Pop

#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, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: Calum Scott’s “You are the Reason”

June 2, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Calum Scott’s “You are the Reason” #OnRepeat. I randomly came across this song recently and haven’t been able to stop listening to it.

Calum Scott is a British singer and songwriter who gained international attention when he appeared on the 2015 season of Britain’s Got Talent. Later, he would release his first album titled, Only Human, on which this song is recorded. Since Calum is a relatively new artist, he doesn’t have much original music out and not much is known about him.

“You are the Reason” is a song that was written by Calum Scott and released in 2017. He recorded a duet version with Leona Lewis (who is a phenomenal singer), however the acoustic “one mic, one take”version is so much more poignant. The sound on this recording is bare and intimate, and the fact that it was done in one take makes it even more impressive. You get to hear Calum’s true range and depth as a performer and vocalist, interchangeably using his belting voice and his high voice at the climax of the chorus, creating a different type of feel each time. This recording makes me excited to hear what he has in store musically in the future.

Take a listen:

What do you think? Do you like Calum’s acoustic version or the version with Leona Lewis more? 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, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: Journey’s “Open Arms”

March 17, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Journey’s “Open Arms” #OnRepeat. I just recently saw the movie, Daddy’s Home 2 (yes, I know it’s a holiday movie and I’m late in watching it), and now I can’t get that song out of my head.

Journey is a rock band from San Francisco, California that formed in 1973 from past members of the rock bands Frumious Bandersnatch and Santana. I know a lot of people (musicians and non-musicians alike) who have a love/hate relationship with this group primarily because of their mixing of Pop musical elements in the arranging of their music, which blends that with Jazz, Hard, Soft, and Progressive Rock. Despite this, they have topped both the US and UK charts several times, selling over millions of albums and being inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Some of their most popular songs are “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “After the Fall,” “Faithfully,” and “Who’s Cryin’ Now.”

The song “Open Arms” was a song written by Journey band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain off their album, Escape, in 1981. The lyrics are told from the point of view of someone professing their love and begging their significant other to forgive the past and start fresh. The song has often been associated with the style power ballad (a slow, emotive song that eventually builds to a great climax backed by guitars and drums) because of Steve Perry’s wide vocal range and bright, crisp sound. Perry’s vocal style and the melody backed by piano, guitar and drums have caused this song to be considered by many to be a classic ballad, making you feel the “lump in the throat,” stirring up feelings of nostalgia, and memories of your first kiss or high school prom. Yeah, I think it’s that good.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Do you have a favorite Journey song? Leave a comment and let me know why!

#OnRepeat, Country, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: Andy Grammer’s “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)”

March 7, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Andy Grammer’s “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” #OnRepeat. Yes, I am aware that this song has been out for a while, but I do believe that we come across certain songs at certain points at our lives for specific reasons, just like people.

Andy Grammer is a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and record producer from Los Angeles, California who got his start performing at nightclubs and on the streets of Los Angeles, later getting signed to S-Curve Records in 2010. His music blends Rock, Pop, Country, Soul, and his rhythmic lyric-writing is reminiscent of early Hip-Hop artists. Some of his most well-known songs are “Honey, I’m Good,” “Fresh Eyes,” “Keep Your Head Up,” and “Fine By Me.”

“Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” is written by Andy Grammer for his album, Magazines or Novels, and is a song about someone who has to work hard all their life with nothing to show for it, until finally their prayers are answered and things start to turn around; and the joy that comes from having things fall into place. Grammer’s voice has the characteristic gritty timbre of a Rock or Country singer but also the wide, powerful, and bright range of a musical theater performer, giving this song a “bigger-than-life” kind of vibe. You can feel his angst when he talks about his struggles and his overwhelming joy from all the good things that are happening to him at that moment. This song is one of those relatable, “feel-good” songs that make you want to dance and get stuck in your head (hence the #OnRepeat post). I hope Andy Grammer releases more music in the future.

Take a listen below:

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

#OnRepeat, Country, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: Brett Eldredge’s “The Long Way”

February 21, 2018 No Comments

This week I’ve had Brett Eldredge’s “The Long Way” #OnRepeat. I recently heard this guy sing to his dog in an Instagram post, and after looking up his music and his voice, have been hooked ever since.

Brett Eldredge is a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and record producer from Paris, Illinois. He got his start co-writing songs with Country singers like Gary Allen, and was releasing singles by the beginning of 2010, debuting his studio album Bring You Back in August of 2013. Some of his most well-known songs are “Mean to Me,” “Lose My Mind,” and “Drunk on Your Love.”

“The Long Way” is a song written by Brett Eldredge from his self-titled 2017 album with lyrics that are told from the point of view of a person who wants to learn everything about the town where their loved one grew up so they can find out more about that person. I have never really been a big fan of country, but Brett’s voice has a full-bodied, rich and deep timbre that you don’t hear very often with country singers. This song’s lyrics caught my attention because of the genuine interest the narrator has to learn everything about their significant other; both the good and the bad, because it makes them fall in love with the other all the more. Brett’s voice brings a depth to the song that you wouldn’t get with another singer because of the clear evidence of both country, pop, and crooner-style jazz in his performance style.

Take a listen below:

What do you guys think? Do you have a favorite country song? 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, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: The Cranberries’ “Linger”

January 21, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had The Cranberries’ “Linger” #OnRepeat. This past week the lead singer of the Cranberries, Dolores O’Riordan, passed away, so I’ve been listening to a lot of their music. This song was one of my favorites from my childhood.

The Cranberries were a rock band from Limerick, Ireland that formed in 1989. O’Riordan joined as the lead singer two years later, and after the release of their debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, they gained international recognition. Even though The Cranberries are considered an alternative rock band, their music blends influences of Punk, Irish Folk, Pop Rock and Indie-Pop music. Some of their most well-Known songs are “Zombie,” “Dreams,” “Promises,” and “Ridiculous Thoughts.”

The song “Linger” was written and released in 1993 for their debut album. Interestingly enough, the song lyrics were originally written by The Cranberries’ first lead singer, Niall Quinn, but when Niall left and O’Riordan joined the band, she wrote her own set of lyrics for the song, writing the lyrics with a theme of regret, first love and first kiss. Dolores’ voice is sombre yet almost wails in some points of the song’s melody, emphasizing the confusion, desperation, and melancholic-like feeling you get when you first fall in love. The country and Irish Folk style of singing can be heard in the stylistic choices that O’Riordan choses while singing; these bring an air of grit and wistfulness to the song as well.

Take a listen below:

Do you have a favorite song by The Cranberries? Leave a comment below!

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