Prince – 20 of his Best

1) Raspberry Beret

Brilliant psychadelic pop track from Prince’s 1985 ‘Around The World in a Day’ album. Live instruments such as sweeping strings, acoustic guitar strums and Middle Eastern Cymbals form the backdrop whilst Prince’s almost-spoken vocals perform the narrative. Beck’s live cover is included below due to Prince’s copyright associates re-emerging to make his music impossible to find online once again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JJw9xwdjW4

2) Pop Life

Psychaedlic, funky pop track, also from 1985’s ‘Around The World in a Day’. Eeerie, detuned synthesisers howl over a tinny piano sound, fierce percussion and a tight bass line.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBKikjTHo-g

3) The Most Beautiful Girl in the World

Schmalzty, soulful and superb; Prince at his best. Written for then girlfriend (and future wife) Mayte Garcia, this was to amazingly be his only UK Number One single. His vocals are flawless throughout, mainly performed in a stable falsetto but occasionally drifting into a rich baritone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzmFlr6xRcA

4) Somewhere Here on Earth

Prince’s impeccable falsetto vocals drift over futuristic synthesisers, a saxophone and twinkling pianos on this gorgeous slow-jam-influenced jazz ballad. Prince always possessed the ability to straddle various genres of music and this is a reminder of his impeccable ability to do so successfully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAluL631Ygk

5) Sometimes it Snows in April

Absolutely stunning ballad which closes his 1986 ‘Parade’ album perfectly. Performed in just one take, it’s beautifully raw – you can hear the squeak of the piano stool, the odd vocal imperfection and the organic sound of a live acoustic guitar and piano. The song has become all the more poignant since his death and is now largely considered by many fans as a eulogy written by the man himself thirty years too early. Lyrically, it covers the death of Christopher Tracey, the main character from Prince’s film ‘Under the Cherry Moon’ and with lyrics such as ‘I used to cry for Tracey cos he was my only friend, those kinda cars don’t pass you everyday’, it truly is beautiful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X0LYVZm5qc

6) Let’s Go Crazy

One of Prince’s signature tracks, the fantastically rousing ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ is the opening track to Prince’s 1984 album and film of the same name ‘Purple Rain’. Growling guitars and signature 80’s synthesiser shimmers drive this piece of pop heaven.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3ebPrVf4go

7) Guitar

Seemingly an attempt to mirror the success of earlier guitar-heavy tracks such as ‘Let’s Go Crazy’, ‘Guitar’ is one of Prince’s more underrated album tracks. Taken from 2007’s ‘Planet Earth’, it features an incredible guitar riff which is prominent most of the way through the track.

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

8) My Computer

Widely criticised by many fans and critics alike, many overlook how clever and ahead of its time this song was. Lyrically documenting a loner browsing online for company, it’s somewhat sad yet its funky R&B track and glitchy computer sounds lifts its spirits. Also features the incredible Kate Bush on backing vocals.

 

9) Somebody’s Somebody

Prince always had the ability to make the best slow jams. This is one of his most underrated from 1995’s ‘Emancipation’. Released in the midst of great media interest relating to his battle with his record label, his name change and relationship with Mayte, ‘Somebody’s Somebody’ got somewhat lost as a track in Prince’s discography. Despite this, it’s one of his best; a moody R&B ballad which encapsulates the loneliness of 2am perfectly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6zDFBwsXBc

10) When We’re Dancing Close and Slow

Sometimes there is no need for polished production, excessive instruments, multiple chord changes or multi-layered vocals and this track emphasises this. An absolutely stunning ballad from Prince’s self-titled second album, this track utilises only two chords, created by gentle acoustic guitar strums and twinkling pianos. By its finale, eerie synthesiser sounds creep in to make it way ahead of its time, something else Prince always managed to do in his career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4xrNUxuanw

11) Starfish and Coffee

Not to be taken too seriously, this quirky but brilliantly catchy piano pop track was featured on critically acclaimed “Sign O’ The Times” before being featured in an episode of The Muppets. Simple, sweet and happy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW7Js9I9tRs

12) Gold

Clearly proud of this song upon its release, Prince hailed it as the next ‘Purple Rain’. It did not achieve status as one of Prince’s best known but fared relatively well on the charts. It’s a great Pop track with meaningful lyrics and a catchy refrain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwB6C1BWmqQ

13) She’s Always in My Hair

Whilst never appearing on a Prince album (except for a Greatest Hits compilation), ‘She’s Always in My Hair’ became one of Prince’s best-loved songs. A fierce rock and roll track complete with guitars, staccato organs and a great beat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Z3c5RmWfI

14) I Would Die 4 U

Another track from both the film and accompanying soundtrack ‘Purple Rain’, this is Prince at his best. Unsettled percussion and multi-layered synthesisers perform its backing track whilst Prince delivers an energetic vocal delivery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qpOI92q6EU

15) I Wanna Be Your Lover

Infectiously catchy disco-stomper; the epitome of 70’s disco music. Taken from second album ‘For You’, it is one of the first Prince tracks to showcase his brilliant falsetto vocals, a trait which would be featured in many of his latest works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN6mDCEB6vY

16) Dinner with Delores

Perhaps Prince’s most underrated song, this gentle pop-rock/country-influenced track was the only single from 1996’s ‘Chaos and Disorder’. The album was released simply to fulfil Prince’s contractual obligations with Warner Brothers in the midst of their infamous feud, yet it contains a strong collection of Prince tracks. The track’s instrumentation is gentle and sweet yet upon closer inspection, the lyrics have a darker and more sexualised tone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9_aauED3Ys

17) Anotherloverholenyohead

Another brilliant track from the ‘Parade’ album. An introduction of wailing guitars and impatient percussion evolve into a catchy funk-rock track which is based around a piano chord sequence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KExTY9k_gj4

18) I Wish U Heaven

A joyful and spiritual single from ‘Lovesexy’. In-keeping with the album’s uplifting, religious tones, ‘I Wish U Heaven’ features elements of rock, pop, dance and gospel. Quirky production elements and Prince’s gorgeous falsetto vocals make this one of his best, yet most underrated works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObzoKryyAi8

19) Diamonds & Pearls

Uplifting rock ballad which features New Power Generation member Rosie Gaines sharing vocals with Prince. Unlike a lot of Prince’s work which focussed on lust and sex, this ballad instead refreshingly explores love itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZCfu18lSl4

20) Purple Rain

Of course, this playlist would not be complete without Prince’s signature track. And what a song this is. It’s easy to classify songs as huge as this as ‘overrated’ but this gorgeous Rock ballad lives up to its reputation as one of the best ballads of all time. Recorded live at a benefit concert, it was later added to in the studio and became the track loved by all today. It was to become a staple of Prince’s live shows, perhaps its most notable moment was at the Super Bowl XLI’s half time show when it was performed during a downpour.

Prince once explained the meaning of “Purple Rain” is as follows: “When there’s blood in the sky – red and blue= purple… purple rain pertains to the end of the world and being with the one you love and letting your faith/god guide you through the purple rain.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ABd-cCcIxk

R.I.P Prince. We love and miss you.

Remembering Prince…

You may have noticed we are taking a little hiatus here at The Music Box. This is due to work commitments and it is hugely difficult to run a blog alone! Bear with us and we’ll have more content up as soon as we have some time to prepare it!

We just wanted to break our silence to express our shock and sadness over the death of Prince. He was nothing short of a musical genius – blurring boundaries between all genres of music, being one of the most underrated guitarists and vocalists of all time. He was a global icon, incredible songwriter and a true artist; one we will never again see in our lifetime. Similarly to Michael Jackson, he was one of a kind whose career spanned over thirty years, hopping from genre to genre and reinvented himself multiple times, remaining ever-relevant.

We plan to upload much more Prince-themed content when we get a moment but we just wanted to respond at the appropriate time.

Sometimes it Snows in April.

RIP Prince.

Thank you for sharing your gift with us and for being the soundtrack to millions of lives all over the world.

Music Tag

We’ve been nominated again by the lovely Tammy over at https://alittlebitalt.wordpress.com/!
So sorry for the huge delay in posting this, there was no notification informing us of the tag!

These are the rules supplied to us:

  • Write ten songs that come on shuffle (no skipping)
  • Write your favourite lyric from each song.
  • Tag people

So with no further ado, and with some apprehension considering the amount of guilty pleasures in my music collection, here goes… *presses shuffle*

1) Prince – Sometimes it snows in April

Ah, one of my all time favourite songs. Probably one of the most beautiful songs in the world.

Favourite lyric:
“I used to cry for Tracy cause he was my only friend
Those kind of cars don’t pass you every day”

It’s the second line that’s my favourite but the first is needed to show the context. It’s just a beautiful expression. Prince is a bloody nightmare when it comes to sharing his music online! He consistently removes his work from YouTube and Spotify so for now you’ll have to make do with this pleasant but not-as-good-as-the-original live version:

2) John Mayer – Stop This Train

Boy I’m glad this one came up! Probably one of my all time favourite songs lyrically.

Favourite Lyric:
“So scared of getting older
I’m only good at being young”

Captures the fear of adulthood perfectly.

3) Mark Owen – End of Everything

Mark Owen’s solo career is the most underrated thing ever (I like to remind people of this on a regular basis).

Favourite lyric:
Enter if you can through all the tears of your parade”

Just a lovely poetic lyric which for me emphasises having patience with yourself when times are tough.

4) The 1975 – Chocolate

In my top 3 favourite songs of all time and I never,  ever tire of hearing it.

Favourite lyric:  
“I think about how to think”

I can relate to over-thinking, to the extent you’re thinking about the way you’re thinking!

5) Robbie Williams – Snowblind

I love the vulnerability this track possesses and it’s just stunning. Robbie knows how to create beautiful ballads aching with sincerity.

Favourite Lyric: 
“You stole my heart,
But my madness,
Is taking the man right out of me”

Mr Williams is a genius at playing with phrases and this is a brilliant example.

6) George Michael – White Light

Hmm. Whilst a huge fan of George, there are many songs in his discography better than this, especially lyrically. It’s still brilliant though.

Favourite Lyric:
“And tomorrow is mine”

I like the ‘seize the day’ attitude this line conveys.

7) Michael Jackson – (I like) The Way You Love Me

I LOVE this song. I’m a huge MJ fan although I don’t seem to publicise it as much as I used to. This is a song he recorded in the mid noughties and was remixed for his first posthumous album ‘Michael’. I’m including the original demo version released in his lifetime though because I think it’s better than the remixed version.

Favourite Lyric:
“I was afraid of life and you came in time”

Simple but effective.

8) James Taylor – Something in the way she moves

Lovely song.

Favourite Lyric:
“Every now and then the things I lean on lose their meaning
and I find myself careening in places where I should not let me go.”

I love the way it recognises the more you depend on something, the less meaning it has. Just a beautifully worded lyric.

9) Melanie C & Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes – Never Be The Same Again

What an absolutely brilliant track this was/is.

Favourite Lyric:
“Picturesque is the picture you paint so effortlessly.”

Left Eye’s rap is the best in this song, lyrically. As well as being poetic, it’s just a clever line.

10) Take That – Affirmation

There’s Take That songs I much prefer to this but again, it’s still a great song.

Favourite Lyric:
“We’re not really falling apart, we’re just incomplete.”

It’s a bit like the ‘glass half empty or glass half empty’ analogy. The whole song is lyrically brilliant.

Well I got pretty lucky there considering they were selected through shuffle!

I nominate:
Hannah at https://hannahdonline.wordpress.com/
Phil at http://theperfecttempo.com/

 

Music Monday – Volume Eighty Three

1) Sia – Reaper

Australian songstress/hit songwriter Sia delivers a hot new Pop track co-written with none other but Mr Kanye West. Relatively jovial and laid back compared to Sia’s other works, this is a catchy chilled-out track with bizzarely, hospital-like beeping, rich harmonies and a seriously funky bass line.

2) Raleigh Ritchie & Stormzy – Keep it Simple

Raleigh Ritchie delivers another hit, this time aided with a rap from Stormzy. Warm synthesisers, Ritchie’s rich vocals and catchy dance beats carry this utterly brilliant R&B track.

3) Chairlift – Crying in Public

Cool, chilled-out synthpop track from American duo Chairlift. The care-free, minimalistic production and Caroline Polachek’s syrupy sweet vocals are perfect.

4) Birdy – Keeping Your Head Up

‘Keeping Your Head Up’ marks a significant musical departure for Birdy, best known for her haunting, heartfelt piano ballads. Channelling Foxes, ‘Keeping Your Head Up’ is a catchy dance-pop track full of hand claps, catchy piano riffs and an irresistibly catchy hook.

5) Frances – Borrowed Time

Co-written with Howard from Disclosure, this chilled-out house track mirrors 70’s Pop with lushly layered harmonies, rich gospel-like vocals and squeaky synthesisers. It’s a different side to Frances but one which works beautifully.

6) Dua Lipa – Be The One (Club Edit Remix)

Hot, idiosyncratic club record featuring a reggae-like bounce, clinking synths and a devilishly catchy chorus.

7) Prince – Baltimore

The King of Cool, Prince released ‘HitNRun Phase 2’ in December. This is its funky opening track featuring polished brass elements, raw acoustic guitar strums and a dirty rhythm, it’s Prince at his best.

8) Laura Mvula ft Nile Rodgers – Overcome

Chic legend Nile Rodgers lends his production to funky jazz/R&B fusion. Mvula’s pure, soulful vocals are perfect as always and lushly layered into a glorious wall of sound over Rodgers’ funky guitar riffs.

9) The 1975 – The Sound

The second single from The 1975’s upcoming second album ‘I Like it When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It’, ‘The Sound’ is a huge tropical-house influenced Pop track. Incessantly catchy with a brilliantly buoyant Chorus, it’s one of the funkiest and catchiest Pop tracks in a long time.

10) Allie X – Never Enough

Sultry electropop track with an insanely huge Chorus. Clearly influenced by 80’s Pop, it’s cool, brilliantly layered and an overall huge song.

Music Monday – Volume Forty Three

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.

Music Monday – Volume Thirty One

1) Prince – Breakfast Can Wait

Prince has returned triumphantly this month with not one but TWO albums! A solo effort and an album with his all female band 3RDEYEGIRL. Both are incredible records with different qualities. This one is from Prince’s solo album: ‘Art Official Age’. It’s classic Prince with a modern twist – simplistic and a funky beat. Great song.

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

2) One Direction – Steal My Girl

One Direction just appear to be going from strength to strength. The lead single for upcoming album ‘Four’, this is a more mature effort but with the classic 1D sound. I really really love this. Piano sequence highly resembles Abba’s ‘The Winner Takes It All’ however…

3) Taylor Swift – Shake it off

I’ve been loving this for a while but have only been completely sold this last week. SO catchy and such an awesome feel-good song. Classic pop.

4) Alanis Morisette – Thank U

There’s something so raw and melancholic about this that makes it irresistible. Love Alanis, especially songs from her early days such as this.

5) Take That – Wooden Boat

Following the news of Jason Orange’s departure, I went back and listened to all of the songs Jay took lead vocal on. Jay was lucky to sing on some of Take That’s best work but I do think this is the stand-out performance. It’s such an incredibly gorgeous song with a Folk influence and Jason’s voice is stunning on it.

6) Take That – Flowerbed

Another Jason Orange lead vocal, this is such a dreamy, beautiful song that concluded 2010’s ‘Progress’ album.

7) Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL – Whitecaps

Prince again, this time with his band 3RDEYEGIRL. I love how chilled out this song is and the Blues kinda feel to it. I really can’t get enough of this right now. Such a beautiful song.

[Unfortunately this is not on YouTube]

8) Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL – TicTacToe

Another song that I’m loving off Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL’s album ‘PLECTRUMELECTRUM’.

[Unfortunately this is not on YouTube]

9) The Script – Man on a wire

I’m still loving the new album from The Script. I really love this song – it’s loyal to The Script’s sound but avoids being too unoriginal from other songs by them. An emotive and beautiful song.

10) Boyz II Men – Human II (Don’t turn your back on me)

Came across this song again after first falling in love with it around five years ago. Forgot what a corker of a song it is! So, so catchy with the silky smooth harmonies we all love Boyz II Men for. Also samples one of my favourite songs from the 80’s: ‘Human’ by Human League.

Music Monday – Volume Twenty Eight

1) George Ezra – Blame it on me

I’m still not quite sure what to make of George Ezra. I think he’s very talented and there’s certainly something about his songs that make them pretty enchanting. That said, ‘Budapest’ did get on my nerves a little bit. ‘Blame it on me’ has been growing on me with every listen, however and I think I can now conclude that I love it. Love the guitar sound in the chorus.

2) Maroon 5 –Sugar

I much prefer old Maroon 5 to their sound for the past three years. ‘Songs about Jane’ and ‘It won’t be soon before long’ were class albums. That’s not to say they’ve completely lost their way, however. The new album is a vast improvement on ‘Overexposed’. This is an incredibly catchy and addictive song. Really love this.

3) Maroon 5 – It was always you

Another track on their latest album ‘V’. Love the 80’s vibe on this and it’s a great sing-along tune.

4) Prince – Clouds

I love how Prince just randomly drops these songs onto Spotify/Itunes without a fuss! No idea if this will appear on any of his two new albums arriving later this month but if this song is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat! Classic Prince but still managing to sound fresh. Layered with a bit of auto-tune to add a bit more effect, this is a great song.

[Unfortunately this isn’t on YouTube so no link!]

5) Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj – Bang Bang

I loved Jessie J’s debut album and I do continue to admire her talent. Personality wise, she does irritate me a bit and her single choices can be a bit hit and miss. Something told me I should hate this song, most likely because of the fact Nicki Minaj has a role in it. That said, it’s a really catchy, great pop track. Really liking this.

6) 5SOS – Amnesia

Overall, I keep telling myself I’m not into this band. Then again, they must be doing something right at this is their second track in one of my Music Monday playlists! This is an incredibly beautiful, if rather predictable (chord-wise) ballad. Definitely my favourite song of right now. Gorgeous.

7) Chromeo – Jealous (I ain’t worth it)

So damn catchy, this is an irresistible song. There hasn’t been a dance-pop track as good as this in YEARS. Unique, with a disco vibe, this is awesome. Check it out!

8) Travi$ Scott & James Fauntleroy – Drive (The 1975 remix)

I didn’t know the original of this (before The 1975 remixed it) and only got to know it through The 1975’s remix. I’m not biased just because The 1975 are one of my favourite bands, I just think what they’ve done with the song is incredible. Awesome beat, so chilled and I love Matty’s verse. Cannot get enough of this at the moment.

9) Joel Compass – Girlfriends

Another catchy track. Really like this!

10) Gary Barlow – We like to love

Without a doubt one of Gary Barlow’s finest songs he’s ever written and definitely one of my all time favourite compositions by him. The squeak of the piano stool and click of the piano keys at the beginning if you turn the volume up loud enough through headphones shows how raw this song is. It’s rare for a real piano to be used in a song these days. It’s wonderful, the changes that occur in this song. The soft beginning with the choir, the verse and first chorus, the key change and then the Coldplay-styled soaring climax. Such an incredibly beautiful and emotive song.

Music Monday – Volume Twenty-One

1)      Beady Eye – The morning son

So dreamy and such a beautiful song. Liam Gallagher is awesome.

2)      The 1975 – Intro/Set3

Understated opening track to their ‘Sex’ EP. Smooth and jittery, building up to an awesome R&B track. Got a great groove and some sick beats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FT-11F6Ro

3)      Take That – Today I’ve lost you

Somehow this beautiful and underrated track managed to escape my iTunes. After coming across it again on Spotify, I have fallen head over heels back in love with it again. It’s so soft, so stunning and Gary Barlow’s vocals are silky smooth. A perfect Barlow-ballad.

4)      Pharrell Williams – Fun, fun, fun

Pharrell is just a genius. After watching ‘Despicable Me’ I was reminded of what a truly great, uplifting song this is. The harmonies are amazing and I love the summery, happy feel of the song.

5)      S Club Juniors – Automatic High

Massive guilty pleasure – both the pop-group and the song! Reminds me of being very young. Irresistibly catchy.

6)      Prince – Better with time

Such a beautiful, romantic little song.

(Not available to share due to Prince being highly irritating and not allowing much of his music to be on YouTube)

7)      David Archuleta – Crush

Someone reminded me of this song again recently and how damn good it is! Reminds me of being fourteen and listening to it over and over again. Bit of cheesy pop at its best. Lyrics are easy to relate to. One of the best chorus’ in a pop song ever.

8)      Kelly Rowland – Daylight

Really underrated Kelly track. So damn catchy and uplifting.

9)      Stardust – Music sounds better with you

Bloody repetitive but SO damn good. Catchy as hell. One of the best dance tracks ever released.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwv-3cM2pVk

10)   MN8 – Dreaming

One of the soppiest, cheesiest but most beautiful romantic songs by a boyband ever. Not many would be familiar with this song but it’s gorgeous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiXEmR8_skI

Music Monday – Volume Twenty

1)      5SOS – Don’t stop

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

Music Monday – Volume Nine

1)      Snow Patrol – Just Say Yes

Forgot what an incredible song this is. Been listening to it loads this week – so catchy, so honest and so different from what Snow Patrol normally do. Love it and I love them.

2)      The Castro Family/The 1975 – Chocolate

Everyone knows Chocolate is one of my all time favourite songs. I usually hate YouTube covers as people tend to make it into a ballad which just doesn’t work. Part of its charm is the catchiness! LOVE this interpretation though! A little cheesy but love the harmonies and the arrangement.

3)      Roxette – Wish I could fly

One of the most beautiful songs ever and one of my all time favourites. So underrated. Love the pairing of the orchestra and drum machine. Special song for me.

4)      Genesis – Throwing it all away

This kept coming on during Shuffle and I love it so much! Love Genesis and Phil Collins anyway but I’m really enjoying this song at the moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ZdlFKYd84

5)      Prince – Purple Rain

Prince is one of my music heroes. This is so depressing and so long but sometimes it’s so necessary! It’s an incredible song, very emotive and powerful and the length is needed. I used to think it was perhaps too long but these days I appreciate the whole piece. Electric.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYUvCStLYJI

6)      The Vamps – Another World

I dismissed The Vamps a while ago but I gave their album a listen and I really love it! The second half in particular. I can’t get enough of this song at the moment. Generic maybe but very beautiful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7tNpUcxrFA

7)      R. Kelly – Happy People

I remember hearing this on the car journey home from a theme park when I was around ten years old. It’s just such a smooth, happy song that always makes me feel great. R.Kelly is a musical genius.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8Gmaurug0I

8)      Coldplay – Oceans

SO in love with this and so excited for the album. Very beautiful and very reminiscent of the Parachutes era.

9)      Keane  – Bedshaped

So, so beautiful. Keane are one of my favourite bands and this song is just stunning. Love the video too.

10)   George Michael – Kissing a fool

Only found this recently but I love it! So jazzy, so chilled. Definitely one of George’s more underrated songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RvANwJLZQ4