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!