Tag: songs

Music Monday – Volume Six

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1)      Mutya Buena/Tracy Chapman – Fast Car

Such a great song. Obviously the original is the definitive version but I love Mutya’s version too. People may scoff as it’s an ex-Sugababe member but she has a really distinctive tone and it’s a fab version.

2)      Leanne Mitchell – To love someone like you

Winner of the first series of The Voice UK who disappeared quickly from the public eye. A real shame too – she has an incredible voice. Anyway, this song is truly special and very beautiful. It reminds me of something Whitney might have done in her career.

3)      Kelly Rowland – Train on a track

This was something suggested to me on Spotify based on my listening habits and I’m so glad it was. Such a smooth, beautiful song and I can’t get enough of it right now.

4)      Eric Clapton – Blue Eyes Blue

Gorgeous song – very soppy but I love it so much. Definitely check this one out.

5)      The 1975 – Falling for You

This is really chilled-out and beautiful. We all know that sense of awareness we have of falling for somebody and this song documents that.

6)      Eurythmics – There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)

I’ve heard this a couple of times recently and have been reminded of what a great track it is. LOVE Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart is an amazing writer/musician.

7)      Joni Mitchell – Both sides now

One of my favourite songs of all time. I love the original but the version I love most is a jazz version Joni recorded in 2000. I first came across it in ‘Love Actually’ during one of the most heartbreaking scenes in a movie ever. It’s just an absolutely stunning song. Was reminded of this by the gorgeous version by Sally on The Voice UK.

8)      John Waite – Missing You

Another track I was reminded of after a performance on The Voice UK. This reminds me of a crush I had a few years ago!

9)      Vanessa Carlton – Thousand Miles

One of the greatest piano-based pop songs ever written. I adore the piano instrumentation on this track and it’s such a sweet song.

10)   Gary Barlow – Lie to Me

One of the greatest Barlow compositions ever and yet it’s pretty heartbreaking it never got the recognition it deserved. It could have been a massive single. So emotive, so well-written and the production is so polished. Gary Barlow’s song-writing at its best.

Music Monday – Volume Five

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1)      Yazoo/The 1975 – Only you

Came across The 1975’s live cover from Dermot O’Leary’s Radio 2 breakfast show the other day. It’s a beautiful simplistic cover which made me look at the original in an entirely new light. Since then, I have been listening to both over and over again. Vince Clarke – the writer and musician on the original track is a genius and Alison Moyet’s voice is amazing.

2)      The Vamps – Last night

This is just so catchy and irresistible. Really love this

3)      Gary Barlow – Since I saw you last

One of my favourites when I first listened to the album but I placed it on the back burner for a little while whilst I enjoyed other other songs. Since the release of the video, however, I have fell head over heels back in love with this. It’s so powerful, so emotive and so catchy.

4)      John Mayer 3×5

A catchy, well-written little track towards the end of John’s debut album ‘Room for squares’. I love listening to this on a calm, warm day when I am walking on the way to somewhere. The lyrics are fantastic.

5)      Jakwob – Somebody new

Keep hearing this on Radio 1 and I think it’s awesome.

6)      Meanie C – Be The One

A track off Mel’s debut album ‘Northern Star’, this is so simple but so beautiful. I find it very summery and have been listening to it on repeat recently.

7)      Kylie Minogue – Fine

The closing track to Kylie’s current album ‘Kiss me once’, this is so fresh and so current yet also loyal to Kylie’s iconic sound. Can’t get enough of this right now.

8)      Paloma Faith – Only love can hurt like this

This is an awesome track penned by Diane Warren (who’s written with and for Celine Dion, Aerosmith, Sugababes, Beyonce, Gary Barlow and others). I love it’s retro/motown feel and Paloma sounds incredible on it.

9)      The 1975 – Robbers

Yep The 1975 are in yet another one of my playlists. This song is just so beautiful and emotive. Really looking forward to seeing the video once it’s done.

10)   One Direction – Strong

A friend told me to listen to this and I haven’t looked back since. Say what you want about One Direction but they have some great hits and songs to their name and this is one of them. Really love the power of the chorus, especially the melody. Discovering new favourite songs through friends is the best.

Music Monday – Volume Three

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1)      Kaiser Chiefs – Coming Home

I’ve always respected the Kaisers even if I haven’t been a big fan of their music, though obviously ‘I predict a riot’ and ‘Oh my god’ are classics. I was checking out their latest stuff through being impressed with Ricky Wilson on The Voice UK. This is their latest single and I love it. Really love the melody to the verses. Video’s awesome too.

2)      Beverley Knight – After You

I’ve neglected Bev for a while despite her being one of my favourite artists. She’s one of the most underrated singers in the UK by far. Love this track – so catchy and so summery.

3)      The 1975 – You

Been obsessed with this on and off since January. I’d always enjoyed this track but the first time I really took notice was hearing it live. I got completely lost in the track which has never happened live before. It’s probably one of the most underrated tracks ever – the sweeping guitars, Matt Healy’s echoing voice and the way it builds up into a heavy ending. It’s so honest and so emotive. I’ve included my favourite live version instead of the studio one because I think it captures more emotion live.

4)      Kylie Minogue – Sexy Love

All right, I’m cheating a little as I’ve only heard this for the first time today! But this is catchy as fuck. Reminds me so much of ‘Wow’ – another of my favourite Kylie songs. Awesome track, loving that our princess of pop is back ❤

5)      John Mayer – Queen of California

Really, really summery. Perfect for when the sun is out.

6)      Kylie Minogue – Into the blue

Great track.

7)      Scissor Sisters – Mary

A song largely forgotten about but an incredibly beautiful track. Many compare this to something Elton John would do and that doesn’t discredit the song in the slightest. Apparently Jake Shears wrote this for a friend who had a tough time about her weight. Knowing the meaning makes the song even more meaningful. Love the piano and saxophone on this.

8)      George Michael – You’ve changed

The original is a classic of course but I love George’s version which appeared on his 1999 cover album ‘Songs from the last century’. I particularly love the last few seconds where he sings “I miss you” – really gets me!

9)      Lenny Kravitz – California

Lenny Kravitz is a musical genius and this is my favourite by him. So damn catchy and I love those harmonies. I’d love to write a song like this!

10)   Lawson – Love locked out

Again, SO catchy. Really different to Lawson’s usual stuff but I love the groove to this song.

Music Monday – Volume Two

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1)      The Blue Nile – The Downtown lights

I’ve loved this song for a while after discovering Annie Lennox’s cover. I love both versions equally and it’s an incredible song. Reminds me of an evening road trip. Very underrated track

2)      Keane – She has no time

Been listening to a lot of Keane again recently. Tom Chaplin’s voice is absolutely gorgeous, as is this song. Very beautiful

3)      Coldplay – We never change

I’m really addicted to this. I checked out the Parachutes album for the first time last week and have fallen in love with it. This song is just stunning. I really love the lyrics

4)      Coldplay – Everything’s not lost

Another gorgeous track off Parachutes.

5)      Coldplay – Trouble

Just gorgeous.

6)      John Mayer – Speak for me

The melody for the verses is perhaps one of the best I have ever heard. It’s just such a sing-song melody. The gorgeous weather always makes me want to listen to John’s ‘Born and Raised’ and ‘Paradise Valley’ albums as they’re just so chilled out and happy.

7)      John Mayer – A face to call home

This begins as another chilled-out country themed track like the rest of the Born & Raised album but in the last minute or so, it turns into a very Coldplay-inspired track. Love the lyrics to this.

8)      Disclosure – F for you

Love Disclosure so much. Add a bit of Mary J Blige and a masterpiece is created. Awesome track.

9)      The 1975 – What makes you beautiful

I’m a big fan of the original too but The 1975 completely turned the track on its head and created something very beautiful.

10)      Prince – Wherever u go, whatever u do

Very generic for a Prince song, I’ve seen these chords in many other pop tracks but I just think it’s a really sweet song.

*Can’t link this because it’s not on YouTube*

Pre-Brits Blog

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I love The Brit Awards. It’s one evening I spend every year where I sit down and do nothing else but relax and enjoy the ceremony. Sure, many of my favourite acts are often not nominated. There’s artists that prompt me to think “Who the hell is that?!” Some of the artists performing I can’t stand. But it’s pure entertainment.

I believe The Grammys are superior – after all, the performances are usually a great deal more interesting and I’ve usually heard of 90% of the nominees. It’s a lot more sophisticated and prestigious. But I also can’t help but love The Brits because it’s usually a couple of hours of madness. Presenters and nominees swearing pre-watershed, wardrobe malfunctions, lengthy and drunken speeches and things going wrong. It doesn’t happen every year (last year ran relatively smoothly compared to The Brits’ usual reputation) but when it does, it’s brilliant. And if nothing controversial happens, it’s still fun to watch.

It’s safe to say I’m pretty disappointed that some of my favourite and, in my opinion, some of the most talented musicians in the UK have been completely overlooked this year. Gary Barlow returned from a 14 year solo-career hiatus to deliver a fantastic album which was ignored. The 1975 launched from nowhere, gaining a Top 20 single and a Number One album. Lawson are yet to be recognised despite enormous success in the UK. Robbie Williams achieved massive sales with a fantastic album. Kodaline released a beautiful album and Matt Cardle wrote an awesome album. You may think I’m biased because many of these are my favourite artists but it’s not just that. These artists all write their own songs and have worked hard to be in the position they’re in. They’ve achieved massive success in the last year and haven’t relied on talent shows to get to where they are. I just think it’s a shame they’ve been overlooked.

On the positive side, it’s great to see Laura Mvula nominated – her album ‘Sing to the moon’ is stunning and original. Likewise, Disclosure, David Bowie, Tom Odell and London Grammar are all more than worthy of nominations.

I will be blogging after the event itself but I thought I would publish a playlist of my favourite songs by this year’s nominees and performers. This isn’t a full list of my favourite songs by them as I’ve limited them to songs by the artists in the last year or so. For example there’s no ‘Teenage Dream’ or ‘Firework’ by Katy Perry because I’m featuring songs from her latest album Prism.

Here’s my favourite London Grammar track (I have no idea why it’s not available on Spotify)

2013 in music

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Today, as you all know, is New Year’s Eve. I love NYE because it’s always a time where I reflect on the past year. What’s happened in the world, in the UK, to those around me and to me as an individual. For the last three years or so, I have published a list of my favourite and least favourite music of the past year and 2013 is no exception. So with no further ado, here is that list!

SONGS OF THE YEAR

The 1975 – Chocolate / Sex

My new find of 2013, Chocolate is the most infectious song I have heard in years. If I was just to have chosen ONE song of the year, Chocolate would have been it. I must have listened to it hundreds of times this year and it never ever gets boring. It’s catchy as hell. ‘Sex’ is also an incredible song and one that makes me feel like dusting off the old air guitar 😉

Jessie J – Thunder

Impossibly catchy and remarkably clever, this song deserves a lot more attention than it’s been receiving. The use of instrumentation to symbolise rain and thunder is genius and Jessie sounds awesome.

Robbie Williams – Go Gentle

Just a sugary sweet song and one with fantastic lyrics.

Disclosure – White noise

This duo can be credited with the revival of house and garage music. One of the few songs that will get me going if I’m out clubbing!

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

Ryan Tedder is a genius as a songwriter anyway and there’s just something so unique and great about this tune. 

Gary Barlow & Elton John – Face to face

Another song which is impossibly catchy, especially the ‘oohs’ in the hook! The pair sound great and this is one heck of a song.

Calvin Harris – Thinking about you

One of my favourite Calvin songs. Don’t know quite what it is about this one but it just makes me wanna dance!

David Bowie – Where are we now?

Mr Bowie launched back onto the music scene earlier this year with this extremely melancholic song. It’s incredibly beautiful and reflective, however, and I love it.

Pharrell – Happy

Heard this in a shop a few weeks ago and wondered what it was so whipped out my phone and used Shazam to tell me what it was. Pharrell is a genius musically and I love the old-school feel to this song and the harmonies. Its simplicity makes it one of the best pop tracks from this year.

Lady Gaga – Applause

Despite loving Gaga, I wasn’t too fussed about Artpop as an album. Absolutely love this single though. The electro-pop sound reminds me of her début album and it’s a fantastic song.

Mariah Carey & Miguel – #Beautiful

Not really a Mariah fan but this catapulted into the UK charts and I fell in love. I love the rough sound of the instrumentation and how the track is guitar led. The two sound awesome together and that guitar intro is to die for.

Zedd & Foxes – Clarity

This is just perfect. It’d work just as well as a ballad but it’s a great dance track. The lyrics are awesome but the music is what makes it.

Bruno Mars – Treasure

SO catchy and old-school, I love it! The reason I probably love it so much is because its reminiscent of early Michael Jackson and Prince tracks – two of my musical heroes.

The Script – Millionaires

Another song which deserved greater attention. Just love the message in this song and once again it’s really catchy. It’s another song with catchy “ooohs” as a hook!

Bo Bruce – Save me

Loved Bo on The Voice and her début album and single didn’t disappoint. This deserved a lot more recognition as it’s a beautiful, quirky song. One of the finest songs of this year.

Emeli Sande – Clown

This got irritating after over-exposure but upon its release, I loved this. I just thought it was the most gorgeous song I had heard in years. It reminds me a lot of another of my favourite songs ‘All time love’ by Will Young as the pair are both simple and use minimal instrumentation – a piano and strings. Great lyrics, fantastic vocal delivery and a beautiful song. Just shows you good, meaningful music can still find its way into the charts.

Olly Murs – Hand on heart

I love Olly but usually love his album tracks more than his singles. This was another case of that – when ‘Right place, right time’ was released, I fell in love with this and downloaded it straight away. I was delighted that he made the decision to release this as a single because it’s exceptionally beautiful. 

Rita Ora – Radioactive

This is so damn good and fantastically catchy. A piece of electro-pop heaven!

Taylor Swift – 22

Say what you will about Taylor, she knows how to write a good pop song! A great summer track.

Justin Timberlake  – Take back the night

Another tune reminiscent of early MJ. So smooth, laid back and cool.

Le youth – Cool

Awesome song.

Rizzle Kicks – Skip to the next bit

Love these guys. So full of energy and cheeky. Not a massive fan of all their songs but this is awesome.

Rihanna – What now

Again, not a massive fan of Rihanna although I love a few of her songs. I love the power and electricity in this song and its composition – the delicate verses and the full of energy chorus. The melody in the verses is gorgeous.

Rebecca Ferguson – I hope

Some believe this to be irritating and I can understand this viewpoint with the repetition of ‘I hope’ but I love the unique chord progression and the song itself.

ALBUM TRACKS OF THE YEAR

Katy Perry – Birthday, Double Rainbow

Off Katy’s latest offering ‘Prism’, ‘Birthday’ is an infectious pop song which I find almost as addictive as ‘Teenage Dream’ was. ‘Double Rainbow’, meanwhile, is a gorgeous ballad with beautiful lyrics.

Robbie Williams – No-one likes a fat pop star, Snowblind

‘No-one likes a fat pop-star’ is a witty and humorous take on the press’s focus on Robbie’s weight. I love the carousel feel of the song and the musical-like chorus. ‘Snowblind’ is a delicate, beautiful track where Mr Williams puts his heart on the line. Lovely to see him and Mr Guy ‘Genius’ Chambers working together again. They really are a winning combination. 

Gary Barlow – God, We like to love

Both fine, fine pop tracks. ‘God’ begins hauntingly before launching into an inquisitive and beautiful track questioning spiritual existence. ‘We like to love’ meanwhile is a beautiful Coldplay style track with a stunning vocal delivery from Captain Barlow.

Justin Timberlake – Don’t hold the wall, Strawberry Bubblegum, Tunnel vision

The production on this album is off the hook! Timbaland did an awesome job. ‘Don’t hold the wall’ is an awesome, catchy number. ‘Strawberry Bubblegum’ and ‘Tunnel vision’ are the same but a little darker in nature.

Agnetha Faltskog & Gary Barlow – I should’ve followed you home

Perhaps the most underrated song of the year. One of Gary’s finest compositions ever, this is a stunning song with a perfect vocal delivery by both. They sound gorgeous together and Gary’s falsetto at the end is absolutely perfect.

Lawson – Love locked out, Are you ready

The funk-infused ‘Love locked out’ is something very different for Lawson but something that works well. Meanwhile, ‘Are you ready’ is a song I’d heard long before its release by watching live performances on YouTube. The energy that song has is brilliant. Awesome songs.

ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

Gary Barlow – Since I saw you last

Most members of the GB Army and most Thatters had a feeling Captain Barlow would be releasing an album this year and we weren’t wrong! This had a lot of unnecessary criticism by the press but I think it is an amazing album. ‘Let me go’ still isn’t my favourite Barlow track but the other songs make up for it. Upon first listen, it’s a great album but the more you listen, the more it grows on you. Some beautiful songs on here and Gary ventures into funk territory every now and again, making it a little more experimental than his previous efforts. A lovingly created album.

The 1975 – The 1975

This was the album I was most looking forward to this year and it did not disappoint. I discovered this band way back in March this year and after being impressed with all of their EPs, I couldn’t wait for this. This album is just incredible. Taking inspiration from a lot of 1980’s music, merged with alternative/indie rock tracks, The 1975’s début offering is bold, catchy, funky and awesome. An infectious album.

Katy Perry – Prism

Another of my most anticipated albums of this year. I was a little more apprehensive about this as I wasn’t majorly fussed on lead single ‘Roar’. ‘Teenage Dream’ happens to be one of my favourite albums of all time so I was worried that this might be a let-down but it certainly wasn’t. This is pretty much just a more mature version of that album. A lot of catchy songs, a bit of nostalgia and some angrier, more personal tracks. A great album.

Robbie Williams – Swings both ways

This is just perfect. I have recently developed a stronger love of jazz and swing music so this album couldn’t be released at a more perfect time! I like that Rob decided to include some original tracks on here, breaking it up and preventing it from being just another covers album. He sings swing songs amazingly and there’s some awesome collaborations on here. A fine album.

Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience (Part 1)

This was a surprise to me. I like JT a lot but I never thought I would end up purchasing one of his albums! In the end, I realised that I was so addicted to the tracks on Spotify that I would have to purchase a copy. The production by Timbaland is second to none on this album and it’s full of catchy, old-school sounding pop/R&B tracks.

John Mayer – Paradise Valley

I wasn’t sure if I’d like this album as I wasn’t fussed on Mr Mayer’s last album. They both share a more Country theme and whilst I enjoy Country music, I just wasn’t sure. I loved début single ‘Paper doll’, however and gave the album a listen in its previews on iTunes. I quickly realised that it would be another album I would be purchasing this year! It’s a really laid back album and one that would be perfect for an American road trip in Summer. This album gave me a lot of comfort at a time when I wasn’t feeling too confident about things.

Mark Owen – The art of doing nothing

This man’s solo career is so incredibly underrated! This album is bold and brilliant. You can tell a lot of effort went into writing and creating this album and it’s such a shame it didn’t reach higher in the album charts. Having said that, at least we, the fans have supported him and can keep him to ourselves! Awesome songs and an amazing album.

Jamie Cullum – Momentum

Jamie Cullum is such a brilliant musician. I love a lot of his work and I love how he makes jazz music cool. Fair enough, Momentum isn’t the most jazz-themed album you’ll find, it’s more of a pop album but it’s still a really great album. Jamie is so underrated.

Bo Bruce – Before I sleep

As I said above, Bo Bruce didn’t disappoint with her début album. It proves that if musicians work with the right songwriters you can create a masterpiece. I wasn’t keen on Bo’s EP that she had released before going on The Voice but this album is fantastic. Really quirky and a little dark in places but her voice is to die for.

Lawson – Chapman Square (Chapter Two)

Chapman Square remains one of my favourite albums. The guitar-driven tracks full of heartfelt lyrics and emotional messages really get me and I just think it’s an awesome album. This re-release with a few new tracks didn’t disappoint either. Whilst ‘Brokenhearted’ and ‘Juliet’ are songs I don’t consider to be the best representation of Lawson’s work, the other new tracks make up for them!

Keane – The Best Of Keane

I absolutely love Keane and so a Greatest Hits album from them is very much welcomed by me! They’re a huge inspiration to me as an amateur songwriter as their main instrument in most of their songs is the piano which is my main instrument. This makes Keane stand out as a band as they use an alternative instrument to the usual guitar in bands.

SO BAD THEY’RE GOOD

Britney Spears & Will.I.Am – Scream and shout

I have a love-hate relationship with Britney. I am more of a fan of cheesy, 90’s Britney than her latest work. This track is SO bad with Britney’s utterly bizarre attempt at a British accent but it also happens to be so damn catchy…

Britney Spears – Work bitch

Here she is again… There’s just something so satisfying with the lines “You’d better work bitch”. So bad, yet so damn good!

Robin Thicke & Pharell – Blurred Lines

I tried so hard to hate this, I really did, but I can’t. Its utterly sexist and repulsive video aside, the track is so repetitive and annoying yet horrendously catchy. Having it blasting from a car I was a passenger in made me realise that actually I do quite like it considering how annoying it also is.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Thrift Shop

I was undecided if this was one of my favourite songs of this year or whether this should be in this list here. I settled on this list. It’s not really horrendously bad, it’s just a little annoying but it’s also so damn catchy. Who doesn’t love to yell “This is f*****g awesome”, even in the clean radio edit version?!

The Wanted – Walks like Rihanna

I do quite like The Wanted lads but everything about this song should have put me off. I couldn’t help it, though. It’s so bloody brilliant! The lyrics are atrocious but it’s so damn catchy and bad that I can’t help but to love it!

One Direction – Best Song Ever

I confess that I do actually love One Direction’s music. Once again, this is so cheesy but it’s also awesome. There, I said it!

Robbie Williams & Dizzee Rascal – Goin’ crazy

Another song where I am still questioning if it should be in this list… The only reason it’s here is because of Dizzee Rascal. His tracks are so unnecessary but often so catchy too. I do absolutely love this song, no matter how random this collaboration was.

Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball

Dodgy video aside, this song is actually great. It may have the cheese-factor a little again but it’s an emotional and personal song and for that, I do love it. It’s just the fact we have to be subjected to a naked Miley swinging from side to side on a wrecking ball which kinda ruins it for me…

MOST ANNOYING SONGS

Michael Buble – It’s a beautiful day

I love Mr Buble, don’t get me wrong, but when you work in a shop that plays Heart all day long, you grow to hate him too. Heart appear to have a deal with Michael Buble and play his music a little too often. I was never majorly fussed on this song in the first place, never mind hearing it about 20 times a day.

Daft Punk – Get lucky

Oh I loved Daft Punk. Stuff like ‘Da funk’, ‘Robot rock’, ‘Harder better faster stronger’ are masterpieces. So was ‘Get Lucky’ on first listen before it got over exposure. I love the 70’s feel of it but it’s just so blimmin’ irritating after being played on every single radio station and TV programme there is.

Passenger – Let her go

It’s a sweet song but once again, over-exposure has taken this song and removed all meaning.

Olly Murs – Dear darling

I love Olly but I have heard this song far too many times in 2013.

Union J – Carry You

I have nothing against Union J, they’re a great band and George Shelley is a piece of phwoar. It’s just I never liked this song anyway and their album has been advertised WAAAYYY too much on YouTube meaning before every video I’ve had “I’ll carry yoooouuuu”.  -.-

Avicii – Wake me up

Not a fan of Avicci. That is all.

Lily Allen – Somewhere only we know

I love Lily but this cover is completely unnecessary! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Keane’s version is one of the greatest songs ever written and I’m a massive fan of Keane and their original. I just can’t stand this Disney-like version. Ewww.

James Arthur – Impossible

Believe it or not I’m a fan of the original by Shontelle. When it came out I instantly fell in love with it. The lyrics are amazing and it’s an awesome song. I just can’t stand James’ version. The fact it’s been played excessively too doesn’t help.

The Lumineers – Ho Hey

Another great song. It’s just unfortunate that it’s been over-played.

So there we are, that’s my insight into this year in music. If you spent time reading all of that then thank you!

31 days of Christmas

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Day 31 Dina Carroll – The Perfect Year

So here we are! Last song in my 31 days of Christmas playlist and the last day of 2013. I thought this would be a perfect song to include as my last song in my playlist.

This is such a beautiful song which is originally from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard. It’s not really a Christmas song but is often regarded as such due to its reference of a new year. The lyrics are great and the track just screams 90’s! I love it. Such a silky smooth track and Dina’s voice is wonderful on it. True talent.

If you’ve followed my 31 days of Christmas playlist then thank you! It means a lot to know people actually read these and that I’m not just chatting away to myself 😉 I certainly hope you’ve enjoyed reading these entries as much as I have writing them. I promise to continue to blog on other matters in this next year. I hope you have a very happy new year.

 

31 days of Christmas

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Day 30 David Bowie and Bing Crosby – Peace On Earth/Little drummer boy

This is a last minute addition into my playlist, replacing another track. It was difficult to make this decision but after much thought, I realised I much preferred this song and couldn’t possibly exclude it! The song ‘Little drummer boy’ on its own does nothing for me. It’s a nice song but with nothing much to it. This, however, is another story. This is a combination of the 1941 song ‘Little drummer boy’, with a counter point (‘Peace on earth’) added to it.

Bing Crosby and David Bowie are both legends in their own right but this combination is just fantastic. Their voices blend so well to each other and it’s a beautiful performance. I think the two songs work fantastically together and it’s just perfect.

31 days of Christmas

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Day 29 Lady Antebellum – On This Winter’s Night

This is one of the more modern inclusions in my Christmas song playlist. I discovered this song this year after recalling that Lady Antebellum had released a Christmas album last year. I love this band, I think their songs are awesome and full of meaning. They are such a great addition to the Country music scene because they blend it with pop making it more accessible to the younger generation. Let’s face it ‘Need you now’ is a classic!

I fell in love with this song, the only original on the album, straight away. It’s so soft, so festive and beautiful. It reminds me of ‘Silent night’ with a country and R&B twist. Sounds strange but listen and you’ll hear what I mean. The harmonies are stunning and I love the call and response “On this winter’s night (We’ll look back on the year we’ve had) On this winter’s night (we’ll count our blessings)” – it’s just beautifully written and beautifully sung. It’s even got a children’s choir!

A fine addition to Christmas music.

31 days of Christmas

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Day 28 Jona Lewie – Stop The Cavalry

This is one fine song. It supplies me with plenty of memories of me and my younger brother mucking around when we were younger pretending to play the brass instruments heard in the song! Good times. This is one of those more political Christmas tunes which manages to avoid the cheese-factor by having a more meaningful message than perhaps some other festive songs do.

Interestingly, this was apparently never written as a Christmas song, instead as just a protest song. It’s December release, the line ‘Wish I was at home for Christmas’ and brass band arrangements just made it appropriate to be played at Christmas time.

Great song.