible vocal performances by both artists. I’m expecting big things from Nathan – what a voice! One that wasn’t showcased enough in The Wanted. Just hope he gets with the right song-writers/musicians.