Busted perform a beautiful rendition of fan-favourite ‘Meet You There’, a track originally from their ‘A Present for Everyone’ album. Strong vocals and perfect harmonies blend perfectly with minimal instrumentation provided solely by an acoustic guitar and piano.
2) Raleigh Ritchie – Bloodsport
Dramatic and emotive alternative R&B track from up-and-coming artist Raleigh Ritchie. Ritchie’s deep vocals soar over sweeping strings as he contemplates the many trials of love.
3) James Bay – If You Ever Want To Be In Love
Blues and Soul music are both at the core of this catchy indie rock track by James Bay. Rich harmonies, funky piano riffs and Bay’s powerful vocals all result in a perfect love song.
4) Chris Brown – Back To Sleep
Drawing upon 80’s pop & smooth 90’s R&B, ‘Back To Sleep’ is the third single from Brown’s latest album ‘Royalty’. Sleek and sexy.
5) Chris Brown – Make Love
One of Brown’s biggest successes in his music has always been his ability to mimic 90’s R&B slow jams. This is no exception; a gentle and chilled-out love song and a long-awaited return to R&B by Chris Brown.
6) David Bowie – Lazarus
Made all the more poignant by the unexpected and hugely saddening news of David Bowie’s passing, it’s likely this gentle jazz-influenced track will become Bowie’s epitaph.
7) Coldplay – Amazing Day
Gorgeous piano-led ballad from Coldplay’s latest album ‘A Head Full of Dreams’. Wailing guitars and pretty piano arpeggios form the songs primary instrumentation is a similar vein to previous song ‘Us Against The World’ but also sounding bizarrely similar to Grease’s ‘Beauty School Drop-Out’ in places. It’s Coldplay at their best, however, full of power and emotion.
8) Coldplay – Up&Up
Aided by Noel Gallagher on guitar, this epic feel-good rock anthem is the perfect conclusion to the band’s ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ album.
9) Troye Sivan – Youth
Troye Sivan encapsulates both the naivety and fun of teen love in this jittery R&B track. Broken pitch-moderated vocal samples are the basis of one of the catchiest hooks in Pop music ever.
10) Troye Sivan – DKLA
Perfect dark R&B-inspired track from Troye’s incredible début album ‘Blue Neighbourhood’. Squeaky synths, trap-influenced beats and clinking keys provide the instrumentation whilst Sivan declares “I don’t keep love around”. It’s the perfect anti-love song.
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.
The rise of Carly Rae Jepsen has been somewhat remarkable. The Canadian sweetheart first came to prominence on Canadian Idol back in 2007, finishing a respectable third. Of course over the years, the Pop Idol has become largely overshadowed by Simon Cowell’s replacement international franchise X Factor which currently runs in thirty four countries over the world. Despite this, the ‘Idol’ franchise continues to run in some countries simultaneously. Whilst such programmes often produce successful acts, they rarely become superstars in anywhere else but their home country (though Leona Lewis & Kelly Clarkson have both proved to be an exception to the norm.) So when Rae-Jepsen placed third in 2007’s Canadian Idol, chances of worldwide success appeared slim. After all, when has a winner of Canadian Idol ever become the next big thing over here in the UK? Exactly. But somehow, gentle and unassuming Carly cracked the big time.
As is often the case, success was not immediate; début album ‘Tug of War’ was released on a tiny independent label with no mainstream release until three years later when she began working on her follow-up album. It was the writing of one song that changed everything. That song is of course ‘Call Me Maybe’. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, ‘Call Me Maybe’ was written by Jepsen with Tavish Crowe as a folk song until Josh Ramsay transformed it into a teen dance-pop track. The song’s eventual success was largely the responsibility of Justin Bieber who tweeted the song to his millions of Twitter followers before increasing its popularity even further a month later when appearing in a viral video in which he lip-synced the track along with Selena Gomez and Ashley Tisdale. Perhaps this isn’t surprising when Bieber himself is considered a teen-bopper by many and isn’t exactly swimming in credibility. Nevertheless, Bieber’s assistance resulted in the snowball effect in which the song was picked up by radio stations and music channels worldwide, on heavy rotation which resulted in it becoming a Number One hit in eighteen countries; an impressive feat. It was nominated for two grammy awards and won MTV’s ‘Song of the Year’ award in 2012. Rae-Jepsen’s grip on the world was only reinforced later that same year upon the release of her second album ‘Kiss’, released to overall positive response.
This year, Jepsen returned triumphantly with the exceptionally catchy ‘I Really Like You’, accompanied by a comical music video starring Tom Hanks. It became another hit in Jepsen’s back catalogue and follow up ‘Run Away With Me’ has also been soaring high into the music charts in multiple countries. Both singles, whilst remaining faithful to Jepsen’s signature pop-sound, have hinted at a more 1980’s synthpop sound, adding an extra layer of depth. No wonder then, that forthcoming album ‘E-M-O-T-I-O-N’ (released in the UK on the 18th of September) is one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year. The pop world is all about 1980’s synth/electro-pop so the release of ‘E-M-O-T-I-O-N’ has been impeccably timed. Whilst Jepsen’s commercial performance has been hugely successful, she remains a greatly overshadowed artist in the fickle world of pop music. In an industry that increasingly objectifies women and removes the focus from vocal and artistry talent, placing it on personality, controversy and appearance, many women become lost in the haze of the music industry. Rhianna, Beyonce and Taylor Swift tend to dominate for their colourful personal lives and vibrant fashion sense. Indeed, they each also have extensive collections of hits and are largely talented but the emphasis is equally placed on matters other than the music. It is somewhat refreshing then, that Rae Jepsen seemingly avoids association with controversy is also refreshing in an age where disputation is the main attraction in pop careers. No matter the opinion of the most cynical music fans, her talent to write catchy and memorable pop hits cannot be denied. ‘Call Me Maybe’ undoubtedly became bloody irritating after a few weeks but it remains one of the best hits in Pop History. Furthermore, her sultry, squeaky and quirky vocals make her refreshing to listen to in an industry dominated by auto-tune and instinctive vocals.
The longevity of a pop career can never be guaranteed in a rapidly changing industry. Nevertheless, if her musical output remains as strong as is currently the case, understated and underrated pop princess Carly Rae Jepsen can expect a very long and fruitful music career.
I cannot believe it is six years today since the death of Michael Jackson sent shockwaves through the world. I still recall that day very well, my Dad ringing me from LA, where he and my Mum were holidaying at the time, to inform me my musical hero had died. It was a bizarre and immensely sad day for many people, including me.
Some of you may know that prior to Take That, Michael Jackson was my main obsession. He still largely is, it’s just other artists and things have come into my life in the last five years or so and therefore I tend to go through phases of becoming re-obsessed with particular things! MJ will always be one of my heroes and his music continues to take me to another world.
To celebrate his life, this blog lists thirty of my favourite Michael Jackson songs. Many are singles but some are simply album tracks. I could be here all day listing all of my favourites, both released and unreleased, singles, album tracks, tracks recorded with his brothers etc. but I have chosen thirty of my ultimate favourites that most people will be familiar with. So, in album order, here we go:
1) Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough
A disco classic, it’s Michael’s smooth falsetto that carries this groovy number. Still a classic years later.
2) Rock with You
Smooth, soulful and catchy, another perfect disco classic.
3) I Can’t Help it
Another smooth and soulful track from the ‘Off The Wall’ album, co-written by the legendary Stevie Wonder.
4) Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
Funky, punchy opener to the ‘Thriller’ album full of funk and an introduction to the aggression shown in some of Jackson’s later work. That “Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah” refrain at the end remains a classic part of pop history.
5) Beat It
Just one example of Jackson’s ability to write and record in all genres, fusing rock with R&B. Contains that amazing, distinctive amazing guitar solo from Eddie Van Halen.
6) P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)
Classic disco/funk song from the ‘Thriller’ album. It was originally Jackson’s own song but was rejected by producer Quincy Jones. Jones liked the title, however and subsequently wrote a new version with James Ingram which became the catchy disco version greatly known and loved today. Also featured two of Jackson’s sisters: Janet and La Toya.
7) Human Nature
Effortlessly smooth and soulful, written by Toto’s Steve Poraco with lyrics later added by lyricist John Bettis. The low-key guitar which drives the song is reminiscent of much of Toto’s work as a band and was a song not originally intended for ‘Thriller’. It appeared on the end of a demo cassette handed to producer Quincy Jones as a rough idea. Jones loved the idea and approached Poraco to complete it with help from Bettis. Michael’s falsetto is absolutely stunning and flutters endearingly over shimmering synthesisers.
8) Liberian Girl
Another silky R&B number written solely by Jackson. It’s sleek, sexy and a beautiful addition to the ‘Bad’ album.
9) Dirty Diana
Another heavy-rock song, this time from the ‘Bad’ album. One of a handful of songs written by Jackson on the subject of groupies, it’s dark, gritty and remains a classic.
10) Man in the Mirror
One of Jackson’s iconic songs which addresses making a difference. Written by Siedah Garrett (Jackson’s duet partner on ‘I Just Can’t Stop Loving You’) with legendary composer Glen Ballard, it was a global hit but only managed to reach the top 10 of the UK singles chart after Jackson’s death in 2009.
11) I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
Sultry, schmaltzy affair but it remains one of Jackson’s best love songs. Assisted by Siedah Garrett on lead vocals, this was the lead single from the ‘Bad’ album but was never accompanied by a music video.
12) Leave Me Alone
Funky, gritty closer to the ‘Bad’ album, originally only included as a bonus track. The accompanying music video addressed Jackson’s troubled relationship with the press and aimed to dispel many of the apparently ludicrous rumours circling camp Jackson at the time.
13) Speed Demon
Funk rock song that appeared on the ‘Bad’ album. Its lyrical content isn’t perhaps as edgy or significant as Jackson’s other singles (it was reportedly written upon Jackson receiving a speeding ticket for driving too fast…), it’s still a lot of fun and a welcome addition to the ‘Bad’ album.
14) Smooth Criminal
We never did find out if Annie was okay, did we?! One of Jackson’s best-known and well-loved songs which discuss the unfortunate affairs of a woman named Annie who has been assaulted by a smooth assailant. It’s dark, groovy, and definitely one of Jackson’s best. The music video was pioneering at the time too, featuring that amazing anti-gravity forward-lean.
15) Heal The World
Another of Jackson’s ‘save the world’-themed songs, this time from 1991’s ‘Dangerous’ album. It remained one of Jackson’s proudest creations and was the stimulus to the creation of Jackson’s ‘Heal the World’ foundation. It was performed multiple times during Jackson’s career and remains well-loved.
16) Who Is It?
Paranoia infused R&B number which details a man’s despair after his lover leaves him for another man. The bass line is instantly recognisable and the percussion for the track is aided by Jackson’s own beat-boxing.Indeed, a snippet of Jackson beatboxing the song during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in early 1993 rocketed the track further up the charts. It’s lengthy (like much of Jackson’s work) but completely necessary. The choral introduction, the repeated fade-out all contribute to its success as a record.
17) Remember the Time
One of the pioneering New Jack Swing songs from the 90’s, ‘Remember The Time’ was written by Jackson along with ‘Dangerous’ producer Teddy Riley and Bernard Belle. The ‘Dangerous’ era marked a musical departure for Jackson who ventured into a more mature R&B/New Jack Swing sound as he made the transition from working with Quincy Jones to Teddy Riley. There are various interpretations on the subject of the song. Some argue it was about Jackson’s second wife Debbie Rowe whilst many believe it was about Jackson’s affection for Diana Ross. Accompanied by one of the greatest music videos of the 90’s, Egyptian themed with Eddie Murphy, Iman Bowie & Magic Johnson.
18) Black or White
Despite the widely perceived irony relating to Jackson’s ever-changing appearance, this remains one of his best-loved hits. Fused with a variety of genres including New Jack Swing, R&B, Hip hop and Rock, it’s a showcase of Jackson’s ability to blur the boundaries in music. Heavy percussion, grunge guitars, gritty vocals and a fun rap, it’s a little bit of everything but it works.
19) Will You Be There
Gorgeous, gentle gospel ballad from the ‘Dangerous’ album, also appearing on the Free Willy soundtrack. Features a lengthy introduction including an interlude by the Cleveland Orchestra and a portion of the Cleveland Chorus performing Beethoven’s ninth symphony.
20) Stranger in Moscow
One of Jackson’s most heartfelt, sincere and darkest songs. It was critically acclaimed upon release and is widely recognised to be one of Michael’s best works. The lyrics are inspired by a poem Jackson wrote in a hotel room in Moscow whilst on the ‘Dangerous’ tour in 1993 with music later added by Brad Buxer (who was uncredited). It documents loneliness and isolation, cleverly incorporating Russian imagery and symbolism. The song was originally planned as one of the only a handful of new tracks to be added to a planned Greatest Hits compilation. Jackson was so satisfied with the result that ‘HIStory’ became a double disk album – one of greatest hits and the second, a collection of new material.
21) Smile
Based upon Charlie Chaplin’s instrumental composition and Nat King Cole’s original version with lyrics, this was the closing track to HIStory. Critical reception at the time was mostly negative but there is no doubt that Jackson’s vocal performance on this number is impeccable. Yes, it’s a little bit Disney, a bit schmaltzy but it’s also very beautiful, particularly the whistled outro.
22) They Don’t Care About Us
Gritty, aggressive R&B/Hip Hop track which remains Jackson’s most controversial song. A portion of its lyrical content was believed by many to be anti-Semitic which Jackson strenuously denied. He later re-worded and re-recorded the lyrics and current copies of ‘HIStory’ either feature the amended lyrics or sound effects in place of the said lyrics. The song also had two music videos, both also the subject of controversy. Nevertheless, it’s still a classic Michael Jackson track.
23) You Are Not Alone
Stunning ballad written by R.Kelly and recorded for the ‘HIStory’ album. The accompanying video caused a stir when it featured a half-nude Jackson and then-wife Lisa Marie Presley.
24) Childhood
Another stunning Jackson ballad which also appeared on the soundtrack to Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home. Gentle and a little eerie, the song’s instrumentation utilises piano, orchestra, choir and Jackson’s vocals. Lyrically, it documents Jackson’s perceived difficult upbringing, a matter which plagued most of his life.
25) Ghosts
Edgy New Jack Swing track from Jackson’s 1997 remix album: ‘Blood on the Dancefloor: History in the Mix’. Featuring lyrics such as ‘And who gave you the right to shake my family tree?’, it’s another paranoia infused track but one which works perfectly. It was accompanied by a similarly titled film of the same name in which Jackson played a variety of characters.
26) You are My Life
Gorgeous, soft ballad from Jackson’s last studio album in his lifetime, ‘Invincible’. Co-written by legendary composers Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds and Carole Bayer Sager along with John McClain, Jackson changed the original title from ‘You are My World’ and subsequently received lead song-writing credit. Recorded just weeks before the release of ‘Invincible’, this song demonstrates the difficulty Jackson had in selecting and producing material for the album. It’s a beautiful ballad, however.
27) Butterflies
Another gorgeous ballad from ‘Invincible’, written by British R&B duo ‘Floetry’ consisting of Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart. When Jackson’s ‘Invincible’ album was the subject of delays, the duo ended up also recording the track for their own album. Rumoured to be a single but never saw commercial release due to Jackson’s ongoing conflicts with his record label. Lush, gentle with stunning, soaring harmonies, this is one of Jackson’s most underrated and endearing works.
28) Cry
Second single from ‘Invincible’, written by R. Kelly. Another ‘change-the-world’ song, this failed to generate the same reception and publicity as previous songs with similar lyrical themes, not aided by Jackson’s refusal to appear in the music video. Still, it’s a pretty song with a fantastic gospel performed climax.
29) One More Chance
Jackson’s final song written by R. Kelly which was the lead single for his 2003 Greatest Hits album ‘Number Ones’. It’s a smooth, catchy R&B number which was a big hit across the world.
30) Best of Joy
Repetitive but beautiful song, rumoured to be Jackson’s final recording before he died. What it lacks in innovation it makes up for in its charming presentation and Jackson’s famous falsetto.
BONUS:
31) Gone Too Soon
Absolutely gorgeous ballad from the Dangerous album, dedicated to AIDS victim Ryan White who passed away in 1990. White became a national poster-boy for HIV/AIDS when he was expelled from school due to his infection. He became infected with the virus from a contaminated blood treatment and later passed away aged just 18. Written by Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan, this was the final single to be released from the ‘Dangerous’ album.
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):
One Direcion – You & I
Take That – Higher than higher
Coldplay – Magic
Mr Probz & Robin Schulz – Waves
The 1975 – Medicine
The Script – No Good in Goodbye
Jake Bugg – Song about love
Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL– Whitecaps
Ed Sheeran – Afire Love
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
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).
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