Rock

#OnRepeat: Carrie Underwood’s ”I’ll Stand By You”

October 30, 2018 No Comments

This week, I’ve had Carrie Underwood’s version of ”I’ll Stand By You” #OnRepeat. Although Carrie is typically known for singing Christian and Country music, I believe her voice fits perfectly for this Rock ballad.

Carrie Underwood is a singer, actress, and songwriter from Oklahoma who got her start when she won the fourth season of the show American Idol, going on to later win several Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and CMA Awards. Some of her most well-known songs are “Before He Cheats,” “Inside Your Heaven,” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

“I’ll Stand By You” was written and recorded by the British-American Rock group, The Pretenders, for their 1994 album Last of the Independents. It is song that talks about love, acceptance, and support when a friend or loved one is going through dark time. Although several artists have covered the song since its initial release, Underwood’s version hits the hardest because of her performance technique and stylistic choices. Country singers are known for belting, but Carrie uses this vocal technique to her advantage in this song, playing up the emotional power-like quality of this Rock ballad. I may be partial since I grew up listening to this song all the time, but Carrie Underwood has quickly made this one of my favorite songs again because of her voice and performance style.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Is there any older songs covered by modern day artists that you feel have brought new life back to that song? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat, Movies, Music, Pop, Rock

#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, 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, 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!

#OnRepeat, Music, Pop, Rock

#OnRepeat: Jennifer Hudson’s “Golden Slumbers/ Carry That Weight”

November 19, 2017 No Comments

Have you ever heard a song that you not only can’t stop listening to, but also can’t stop singing? That’s what it’s been like with this week’s #OnRepeat song “Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight” by Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer Hudson is a singer, songwriter, and actress from Chicago, Illinois who got her start on the American Idol reality show. Although she didn’t win, she went on to star as Effie White in the film adaptation of the musical, Dreamgirls, which helped catapult her career with Oscar and Golden Globe nominations and awards. Her powerful voice and show-stopping performance style has earned her several Grammy awards. Some of her most well-known songs include “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” “Spotlight,” and “If This Isn’t Love.”

“Golden Slumbers/ Carry That Weight” is a song by the Beatles that was part of a six-part medley for their album, Abbey Road, in 1969. The song is written almost in lullaby-like form, and although the lyrics are somewhat vague, one can surmise that the song is sung from the point of view of a friend or loved one comforting another. Jennifer Hudson’s wide range and powerful voice are showcased in the song’s climactic melody; her deep, expressive voice mirrors the deep love, nurturing nature and understanding that can be found in the lyrics of “Golden Slumbers.” This song has quickly become a favorite of mine. Take a listen below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et_x0pLywI0

The Beatles’ version is below for reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAmiVJxl-Z0

Which version do you like more? Is there an artist or group that you can’t stop listening to? Leave comment below!

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