1)Tamzin Archer – Sleeping Satellite
Moody 90’s pop track with lovely lyrics and an incredible vocal performance by Tamzin Archer.
2) Des’ree – You Gotta Be
Self empowering, sunny pop-soul track bound to leave a smile on the listener’s face. Featuring a tinny keyboard sound and R&B percussion, it is SO 90’s but with a lovely message.
3) Kate Bush – This Woman’s Work
Stunning piano ballad by Kate Bush, written for the John Hughes movie ‘She’s Having a baby’. Featured in the film’s dramatic climax, it’s a fitting accompaniment to the emotional scenes but is just as beautiful as a stand-alone song.
4) Maxwell – This Woman’s Work
This may be the first time Music Monday has included two different versions of the same song in the same playlist but this had to be done. The original, as previously mentioned, is a beautiful piano ballad by the ever-elusive but incredibly talented Miss Kate Bush. Maxwell, known for his slick falsetto vocals gives this an R&B makeover complete with a twinkling harp, weeping guitars and R&B percussion. It’s a gorgeous interpretation of a lovely song.
5) Joe Jonas – Levels
Joe Jonas has certainly reinvented himself from the cheesy teen-rock he produced with his brothers and is fast becoming the latest pop-prince in the music world. The bar was set high by Jonas’ debut single ‘Jealous’, a huge pop hit which charted well around the world. ‘Levels’ is just as good, however; if not, better. Incredible falsetto vocals and funky production carry this catchy track.
6) The Weeknd – Shameless
Moody Ed Sheeran-esque ballad with gorgeous falsetto vocals by Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. Obsessed with this right now.
7) The Weeknd – Tell Your Friends
Soul-infused R&B jam from The Weeknd’s latest album ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’. Produced by Kanye West, it’s much in the same vein as some of West’s early material.
8) Oh Atoms – Sugar Mouse
Pretty and gentle little folk ballad featured in cult favourite ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’. Gorgeous harmonies too.
9) Robbie Williams – The Road to Mandalay
One of Mr Williams’ most underrated works and one of his best lyrically. Genius, poetic lyrics crooned over gentle guitar strums and a gorgeous French melody leading the chorus. Simple but beautiful.
10) Michael Ball – Love Changes Everything
A very personal choice by myself as this was played at a funeral I attended last week. Beautiful song composed by theatre guru Andrew Lloyd Webber for his musical ‘Aspects of Love’ and sang flawlessly by Michael Ball.