Gorgeous folk/easy listening track with gentle guitar strums.
2) Nothing But Thieves – Graveyard Whistling
Haunting and gorgeous track from one of the best bands currently around. Conor Mason’s vocals are incredible, particularly during the falsetto chorus and the track builds up to a dramatic climax.
3) Nothing But Thieves – Last Orders
Love the unique chords on this haunting track from the band’s ‘Graveyard Whistling’ EP.
4) Nothing But Thieves – Emergency
Another heartfelt and dark track from Nothing But Thieves. The falsetto chorus drowned in reverb in this is stunning.
5) Snow Patrol – How To Be Dead
6) Snow Patrol – Grazed Knees
7) Coldplay – Adventure of a Lifetime
Epic and eclectic disco track with amazing guitar riffs and a mesh of vocal clips. As has been the case on much of Coldplay’s material over the past four years, it’s another change in direction but one which works beautifully. Catchy and upbeat.
8) One Direction – History
Pleasant acoustic-based track from the band’s forthcoming ‘Made in the A.M’ album. A power-house middle eight breaks up the song nicely and it’s a great feel-good pop track.
9) Seal – Love
Stunning piano ballad which closes Seal’s latest album ‘Seal 7’ beautifully. Seal’s trademark raspy vocals soar gorgeously over gentle synths and lovely piano chords.
10) Ellie Goulding – Codes
Catchy track from Ellie’s latest album ‘Delirium’. It’s far more pop based than Goulding’s previous efforts but a track which works brilliantly.
Shura teams up with Mura Masa on this chilled-out EDM track. Mura Masa provides the instrumentation, utilising sounds reminiscent of pan pipes, orchestral strings and steel pans whilst Shura’s syrupy vocals are layered on top. A unique and enjoyable track.
2) Snow Patrol – Take Back the City
Epic driving rock anthem by alternative rock band Snow Patrol. Reportedly a testament of frontman Gary Lightbody’s love of Belfast, it’s an empowering track slightly reminiscent of ’80’s glam rock.
3) Janet Jackson – Broken Hearts Heal
Sugary sweet disco track which serves as a tribute to Janet’s brother Michael both lyrically and musically. Lyrical content addresses their growing up together and a more care-free phase. Musically, the track is heavily reminiscent of Michael’s catchy and soulful material on début solo album ‘Off The Wall’, particularly upon the emergence of bells during the final minute. Irresistibly sweet and catchy.
4) Janet Jackson – Take Me Away
Emotive and desolate track evidently about the aftermath of brother Michael’s death. Drawing upon electro-rock influences, it features an epic and grand chorus.
5) Daniel Bedingfield – Wrap My Words Around You
Brilliant and overlooked track by Daniel Bedingfield, released back in 2005 as the second single from his album ‘Second first Impression’. Gentle acoustic-based verses develop into a huge chorus.
6) Kate Winslet- What if
Gorgeous and emotive ballad written by Steve Mac and Wayne Hector (pop gurus responsible for material by the likes of Westlife and JLS). The song was written for and featured in the animated version of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. Upon Winslet’s request, all proceeds from the single went to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Sargent Cancer Care for Children. It was largely successful, peaking at Number Six in the UK charts and still receiving airplay today.
7) Nothing but Thieves – Wake Up Call
Nothing But Thieves are by far one of the best bands currently around in the UK. Formed in 2012, they are a five-piece alternative rock band from Southend-on-sea in Essex. Front man Conor Mason’s vocals carry a gorgeous tone – powerful, unique and slightly eerily like Jeff Buckley. The contrast between Mason’s falsetto vocals and the heavy rock instrumentation in the chorus works beautifully.
8) Take That – Hey Boy
It’s back to the 80’s for the Take That lads with their incredible new single ‘Hey Boy’. Continuing the fun pop sound they explored on ‘III’ with the likes of Greg Kurstin, John Shanks, Stuart Price & Mattman and Robin, this is the lead single from the 2015 repackaged edition of ‘III’. The Nile Rodgers/Chic-like disco riffs return amongst stomping percussion, a funky bass line and rich harmonies.
9) One Direction – Perfect
From one boyband to another, this is the latest single from One Direction. ‘Perfect’ is a mid-tempo pop ballad which draws upon stadium-rock influences. Harry Styles presumably steers the song lyrically; most of the song appears to be a dig at ex Taylor Swift. It’s the most enjoyable of the material from forthcoming album ‘Made in the A.M.’ so far, an emotive and powerful pop track.
10) Nothing But Thieves – Lover Please Stay
Stunning, raw and emotionally charged ballad from Nothing But Thieves’ self-titled début album. If any other material by the band wasn’t enough to reinforce Conor Mason’s Jeff Buckley-like vocals, this track will affirm it. Utilising only gentle guitars and Mason’s powerful and aching vocals, this is music at its best.
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.
This man is an absolute genius. Taken from the latest Spiderman film, this is a perfect movie song. Don’t be put off if you don’t like Pharrell, this is a beautiful and rare ballad for him.
2) The Vamps – She was the one
Loving the Vamps at the moment. Beautiful song.
3) The Vamps – Dangerous
Love this so much. Reminds me a little of McFly.
4) Pharrell Williams & Alicia Keys – Know who you are
This is an awesome song – love the reggae feel to it.
5) The horrors – So now you know
Just really love this song.
6) Snow Patrol – You could be happy
Perhaps the most heartbreaking song ever written. Certainly one of my favourite songs of all time. The lyrical content is just so incredibly beautiful and I love the music-box sound that runs the way through the song.
7) Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake – Love never felt so good
All of us MJ songs have known about this song for years – it’s appeared online and on a couple of MJ compilations. The new polished versions, both solo and with JT sound fantastic, however. I especially love this, being a fan of both MJ and JT.
8) Paramore/The Castro Family – Still into you
I’m not a massive fan of Paramore and especially not this song. But just check out this stunning cover. The harmonies are mesmerising. Definitely in the style of Fleetwood Mac
9) Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere
Been listening to Fleetwood Mac loads lately – they’re just incredible. This is an absolute classic – so magical.
10) The Flying Picketts – Only You
I am still loving ‘Only you’ as a song – it’s so beautiful. Love this acapella version.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1) Rebecca Ferguson & John Legend – Burning bridges
Stunning. Love both artists, particularly John. Their voices blend together perfectly.
2) Paloma Faith – Impossible Heart
So catchy. Love Paloma!
3) John Mayer – Wildfire
An awesome country-styled song that makes me feel really summery
4) One Direction – You and I
Before anyone scoffs, give this a listen a few times and you may realise what I mean when I say this is so beautiful. Probably one of my favourite songs from this year so far and I love it more with every listen. Fantastically written, I particularly love the climax of the song with the guitars and Zayn’s amazing high note.
5) One Direction – Little black dress
Love the rock edge this song has. Really catchy
6) The 1975 – Settle down
Been in love with this for a while but Radio 1 keep playing it and it sounds so good on radio.
7) George Michael – Through (Symphonica version)
Normally I don’t allow myself to include a song twice in these playlists but this is a different version. I love this song anyway but live, with an orchestra, it makes it even more powerful. The lyrics are fantastic and the orchestra makes it so beautiful.
8) George Michael – A different corner
I’d never taken much notice of this until I bought George’s Symphonica album. I really paid attention to the lyrics and everything and I’ve fallen in love with it. Very simple but powerful all the same. “Turn a different corner and we’d never have met” is an awesome lyric. I’ve included a live performance from Parkinson in the late 90’s as I love the more acoustic version!
9) Snow Patrol – Batten down the hatch
I bought ‘Up To Now’, their Greatest Hits and whilst I know about 40% of the songs, the rest I don’t. I haven’t been disappointed though! This is an awesome song.
10) Snow Patrol – Cartwheels
I never knew of this track either but I am also loving this right now.
the-music-box.co.uk 