Young the Giant - Cough Syrup

I wasn’t to familiar with Young the Giant before I heard this song, but I’ve been listening to “Cough Syrup” for a few months now and I’m still not tired of it. I really love the guitar part they created that starts off the song (every now and then I find myself walking around humming it). But really it’s the melody in the chorus that’s the reason I can’t stop listening to this song over and over again. I just love it... I’ve previewed their album, and while there are other good stand out tracks on it, this is still by far my favorite of them all. Definitely give this song a listen and let me know what you think.

Cough Syrup by Young the Giant

You can purchase their album here. Find out more about them on their Facebook page.

Bibio - Lovers' Carvings

Here’s a quick feel good song for Friday... I found this song, “Lovers’ Carvings”, about a year ago while, again just going through iTunes looking for new music. It reminded me of something that might have come from The Beatles during the 60’s. The first part of the song starts off kind of low key with the strings from the guitar, but I think the arrangement is beautiful. All of that is just an intro to the really fun part of the song that kicks in at the 1:27 mark. It’s a complete change up from the first half of the song but somehow fits perfectly. Whenever I listen to this, for the 3:50 duration of it, I can’t help but feel like everything in life is going to be ok. It just has that calming, uplifting feel to it. It definitely puts a smile on my face. I hope it can do the same for you! Take a listen for yourself :)

You can purchase the song, or the rest of the album by Bibio, here. 

Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out

Every couple of months my best friend and me will get together and exchange/share music. And the last time we got together she gave me this song “Shake It Out” by Florence + The Machine, but I never really listened to it until I heard it playing one morning on VH1. It was hearing the line “its always darkest before the dawn” that first grabbed my attention (I think that line speak volumes and is brilliant enough to stand on its own). But after that the chorus comes in and pretty much demands your attention. I immediately stopped what I was doing just to finish listening to the song. From the keys, to the drums, to the one of a kind vocals by Florence Welch, this song has got it all in my opinion. Great anthem sound with the perfect lyrics to compliment it… Thank you Lindsey for introducing me to this amazing song!



You can purchase their album here. And find out more about them on Facebook.

Graffiti6 - Free

I first heard of Graffiti6 about 2 months ago when the video for their song “Free” was featured on aolmusic.com. I loved the song the instant I heard it, mainly because of its old school styling but ability to still sound current. The song is from their album “Colours” that was just released today. I listened to the entire album yesterday (you can hear it here) and I think their work is pretty genius. Graffiti6, which is made up of singer/songwriter Jamie Scott and producer Tommy D, have come up with a sound that’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before. Its like a blend of funk and pop, but with elements of blues and R&B rhythms infused all in one. It’s definitely different and outside of the box but that’s what I think makes it so good. Take a listen and hear for yourself.

Graffiti6- Free by MMMusic

You can purchase their album here. And be sure to check them out and like them on Facebook!

Adele - Set Fire To The Rain

Adele doesn’t need much of an intro. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year and a half, you’re well aware of her world domination. I’m choosing her song “Set Fire To The Rain” as my entry for today because, not only is it steadily climbing the charts, but it was my instant favorite from the album the first time I heard it. The melody and chord progression from the piano in the beginning immediately drew me in. But the power from the instrumental during the chorus really hooked me to the song for good. Not to mention the great lyrics. This song, to me, is the true definition of amazing music. It’s just the complete package... It’s currently #2 on the iTunes Top Singles Charts and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. And is looking (and I’m hoping) to be her 3^rd number 1 single. With her album “21” in its 16^th week at #1, two #1 singles already, and six nominations for the upcoming Grammys (which I’m pretty sure she’ll win every category), her world takeover doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. 

Adele- Set Fire To The Rain by MMMusic

Josiah Leming - One Last Song

I still remember seeing Josiah Leming’s first audition for Season 7 of American Idol. I couldn’t help but be drawn to him, as an artist, because whenever he would sing, it was so heartfelt and there was so much passion behind his performances. He didn’t make it into the top 24 but thankfully that didn’t stop him from pursuing his music. Fast-forward about 5 years and he’s released 2 EP’s and his debut album “Come On Kid” on major label Warner Bros. Records. I bought his album when it came out. I thought he did a really good job for it being his first full-length album. You could see he definitely has his own style and knows which direction musically he wants to go in. But the album didn’t perform well commercially and he was dropped from Warner Bros. in 2010. He just recently self-released his sophomore album “Another Life”, and while I don’t think its as good as his first album, he did have a few tracks that stood out to me. One in particular is the first single from the album “One Last Song”. To be self-taught, I think Josiah’s a great piano player and the piano lead in the song is beautiful. But I think its Leming’s edgy, almost raspy vocals that really make you fall in love with his music. Without even seeing him you hear the passion and honesty in his voice… I’m sure there’s lots more great music to come from him in the future. I think we’ve yet to see all he can do.


One Last Song by Josiah Leming


***His sophomore album "Another Life" is only available in the UK right now, but you can purchase the single "One Last Song" here. And also you can follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

SafetySuit - These Times

I’ve been a fan of SafetySuit since their debut single “Stay”, but I wasn’t to keen on their first album. The other tracks on it just didn’t seem to match the level of their first single. But after hearing the song “Let Go” for their follow up album “These Times”, I was once again excited for their new record. And this time around it wasn’t a let down. Working with guys like Ryan Tedder, (of One Republic) they were able to make, what i feel, is the first must-have record of 2012. You can see where Tedder had a good influence on the direction of the album, but at the same time, they were still able to remain themselves as a band, which I think makes the album so good. That, along with the incredible vocals and writing skills of front man Doug Brown, help make this a stand out album of the year, so far. He has a brilliant way of writing songs with not only great story lines but also uplifting messages.... I really hope they start playing more SafetySuit on the radio because these guys definitely deserve the airplay.

Here’s my quick review of each track from the album:

1. Believe – A strong opening to the album. The very powerful, almost anthemic, chorus really makes the song stand out and makes you stop and listen.
2. Get Around This – I wasn’t originally a fan of this song the first time I heard it on the radio but after listening to it on the album its pretty good. I really like the violins in the background.
3. Let Go – The first single from the album. Not really much to say, accept that I love it. Great work from Ryan Tedder, from the lyrics to the production.
4. Staring At It – This has SafetySuit's signature style, great vocal and a big stadium feel to it but its just not quite as good as other tracks on the album.
5. These Times – This is kind of their album’s “F**king Perfect” by P!nk, but SafetySuit style. It’s a beautiful song with a great message. Something we all need to hear at times.
6. Never Stop – This song delivers one of the best vocals by front man Doug Brown on the album. I think that’s really what makes the song so good. Along with the great lyrics… If this was slowed down or done acoustically, I think it would make a beautiful wedding song.
7. One Time – This track is my personal favorite from the album. I think it mainly has to do with the breakdown during the bridge. From the chord progression to, again, an amazing vocal by Doug Brown. The song is just incredible.
8. Crash – Probably my least favorite song on the album. Just sounds like a typical rock song to me.
9. Stranger – The chord progression in the chorus of this track is really what makes it stand out for me. I really like it and it just has a classic SafetySuit feel to it. Almost reminiscent of there song "Stay".
10.  Things To Say – This is a slight departure from the rest of the feel of the album but it’s not bad. If it was slowed down a bit it sounds more like something you’d hear from Keith Urban or Brad Paisley.
11. Life In The Pain – This song proves again the impeccable writing skills of Doug Brown. Its simply amazing. Great song and a great choice for ending the album.

Like them on Facebook and click here to purchase their album. 

Beyonce - Schoolin' Life

This song was released a couple of weeks ago. Its from the deluxe edition of Beyonce’s latest album “4”. Now I’m not a huge Beyonce fan but I must give credit where credit is due. I think her latest release is her best work to date and this song fits perfectly with the direction of the album. The production is stellar. I love the 80’s throwback vibe to the beat. The lyrics are catchy and sure to please her core fans. I definitely think it has the potential to be the top ten hit she’s yet to achieve from this album.  But I guess that all depends on if they release it as a single. Take a listen, comment and let me know what you think.

for King & Country - The EP

So, for my first entry I wanted to share with you the debut EP from a brother duo named ‘for King and Country’. Every now and then I’ll sit and go through iTunes searching for new music and the other day I came across these guys. It was there debut single “Busted Heart (Hold On To Me)” that first caught my attention. I’m very big on lyrics and music that not only has a great melody but a great message behind it. And that song definitely has both. Their entire EP is full of great songs with catchy melodies and well crafted lyrics. Definitely give these guys a listen!

Stand out track from the EP for me: “Light It Up”

If you like their EP you can click here and purchase it. 

Music Is What Feelings Sound Like

Introductions are always awkward, but I'll try to make this easier for you. If you haven't already guessed, my name is Caleb Hacker.  Let me start by saying that I love music.  Music is my passion, and I've been singing for practically my entire life. My music style is influenced by all types of music. From R&B, to Gospel, to Pop, I like it all, and try to incorporate a little of everything in my songs. Some of my favorite artists include Lauryn Hill, Erik Hassle, John Mayer, Brandy, CeCe Winans, Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, and Chris August. Music is my outlet - a way to release everything in my life - and I don't know what I'd do without it. 


So what do I hope to accomplish with this blog? Basically, it's just a place for me to get out all the random, jumbled thoughts I have about music. Sometimes you'll hear me recommend, rant, and review, but most of the time it will just be my thoughts about an artist or song. Basically whatever inspires me. 


Anyway, I hope you enjoy and follow! 


- Caleb 


"Life's too short to let it get you down"