Wednesday, 28 May 2014

Top Ten Songs for May

Without any schoolwork during the month of May, I was able to enjoy listening to and playing a music more so than previous months. Again, my top ten list stays the same for the most part, with only a few new additions.

1. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
I was doing a little more research into Sky Terminal, as I've never heard of them before this song, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that this is another hometown band! Hailing from Toronto, the lead singer Marcel Preston originally attempted to become famous as a solo artist. His project took on a new shape when Mike Crofts and Matt Stride jumped on board. In two years of existence, the band has already released two albums, shared the stage with huge bands such as Thousand Foot Krutch, and been nominated in the Juno Awards for album of the year.

2. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
A Great Big World is on tour!! Actually, their tour begins June 1st, and they come to Toronto June 24th. The only reason why I would go see them live would be for the performance of this song. Although their album does have a few good songs, they are not show stoppers like Say Something.

3. King of Wonders - Matt Redman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp9yQt59gYc
Another worship song that has been one of my favourites for a while, but only graces my list now. This isn't a very popular worship song, but it can definitely have a huge impact when it is chosen for a set. I may be biased as a guitar player, but I personally think that the little riff during the intro that is repeated throughout the song really provides something special (even when it is played on piano).

4. Close to Your Heart - The Glorious Unseen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFvTofjPqco
One of my all time favourite songs, this record finally made a spot in my top ten list. I'm surprised this song isn't used more in church settings, or even retreats. In fact, I've never heard it being used ever! I'm thinking this would be the perfect song either before, during, or after communion.

5. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
Have you heard? Jesus Culture is releasing a new album June 3rd! Titled Unstoppable Love, all songs were recorded live during the Encounter Conference in California. The album features Chris Quilala (one of my favourite male singers) and Kim Walker-Smith (one of the most talented female singers in the world). The album contains 12 new songs, and is partnered with a BluRay disc containing recordings of 13 songs live, as well as Banning Liebscher's concluding message from the conference "Answering the Call to Prayer." Sounds like it is going to be awesome!

6. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
Win Free City Harmonic tickets for life! Each month of 2014, the band are giving away a pair of lifetime tickets. All you have to do is sign-up for the mailing list here. Also, if you use the hashtag #TIX4LIFE you could win extra prizes like posters, shirts, and even autographed music!

7. Great are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qUOHjnDIFs
Following up their amazing album Live (which contained Great are You Lord), this month All Sons and Daughters released their self titled studio album. The reviews continue to be great, with everyone singing the praises of this band that continues to mature their sound. Possibly even cooler than the new album release is the news that All Sons and Daughters will be touring with David Crowder in October and November!

8. Thrive - Casting Crowns - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ71RWJhS_M
This song was introduced to me by one of my church's worship leaders, when we played it during a Sunday service. It has a great folky feel, and is really driven by the acoustic guitar. It's an easily recognizable song, and very catchy too!

9. Stay the Night - Zedd feat. Hayley Williams - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ln-JJ3YiIk
Thriving in the music industry in recent years, 24 year old Zedd is a very talented producer and DJ. Surprisingly, he comes from a classical music family, playing piano and drums since the age of 4. In 2009, he embarked on his electronic music journey. Zedd originally started with remixes, and after earning much interest from the industry scene, he began releasing original music. Zedd's real name is Anton Zaslavski.

10. White Horse - Taylor Swift - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COkBcfDfYls
Although I am not a huge fan of Taylor Swift, especially her new image and music, I really like this one song. It's a simple acoustic song, and showcases Swift's talent at songwriting, and conveying meaning through her singing. I find that when Swift composes songs that are simpler, and more down to earth, she can create magic (i.e. this song, Ronan, Love Story).

No comments:

Post a Comment