Christmas Crackers – Day 24

1) CHRISTMAS CRACKER: Judy Garland – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2) CINNAMON COVER: Sam Smith – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

 3) WINTER WARMER: James Taylor – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

4) BONUS: Mary J Blige – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

 

Check back everyday this month for more festive hits!

Music Monday – Volume Sixty Nine

1) Seal – Every Time I’m With You

Seal returns with a gorgeous and triumphant ballad abundant with his signature raspy vocals, gentle guitar strums and sweeping strings. This is Seal’s first original track in five years; previous two albums were cover albums of Soul classics. ‘Every Time I’m With You’ is the lead single from Seal’s upcoming album ‘Seal 7’, released on 6th November.

2) Frances – Grow

Beautiful, emotive piano ballad by up and coming British indie artist Frances. Gorgeous song definitely worth a listen.

3) Frances – What Do You Mean (Radio 1 Live Lounge)

Frances was fortunate enough to be invited to perform in Radio 1’s Live Lounge following The Libertines’ cancellation. She performed a gorgeous piano cover of Justin Bieber’s huge Summer smash ‘What Do You Mean’. Beautiful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9skelI9roZc

4) Jamie Woon – Sharpness

Soft soul track featuring a punchy bass line, catchy percussion and gentle vocals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlhNBG4yycY

5) Duran Duran – Pressure Off

Effortlessly catchy track from Duran Duran’s latest studio album. Aided by Chic mastermind Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Mr Hudson and Janelle Monrae, ‘Pressure Off’ is a rousing pop track featuring funky guitar riffs, punchy percussion and a huge stadium-anthem chorus. Awesome track.

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

6) Duran Duran – You Kill Me With Silence

Dark, hip-hop influenced verses evolve into a soaring and infectious chorus on this emotive synthpop track. Produced by Mr Hudson, it builds up to an eerie and eclectic ending rife with giggling synthesisers, distorted sounds, wailing sounds and hip hop beats.

7) Death and The Stars – Sad Drive

Awesome ’80’s-esque driving rock ballad masterminded by Ben Mark (frequent Take That and Mark Owen co-writer).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjpNrjz38AI

8) Sam Smith & Disclosure – Hotline Bling (Radio 1 Live Lounge)

Incredible interpretation of Drake’s R&B jam. Sam Smith sprinkles his emotive vocals over Disclosure’s funky tropical house backing track full of punchy bass, steel-pan like keys and air crushing synths.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDCcC_psV24

9) Nathan Sykes – Ordinary People (Live)

Ex member of The Wanted Nathan Sykes showcases his syrupy smooth, soulful vocals on this acoustic interpretation of John Legend’s beautiful ‘Ordinary People’. A fine, relaxing cover.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIZ21oMzU6k

10) James Bay – Scars

James Bay once again reinforces why he is one of the biggest stars in the UK right now. Emotive and raw folk-rock track comprised of nothing but organic instruments. Gorgeous.

Music Monday – Volume Sixty Two

1) Adam Lambert – The Original High

Impossibly catchy synthpop title track of Adam Lambert’s latest album. Full of thumping beats, squealing synths and a flawless vocal from Lambert, it’s a perfect summer track.

2) Disclosure & Sam Smith – Omen

Disclosure & Sam Smith already proved to be a dream formula with 2013 house hit ‘Latch’, both catapulting each other to fame. As Disclosure prepare to release their sophomore album later this year, second single ‘Omen’ attempts to regain some of the magic ‘Latch’ contained and it doesn’t do a bad job in the slightest. Smith’s vocals are raw with sincerity as always, crooning over Disclosure’s usual scatty production. Not quite as good as ‘Latch’ but a fine follow-up nonetheless.

3) Nicki Minaj – The Night Is Still Young

Nicki Minaj’s musical and artist output is certainly intriguing. Hits such as ‘Superbass’, ‘Fly’ and ‘Pound The Alarm’ were tolerable catchy music hits whereas ‘Anaconda’ slipped into the ‘utter garbage’ category. Still, she is a highly successful and interesting artist who clearly has a strong following. ‘The Night is Still Young’ is her latest release and whilst described by many as a dance-pop song, it borders on becoming a ballad with it’s relatively slow tempo. It’s a great song, however, more so musically than lyrically but certainly one of Minaj’s better efforts.

4) Carly Rae Jepsen – Run Away With Me

One of the most underrated females in Pop, Carly Rae Jepsen has a unique talent in being able to co-write effortlessly catchy and clean pop hits, suitable for audiences of all ages. With her seductive, airy vocals and synthpop hits, Rae Jepsen has carved herself a sucessful global career yet still seems to be largely ignored compared to other female artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyonce. ‘Run Away With Me’ is the follow-up to awesome lead single ‘I Really Like You’. Both singles are from Carly’s forthcoming album ‘Emotion’ and is produced by Shellback with assistance from Mattman & Robin (the producers of ‘Higher than Higher’ by Take That and Adam Lambert’s ‘The Original High’. It’s another fun synthpop track, a little bit 80’s with squeaky synths with shuffling percussion and powerful vocals from Rae Jepsen. One of the best songs around at the moment.

5) John Newman – Come and Get It

The British northern-soul crooner is back with massive hit ‘Come and Get It’, a catchy soul-funk track co-written by John himself with pop pioneer Greg Kurstin. It’s a huge song with powerful vocals from Newman.

6) Jessica Simpson – With You

It may be incredibly cheesy and lack credibility but ‘With You’ is pop music at its best. Pretty pop track.

7) Tame Impala – Cause I’m a Man

Gentle, dreamy psychedelic summer track by Australian band Tame Impala. Reminiscent of slow-disco hits from the 1970’s, this is a breath of fresh air in the current state of the music industry. One of my absolute favourite songs currently around.

8) Blonde ft Alex Newell – All Cried Out

Awesome track of the deep house genre with 90’s house piano riffs and incredible powerhouse vocals from American singer/actor Alex Newell.

9) George Ezra – Barcelona

Soft f0lk-styled track; the latest single from George Ezra’s incredible album ‘Wanted on Voyage’. Ezra’s rich, wise-beyond-his-years vocals really are distinctively beautiful.

10) One Direction – Drag Me Down

The killer new single from the much-loved Boyband; the first without Zayn Malik who departed the band earlier this year. It’s not as good as ‘Steal My Girl’ (lead single from the band’s last album ‘Four’) but it proves the continuity of the band’s maturer sound.

Music Monday – Volume Forty

1) Sam Smith – Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

A beautiful song in its own right, this is only made even more magical by the incredible Sam Smith. That acapella introduction is just stunning.

2) Coldplay – Miracles

Great new track from Coldplay.

3) Chris Rea – Driving home for Christmas

One of my favourite Christmas songs of all time. Jazzy, laid back, meaningful, it’s a fantastic song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czhZbqpyBm8

4) Greg Lake – I believe in Father Christmas

A song that I love more and more every time I hear it. One of the most underrated Christmas songs around.

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

5) Take That – Believe

This keeps growing on me and I really love it! Sounds like something that would have appeared on Mark’s 2013 solo album ‘The Art of Doing Nothing’ but with Take That’s gorgeous harmonies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ailavvxwlS4

6) Sam Smith – Restart

This was one of my songs of the summer. Catchy and utterly irresistible.

7) The Beach Boys – Little Saint Nick

The harmonies on this track are just amazing. One of the best Christmas songs around.

8) Robbie Williams – Walk This Sleigh

An unconventional Christmas song, performed in a way only possible by Mr Robbie Williams!

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

9) Take That – Freeze

Emotive, with a 1980’s pop sound. Love it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IkRFAh7LGo

10) Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk

Catchy, fun and everything pop music should be about.

Music Monday – Volume Thirty Nine

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zWJs7PHGaA

3) Take That – I like it

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

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

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 Fifteen

1)      Sam Smith – Restart

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!

Music Monday – Volume Thirteen

1)      The Days – Never give up

This came on shuffle the other day and I fell in love with it all over again. Never heard anything else by these boys but this is still SO good. So catchy and upbeat.

2)      Roxette – You can’t put your arms around what’s already gone

Another little song that popped up on shuffle! This band is so good – the album this is from is incredible. Great lyrics to this track.

3)      John Mayer – Vultures

A song I always overlooked until about a month ago. John Mayer is such an underrated writer. Amazing lyrics and I just absolutely love this.

4)      Simon Webbe – Free

Simon is of course a member of British boyband Blue. His debut solo album ‘Sanctuary’ is one of my favourite albums released, surprisingly enough. It’s just a perfect balance of upbeat and slow tracks and every song is fantastic. This is co-written by one of my favourite songwriters and I love how soft and beautiful this is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZj_dNPiiD8

5)      BBMak – Next time

These guys were such an awesome band. Most of the current boybands would envy these harmonies. There’s not enough harmony in boybands these days in my opinion. Great little song.

6)      Pharrell Williams – Frontin’

This was on The Nixtape on Radio 1 and I forgot what an absolute tune it is! Pharrell is a genius.

7)      The 1975 – So far it’s alright

This = my jam. That is all!

8)      John Mayer – All we ever do is say goodbye

One of my favourite songs of all time. The lyrics are so perfect and so easy to relate to. I fell in love with this over a year ago and it just always reminds me of summer. It also, for some reason, reminds me of one of my favourite movies, ‘Brokeback Mountain’. I have no idea why this is but it makes the track even more special for me.

9)      Ronan Keating – Lost for words

Just really love the feel of this song. Lyric content is great too.

10)   Sam Smith – Leave your lover

I think Sam Smith is incredibly talented but every song he has released so far (aside from ‘Latch’ and ‘La la la’) has really annoyed me. I’ve been waiting for something to really impress me and not become irritating. Well he’s finally done it. This is so, so beautiful. So soft and delicate with fantastic lyrics.