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Playlist of the Week – Saying I Love You

Friday, February 7th, 2020

It’s not always easy to find the right words to say just how we feel. That’s why we love music. There’s a song for every shade of emotion you could be feeling, for every thought you might wish to convey, to share in whatever you are going through. It’s magic, isn’t it? And when you need to show that special someone how you feel about them, finding the right song to dedicate makes it that much easier to convey what’s in your heart. Here’s a list of tracks to help you tell your story a little bit better.

 

1. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston

It’s not just the lyrics with this song that make it special. The rise of emotion that builds with the song’s progression is perfect to show that your love won’t diminish, but rather grow stronger and bolder with each passing day.

I Will Always Love You

 

2. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

If there was ever a song version to the age-old thought of “I want to grow old with you”, this would have to be it. The song tells a story, and reminds us that while each of our love stories are different, the underlying hope to live out our lives together is ever eternal and common, and all the more special because of it.

Thinking Out Loud

 

3. A Thousand Years by Christina Perry

Want to say that your love is gonna last forever? There isn’t a more perfect song than this one for that. Because your love existed long before you did, and will continue to do so long after you’re gone.

A Thousand Years

 

4. Unchained Melody by Righteous Brothers

Arguably one of the most romantic songs out there, you can’t possibly go wrong with this one. It even worked for Patrick Swayze, and he was a ghost.

Unchained Melody

 

5. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

The eternal love song for an entire generation, this song is the epitome of romance and ever-lasting love. There is really not much more to be said, is there?

My Heart Will Go On

 

Happy Listening!

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Playlist of the Week – Best of 2019

Wednesday, December 25th, 2019

As we round up the year (and the decade), it’s a good time to look back at all the songs that become our background score, following us wherever we went. The year truly showed a wide variety of music, introduced us to some interesting new artists, and sadly took away some from us too. The year was truly a roller coaster, and so many artists shone brighter than the sun, including several KPop artists, with their music reaching more and more listeners, and several going on major international tours.

Here’s a quick round up of the songs that defined the year, and broke the internet.

 

1. Old Town Road by Lil Nas X

Lil Nas seemed to have come out of nowhere and suddenly there he was, literally everywhere you went. The catchy tune, Billy Ray Cyrus, the weird video featuring some surprises, everything just came together to take over the world. And then of course, there was the added hype by the refusal of basically the entire country music fraternity in acknowledging it as a country song. Talk about a song changing the landscape.

Old Town Road

 

2. Boy With Luv by BTS ft. Halsey

How can we talk about songs breaking the internet and not talk about this gem. The release of this track with Halsey shook everyone to the core, and with almost 650 million views on just YouTube, we’re obviously not exaggerating. This was definitely a big year for BTS, and they’re looking to start off next year with a bang.

Boy With Luv

 

3. Kill This Love by Blackpink

2019 being a killer year for KPop is definitely not an exaggeration from any angle. Another group to turn things around was 4-member girl group Blackpink. With only 7 songs to their credit, the level of popularity they have achieved is nothing short of extraordinary. Again, this song has over 650 million views on YouTube, in about 8 months. Let that sink in.

Kill This Love

 

4. Senorita by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello

To say this song captured everyone’s imagination would be a bit of an understatement. The sparks flew between the artists, and the world fell in love. And once they went on to announce their relationship, there wasn’t a chart left that the song wasn’t topping. It’s safe to say that this song could definitely be the song of 2019.

Senorita

 

5. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish

Smart songwriting, videos that stayed with you long after they ended, and brilliant music doesn’t even begin to define this young woman’s charm. 2019 was definitely Billie Eilish’s year, and she’s just getting started. And when you realize that she turned 18 just last week (yup, let that sink in), there’s no one who wouldn’t be plain blown away.

Bad Guy

 

Happy Listening!

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Playlist of the Week – Christmas Songs

Friday, December 20th, 2019

Everyone loves a good Christmas song. We’re not talking about the carols (though we love those too!) Most are classics that are bound to take you back to your childhood, when fairy lights were magical, and Santa was really coming. So as we raise our eggnogs in toast, here’s some of our favorites to take that trip down memory lane.

 

1. All I Want For Christmas (Is You) by Mariah Carey

Believe it or not, this song has made it to the #1 spot on the Billboards this week, a whopping 25 years after its release! Talk about a blast from the past!!

All I Want For Christmas (Is You)

 

2. Last Christmas by Wham!

This song is so closely associated with this time of the year that people around the world have been making drinking games and whatnot over it for years. Take a shot every time you hear this song!

Last Christmas

 

3. The Christmas Song by Andrea Bocelli and Natalie Cole

The song was one of the most memorable by Mr. Cole, and this rendition by his daughter and Andrea is absolutely beautiful.

The Christmas Song

 

 

4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Michael Buble

Our generation needed a Sinatra type vocalist too, and Michael graciously stepped in, and thank the universe for that! This oldie but goldie needs to be heard in a voice that drips in old-world charm, and this one sure hits the right spot.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

 

5. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town by Bruce Springsteen

The quintessential Christmas tune, but in the most unexpected voice. Bruce gives a brand new twist to Santa’s song. Extra points for the hats.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

 

And one extra, for all the mean girls out there, because we just couldn’t resist.

Jingle Bell Rock

 

Merry Christmas!

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Playlist of the Week – Ladies of Jazz

Friday, November 22nd, 2019

It’s moody, it’s complicated, it’s alive. Jazz has always been one of those genres of music that you will either love, or hate. There is no in-between or so-so with jazz. There is only a deep emotion (no matter in which direction). To pay tribute to a genre that created eternal classics and gems, here’s a look at some of our favorites from the esteemed ladies of the jazz world.

 

1. Feeling Good – Nina Simone

The ultimate queen of the style, Ms. Simone’s style is strongly linked to her husky voice and strong command of her inflections. She beautifully creates rises and falls that will sweep away with the music, and leave you exhausted.

Feeling Good

 

2. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

Norah gave the impression that she came out of absolutely nowhere, and quietly stole everyone’s heart. Her music is soft, like a warm breeze on a laid-back summer’s day. If she doesn’t make you want to take a day off and go on a picnic, what will?

Come Away With Me

 

3. Fever – Peggy Lee

You’ve probably heard various cover versions of this song, but there’s no argument to be had. There is absolutely nothing that can compare to the original. Peggy Lee’s voice is pure magic, and the song arrangement goes to show that even simplicity can bowl you away, if it’s done right.

Fever

 

4. I’d Rather Go Blind – Etta James

Strong, spirited, and to the point, Ms. James is what jazz is all about. You can hear the confidence dripping from each word, as you swing to the beat.

I’d Rather Go Blind

 

5. Cry Me A River – Ella Fitzgerald

Because a list about jazz is just incomplete without her. The sheer variation in her singing will throw you for a toss. Honestly, she’d be perfect even without any music accompaniment. A total gem.

Cry Me A River

 

Happy Listening!

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Playlist of the Week – Classical Classics (Part 1)

Friday, November 8th, 2019

Sometimes you just need to zone out, and we totally feel you. And you know what is the perfect accompaniment to zoning out? Western Classical music. The intricacies, the haunting beauty, the highs and lows, and the fact that there is absolutely no pressure to sing along, because well, there are no lyrics.

 

1. Swan Lake – Tchaikovsky

Sweeping motions, and the pure bliss that is Tchaikovsky.

Swan Lake

 

2. Fur Elise – Beethoven

Classical classic is a bit of an understatement with this one. EVERYONE knows it.

Fur Elise

 

3. Four Seasons – Vivaldi

Though technically these are four separate songs that have been combined, one for each season, each is a delight to listen to on its own. But if you’re looking for a bright happy tune, start with Spring.

Four Seasons

 

4. Waltz Of The Flowers – Tchaikovsky

From the famous Nutcracker Suite, this one is also an eternal favorite.

Waltz of the Flowers

 

5. Polka Italienna – Rachmaninoff

Fun to listen to, and fun to watch. Definitely one to tap your feet to.

Polka Italienne

 

Happy Listening!

 

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Playlist of the Week – Chasing the Dream

Saturday, September 14th, 2019

This week’s playlist is all about believing in your dreams and going for it full steam ahead! While it’s easy enough to have a dream, the work it takes to achieve it is no small feat, and it’s quite common to feel like giving up. But as long as we remember that it gets darkest right before the sunrise, we’ll be fine. And if you find yourself losing focus, here are some songs to help motivate you to not lose sight of your ultimate goal!

 

1. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

If the mental image of Rocky Balboa doesn’t hit you right in the face as soon as the first bar of this song plays, what rock have you been hiding under? The scene of Sylvester running up those steps is still considered one of the most inspiring scenes, and if that doesn’t help you get fired up, well, it’s a good thing we’ve got four more songs.

Eye of the Tiger

 

2. Hall of Fame – The Script

A heartfelt song about overcoming everyday struggles to go for your dreams, this one hits the right spot as we struggle to remember why we’re doing it all in the first place.

Hall of Fame

 

3. Remember the Name – Fort Minor

Just to remind you that it’s 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!

Remember the Name

 

4. Fight Song – Rachel Platten

Because even if no one else has your back, you have to remember that you have the best secret weapon of all – YOU!

Fight Song

 

5. The Greatest – Sia

Because that’s what our final aim is – to be the greatest at whatever we can do. So let’s go for it.

The Greatest

 

Have an inspiring week!

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The Stories Behind Famous Songs

Wednesday, September 5th, 2018

While we all love music, sometimes we get so caught up in the rhythm and beat, we forget that the lyrics to our favorite songs might have a story that isn’t necessarily based in fiction. Instead, many of these songs are often based on life and experiences of the very artists we adore so much.

Here’s a quick collection of some interesting back stories to some pretty famous songs.

 

Hey Jude by The Beatles

Julian was just a little boy when his dad, John Lennon, was getting a divorce from his mother. Paul Mcartney wrote the song to help Julian get over the trauma of having a slightly broken family. It originally was penned as “Hey Jules”, but they later changed it to Jude.

Image source - Ultimate Classic Rock

Image source – Ultimate Classic Rock

 

Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

Kathleen Hanna, punk singer and friend of Kurt Cobain, actually wrote the words “Kurt smells like teen spirit” on his bedroom wall after one drunken afternoon. ‘Teen spirit’ was actually the name of a perfume that Kurt’s ex-girlfriend used to wear, and Kathleen’s words were meant as a diss. One woman’s diss turned into a classic song title.

Image source - 8Tracks

Image source – 8Tracks

 

Smoke On The Water by Deep Purple

Deep Purple were in Switzerland to record their album ‘Machinehead’. Frank Zappa’s concert at nearby Montreux Casino ended in a massive fire accident that burnt the casino to the ground. The fire also lent the entire of Lake Geneva a massive hazy covering, which the band could see from their hotel room, hence the name Smoke on the Water.

Image source - Ultimate Classic Rock

Image source – Ultimate Classic Rock

 

Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton

Many may not know that this popular song was inspired by real, devastating events in Eric Clapton’s life. The song was a tribute to his son Conor, who fell to his death from a 53rd-floor New York City apartment window in 1991. Eric had just arrived at the hotel and moved straight past the crowd gathered at the bottom, with no idea that they were investigating the incident. 

Image source - YouTube

Image source – YouTube

 

Jeremy by Pearl Jam

“Jeremy spoke in class today” is the continuous hook in this cult classic, but the story behind it will leave you shook. The line is actually a metaphor for a boy taking his own life in front of his class at school, and is actually based on a real shooting. Inspired by a 15-year-old boy named Jeremy Delle who shot himself in front of his classmates at school in January 1991. 

Image source - You just made my list

Image source – You just made my list

 

Mean by Taylor Swift

This song was penned by Swift as a direct response to a reporter who criticized her quite rudely after a shaky live performance by her. Though she initially defended with a statement on how every single person, including musicians, has an off day every now and again, it didn’t seem to take the sting away, and eventually led to the song.

Image source - Wikipedia

Image source – Wikipedia

 

And now you know. You now have special knowledge and behind the scenes info on not only your favorite bands and singers, you also know the special meaning behind the lyrics of some great songs. What should you do with this knowledge? Isn’t it obvious? It’s now the perfect time to listen to these songs again, but from a brand new and more informed perspective. Happy Listening!

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Top Song Covers by Famous Musicians

Friday, September 2nd, 2016

When we fall in love with a new song by a familiar singer, we remember everything about the original – the tune, the video, the lyrics. It sets like stone in our head and we can hardly imagine it being sung any other way. But, there are a few brave songsters who dare to re-imagine even the most celebrated songs in a totally new way. Although they stay loyal to the tune and the lyrics of the song, they add their own twists to infuse it with new meaning. Here are 5 top covers, performed by some of the most renowned musicians of our time.

youtube

Demi Lovato – Give me Love

(Originally sung by Ed Sheeran)

This is a difficult song to sing because Ed Sheeran channelizes so much emotion in his vocals. Close your eyes and listen to this song and you’re sure to get goose bumps. It’s difficult to imagine anyone creating a better version of this song, but, Demi Lovato manages to do the impossible. Her version of this song is just as moving and she uses her powerful vocals to take the song to a whole new level. The crescendo, sung by the backups, is beautifully reimagined and is one of the high points of this cover version.

Ellie Goulding – Only Girl in the World

(Originally sung by Rihanna)

Ellie Goulding is known for taking a popular song and turning it on its head. She gives Rihanna’s 2010 album’s leading single the same treatment. From a dance pop track, she changes it into a soft and sweet number, perfect for late night listening.

Nick Jonas – Lay Me Down

(Originally sung by Sam Smith)

Sam Smith is famous for his stellar vocals and emotional punch. His songs tug at your heartstrings and make tears flood your eyes. It’s tough to imagine another singer pulling of a Sam Smith song to the same effect. But, Nick Jonas succeeds and succeeds brilliantly at it.

Adele – Make you Feel My Love

(Originally sung by Bob Dylan)

Bob Dylan’s raspy whisper makes this song sound wistful and wonderful. But, Adele’s powerful vocals add a whole different level of longing. There’s pain, there’s yearning, there’s suffering; Adele’s version makes the agony of one-sided love is tangible.

Lady Gaga – Imagine

(Originally sung by John Lennon)

This is one of the most iconic songs of John Lennon and trying to reimagine it is akin to sacrilege. Lady Gaga, however, does so bravely. The result is nothing short of genius. Clear, sonorous vocals lend depth to her version and her vocal prowess permits her to experiment with the chorus is ways never thought of before. Imagine that!

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