Hurts - All I Want For Christmas Is New Year's Day

For my last post of the year I chose a song that I think perfectly encompasses not only the holiday spirit but also the New Year… Before I dive into it I must say this first year of blogging has been pretty awesome. And it’s all thanks to you guys who read my post. I’m looking forward to writing on all the great new music of 2013!... Now onto the song, I don’t think I’ve ever done a post on the English band Hurts, but they’re one of my favorite European acts. This song is few years old but it has a timeless quality to it. It’s not you typical holiday song because of the deep lyrics but I think that’s what makes it so good. The overall musical sound is typical Hurts; very big and epic. And the “classic holiday bells” add a nice touch to everything, like the icing on a perfectly moist homemade cake. Go ahead and give it a listen for yourself… And Happy New Year!!!

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Bjørn Johan Muri - Once Upon A Time

Before I get into the heart of this post, let me just start by saying if I went clubbing this is the type of music id want them to play. Its just happy and fun (as you can tell from my last post im kinda in a happy dance feel at the moment. I don’t why but hey, life is beautiful. You just have to take the time to stop and realize it. There’s so much to be thankful for)… So anyway, Bjørn Johan Muri is a Norwegian singer who gained popularity after competing on the Norwegian version of the show Pop Idol. I found out about him about a week ago from another music blog I follow and I’ve been hooked to his music ever since. This song is from his first album Airwaves. It wasn’t a single but I definitely think it more than had the potential to be. It’s commanding right from the start with the big (almost tribal type) percussions and underlining base line. Bjørn uses his vocals to melodically carry much of the song through out the verses, until the chorus when his backups come in to really make the overall vibe and sound even bigger. The addition of rapper Lidolido adds a nice breakaway from the core of the song but the even without his part the song more than stands on its own… Every time I listen to this I just wanna dance. I cant wait for hear what he comes up with for his new album... But enough from me, go listen to it for yourself!

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The Wanted - I Found You

For my first post back (after another unplanned hiatus) I wanted to write on a song that’s just fun and makes you happy. I discovered this track not to long ago and figured it’d be perfect. So here goes…  We all know boy bands are officially back, and The Wanted are definitely one of the front-runners. “I Found You” is their most recent single and I think it was a perfect choice for showcasing what’s next to come from them. When I listened to this song for the first time the first part I heard was the chorus, and that’s really what grabbed my attention. That big dance sound along side those strong falsetto vocals is a winning combination in my opinion. I think the vocals set the song apart from just any other dance pop record out now. It’s just plain good. Period! This is definitely the type of pop song you would hear from a UK artist and I’m hoping America will hurry up and catch on. This song should be a #1 hit! But again, that’s just my opinion. Check out the song and decide for yourself.

You can purchase the song here. And check them out on Twitter and Facebook.
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Ellie Goulding - I Know You Care

Ellie Goulding has just recently come on the scene here in America but I’ve known about her for quite sometime now. I remember hearing her songs “Starry Eyed” and “Lights”, long before the rest of the US caught on, and being intrigued by her sound and unique voice … I came across this song while on YouTube (it was on the sidebar) and decided to give it a listen. Half way into the song I was in love with it. This type of track doesn’t have any eccentrics or special features to it but that’s what makes it so good. It’s simple but beautiful. The melody from the keys is heartbreaking but Ellie’s bright, airy vocals are like fresh snowfall on a house that’s just burned down. As she sings, “I know you care, I know its always been there. But there’s trouble ahead…” she’s still somehow able to give the song beauty amongst the tragedy… I took a listen to the rest of her album Halcyon (which this song is on) and overall it’s a great compilation of work. This song is definitely one of my favorites (if not my favorite) from it. But go ahead and take a listen for yourself below.  - the video is pretty cool to -

You can purchase the song here. And be sure to check out Ellie on Facebook and Twitter!

Miguel - Dont Look Back

I’ve been a fan of Miguel since his song “All I Want Is You” and I also really like “Adorn” so I decided to take a listen to his latest album Kaleidoscope Dream... While listening to it, the main song that stuck out to me and really caught my attention was “Don’t Look Back”. The song is very commanding right from the beginning with powerful percussions and distorted keys, and the overall vibe of the track is very new age R&B, but it’s done well. Miguel really shows his vocal range and ability with this track. From falsetto to chest voice you really get a good indication of all he’s capable of. And to top it all off there’s a sick breakdown near the end of the song (at about 3:30) where the track does a complete 180 from pretty and melodic to gritty and dark… In conclusion, I think Miguel is definitely ushering in a new sound and feel to R&B and I’ve gotta hand it to him, he’s doing a pretty good job so far. But check out the song for yourself and let me know what you think.



You can purchase this song here. And be sure to check out Miguel on Facebook and Twitter.

Brandy - Two Eleven (Track-By-Track Review)

So I know I haven’t been blogging for a while. I took another unplanned hiatus but I’m getting back into the swing of things and I’m super excited for my first blog post in (what feels like) forever to be on one of my favorite artist... Brandy!!!... She just released her sixth studio album Two Eleven about a week ago and its been getting rave reviews everywhere. It’s definitely a return to the core R&B sound that we love Brandy for but it also has an updated and futuristic quality to it. If you’re a fan of her albums Full Moon and Never Say Never (and what true Brandy fan isn’t) you’re going to be more than happy with the new album. Overall I think it’s a great body of work and a very strong comeback for her. As a true Brandy fan I was pleased… But here’s my breakdown of it

1. Intro – A nice instrumental beat that’s a pretty good precursor for what’s to come.
2. Wildest Dreams – I did a post about this track when it was first released. I loved it the instant I heard it and its definitely one of my favorites from the album. From the beat to the lyrics this song is just plain good music... You can check out the cover i did of this song here.
3. So Sick – This song had to grow on me but now that it has I love it.  The beat is really what’s ‘sick’. The bright keys mixed with the dark synths and Brandy’s airy, smooth vocals, make for a very futuristic R&B sound. Well done to Mr. Bangladesh for this stand out track.
4. Slower – This track definitely continues with that new R&B sound and again it’s done well. I wouldn’t really consider it a highlight of the album but its good enough to keep you anticipating what’s next.
5. No Such Thing As To Late – What does come next is a ballad type track with a great message. Like a typical ballad, the song builds as it goes. By the second chorus you can really hear the commanding tone in Brandy’s voice and her belief in what she’s singing. Over all I think it’s a great track
6. Let Me Go – I wouldn’t be surprised if this is soon to be a single. It’s a club banger that is sure to get everyone’s attention. I prefer the verses to the actual hook, because that’s where all the melody is, but the hook is catchy and in this day and age that’s what people cling to.
7. Without You – This is my absolute favorite song on the album. Brandy sings her butt off! Every time I hear this I just sit back in awe lol. The key progression is hauntingly beautiful and leaves you wanting more. This song more than gets my vote for the next single!!
8. Put It Down – I already did a post on this track as well. Its gone on to become Brandy’s first top ten hit in 10 years so not much more to say but great job.
9. Hardly Breathing – My second favorite track from the album. The harmonies in the chorus are beautiful and signature Brandy style. Her overall vocal on this track is just flawless.
10. Do You Know What You Have – This seems to be a pretty popular song among the starz (Brandy fans), but I just haven’t been able to get into it. Its not bad but nothing special either
11. Scared Of Beautiful – Once I listened to this track the whole way through I fell in love with it. Brandy again delivers a flawless vocal and the beat is so different you can’t help but like it.
12. Wish Your Love Away – Honestly I would have liked if the album ended on this song. It has just the right energy to close out an epic compilation of work. This really reminds me of Brandy from 98. I don’t why, but I just get that vibe. I love the song
13. Paint This House – Not a bad song but it just doesn’t strike a chord with me.
14. Outro – I don’t know who created this but it sounds like something that could have come from Timbaland (but I know it didn’t). Either way it’s a nice ending and sort of Brandy’s way of saying, “there’s so much more to come”.

Comment and let me know what you think of the album.
You can purchase the new album Two Eleven here!

Sam Sparro - I Wish I Never Met You

Im a little late on discovering this song but the song is really good so, better late than never right?! … Sam Sparro is a singer-songwriter from Australia with a voice that is absolutely one of a kind… I found this song while randomly YouTube surfing and after hearing it once I immediately hit repeat. I really like the keys that the track opens with and how they compliment Sam’s stunning vocals – they really help guide the song until the chorus comes in. The overall vibe of the song is very electronic meets soul, which is different but still an awesome combination (if you ask me) and works perfectly with Sam’s vocal style. And I cant go without mentioning the percussion breakdown during the second verse – it is simply golden!... If you’ve followed my blog any length of time you know I love songs/music that stands out and doesn’t sound like everything else that’s considered “popular” at the moment. This is track definitely in a category all its own. Check it out and let me know what you think!

You can purchase the song here and be sure to check him out on Facebook and Twitter.