Movies

#OnRepeat: Sara Bareilles’ ” “She Used to Be Mine”

July 2, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Sara Bareilles’ “She Used to Be Mine” #OnRepeat. I’m not sure why it took me so long to come across this song, but either way, I can’t stop listening to it.

I’m pretty sure that I’ve written about Sara Bareilles before–she is an amazing singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist from Eureka, California, who gained attention with her hit single, “Love Song” in 2007. Her pop and blues-style of singing, mixed with her poignant story-like lyrics and self-accompaniment on piano make many compare her to Billy Joel and Regina Spektor. Some of her other well-known songs are “Gravity,” “King of Anything,” and “Bottle it Up.”

“She Used to Be Mine” was written and sung by Sara Bareilles for her 2015 album, What’s Inside: Songs from Waitress. It is written from the perspective of the main character in the musical, Waitress, a play about a young woman who is stuck in a dead-end job, in an abusive marriage with a baby on the way. Bareilles’ performance of the song perfectly conveys the realization of losing yourself in less-than-ideal circumstances and longing for change. Her approach to vocal dynamics and performance shows the smooth, subtle changes between intimate and delicate to powerful and desperate within a single phrase, bringing so much more depth to the lyrics and song itself.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Are there any other singers or groups that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Funk, Motown, Movies, Music, Pop, R&B

#OnRepeat: The Spinners’ “The Rubberband Man”

May 4, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had The Spinners’ “The Rubberband Man” #OnRepeat. After seeing the Marvel movie, Avengers: Infinity War, this week, this song (along with the events of the movie) won’t stop playing in myhead.

The Spinners are a vocal group from Detroit, Michigan, that were popular during the 1960s and 70s. The group is commonly associated with R&B, though their music also blends elements of Rock, Pop and Funk music as well and the band continues to perform on tours to this day with only one original member. Some of their most well-known songs are “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” “WorkingMy Way Back to You,” and “Games People Play.”

“The Rubberband Man” was a song written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, and recorded by The Spinners in 1976. The song was originally written for Bell’s son, who was teased at school for being overweight, eventually morphing from a theme of self-love and positivity, to a song about a guy who can make really funky impressive sounds by just using a rubberband. Personally, I still get a message of positivity and general feel-good vibes from the lyrics, even with the song focusing on music-making from a weird little man. The vocal group The Spinners’ smooth sound and vocal phrasing, along with the funky punctuations from the brass section and the strumming of the bass make this song so groovy that you’ll immediately start dancing within the first thirty seconds of listening to it.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Do you have any favorite songs by The Spinners? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Country, Movies, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: Stevie Nicks’ “Crystal”

April 14, 2018 1 Comment

This week, I’ve had Stevie Nicks’ “Crystal” #OnRepeat. I have always been intrigued by Stevie Nicks’voice, but became even more so when I first heard this song in the movie, Practical Magic, years ago. The movie has come back into my life recently (via Netflix), causing this song to be constantly playing in my mind over the past several weeks.

Stevie Nicks is a singer and songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona who is best known for being one of the lead singers for the band, Fleetwood Mac. Her stage persona, lyric writing, and unique vocal timbre have made her both a well-known soloist and band member, producing multiple chart-topping hits over the years. Some of her most well-known songs are “Dreams,” “Rhiannon,” “Landslide,” and “Edge ofSeventeen.”

“Crystal” was a song written by Stevie Nicks has strong themes of independence, love, growth, and change and is told from the point of view of someone coming to the realization that they love someone else and the recognition of that person loving them in return unconditionally. The person seems to realize that they are changing, but that the other’s love and loyalty is staying the same. Stevie Nicks’ voice hasalways held so much grit and raw emotion, adding a deeper sense of clarity to the message behind these lyrics. The harmony of multiple guitars and voices personifies the story being told in the song as well, and is almost bittersweet to listen to as you slowly realize (at least in my interpretation) that this love may not work out the way the two intend for it to. This is probably one of my favorite songs by this singer, just based off the lyrical message alone.

Take a listen below:

What do you think of Stevie Nicks’ voice and this song? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Movies, Music, Pop, R&B

#OnRepeat: Sade’s “Flower of the Universe”

March 28, 2018 1 Comment

This week, I’ve had Sade’s song, “Flower of the Universe” #OnRepeat. Last week, I went to go see the movie, A Wrinkle in Time, and though I wasn’t too fond of the movie, I have not been able to stop listening to her song, which was in the movie, ever since.

Sade (born Helen Folasade Adu) is a singer, record producer, songwriter, actor, model, and arranger from England who got her start singing backup for a band called Pride during the 1980s. She and some of the band members formed their own band called Sade and released their first album in 1984, followed by several multi-platinum albums that would reach the top of both UK Charts and US Billboards. Her music blends Pop, R&B, Soul, Rock, and Jazz that flows perfectly under her smooth, low voice. Some of her most well-known songs are “The Sweetest Taboo,” “Smooth Operator,” “By Your Side,” “The Moon and the Sky,” and “No Ordinary Love.”

“Flower of the Universe” was written and recorded by Sade for the 2018 movie, A Wrinkle in Time, and is her first song that she has written in almost ten years. The song’s lyrics are told from the perspective of a mother or father who is telling their child that their love is what fills up the universe and gives them meaning (this is the message that I took from the lyrics so the song may not mean the same thing to you when you listen to it). The song is acoustic, simple and bare, with a chorus of voices acting as book ends to the song. Sade’s husky and sultry voice adds so much depth to this already hauntingly beautiful piece.

Truth be told, I have always been a huge fan of Sade’s voice and music—this song proves that Sade is still the classic, originally smooth and eclectic sound we have all grown so fond of over the past thirty years. She is what you think of when you think of R&B.

Take a listen below:

Do you have a favorite Sade song? What do you think of this one? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Funk, Gospel, Jazz, Movies, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: Keala Settle’s “This is Me (from The Greatest Showman)”

February 4, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had “This is Me” sung by Keala Settle from musical, The Greatest Showman. I must admit that I haven’t seen the actual movie yet, however, after hearing this song along with the rest of the music from the movie musical, I definitely plan on seeing this movie as soon as I can get my hands on it.

The Greatest Showman is a musical based on the story of P.T. Barnum’s life, the creation of his Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the performers who starred in his show. I have been a huge fan of Hugh Jackman since his performance in the film adaptation of Les Miserables, but I was even more impressed with this musical soundtrack because of the pure physicality of the performers for this musical; especially Keala Settle.

Keala Settle is a singer, actor and performer from Hawaii, who has an extensive theatrical career with several awards and nominations. Her voice is a perfect blend of R&B, Pop, Gospel, Soul and Blues influences, both powerful and subtle at the same time. “This Is Me” is an inspirational song told from the perspective of someone who grew up ashamed of themselves, but finally realizing that, despite what others say or think, you need to embrace who you are no matter what. Her vocal inflections and melodic and stylistic phrasing mirror the angst, desperation, defiance, and inner-strength depicted in the lyrics of the song, “This Is Me.” I’m not sure why I haven’t come across Keala’s music or performances before, but I will definitely be on the look out for her music in the future.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Do you have another favorite song from The Greatest Showman? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Jazz, Movies, Music

#OnRepeat: Molly Johnson’s “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)”

January 13, 2018 No Comments

So this week, I’ve had Molly Johnson’s “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” #OnRepeat. I came across it randomly (Pandora is something amazing), and I don’t know why I haven’t come across this swanky, funky song sooner.

Molly Johnson is an award-winning Jazz and Pop singer-songwriter and radio host from Ontario, Canada. She began singing at a young age and got her start singing back-up vocals for Rock and Pop bands in Canada, finally releasing her first solo album in 2000. Some of her most well-known songs are “If You Know Love,” “I Must Have Left My Heart,” and “My Oh My.” She currently tours in Canada and France, and is working on a black Canadian history project.

“Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)”is a song written by Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, and Lionel Richie in 1985 for the Steven Spielberg movie The Color Purple. The song–which was nominated for an Academy Award–is written in the Blues and Ragtime style, with lyrics that are sung from the point of view of woman who tells another woman that they are more alike than they think and that she cares and thinks about her all the time. Although this song has been considered, in some circles, to be an anthem for the Black Lesbian community, I like to think that the song represents the kindred spirit that women of all backgrounds tend to (and should) share with each other. Molly Johnson’s smokey, raspy voice adds to the Blues/Ragtime feel and gives that funky flavor to the song that is reminiscent of the original found in the movie.

Take a listen below:

The original from The Color Purple can be found below for reference:

So what do you think? Which version is your favorite? Leave a comment and say why!

#OnRepeat, Latin Music, Movies, Music

#OnRepeat: “Remember Me” from the Disney/Pixar original film, Coco

November 28, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had the Disney/Pixar film Coco theme song “Remember Me” #OnRepeat. I went to see the movie over the holiday weekend and I can’t get the song out of my head. I also can’t stop a lump from forming in my throat whenever I hear it.

The movie, Coco, tells the tale of a boy who longs to become a musician but is forbidden by his family to play music. He is transported to the land of the dead when he steals his musical idol’s guitar and must gain his ancestors’ blessing in order to return to the land of the living. There are major themes of family, love, acceptance and remembering or honoring someone’s memory—all are portrayed in meaningful and subtle ways throughout the film, this song being a strong example of all of them combined.

There are several different versions of the song “Remember Me,” but the most memorable (and tear-jerking) versions for me being the bare, acoustic guitar versions sung by the character of Hector (played by Gael Garcia Bernal) in both English and Spanish. The lyrics are from the point of view of a loved one who has to be separated from another person, so they ask them to remember how much they love each other even though they’re apart. Bernal’s gravely, yet deep voice perfectly conveys the charm yet simultaneous insecurities and deep love that the character Hector has for his loved ones. The acoustic guitar merely adds the vulnerability that is found when expressing your love for another. So in other words, this is a beautiful song that will most definitely make you stop in your tracks (and potentially ugly cry hard). I know I did.

I wish I could find a clip of the scene where Miguel is singing this song to his great grandma, Coco, but here are the Spanish and English recordings of the song for now.

Listen below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_wVlECIVl0

What do you think? Which version is your favorite? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Jazz, Movies, Music, Pop

#OnRepeat: Nina Simone’s “I Put a Spell On You”

October 31, 2017 No Comments

This week is the week leading up to Halloween and, therefore, Nina Simone’s “I Put a Spell On You” has been #OnRepeat, especially because Bette Midler kills her version of this song in the movie Hocus Pocus (a movie I watch every year during this time).

Nina Simone was a songwriter, pianist, arranger, singer and an activist from North Carolina who was known as a Jazz vocalist, but implemented Gospel, R&B, Blues, Jazz, and Pop music with elements of Classical music. She recorded more than 40 albums and her improvisational technique, musical arranging, stage presence and socially conscious performances made her one of the most influential singers of her time. Some of her most well-known songs are “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “Feeling Good,” “Sinner Man,” and “I Loves You, Porgy.”

“I Put A Spell On You” was originally written by the singer and actor, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956 with a different theme, but–in true Nina Simone fashion–Simone changed around the words and musical arrangement, transforming it into a song about someone madly in love with someone else despite how they mistreat them. Her vocal licks, musical phrasing and her performance of the words made this one of her most well-known songs (it is definitely my favorite). The desperation, angst, and stubbornness conveyed in the lyrics is magnified by Simone’s powerful, deep voice, her use of long straight tones, and intermittent scatting.

Take a listen below:

Here is Bette Midler’s version of this song for reference:

Although I love Simone’s version, I cannot deny that both vocalists perform amazing versions of this classic song, both bringing their own unique interpretation of the lyrics and music.

What do you think? Which version do you like? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Movies, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody”

October 23, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” #OnRepeat. This is one of my top favorite songs of all time and will always have a special place in my heart because I grew up watching the movie, Ghost, which this song was featured in.

The Righteous Brothers are a duo group from Santa Ana, California that formed in the early 1960s, starting out performing with the five-member group, The Paramours. During their recording career as a duo, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield’s vocal performing style earned the name “blue-eyed soul.” Some of their most well-known songs were “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” “Ebb Tide,” “Soul and Inspiration,” and “Rock and Roll Heaven.”

The song, “Unchained Melody,” whose music was written by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret in 1955 for a movie called Unchained. The song’s lyrics tell about someone who has been missing and pining after the person they love for what seems like forever. The vocal lead for the song was performed by Bobby Hatfield, and their version of this song became the most well-known version of the song to date. Hatfield’s tenor range is showcased with his use of projection and breath control, creating a a wide spectrum of vocal dynamics. Hunger, desperation, and longing are perfectly portrayed by Hatfield’s (at times) wail-like tones, creating an almost heart-breaking feel within the song.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Are there any other songs or singers you can’t get enough of?

#OnRepeat, Movies, Music, Pop

#OnRepeat: Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”

September 23, 2017 No Comments

This week, I’ve had “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion #OnRepeat. I know, I know, but I watched Titanic this week and it’s such a great song.

Celine Dion is a singer from Quebec, Canada who started as a teen pop star recording albums in French with her manager, and later husband, René Angélil. She gained international success and recognition as pop artist with the release of her first album in English, titled Unison, in 1990. Dion’s virtuosic three-octave range and her commanding stage presence have earned her five Grammy Awards, recognition as the best selling Canadian Artist, and caused her show to at the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas to be the most successful residency show of all time. Some of her most well-known songs are “Because You Loved Me,” “The Prayer,” “That’s the Way It Is,” and “Tell Him.”

“My Heart Will Go On” was a song whose music was written by James Horner and lyrics were written by Will Jennings in 1997 for the film, Titanic. The lyrics are written from a retrospective point of view: a person who looks back on a point in their life where they were deeply in love with someone, but realized they had to move on, despite their feelings. Interestingly, Celine Dion didn’t want to record this song at first since she had just finished recording another film score for Beauty and the Beast. I am so glad she was convinced otherwise. The song perfectly displays her unique use of vocal technique and lyrical interpretation that would become the iconic “Pop Diva Sound.” Her vocal range, skill in terms of projection and her interpretation of the words has made “My Heart Will Go On” one of the most popular songs of the 1990s. Although many now might roll their eyes when hearing this song (only because it was played almost everywhere you went the year the movie was released), there is no doubt that this song is a Celine Dion classic, becoming synonymous with not only the movie, Titanic, but with Celine Dion herself.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Are there any other Celine Dion songs you can’t stop listening to?

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