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!!!

Check them out on Twitter and Facebook!

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!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter!

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.
And follow me on Twitter and Facebook!!

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.

Youngblood Hawke - We Come Running

You ever listen to a song that just makes you happy and makes you feel as though you can conquer and take on the world? This is a song that makes me feel that way… “We Come Running” by Youngblood Hawke was the free song of the week on iTunes about 2 weeks ago and that’s where I first heard of it. Whenever I listen to a song for the first time, the melody is originally what I listen for. This track is heavy on melody and I especially love it during the chorus. The pounding percussions and driving synths end up transforming it from more than just a ‘chorus in a song’ to more of an anthem “Soon they’re gonna hear the sound when we come running!”.  Another thing about the song that I love, but didn’t pick up on until about the third listen, is the use of bells. I think it’s such a cool addition to an already great track and really makes it stand out. I’ve only heard bells used in one other song that’s not about Christmas (though I’m sure they are used more than I realize)… Definitely give this song a listen. I guarantee by the end of it you’ll come running along with the rest of us Youngblood Hawke fans.

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

Brandy - Wildest Dreams

Brandy’s second single, from her highly anticipated sixth studio album Two Eleven, was just released today on iTunes, Amazon and all other major digital retailers. Im extremely excited about this record, mainly because while I did like “Put It Down” this new track is what Brandy fans have really been waiting for. It’s a return to the Brandy we all fell in love with. Her smooth vocals over a beat that’s never overpowering but that compliments her and lets her shine. “Wildest Dreams” is just that… From the start of the song Brandy grabs your attention with her soft harmonizing vocals mixed with a few lines that highlight her low register. The base and light keys that come in with the start of the verse (and follow throughout the entirety of the song) pair really well with Brandy’s vocals. And speaking of her vocals, they tell the story the song is trying to convey beautifully (I love it!!)… With her first single already burning up the charts I have no doubt this track will do the same (and better). Brandy’s officially back and better than ever!

You can purchase the song here!

P!nk - Blow Me (One Last Kiss)

P!nk released the lead single “Blow Me (One Last Kiss” from her upcoming album a couple of weeks ago. The first time I listened to it I wasn’t instantly impressed but the more I listened it grew on me and now I really like it. The first thing I noticed (even upon my first listen) is that P!nk is really showing her vocal range in the new track. I honestly think her voice has gotten stronger since having a kid (though that could all be in my head because I don’t know if she recorded this song before or after giving birth). Either way she sounds great and the song is another smash!.. She just released the video for the song today and I love it. Its really creative yet simple. Its P!nk at her best. Check it out!

Aviators - Constellations

So I know it’s been quite a while since I’ve done a blog post and I apologize for that. I’ve just been busy with a lot of music stuff, but I am getting back to doing my blogs again and being more consistent! ... Today’s post comes from another artist I found while in the process of releasing my EP. I’m kind of picky when it comes to electronic music and what catches my ear. Most stuff I think is way to over produced, but every now and then I come across some really great work like this song “Constellations” by Aviators. I love the song from beginning to end, but the break down at the 3:51 mark really catapults it to the next level. Give it a listen and let me know what you think!

You can purchase this song and check out more of his work here!

Eric Church - Springsteen

Up until now, I’ve been pretty good at containing my obvious love for country music and instead focusing more on my pop favorites.  But, it’s summer and that means two things: (1) it’s hot (really, really hot if you’re from D.C.) and (2) it’s time for country music. There’s something about the combination of hot summer nights and country music that is just too irresistible to pass up. Knowing that, country artists usually work to whip out a slew of new country songs right before we enter those hot and hazy months in order to capitalize on that feeling. Songs about old memories, summer flings, outdoor parties, and of course, adventures in fishing can all be found blaring from every country station. This summer is no exception. With all the new summer tunes to choose from, my absolute favorite this year is Eric Church’s “Springsteen.” Clearly an experienced musician, Church has been on the country music scene for quite awhile, but his most recent album is causing everybody to stand up and take notice. Known for his signature baseball cap and aviators, Eric Church has a distinct smooth sounding style that naturally sets him apart. His current single “Springsteen” is tearing up country music charts, and I guarantee if you turn on a country station, you’re bound to hear it within five minutes of air play. The lyrics set up the dynamic between past and present as it depicts the perfect scene of remembering a young summer romance set to the tune of Bruce Springsteen’s classics. Somewhere in the chorus, Church lays it all out with “Funny how a melody sounds like a memory…” a line that reminds us all that music sometimes holds our most precious memories and feelings. Church tells his story clearly, and by the end of the song, you can’t help but picture that young couple listening to some Springsteen on a hot, July night. With the abundance of summer songs out there, make sure you take a listen Eric Church’s “Springsteen,” as I’m sure it will get you in the summer mood, if you’re not already. I know it has for me. Enjoy. - Lindsey

Imagine Dragons - Its Time

Imagine Dragons is the name of the band but when I first heard this song I wasn’t imagining anything but awesomness! (yes, I know that’s not a word, but I think it’s perfect for describing my feelings about my first listen to this track)…  “Its Time” is one of those songs that could really be in a genre of its own. It starts off with a really cool hand clap arrangement and a funky (but cool) string pattern that carries you to the chorus, which is just commanding enough to have you singing along by the end of it. I watched them do a acoustic/live version of the song and its just as good as the original (you can check it out here. It’s a really beautiful rendition of the song)… While they have a bunch of other great songs that I like, this one is definitely my favorite from them so far. So with that said, now ITS TIME for you to take a listen!

You can purchase the song here, and be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter!

Ryan Star - Stay Awhile

The last time I heard anything (music wise) from Ryan Star was when he released his debut single “Breath” about 3 years ago, and while I really liked that song, this new track “Stay Awhile” is sheer perfection… The new track shows Ryan going in a completely different musical direction than his past effort (which was much more rock). The song is something I’d expect more from Mat Kearney actually but Ryan has a depth and intensity to his delivery of the song that really makes it his own (his voice isn’t one that you easily forget). I love the heavy percussions and really cool guitar rifts through out the track. Along with that, It’s such a far cry from anything else being played on the radio right now, I can’t help but respect it… I don’t know if this is the sound Ryan is leaning more toward for his upcoming album but if so, I cant wait to hear more. What do you think?

The song isn't available for purchase yet but be sure to check him out on Facebook and Twitter.

Emeli Sandé - Next To Me

If Adele’s U.S. success has proven anything, it’s that Americans are obsessed with British people (they do have awesome accents) and soaring vocals belting out about the heartaches and heartbreaks of love. Following the increasing popularity of Europop music, artists from all over Europe, specifically the UK are seeking to use that platform to get their foot (and songs) into the U.S. door and make their musical mark. Enter Emeli Sandẻ, whose powerful vocals are making her presence known with her current single “Next To Me.” Seen as this Adele/Beyoncẻ/ Robyn combo, Sandẻ, already immensely popular in the UK, is seeking to branch out and follow previous UK performer’s American success. Except instead of stepping into the “love gone wrong” territory that Adele so distinctly owns, Sandẻ is putting a twist on the magical musical formula, focusing on the other (good) side of love. Instead of lamenting over her lover’s cheating ways or working through a bad breakup, she celebrates the fact that her guy is actually a good one. The song describes how instead of cheating, partying, and doing whatever else those so called “bad boys” do, her guy is constantly by her side and that doesn’t change. I gotta say it’s a pretty refreshing change from the depths of despair we’re used to with Adele. Don’t get me wrong, I love Adele and the powerful punches she delivers, but sometimes her music can be a tad bit depressing.  Granted, Sandẻ does tend to move closer to this with the rest of her album, but that’s irrelevant. The point is, I love everything about this song – the lyrics, the music … even the simple video that just shows her pounding away on the piano keys. The piano in the beginning, the continual drum beats, and Sandẻ’s stellar vocals combine to make an amazing blend that I cannot stop listening to. (Sidenote: for a more toned down, haunting quality, check out her acoustic version.) So far, I like what I’m hearing from Emeli Sandẻ and I can’t wait to see how her entrance into the U.S. industry plays out. Fortunately for her, she’s only like 3 years away from becoming a doctor (she was pre-med in college) so if this whole music thing doesn’t work out, she’s got a pretty nice career to fall back on. But, something tells me nobody will be calling her Dr. Sandẻ anytime soon. - Lindsey

Caleb - The Long Walk

While going through the process of releasing my EP (you can check that out here) I came across this band who just so happens to go by the same name as me, Caleb. The band is partly made up of Caleb and Will Chapman who are the sons of popular Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman... It took me a little while to actually stop and listen to their music but once I finally did I couldn't deny these guys were seriously good. "The Long Walk" is my favorite song from their latest album. From the deep lyrics to the commanding sound of the track, I can't help but feel like I'm being taken on a journey when listening to it. And there's an awesome break down that they have right before they go into the chorus of the song, for a second time, that I think is just genius. It's just one of many things that really caught my attention when listening to these guys for the first time... To sum things up, their music is real and heartfelt and they've definitely inspired me, so be sure to give this song a listen!
P.S. - it would be super cool to do a song with them. Caleb featuring Caleb. That just sounds cool (to me)... or maybe its not and I just really wanna work with them. Hmmmm



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

Keke Palmer - You Got Me

I've been following Keke Palmer's music career for some time now and as the years have gone by she has done nothing but get better and better with every song she puts out... "You Got Me" is her latest release, from her upcoming mixtape... Diving right into the song, the first thing that really stood out to me was Keke's vocals. She has great control and a tone to her voice that is very similar to that of Brandy's. Speaking of Brandy, the entire song ("You Got Me") has very reminiscent vibes of her song "What About Us" (the beat is sick). But even with those similarities Keke still owns the song and proves that she's got what it takes to make it as a major artist amongst everyone else in the game right now. Check it out for yourself!
 

The song isnt available for purchase yet but be sure to check her out on Facebook and Twitter.

Kris Allen - Teach Me How Love Goes

I was originally gonna do this post on Kris’s song “Vision Of Love” but I couldn’t help but go with my favorite track from his latest album instead... Before I get to the song I must say, I think Thank You Camellia is a great sophomore album for Kris.  It doesn’t stray to far from the direction/feel of his debut effort but you can definitely hear the growth in his music… While majority of the album is filled with upbeat tracks and a few power ballads, smack dab in the middle of all of that is this masterpiece of a song entitled “Teach Me How Love Goes”. The song starts out with a beautiful string pattern that carries you throughout the entirety of the track, and when the other instruments do (softly) come in they are never overpowering. The song is almost similar to “Stop This Train” by John Mayer, but at the same time its completely different and lovely in its own right. Lastly, I love love loooove the lyrics and Kris’s vocals on this track are nothing short of wonderful (He never over emphasizes anything but you can still hear that every word he’s singing is heartfelt)… So in conclusion “God what’s the secret? Teach me how love goes”.

You can purchase that song here. Be sure to check out Kris on Facebook and Twitter!

Needtobreathe - Keep Your Eyes Open

Lindsey did a post on these guys a few months ago on a really cool song of theirs called “Slumber” and until then id never really heard much of their work. Well, I heard this song “Keep Your Eyes Open” for the first time about a week ago on satellite radio and instantly fell in love with it. The song starts off with strong keys, heavy percussions and powerful guitars, which immediately grabs your attention as soon as you hear it. The rest of the song carries on with that heavy rock feel and lead singer Bear Rinehart’s gritty vocals are just the right match for it. He brings a soul and depth to the song that really sends it over the top (in a good way)… I’ve watched them perform this live and it’s just as good, if not better than, the studio version. So along with keeping your eyes open, keep your EARS open and give this song a listen.

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

Ed Sheeran - The A Team

Anyone who knows me knows majority of the music I listen to comes from artist from The UK or somewhere in Europe. So the fact that im really starting to get into Ed Sheeran’s music isn’t much of a surprise… His song “The A Team” has already become a huge hit in The UK, and in a few other countries, and now its finally making its way over here to America (I have a feeling its gonna do what Gotye’s song “Somebody That I Used To Know” did and become a #1 hit. But I guess only time will tell). - Now on to the music side of things - First off, I love the lyrics. The story that’s being told isn’t exactly a happy one but the way Ed cleverly pieces it together is stunning (especially after you’ve heard him explain how the song came about and the background behind it). The light acoustic guitars and soft piano throughout the song compliment the lyrics perfectly. And its just upbeat enough that if you weren’t paying attention to the lyrics, you would never know it was talking about such heavy subject matter… Overall I think “The A Team” deserves an A+.  Ed Sheeran is really showing the world just how talented he is and I have no doubt this is only the beginning of more great music to come from him.

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

Katy Perry - Wide Awake

For my first post after a much over due hiatus I chose a song that I’ve had on repeat for the past 2 weeks. The play count on this song according to my iTunes history is 206 plays (yeah it surprised me too. But what can I say, I love the song)… Katy Perry is pretty much the queen of pop at the moment and if you don’t agree, all you have to do is go turn on your radio and I guarantee you there’s a 87% chance it will be a Katy Perry song playing… Of all the singles from her latest album, “Wide Awake” is definitely my favorite. I love the meaning behind the song and I think the mid tempo feel of it is a good change up from Katy’s usual up beat hits. There’s a uplifting, ‘saying goodbye to one chapter and beginning a new one’ type vibe that I get when listening to it, which I really like... I don’t know what else she has up her sleeve musically but I’m definitely interested to see what direction she’ll be heading in once the time rolls around for a new album. But whatever direction that is, I definitely wish you the best Ms Perry!

You can purchase that song here.

Caleb - Waking Up - EP

Hey everybody!! So I know it’s been quite awhile (seems like forever) since I’ve done a blog post but I’ve been super busy working on some pretty cool stuff. Just about two weeks ago I just released my first ever EP entitled “Waking Up”. Its been a long time coming getting that project done but I’m really proud of all the hard work that was put into it… With that said, I’ve put the links below for where you can purchase it! Hope you like it! Definitely comment and let me know what you think of it... Starting tomorrow ill be back to regular blog postings. There have been a lot of songs I’ve discovered in the past few weeks, so I cant wait to share them with you all!

My EP "Waking Up" is available on iTunes, Amazon, BandCamp and Spotify. Check it out! And you can also check me out on Facebook and Twitter.

Gym Class Heroes - The Fighter

I’ll be honest. I’m not always a fan of Gym Class Heroes. They have a unique sound that if isn’t perfected can end in disaster. Most of the time though, when they pair their classic rap/hip hop combo with a well-known singer (think Adam Levine in “Stereo Heart”), the combination is excellent. This happened with “The Fighter.” So apparently, this song has been out for a while, but I just recently heard it and fell in love with it. I feel like any song featuring Ryan Tedder is guaranteed to be good, but that just may be my OneRepublic bias talking. Anyway, I love everything about this song. The intermix of the usual Travie McCoy rap thing and Ryan Tedder’s brilliant vocals transition seamlessly, creating a song with two very different, yet complementary tones. Not to be left out, the lyrics of the verses and chorus merge together to form an inspirational message about never giving up. And hey, who’s not for a song about fighting till the end. It’s like a musical version of Rocky, minus the actual boxing and such. All that aside, I think this song is excellent. It’s a catchy pop tune with just enough hip hop to satisfy the Gym Class Heroes enthusiasts and some really great message lyrics. And like I said, you really can’t go wrong with Ryan Tedder. True fact. - Lindsey

Mat Kearney - Runaway

Mat Kearney just released the deluxe addition of his latest album Young Love, on Tuesday, and my favorite track from the group of new songs he released, is without a doubt “Runaway”… Mat’s latest album had an overall sound I can’t quite explain (but I say that in a good way), and “Runaway” definitely stays true to that sound. The song has heavy percussions along with gritty keys and guitar that really make for a good combination and give the song a style unlike anything that you might hear on the radio right now. With that said, Mat has a serious knack for using/making beats that just make you want to clap your hands and jam out to the song. And I can’t go without mentioning the awesome storyline that’s being told through the lyrics (but I can’t say I expected anything less. All of Mat’s songs have great story lines)… I think this song, along with the others, is a great addition to an already perfect album and really makes me anxious to hear what else Mat has up his sleeve.

Mat Kearney - Runaway by Veronika1

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

James Fortune & FIYA - Hold on (feat. Monica & Fred Hammond)

I’ve grown up listening to gospel music all my life. In fact, until I was about 13 that’s pretty much all I was aloud to listen to. Voices like CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, and Donnie McClurkin were constantly playing though out my house as a kid, so I’m definitely no stranger to this genre of music… I chose this song for today’s post mainly because of the message. The music part is great as well (Monica delivers a flawless vocal on this track that really just takes it to a whole new level, and Fred puts the icing on the cake with his signature and distinct vocal style) but again it’s the message that I love so much in the song. We all have tough things we’re dealing with in life and it never hurts to have some encouragement to just hold on and don’t give up… Hats off to James Fortune for writing such an uplifting song. Hope it can be a blessing to you the way it’s been a blessing to me.

Hold On - James Fortune & FIYA ft. Monica & Fred Hammond by sultryfreckles

You can purchase that song here. And be sure to check out James Fortune on Facebook and Twitter.

Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again

Michael Kiwanuka is a British singer/songwriter who has some serious soul. He just released his debut album Home Again today and its full of really great material. My favorite song from the album is the title track “Home Again”... Michael is a true musician and this song makes that so evident. To me, when I listen to him sing its like listening to him tell a story, and his guitar is the one that’s painting the pictures for you. His earthy/raspy vocal tone fits so well with the flow of the track and goes perfectly with his overall sound. Even with the addition of the light percussions and keys in the song, they never take away from the message he’s trying to convey… Overall I think it’s a truly timeless track that really shows a lot of promise from what’s to come from Michael Kiwanuka.

The song is currently iTunes song of the week so you can get it for free here. And be sure to check him out on Facebook and Twitter.

Brandy - Put It Down (feat. Chris Brown)

Brandy’s baaaaaackk!!!!... Yesterday Brandy released the first single from her highly anticipated sixth studio album “Two-Eleven”. Where do I start with this… It’s a really strong comeback single for Brandy and I think it’s exactly what she needed. The beat is extremely simple and there’s very little (if any) melody in the song, but the lack of those two main components really allow her to shine. Her vocals make up the meat of the song and are without question what stands out most in it. Specifically her harmonies in the chorus, which are out of this world!! No one in the industry (in my opinion) can match Brandy’s tone. Its absolutely one of a kind and this song really showcases that. Chris Brown’s rap adds a nice touch to the song as well. And even though, (as I’ve stated in past post) I usually don’t like how every song nowadays has a rapper, his part really stands out (but in a good way), because we mainly know him as a singer. And of course having him on the track will just give the song a boost because he’s popular right now… So in conclusion I think it’s a really solid comeback single from Brandy. In no way is it ever gonna be my favorite song by her but I know it's gonna get people talking again (which they already are) and I’m glad because I miss hearing Brandy on the radio!... But I want to know what you think of the new single. Comment and let me know!

The single wont be available for purchase until May 8th but until then be sure to check her out on Facebook and Twitter.

K'NAAN - Is Anybody Out There (feat. Nelly Furtado)

For some reason whenever I heard this song come on the radio I would always change the station, but once I finally took the time to actually listen to it I really liked it… K’NAAN is a rapper/singer from Canada who’s originally from Somalia. I remember first hearing about him a couple of years ago when he did a song with Keane, but this track is the only thing I’ve heard from him since (even though I know he’s put out other music between now and then)... First and foremost I love the lyrics in this track. It’s always really cool to find a song with not only a great message but also a great storyline within that message, and this song definitely has both. It doesn’t have the strongest melody but the vocals from Nelly Furtado more than make up for it (btw she looks absolutely stunning in the music video). The heavy presence of the keys paired with the marching band style drums really makes for a nice beat and vibe for the song overall… I’m sure this isn’t the last ill hear from K’NAAN, but definitely take a listen for yourself.

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

The Wanted - Lightning

With boy bands like Big Time Rush, One Direction, and The Wanted sitting at the top of the charts, I think its pretty safe to say that boy bands are back and in full affect. I’ve never really been one who was into boy bands (even though I grew up during the *NSYNC, and Backstreet Boys era) but I must admit the music coming from these guys is pretty solid… The big song by The Wanted at the moment is “Glad You Came” but they released the single “Lightning” a few weeks ago on iTunes here in America and I really love the track. Not because of my weird obsession with lightning (I’m not sure why I think its so cool. I just do) but because the song is an awesome pop track. It has big melody, (which is always something that catches my ear when I listen to a song for the first time) and a big stadium sound overall. It’s really synth and percussion heavy (as much of pop music now is) but it goes along with their sound and they really know how to make it work… I think the song is a hit, but take a listen for yourself and comment and let me know what you think.



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

Maroon 5 (feat. Wiz Khalifa) - Payphone

I love Maroon 5. This is a fact evidenced by the absurd number of play counts in my iTunes. Seriously, these guys can do no wrong (minus that whole "Moves Like Jagger" thing – I just wasn’t a fan). Their song "Nothing Lasts Forever" (an unreleased single from their 2^nd album) is one of the best songs (musically, lyrically, everyway) that I’ve ever heard, and definitely lands near the top of my all time favorite songs list. But anyway. I’ve been eagerly waiting for new music from them ever since their last album Hands All Over dropped nearly two years ago. Like always, I loved that album so much that I just kept playing the songs over and over again, which made me restless for new music very quickly. After taking a little detour (code for Adam Levine being able to do his thing on The Voice), Maroon 5 is back and better than ever, ready to take on the pop/rock world with their 4^th studio album, Overexposed. The first single off the album is "Payphone," a song with a slightly more pop feel than the typical Maroon 5 style, which the band premiered Monday night on The Voice. The song definitely caught my attention, even though the live version does not do the studio cut justice. Since then, though, I’ve been addicted … playing it multiple times every day. The song starts out with just a keyboard and Levine’s crystal clear falsetto. From that point on, the song never slows down. Its energy builds with intensity that culminates in an exceptional chorus backed by full band and blasting pop beats. The only issue I can point out is that the rap part by Wiz Khalifa could have been left out. I’m not sure why almost every popular pop song today has to have a rap part in it, but really, this song is so powerful that it could have stood on its own just fine. Not to be outshined by the musical element, the lyrics (like always) tell a brilliant story. I’m not sure who had to break Adam’s heart to inspire him to write this song, but I’m glad they did. Overall, it’s a great pop song that reflects the shift the band has undergone in trying to create a more infectious pop feel. Sadly, the release of Overexposed is still two months away (June 26,2012 is when it will come out), which means I’ll have to hang on to this song to satisfy my new song craving. But, that’s ok with me. - Lindsey

Monica - Time To Move On

Last Tuesday Monica released her sixth studio album New Life. I’m a huge fan of hers so I was really looking forward to this record and when I say she aced it, I mean it in every sense of the word. The album is the true embodiment of classic R&B soul music. One thing I love most about Monica is that she’s real and honest and that’s something that’s made so evident by her music and the songs she sings… While I love the entire album, my favorite track without question is “Time To Move On”. From the first time I heard it, I knew it was a song I’d end up playing over and over again. The styling is very reminiscent of Sam Cook’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” but the overall sound is still relevant to today. Monica sings her heart out in this track and just really brings every lyric of the song to life (she took this track to church!!)… The song is called “Time To Move On” but I wont be moving on from this song for quite a while. Check it out for yourself!

You can purchase this song along with the rest of the album here (buy this album and support good music!)... And be sure to check her out on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

Erik Hassle - Stay

Since I first started my blog I’ve been waiting for this day (no, not April 17, 2012), the day I get to introduce you all to my favorite artist (in the whole universe) Mr. Erik Hassle. He’s a singer from Sweden whose music is simply amazing, and without a doubt he has been one of my biggest (if not THEE biggest) musical inspirations… I could easily spend all day talking about how great he is but lets get straight to the song… “Stay” (which was just released yesterday) is the brand new single from his upcoming album and after hearing it (about 50 times now) I must say (aside from me being the avid fan that I am) he completely delivered an incredible track. The melody from the piano is simply beautiful and something that instantly sticks with you. On top of that, Erik (once again) delivers a flawless vocal performance, which really shows his range. But more than just that, you can hear the emotions coming through so strongly with every note he sings… If this song is any indication of what we can expect to hear from the upcoming album I know it will be nothing short of genius. But until then I’ll continue to leave “Stay” on repeat.

The single is only available in Sweden right now but ill post the link as soon its available here in America! ... Make sure you check him out on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

Nathan Angelo - These ol' Keys

Classic and timeless is what this song is… I’ve had it sitting in my iTunes music list for quite a while now but it wasn’t until about a week ago that I actually took the time to listen to it. Since then it’s been on repeat nonstop… Songs with big production and a lot of eccentrics are really cool at times but there’s something about a song where it’s just a piano or guitar and an artist pouring out their soul while singing it. It gets to you in a way that the songs with the heavy beats and loud synths cant. The piano is absolutely beautiful and Nathan (whose vocals are amazing period) really shows what he’s capable of with this song. I played it for my mom (who usually cant stand any of my music) and she wouldn’t stop talking about how much she loved it... So in conclusion "Take me back to a familiar place, where the tears come streaming down my face again, and I can hide all the doubts that take me far away from the guitar my hands where made to play, the rain and shine. So here ill stay and forever I will play these ol' strings"... Yes i changed the words a bit, because I play guitar lol :)



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

Justin Nozuka - Heartless (feat. India.Arie)

I’m going back a year for today’s post because I think this is such a good song that more people need to know about… This is the type of track I wish was number one on the billboard Hot 100. Great lyrics, great melody and two truly great artists… I’ve been a fan of Justin Nozuka and India.Arie for a while, so when I saw that they did a song together I had a strong feeling it would be good, but after hearing the song, it turned out better than I could have imagined… This is actually the second version of Justin’s song “Heartless”. The original version is only him singing and it’s a bit more stripped down than the version with India. Both are great, but I really love what India brings to the track. Not only do her and Justin’s voice sound great together but also the tone in her voice is beautiful. Its raspy yet still glides flawlessly over the melody of the song. The chord progression from the guitars is really nice and it’s something that really grabs you when you listen to it… The song is called “Heartless” but there’s definitely nothing heartless about this song.

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

Karmin - Brokenhearted

Pop and I have an interesting relationship, the success of which carefully hinges on the perfect balance of vocals and beats. If it’s too over produced … to electronic, I can’t stand it. But, on the other hand, a pop song lacking good beats isn’t worth my time either. After all, those rhythmic pulsations are what make pop … well, pop. Lately, a lot of new pop songs have migrated toward the extreme end of too “electronicky” to the point where you can’t even appreciate the vocals. This isn’t the case with Karmin though. This unique duo, comprised of Amy and Nick, have been blowing up Youtube since 2010 with their rare pop style. I only heard about them last April when they made an appearance on Ellen playing their cover of “Look At Me Now.” So here’s the interesting thing about Karmin. You look at them and you think, “Oh … two white people who probably have very nice voices are going to sing a nice song now.” And then, they start singing, and you’re blown away sitting there thinking, “What the heck just happened?” At least that’s how it went with me. Because not only can Karmin sing their butts off, but Amy can rap … like hardcore, how is she breathing and how does everything sound so clear kind of rap. And she’s good … really good. Nicky Minaj who? All that to say this, their new original song “Brokenhearted” is phenomenal. It’s quickly become my new favorite song to the point where I can’t stop playing it. Its compilation of funky keyboard beats (kudos to Nick for that one) and recurring chord progressions sets the perfect tone for this upbeat piece. Meanwhile, Amy’s vocals soar through the verses and are pretty close to perfect when it comes to the catchy chorus that sticks with you long after the song has finished. Her famous rap style is incorporated into the song but it’s just the right amount that it won’t drive you crazy if you’re not into that type of thing. Combined, these elements are the perfect combo for this up and coming group. Their debut record is set for release at the end of this month, and I for one can’t wait. If the rest of their album is anything like this single, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.  Cheerio. – Lindsey

Mêlée - The Ballad of You and I

You know those bands that are so good and a lot of times even better than the popular bands out at the moment, but they just don’t get the recognition they deserve? Well Mêlée is definitely one of those bands. I’ve known about them for a few years now. I first heard them when there song “Stand Up” was playing during a movie I was watching (I don’t remember what movie it was but I do remember Amanda Bynes was in it... Hmmmm... Oh well)… I really started getting into their music when I heard their song “The Ballad of You and I”. First off, Christopher Cron, the lead vocalist, has an amazing voice. His range is just incredible and I really think his vocals are a big reason Mêlée’s songs, as a whole, are so good. He somehow just breaths life into every lyric he sings. They also use a lot of keys in there songs, as evident in “The Ballad of You and I” but it’s never over powering. It always fits nicely with all the other components in their music… It’s been just about 2 years since their last album release, so I’m hoping they’ll be putting out some new material pretty soon. But until then ill keep listening to the amazing stuff they’ve already given us.



Be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Dave Barnes - Heaven Help Me

Dave Barnes just released his latest album Stories To Tell about 2 weeks ago. I just bought it the other day and before I get into the song I chose for this post I must first say, the album is amazing from start to finish. Period!… Ok, so now on to “Heaven Help Me”. Again, the entire album is filled with great songs but this one really stuck out to me, mainly because of the break down in the chorus. The chord progression from the keys is just so cool (I know that’s a very simplistic way of putting it but, well, it is.). The song itself is very simplistic. There’s no out of this world eccentrics to it, its just plain ole, feel good music (with a great message! I must add). Just makes you wanna tap your foot and sing along (well it does for me anyway lol)… So here’s some thought provoking, feel good music for Friday. Check it out! :)



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

Alex Clare - Too Close

You know when you hear a song for the first time and within ten seconds of it you love it? Well that’s how it was for me with this song. I heard it on a commercial (maybe you have too) and all I really heard was the chorus but I was instantly thinking what song/who is that?!… The song comes from British singer-songwriter Alex Clare, who just released his debut album The Lateness of the Hour here in America. He uses slight dubstep influences in many of his songs, which I think is one reason “Too Close” really caught my ear. I’m not even gonna try and pretend I know much about dubstep music but the little I have heard I like. His music is also really heavy on base and drums (as evident in “Too Close” right from the beginning of the song) but he definitely knows how to make it work. Also, I think its Clare’s vocals that really help complete the package as far as ‘his’ sound goes. (He almost sounds like David Gray, but Clare has more of an edge and raspy quality to his voice)… I’ve said it countless times in other posts but I cant help but respect and admire artist who stick to doing music THEY like and don’t just go along with the mainstream. Alex Clare definitely does that.

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

Gotye - Learnalilgivinanlovin

“If you always tryna get to the top, you don’t get to the bottom of nothin”… If those lyrics were the only ones in this entire song, id be completely ok with it. And id also STILL be in love with the song… I did a post on Gotye a little over a month back but that song was from his latest album. This track comes from his first album Like Drawing Blood that was released back in 2006.  I’ve been trying to find all the music I can by him because I think he’s great and the music he creates and puts out is genius. While going through his last album this song stuck out to me, big-time!  When listening to the first couple of seconds, it sounds like something straight out the 60’s or early 70’s, with its elements of funk and early Rock&Roll. But the tambourines and trumpets in the chorus, combined with the percussions and powerhouse vocals from Gotye, almost give the song a gospel/churchy feel. One big thing I’ve noticed about all of Gotye’s songs is that he has a great message in all of them (I cant say enough how much I love  and appreciate artist that really talk about stuff in their music!) and this song is no exception. We could all “Learnalilgivinanlovin”!

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

Needtobreathe - Slumber

I love bands that don’t fit neatly into a nice little genre box. Seriously, they are the best. One minute you can be listening to an up tempo, rock out anthem and the next you’re being won over by a blues inspired, folk rock (think Mumford & Sons) ballad type masterpiece.  This is why I love Needtobreathe (no, I didn’t forget the spaces). The unique thing about this band (besides their lack of proper spacing) is that they can’t be labeled. Go ahead and try. You can’t find one genre label that perfectly describes them (although iTunes has definitely tried). They effortlessly flow from folk rock to more blues type, and even manage to throw some Christian rock in there too. Their best album (at least in my opinion) is The Outsiders, whose title track may be one of my favorite songs by them. They recently gained a lot of attention by opening for the Country Pop Princess herself, Taylor Swift. And, really, if her approval isn’t enough to convince you, I don’t know what is. Anyway, their latest album The Reckoning, doesn’t disappoint. Once again, Needtobreathe masters the surprise element, mixing up style and vocals with every new track. The breakout single, “Slumber” is amazing, not only in sound, but in lyrics. Its repetitive driving beat reinforces the main message of the song – don’t sleep your life away; go out and make something of it. The song is perfectly capped off with the main mantra, “Wake on up from your slumber/Open up your eyes.” Currently, the band is riding the stride of their success with their new tour, so definitely get out there and support them. Either way, I don’t think Needtobreathe will be disappearing any time soon. And on a related note, if anyone wants to take me to their show in D.C., I’m down with that. ;) - Lindsey