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

Jennifer Hudson & Ne-yo - Think Like A Man

I heard this song playing the other day and I decided to really give it a listen because id already heard Jennifer Hudson and Ne-yo perform it live but wasn’t to impressed. About half way through it I was surprised at how good the song actually is. Anyone who knows of Jennifer Hudson (which is pretty much the world) knows she has one of the most iconic voices of this generation and when I was listening to the song I was just kind of taken back by how the song isn’t a ballad but she still delivers so much power with every note she sings. Ne-yo also delivers a flawless vocal performance on this track as well. The beat is nice. The keys and base flow perfectly with the percussions. The only thing in the song I could do without is the rap by Rick Ross. The song has a classic R&B feel to it and I don’t think it needs a rap part at all (I really don’t like that artist nowadays feel like every R&B track needs a rap part in it smh). But its alright I just fast forward that part lol... Also in reference to the lyrics in Ne-yo’s verse, not all guys are like that. And women you shouldn’t settle for a guy like that!!... Other than that it’s a solid track. Check it out!!



You can purchase this song here.

Frank Ocean - Swim Good

Frank Ocean has been on pretty much every and any ‘Artist To Look Out For In 2012’ list there is. He has a vibe and style that’s all his own and that really sets him apart from other male singers out now. What really stands out for me about him is his voice. It has a soulful, grittiness to it that’s really distinct. Whatever song he’s on you’re gonna know it’s him singing right away... I first heard about him when I was asked to do a cover of his version of the song “Strawberry Swing” (You can check it out here). Through hearing that song by him, I ended up hearing “Swim Good” and it’s definitely my favorite track by him that I’ve heard so far. From the organs that start the song off, to the keys and base in the chorus the song is just nice. It has a calming/chill feel to it that’s also almost haunting… Definitely expect to hear more from his soon. I feel there’s a lot of good music to come from him in the future.

Be sure to check him out on Facebook and Twitter.

M83 - Midnight City

This is the first song I admit I like purely because of the music (not that there’s much lyrics in the song anyway)... I first heard a few seconds of it on a TV commercial and not long after that I heard it playing on satellite radio. I haven’t heard a song this EPIC since “There Is Still Hope” by The Sound of Arrows (you can check out that song here. It’s a masterpiece), but from beginning to end this song demands your attention. It starts off light with soft-layered keys but at the 16-second mark they’re joined by power driven synths and hard-hitting stadium style drums (if you listen to the drums specifically, they’re almost reminiscent of a 80’s style beat). But its not until the 3:00 mark that the song takes on a whole new life because of the addition of an out of this world sax solo (that solo is a big reason I think this song is so good)… Music like this inspires me! Check it out!



You can purchase the song here. And be sure to follow/like M83 on Facebook and Twitter.

for King & Country - Crave (Track-By-Track Review)

Luke and Joel Smallbone, better known as for King & Country, not to long ago just released their debut album and I can honestly say it was everything I was hoping for and more. Every song has an amazing message and there’s not one song on the album that I would consider a ‘filler’… Their song “Light It Up” was the first post I ever made for my blog, back in January, but at that time they had only released their self-titled EP. But now that the album is out I just thought id give my quick track-by-track review of it…

1. Light It Up – A really great, high-energy start to the album. I loved this track already from the EP but after hearing their reason behind writing it (You can check that out here), I started liking it even more...
2. The Proof Of Your Love  - This track is a perfect example of why I say every song has an amazing message. “If I sing but don’t have love, I waste my breath with every song… So let my life be the proof… of Your love”. Those lyrics speak volumes and it’s exactly how I feel and what I try to keep in mind every time I sing. That God can use me to be a blessing to others.
3. Missing - The melody from the keys and the guitar in the beginning of this track are almost haunting but flow perfectly with the content of the lyrics.
4. Busted Heart (Hold On To Me) – This was the first song I ever heard by them and the initial reason I started looking to find more music by them. It’s just another example of a great song with a great message. 
5. People Change – this track is one of my favorites from the album. The chords and the melody they used for it are beautiful, and the violins add a really nice touch to it overall.
6. Middle Of Your Heart – Again, I really love the melody in this track. It has a really big chorus that has that stadium feel to it. With a full band backing them, this song will definitely get the crowd going. 
7. Love’s To Blame – When I first got their EP this song was pretty much at a tie with “Light It Up” for my favorite song by them, and now even after hearing the entire album its STILL one of my favorites. I’d definitely consider it the albums "power ballad"
8. Fine Fine Life – Aside from helping put things/life in perspective for you. When I hear this, it just makes me want to go driving with the windows down, blasting it… “It’s a fine, fine life!” 
9. Sane – Another mid-tempo track with a nice lyrical story line. I really like the breakdown at the bridge and Luke’s falsetto in this song is amazing.
10. Pushing On A Pull Door – I really like the song arrangement. It’s just the right follow up to “Sane”.
11. Crave – I think this was a perfect pick to end the album. The brothers’ vocals, the piano, the light guitar strings and very low-key drums nicely bring the album to a close.

I think Crave is a great debut album and definitely worth the time to give it a listen. Definitely check these guys out! 

You can purchase the album here. And be sure to like/follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

John Mayer - Shadow Days

“Shadow Days” is John Mayer’s new single that was just released last Tuesday. I’m a big fan of his so I was really excited about this release, and the new song didn’t disappoint. It’s classic John Mayer style, from the guitars, to the bluesy soulful feel of the song, and on top of that I love the lyrics. I’m really big on what story a song is telling, so I was interested to see what John was going to come up with on this new track, but he aced it as always… I can’t wait for the new album Born and Raised and I’m definitely wishing him a speedy recovery with his throat surgery and treatment!

You can purchase the new single here.

The Script - If You Ever Come Back

I’ve been a fan of The Script since their single ‘The Man Who Cant Be Moved’ and since then they’ve continued to get better with every song they’ve released. Their latest single “If You Ever Come Back” had to grow on me, but it’s quickly become one of my favorite songs at the moment. I love how they always have a nice guitar solo in the beginning of their songs. The pattern and melody they come up with is just beautiful, and the way they paint pictures and tell stories with their lyrics, I think puts them in a league of their own. “If You Ever Come Back” is no exception to that. The lyrics go beyond telling just a story about a guy trying to get his girlfriend back, but could even extend to a mother asking their child to come back home (much of which is seen in the music video for the song)… Overall, from beginning to end, it’s another great song by The Script. Take a listen!



You can purchase the song here. And check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Shawn McDonald - The Space Between Us

When I first previewed Shawn McDonald’s latest release Closer and heard this song, it instantly became my favorite track from the album…  Just getting straight to the point, the lyrics in this song are what I love most. The music and Shawn’s voice do a flawless job of bringing every word of this song to life, but it’s the words themselves that make this track one of my all time favorite songs. A song with not only a beautiful melody but also an even more beautiful message… I’m a big Shawn McDonald fan so I’m thankful to him for writing such an amazing song. It’s been a huge blessing to me and I hope it can be for you too….

P.S. - I just recently did a cover of this song (you can see it here) and Shawn, himself, actually saw my cover and tweeted me and told me he loved it, so I was REALLY happy about that (I was literally jumping up and down like I was crazy haha)…. Anyway hope you like the song!

You can purchase that song and the rest of his album here. And be sure to check him out on Facebook and Twitter.

fun. - Carry On

I hate when I’m wrong. So much so, that I rarely, if ever, will actually admit it. Take notice … I was wrong. When my bffff (the extra f’s don’t mean anything but I like to add them anyway) told me to listen to fun. (no, that’s not a typo – it’s how they spell it) I was not overly excited about their music. There was only one song out of 15 that I could stand to listen to. One song turned to 2 which turned 5 which turned to 7. Fast forward 7 months later and I’m staring at iTunes waiting for their 2^nd album to be released. So yes, I was wrong and fun. is good. Really good. Some Nights, which was released two weeks ago, is a rare exception where the sophomore album outshines the debut. It contains a great mix of infectious upbeat “popish” songs and slower, more alternative style ballads. fun. excels at combining really random unique sounds and making them blend together to create their half pop/half alternative style. The lead singer, Nate Ruess, has an incredible vocal range that stretches up into those high falsetto notes most artists use autotune for (P.S. Go listen to their acoustic sessions on youtube if you don’t believe those notes are real). Obviously, the breakout single from this album is “We Are Young,” an anthem made famous by Glee, but there are plenty of other songs that could be potential hit singles. My top 3 would have to be “Carry On,” “Out On The Town,” and the title track “Some Nights.” “Carry On” might have the edge just because the lyrics are awesome. Seriously, the line “May your past be the sound of your feet on the ground/Carry on” … pure lyrical genius right there. Combine the lyrics with the beautiful piano intro at the beginning and the closing beat and fun. has themselves one heck of a song. So take home lesson is don’t judge music based on your first encounter with it. Give it time and you might find something you would regret not listening to. Oh, and I guess listen to your friend’s suggestion.  Carry on. - Lindsey

Mary J. Blige - Ain't Nobody

I almost feel bad saying this is my favorite song from Mary’s latest album My Life II... The Journey Continues considering this is a cover song. Because while she does have other tracks on her album that I REALLY like, I still have to admit this is by far my favorite… The original version of the song by Chaka Khan is a classic in and of itself but the production on this new version by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins is just excellent. It still captures all the elements of the original but the synths and strong percussions put a fresh take on the song, and (in my opinion) gives it a sound that not only stands out but is just as worthy to be played along with anything else on the radio right now. And of course Mary’s soulful, signature vocals do nothing short of elevating the song to the next level… With Jerkin’s production and Mary’s vocals combined with the brilliant lyrics, there’s a reason this song has been able to stand the test of time.



You can purchase this song and the rest of the album here. And find out more about her on Facebook and Twitter.