1) Mutya Buena/Tracy Chapman – Fast Car
Such a great song. Obviously the original is the definitive version but I love Mutya’s version too. People may scoff as it’s an ex-Sugababe member but she has a really distinctive tone and it’s a fab version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8_4sCOZpDc
2) Leanne Mitchell – To love someone like you
Winner of the first series of The Voice UK who disappeared quickly from the public eye. A real shame too – she has an incredible voice. Anyway, this song is truly special and very beautiful. It reminds me of something Whitney might have done in her career.
3) Kelly Rowland – Train on a track
This was something suggested to me on Spotify based on my listening habits and I’m so glad it was. Such a smooth, beautiful song and I can’t get enough of it right now.
4) Eric Clapton – Blue Eyes Blue
Gorgeous song – very soppy but I love it so much. Definitely check this one out.
5) The 1975 – Falling for You
This is really chilled-out and beautiful. We all know that sense of awareness we have of falling for somebody and this song documents that.
6) Eurythmics – There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)
I’ve heard this a couple of times recently and have been reminded of what a great track it is. LOVE Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart is an amazing writer/musician.
7) Joni Mitchell – Both sides now
One of my favourite songs of all time. I love the original but the version I love most is a jazz version Joni recorded in 2000. I first came across it in ‘Love Actually’ during one of the most heartbreaking scenes in a movie ever. It’s just an absolutely stunning song. Was reminded of this by the gorgeous version by Sally on The Voice UK.
8) John Waite – Missing You
Another track I was reminded of after a performance on The Voice UK. This reminds me of a crush I had a few years ago!
9) Vanessa Carlton – Thousand Miles
One of the greatest piano-based pop songs ever written. I adore the piano instrumentation on this track and it’s such a sweet song.
10) Gary Barlow – Lie to Me
One of the greatest Barlow compositions ever and yet it’s pretty heartbreaking it never got the recognition it deserved. It could have been a massive single. So emotive, so well-written and the production is so polished. Gary Barlow’s song-writing at its best.