Music Monday – Volume Thirty Two

October 13, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0y2 Comments

1) Robbie Williams – No One likes a fat popstar

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).

Music Monday – Volume Thirty One

October 6, 2014 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

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 Thirty

September 22, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Jason Segel & Peter Linz – Man or Muppet

Yes, it’s a song by The Muppets from their 2011 Disney movie. It’s comical but yet utterly beautiful at the same time. I think the reason I love it so much, besides the fact it involves The Muppets which I love, is that is reminds me of 1980’s power ballads and musically, it’s a little like Elton John’s ballads. Reminds me a little of one of my favourite songs by The Scissor Sisters (‘Mary’) too. Just a beautiful little song.

2) Simply Red – Fairground

One of the best pop-house tracks from the 90’s. Such a feel-good, catchy song. Awesome drum track, sing-song melody and a bloody brilliant chorus. SO good.

3) The Script – No good in goodbye

The Script got mixed reviews for their previous album, ‘#3’ and so it seems they wanted to return to form with new album ‘No sound without silence’. And that, they have. This is the opening track and it’s unbelievably good. Great, well-written lyrics and I love the chord progression of the chorus, though it does sound rather like Duran Duran’s ‘Ordinary World’! Can’t get enough of this right now.

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

4) Paolo Nutini – Iron Sky

Incredibly haunting, beautiful and dark. Paolo’s vocal performance on this is insane. SO emotive.

5) Chris Brown – Add Me In

As much as I can’t stand Chris Brown as a human being, I do love a lot of his music. Latest album ‘X’ is great and this is my favourite track off it. A little like something that would have appeared on Michael Jackson’s ‘Off the wall’ album but with a modern twist. Great song.

[Not on YouTube yet]

6) Alt-J – Every other freckle

Another haunting song, this is a little creepy. Awesome record, though.

7) SecondCity featuring Ali Love – What can I do?

SO good. One of those rare new songs that I loved upon my first listen. Sounds a little like a 90’s house track which is part of what makes it so endearing. Summer hasn’t disappeared just yet!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmXTTwCNj6o

8) Jamie Cullum – Photograph

I love Jamie Cullum – he’s one of the most underrated artists in the UK. This is a beautiful little song I came across after reading an interview with him in which he discussed this song. Great lyrics and I love how the song builds and develops. Love this.

9) Simply Red – Your Eyes

Taken from one of Simply Red’s most underrated albums and one that happens to be my favourite by them; ‘Love and the Russian Winter’. Great, great song.

10) Ariana Grande & Nathan Sykes – Almost is never enough

I loved this when it came out but forgot all about it until reading about Nathan Skyes reportedly working on a solo album. A chilled, jazzy affair with incredible vocal performances by both artists. I’m expecting big things from Nathan – what a voice! One that wasn’t showcased enough in The Wanted. Just hope he gets with the right song-writers/musicians.

Music Monday – Volume Twenty Eight

September 8, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

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 Seven

September 1, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) The 1975 – Au Bord De La Mer

A song by the band before they ‘made it big’. Matty’s vocal delivery is different as is the genre. It’s a bit darker than what the band are known for but it’s a fantastic song. Really love this!

2) Elvin Bishop – Fooled around and fell in love

Irresistible.

3) James Bay – Let it go

Hauntingly beautiful and drifts into Ed Sheeran territory from time to time which is never a bad thing!

4) Mika & Pharrell – Celebrate

Pharrell is a genius and Mika is one of the most talented guys in pop. The album this is off is incredibly underrated as is this incredible song. So catchy, so uplifting and just an awesome song.

5) 2pac – Changes

One of the best rap songs ever.

6) Jordin Sparks – One step at a time

This is a forgotten pop gem! Catchy, inspiring and just a wonderful, wonderful song. Makes me feel like I’m fourteen again.

7) Rita Ora – Been Lying

One of my all time favourite songs, this is a pop masterpiece. Heartfelt lyrics and the infectious, repetitive chorus shows that sometimes simplicity creates the best songs.

8) 1 Giant Leap ft Maxi Priest and Robbie Williams – My Culture

An often forgotten about collaboration between these three acts, this is an awesome song. Great production, thoughtful lyrics and the melody of the chorus is irresistable.

9) Spice Girls – Last time lover

Girlbands these days could only dream of making an R&B track half as good as this. Naughty, catchy and the bass line is funky as hell. Awesome song.

10) Will Young – Good things

Will Young’s Echoes album is a masterpiece. This is just one of the many great songs that feature on it. The production is second to none, it’s catchy and the melody is infectious. SO good.

Music Monday – Volume Twenty Six

August 18, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Jessie Ware – Imagine it was us

Catchy, irresistible dance track. Love this.

2) Charlie Simpson – Thorns

Great song off Charlie’s début solo album with a catchy, beautiful melody.

3) Charlene Soraia -Caged

Great pop track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPY2QxeU5Ag

4) Stereophonics – Have a nice day

Such an uplifting, catchy song which is perfect to lift your spirits at the beginning of the day. Always reminds me of the summer and always makes me feel great.

5) Ronan Keating – Life is a rollercoaster

Cheesy Pop at its best. Catchy, uplifting and a fine, fine song. One of my favourite songs of all time.

6) Friendly Fires – Hurting

Such a catchy song with a 1980’s electro-feel to it.

7) The Vamps – Smile

Perfect closing track to The Vamps’ début album. A catchy, feel-good anthem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UtVqsF7dFA

8) The Vamps – Lovestruck

A slightly darker track on The Vamps’ début album, this is a great song.

9) Robbie Williams & Brad Paisley – Collision of worlds

A perhaps less known track, this appeared on the soundtrack to the movie ‘Cars 2’. The lyrics are witty and very cleverly written and it’s such an awesome song.

10) John Mayer – 83

A great little song that appeared on John’s début ‘Room for Squares’ that deals with nostalgia and wishing to be a child again. It’s easy to relate to and a fantastically written song.

Music Monday – Volume Twenty Five

August 11, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Katy Perry – This is how we do

This is so catchy, so cool and such a great, uplifting summer song. One of her best off ‘Prism’ and I’m so glad Katy’s releasing it as a single. Great video too.

2) Tulisa – Young

Whatever you think about Tulisa and N Dubz in general, this remains one heck of a tune. This is uplifting, summery and so damn catchy.

3) Take That – It only takes a minute

A massive guilty pleasure, this was a great interpretation of an old disco classic. Its sound and production has certainly been left in the ’90’s but it still sounds awesome and Take That’s version is perhaps the best loved and most known version. Such a catchy chorus.

4) Take That – Once you’ve tasted love

One of Take That’s most underrated songs of their entire career. It may have been on their début ‘Take That and Party’ which is undoubtedly cheesy and lacks credibility in places but it remains a great, great album. This song is infused with electro-pop influences and it’s just so well written/produced. Big chorus too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTSoPCNLN0U

5) The 1975 – She Way Out

Almost a year later and I’m still just as addicted to The 1975’s début album as I was upon my first listen. ‘She Way Out’ is definitely one of my favourites. It’s repetitive but it’s so damn good, so catchy and has an unbeatable sing-along chorus.

6) Jessie Ware – Tough love

I’ve heard this on the radio for months now and I’ve begun to realise I fall in love with it a little bit more with every listen. It’s soft, understated but remarkably beautiful. So chilled out and a great song.

7) John Mayer – Good love is on the way

A song that’s never appeared on a John Mayer studio album, this has only been included on John’s live albums. It’s an awesome song, however. I love the guitar instrumentation and the lyrics. Very catchy and an awesome tune. Would love a studio version someday.

8) Charlie Simpson – Long road home

I decided to check out Charlie’s new album the other day and was pleasantly surprised. Every song was beautifully written with smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. This is the opening track to Charlie’s second album and it’s a killer opening. Awesome tune.

9) Charlie Simpson – Hold On

Smooth, fluttering harmonies and gorgeous lyrics. Love the guitars in this and the feel of the song in general. Incredibly beautiful.

10) Madonna – Don’t tell me

One of Madonna’s best, I particularly love the stutter-y production on this. It’s smooth, low-key and very summery. I loved Madonna’s music of this era – the country themed songs and minimalistic production.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRLHro9EPD0

Music Monday – Volume Twenty Four

August 4, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Mark Owen – Stars

Mark Owen’s solo career is massively underrated. All of his four solo albums have been fantastic but have achieved only moderate success. 2013’s ‘The Art of Doing Nothing’ is probably his best and lead single ‘Stars’ is a masterpiece. Unusual chord structure, electronic sounding, fantastic instrumentation, beautiful vocals and thoughtful lyrics. SO good.

2) Mark Owen – Giveaway

The opening track to ‘The Art of Doing Nothing’. Haunting introduction, Mark’s echoing vocals and a fine way to open the album, building into a catchy track.

3) Demi Lovato – World of chances

I discovered John Mayer had co-written this song with Demi for her 2009 album so decided to check it out. It’s a beautiful song and I can hear both artist’s influences stamped all over it. Such a great track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC3oCfh57BA

4) Republic of Loose – Comeback Girl

Catchy as hell with minimalistic instrumentation. Great summer track.

5) Take That – When we were young

Beautiful song that deserved to fare better in the UK singles chart. A song that returned Take That back to their pop-rock style after the whirlwind that was 2010’s ‘Progress’, it’s warm, heartfelt and beautifully performed.

6) Take That – Happy Now

One of my all time favourite Take That songs and one of the best from their career. An amazing backing track from Gary Barlow with paranoid, robotic and dark verses before a disco, Bee-Gee-esque chorus that’s catchy as hell. It’s an incredible piece of electro-pop with well-written lyrics and the blend of the dark verses with the optimistic, catchy chorus works fanatically and makes it stand out amongst other songs of a similar genre.

7) Take That – What do you want from me

Haunting, heartfelt and emotional. Mark Owen puts his heart and soul into this and Stuart Price’s production is incredible. Awesome song.

8) Michael Jackson – Scared of the moon

Out-take from the ‘Bad’ album which appeared on the 2005 box set; ‘The Ultimate Collection’. It’s simple with just Michael’s voice, a piano and strings but it is absolutely stunning. Michael & Quincy Jones were right to leave it off ‘Bad’ as it simply wouldn’t have fit but it’s an incredibly beautiful song nonetheless.

9) John Mayer/Lawson – Gravity

John Mayer’s signature tune, this is absolute perfection. Silky smooth, Blues-infused and with minimal but heartfelt lyrics. It’s a song John tried to write for a long time before finally getting it right. Lawson are one of my favourite bands who also admire John. They have performed a cover of this song a couple of times, both live in concert and on a live-stream. Their cover is absolutely beautiful so I am including it below too.

10) John Mayer – Wheel

Understated, soft closing track to 2003’s ‘Heavier Things’. It’s a beautiful song with fantastically written lyrics and it has the ability to leave you heartbroken. Gorgeous track and the perfect way to end an album.

Music Monday – Volume Twenty Two

July 28, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Hot natured – Benediction

Such an awesome club track that I keep hearing on the radio. The bass line is great and the whole song is very 90’s. Absolutely loving this right now.

2) Tom Misch – Memory

Another track I heard on the radio that I am loving. Very chilled with lots of summer vibes through the downtempo beat, gentle strings and steel pan-like sounds. Love its changes in direction too – it changes direction multiple times but keeps its flow. Great guitar solo towards the end.

3) Adam Levine – Lost stars

I saw ‘Begin Again’ at the cinema, hence these next four songs. They’re all written by one of my favourite songwriters, Gregg Alexander, who’s behind some big hits (You get what you give, Life is a rollercoaster, Lovin’ Each Day, Inner Smile). This song is the lead promotional track for the film and it’s a gorgeous song.

4) Adam Levine – A higher place

Another from ‘Begin Again’, in the same vein as writer Gregg Alexander’s previous work for Ronan Keating. So catchy and Adam Levine’s voice is to die for.

5) Keira Knightley – Like a fool

A sweet song also from ‘Begin Again’. It’s simple but it’s beautiful.

6) Keira Knightley – A step you can’t take back

I could have included the whole ‘Begin Again’ soundtrack in this week’s blog but I wanted to keep it diverse plus I have been loving a lot of songs this week. This is played a few times in the film and it’s beautiful. I love the way it develops and builds.

7) 2Pac, Roger Troutman & Dr Dre – California Love

Heard this on the Nixtape last Friday and was reminded of what an absolute tune it is. SO catchy and just an all-round awesome hiphop track.

8) Counting Crows & Vanessa Carlton – Big Yellow Taxi

I know this is going to be controversial but I actually prefer this version to Joni Mitchell’s original. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Joni Mitchell and her version is obviously great but I love this interpretation more. It was fantastically adapted for the 21st Century and I love its pop-rock feel. Vanessa Carlton’s little ad libs and backing vocals make it even sweeter. One of the greatest covers of a song ever.

9) Babyface – Shower the people

I’ve always adored Babyface as a writer and equally, I have loved his solo career. His cover of James Taylor’s ‘Fire and rain’ is one of my favourite songs/covers ever. This is another cover of a James Taylor track off the same album on which Babyface covers his favourite songs. This is a song I managed to miss but it’s so beautiful. The original is just as great but Babyface’s harmonies and interpretation is smooth, sophisticated and fantastic. Can’t get enough of this right now.

10) Rizzle Kicks – Tell her

Love these lads – their energy, charisma and their uniqueness. This song is so catchy, something very 1970’s about it. Awesome song.

Music Monday – Volume Eighteen

June 30, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Michael Jackson – Cry

One of Michael’s more understated and underrated tracks. Written by R.Kelly, this was the second and final single off what was to become MJ’s final studio album in his lifetime, 2001’s ‘Invincible’. It’s one of my favourite MJ songs and it’s such an uplifting beautiful track. In the same vein as ‘Man in the mirror’ and ‘Heal the world’, it’s an inspiring change-the-world song.

2) Ed Sheeran – Afire love

This is so beautiful it’s unreal. Fell in love with this upon hearing it on the radio the other day. Ed is such an incredibly talented guy.

3) Ed Sheeran – Bloodstream

‘X’ is an amazing album. I really love this track. It’s a little dark but it’s catchy. Interesting that Rudimental was involved in the creation of this track.

4) Mark Morrison –Return of the Mack

An absolute classic. Heard it on the radio and was reminded what an awesome tune this is!

5) Raleigh Ritchie – Stronger than ever

Love this. So powerful and emotive.

6) Michael Jackson- Man in the mirror

Classic Michael Jackson song. I always loved it but the fact on the day of his death, this was being played everywhere, this song now has an even deeper meaning for me. Beautiful lyrics and a beautiful song.

7) United we stand – What more can I give

Between 1999 and 2002, Michael Jackson organised an almost Part 2 of USA for Africa (who achieved major chart success in 1985 with ‘We are the world’.) Michael was inspired to write the song after meeting President Nelson Mandela in the last 90’s and was originally rumoured to perform it live at some of his concerts. The song was pushed aside, however, until the 2001 9/11 terrorist attacks. Encouraged by a friend, Michael re-wrote the song and selected a team of A-list artists to contribute to the project. Artists such as Beyonce, Nsync, Celine Dion, Usher, Luther Vandross, Anastasia amongst others contributed vocals towards this incredibly beautiful song. They also performed it live at 2002’s ‘United We Stand’ charity performance. Ultimately, the song was never fully released as a singe. It’s a terrible shame when it’s such an incredible song.

8) Blackstreet – Joy

An idea by Michael Jackson sparked this track off. Teddy Riley (producer of Michael’s Dangerous album) then took this idea and turned it into a full-blown song with his band Blackstreet. I love how smooth and soulful this is.