Tag: music

Music Monday – Volume Forty Two

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1) Lisa Loeb – Stay (I missed you)

Gorgeous acoustic-based ballad which was included in the 1994 movie ‘Reality Bites’. Love this song so much.

2) Lisa Loeb – When All The Stars Were Falling

Another beautiful song by Lisa. Really love her music – very emotive and very chilled out.

3) The Blue Nile – Downtown Lights

Melancholic driving rock ballad from the 80’s, later covered by Annie Lennox. Love this so much.

4) Feist – Brandy Alexander

Jazzy, chilled out, this is just perfect.

5) Jessie Ware – You & I (Forever)

This lady is incredibly talented. Catchy, dreamy track.

6) Philip George – Wish You Were Mine

Irresistibly catchy house track that I’m really loving right now.

7) Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do

Gorgeous, eery ballad taken from the forthcoming Fifty Shades of Grey movie. It’s very catchy and Ellie sounds amazing on it.

8) Coldplay – True Love

Beautiful song from Coldplay with percussion provided by Timbaland.

9) Coldplay – Swallowed In The Sea

Beautiful ballad from the X&Y album.

10) Take That – Higher than Higher

Still cannot get enough of this song. So uplifting, so hopeful and so beautiful.

Music Monday – Volume 41

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1) Saint Raymond – Fall at Your Feet

Really loving this at the moment. Big chorus.

2) One Direction – Spaces

Beautiful song from the boyband’s latest album. Really love the chord progression of this and the echoing effect on the vocals.

3) One Direction – 18

Stunning song written by Ed Sheeran for the boyband’s latest album.

4) Leon Bridges – Coming Home

Great song with a very old-school, retro feel.

5) Simon Webbe – Free

Simon Webbe’s ‘Sanctuary’ album is one of my favourite albums of all time. I love how uplifting and inspiring all of the songs are. This is a ballad from it and it’s a beautiful song.

6) Snow Patrol – The Finish Line

Gorgeous ballad.

7) Barbara Streisand & John Legend – What kind of fool

Stunning version of Barbara’s original duet with Barry Gibb. This version with John Legend has a gorgeous orchestra opening. Cannot get enough of this right now.

8) Seal – Love is better

A song from Seal’s unreleased ‘Togetherland’ album – an album many think should have been released. I stand with that view. Such a great album from what I’ve heard! Some tracks are available in their entirety whilst others are just samples.

(Go to 1:05 on the video)

9) Big Sleep/The 1975 – Robbers

Original emo/indie version of ‘Robbers’ before Big Sleep changed their name to The 1975 and released a poppier version on their debut album. Love both versions!

10) Gary Barlow – Jump

Inspiring, beautiful song from Gary’s ‘Since I Saw You Last’ album.

2014 in Music

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Every New Years Eve, I like to take a look back at the year in terms of music and albums. It never fails to amaze me how many songs have formed my soundtrack to the year! So without further ado, here’s my 2014 in music.

TOP 10 SONGS OF THE YEAR

I haven’t done this before and why I did this to myself I do not know, but I managed to whittle down all of my favourite songs from this year to my ten ultimate favourites! They are as follows (in no particular order):

  1. One Direcion – You & I
  2. Take That – Higher than higher
  3. Coldplay – Magic
  4. Mr Probz & Robin Schulz – Waves
  5. The 1975 – Medicine
  6. The Script – No Good in Goodbye
  7. Jake Bugg – Song about love
  8. Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL – Whitecaps
  9. Ed Sheeran – Afire Love
  10. Usher – Good Kisser

Singles of The Year

  • Take That – These Days
  • Duke Dumont – I got U
  • Mr Probz & Robin Schulz – Waves
  • One Direction – You and I, Steal My Girl, Night Changes
  • The 1975 – Medicine, Heart Out, Settle Down, Robbers
  • Coldplay – Magic, True love
  • Andy Burrows – See a girl
  • Sam Smith – Like I can, Stay with Me
  • Paolo Nutini – Iron Sky
  • The Script – No Good in Goodbye
  • Ella Henderson – Ghost
  • Rita Ora – I will never let you down
  • Taylor Swift – Shake it off
  • London Grammar – Hey now
  • Katy Perry – Birthday, This is how we do
  • Kings of Leon – Temple
  • Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake – Love never felt so good
  • Bombay Bicycle Club – Feel
  • Usher – Good Kisser
  • Disclosure & Usher – Good Kisser
  • Lana Del Ray – West Coast
  • Bipolar Sunshine – Deckchairs on the moon
  • Benediction – Hot natured
  • Jessie Ware – Tougher love
  • Chromeo – Jealous (I ain’t worth it)
  • Travi$ Scott – Drive (The 1975 Remix)
  • George Ezra – Blame it on me
  • Ten Walls – Walking with elephants
  • Alt-J – Hunger of the pine
  • Wretch 32 – 6 Words
  • Jake Bugg – A Song About Love
  • BBC Music – God only knows
  • Haim – Change your mind
  • Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud, Don’t
  • The Vamps – Somebody To You, Last Night

Albums of The Year

  • The Vamps – Meet the Vamps
  • Take That – III
  • One Direction – Four
  • Ed Sheeran – X
  • Sam Smith – In the lonely hour
  • Coldplay – Ghost Stories
  • Annie Lennox – Nostalgia
  • Taylor Swift – 1989
  • George Michael – Symphonica
  • Charlie Simpson – Long Road Home
  • Begin Again – OST

Album Tracks of The Year

  • Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL – Whitecaps, Tic Tac Toe
  • One Direction – Stockholm Syndrome, Ready to run
  • Take That – Higher and Higher, If you want it, Let in the sun, Portrait, Freeze, Believe, Flaws
  • Ed Sheeran – Bloodstream, Tenerife Sea, Afire Love
  • Sam Smith – I’ve told you now, Leave your lover, Restart
  • Coldplay – Always in my head, 0, Oceans
  • The Vamps – Smile, Move My Way, Another world, Dangerous
  • Mary J Blige – Whole damn year, Long hard look
  • Kylie Minogue – Sexy love, Fine
  • Beck – Morning
  • The Script – Man on wire
  • Ella Henderson – Rockets

Music Monday – Volume Thirty Nine

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1) Take That – Portrait

Incredible, euphoric pop song with a barber shop chorus. Find this quite Christmassy too! Like a Part 2 of ‘Hold Up A Light’ from The Circus album.

[No YouTube Video as of yet]

2) Take That – Higher than higher

Stunning ballad with insane production from the band’s latest album ‘III’. Can’t get enough of this right now.

3) Take That – I like it

A blend between hit ‘Shine’ and Progress’ dark rock track ‘Underground Machine’. Mechanical and catchy.

4) Take That – Do it all for love

Haunting closing track to the deluxe version of ‘III’. Builds up into a dramatic power ballad.

[No YouTube video as of yet]

5) Take That – Let in the sun

Dance infused pop track reminiscent of something Calvin Harris would do. Uplifting and euphoric.

6) Alt-J – Left hand free

Something completely endearing about this track. Love the percussion on it – very catchy.

7) Sam Smith – I’ve told you now

News of Sam Smith being nominated for four Grammy’s this week was received exceptionally well by most of the general public. His talent is certainly to be admired – what a voice! Lots of amazing songs on his album but I really love this. Bitter yet soft too. Awesome song.

8) Robbie Williams – Heavy Entertainment Show

Can’t wait to listen to the rest of this album when I receive it! The amazing thing about Robbie Williams is he has a whole stash of amazing songs that haven’t heard seen the light of day yet simply because he’s a perfectionist. If the rest of latest album ‘Under the radar’ (an album of previously unreleased material) is like this, it’s going to be one heck of an album.

9) Matt Kivel – End of adventure

Found this on a random Spotify playlist and fell in love. So chilled out and a lovely little acoustic-based song.

10) Isbells – Dreamer

Another song I found on a random Spotify playlist and I love this! Low-key and a great, great song. Love this!

Music Monday – Volume Thirty Seven

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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.

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.

Music Monday – Volume Thirty Six

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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.

Music Monday – Volume Thirty Five

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1) Annie Lennox – I cover the waterfront

Annie Lennox’s latest album is a jazz/soul cover album, full of songs from the Great American Songbook. Every track is simplistic and exceptionally beautiful. Her powerful voice suits every song, this one included.

[Not on YouTube]

2) Annie Lennox – Summertime

A mellow, piano-based version of a classic song. Love this.

3) One Direction – Ready to run

Don’t be fooled by the almost identical guitar riffs and verses to ‘Story of my life’, this song is far superior. Once it develops, it turns into a powerful stadium-rock driven song. Absolutely love the middle eight on this! Great harmonies too. ‘Four’ is going to be an amazing album.

4) The 1975 – Medicine

Simplistic and a little repetitive but absolutely stunning. Sometimes a minimalistic song is the most powerful and this proves it. Written and recorded for Zane Lowe’s re-score of the movie ‘Drive’, this has a gorgeous synthesiser based introduction and outro, with wailing guitar arpeggios and Matt Healy’s voice melting over the wavy production.

5) The 1975 – Milk

A song about addiction with the incredibly catchy ‘She’s doing it all of the time’ refrain. Love the power and catchiness of this awesome song.

6) Wretch 32 – 6 words

Apparently this song is inspired by Take That and Coldplay records. I do see the influence despite it still being unmistakably Wretch 32. On this record he attempts to sing – he doesn’t have the strongest of voices but it works. It’s an awesome track.

7) Tom Odell – Real Love

A cover of the John Lennon/Beatles song for this year’s adorable John Lewis advert. This is the first time in years where I feel like the cover hasn’t butchered the original! Great job, Tom.

8) One Direction – Stockholm Syndrome

I shouldn’t have technically heard this because the album isn’t out yet but it was leaked and I am hooked. SO edgy, so incredibly catchy and I just can’t get enough of this right now!

[Not on YouTube yet]

9) Katy Perry – Double Rainbow

Underrated and absolutely stunning song off Katy’s Prism album. Beautiful lyrics.

10) Madeleine Peyroux – I’ll look around

Absolutely stunning rendition of a jazz classic. Jonathan Waugh (saxophonist for The 1975) tweeted this so I gave it a listen and have been hooked ever since. Gorgeous. Got an Autumnal feel.

Music Monday – Volume Thirty Four

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1) Seal – Silence

Such an incredibly beautiful song. I once used this in a drama performance I did and so it gives me lots of fond memories. The acapella introduction proves how amazing Seal’s voice is and I just love the chord progression and the way it builds.

2) Seal – You get me

Pretty song off Seal’s amazing ‘Commitment’ album.

3) Alt-J – Hunger of the pine

One of the most haunting songs ever. Love the moody, melancholic feel to this song and the sample of Miley is genius.

4) Susan Boyle – Enjoy the Silence

Stunning cover of the song by Depeche Mode. I actually much prefer Su-Bo’s version. It imitates the approach Michael Andrews and Gary Jules took to covering Tears for Fears’ ‘Mad World’ by turning a 1980’s electronic/synthpop song into a stunning ballad. Amazing.

5) Nicole Scherzinger – Run

Beautiful ballad from Nicole’s new album.

6) Seal & Heidi Klum – Wedding Day

Catchy number from Seal’s ‘System’ album. Features vocals from then-wife Heidi Klum. Great song.

7) Union J – You got it all

This is one of few songs I’ve remotely liked by this boyband. It takes a few listens but it’s definitely a grower and it’s very pretty.

8) Phil Collins – Look Through My Eyes

I saw somebody mention the soundtrack for Brother Bear on Twitter the other day which reminded me of this song Phil Collins wrote and recorded for the soundtrack. Fantastic song.

9) Ryan Adams – Gimme something good

Heard this and loved it a while back but forgot about it until this past week. Ryan Adams is so talented and this is such an awesome song.

10) Stevie Nicks – Has anyone ever written anything for you?

Stunning ballad which closes Stevie’s ‘Rock a Little’ album. It’s very ’80’s’ but it’s also very beautiful. Love that long ending.

Music Monday – Volume Thirty Three

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1) Rae Morris – Closer

SO good. Beautiful piano instrumentation and I love the beat.

2) Avicci and Robbie Williams – The Days

I usually can’t stand Avicci but this song is awesome. I’m not just saying that because Mr Robbie Williams is on it, it’s just a great track. Love the acoustic guitar with the electronic instrumental and Robbie sounds great on it! Got a very Autumn-y feel about it.

3) Ella Henderson – Rockets

Fantastic, catchy pop track on Ella Henderson’s amazing début ‘Chapter One’ album.

4) Ella Henderson – The First Time

Love the old-school feel to this song. Great track.

[Not on YouTube yet]

5) Ella Henderson – Five Tattoos

Stunning piano ballad. Beautiful.

6) Jessie J – Seal me with a kiss (ft De La Soul)

Catchy number off Jessie’s fantastic ‘Sweet Talker’ album.

7) Jessie J – Keep us together

Have loved this ever since Jessie debuted this on the TV special ‘Live at Edinburgh Castle’ this summer. Such a catchy, great song. Glad she’s returned to form with her latest album.

8) Seal – Best of Me

Been loving Seal’s ‘Commitment’ album recently, especially this song. Love the concept and the acoustic-feel of this song. Can’t get enough of this right now.

9) Seal – All for love

Dramatic, beautiful song off Seal’s ‘Commitment’ album.

10) Spring Awakening OBC – Touch Me

Beautiful song from one of my favourite musicals: ‘Spring Awakening’. Love every song from this musical but this definitely one of the stand-outs for me. SO powerful.

Music Monday – Volume Thirty Two

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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).