January tends to be a slow month for new musical releases. Because of that, I've reached into the vault for some of the songs that I was unable to include for any months in 2014. However, some of these songs are also upcoming singles that have a lot of potential, especially some of the Christian material.
1. Time After Time - Eva Cassidy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWvPOJOYqGA
This is an older song, and a cover song, but amazing! I love these acoustic style songs, as they are true marks of musical skill. The ability to cover a song in this way, completely re-creating it into a new song, is also extremely skillful, and demands respect.
2. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzo-EL_62fQ
One of the hidden talents of lead singer Ryan Tedder from the band One Republic is his songwriting skills. The past few seasons of The Voice, he has worked closely with the show producing songs for the competitors, and he has written for Jennifer Lopez and Natasha Bedingfield, as well as for his own band. Still, I was surprised to hear that he wrote this song as well, partnering with Jesse McCartney to finish the song. Apparently, he was inspired by his new marriage to his wife, and the way he felt opening up to her.
3. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
I've been playing around on guitar with this song for a while now, and surprising fact; it works in almost every key! The way Sheeran crafted the chord transitions together seemingly can't sound bad, no matter what key you play it in! Stay tuned for my cover of the song which will be coming soon on my new YouTube page!
4. Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6oxXwRWFTo
So far this is my top worship song of the year (although only being a month in!). The idea behind the song is extremely unique. Most times with songs, they all are about the same topics with just different perspectives or spins. This song takes a topic that isn't commonly sung about, and opens it up for the listener to hear about and in turn, think about, and hopefully internalize.
5. You Are My Fire - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBgxGyUlfSk
Another song from Sky Terminal's 2014 album We Are One! This one is slightly more upbeat, and is a simple song. Most of the lyrics are just repeated time after time, but I find that the lead singer's voice meshes in with the instruments extremely well. I've found that this is generally true for almost all Sky Terminal songs. If you haven't checked them out yet, give this song a listen!
6. Life of the Party - Shawn Mendes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fcTCMWx2-s
Shawn Mendes has huge potential to become the next great music star. I've heard a lot about how Ariana Grande will claim Beyonce's crown soon, but I can't really think of who Shawn Mendes will be replacing! Maybe Elton John? Although, Mendes seems to have some additional skill sets, the core components of piano playing and songwriting are there.
7. Like a Lion - David Crowder Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO3ukzt-QHs
This song may be the most covered of the modern era of praise and worship songs. Originally written by Daniel Bashta, Like a Lion has already been covered by huge names such as Passion Band, Newsboys, and of course, David Crowder. While a lot of the other versions are starting to grow on me, David Crowder's cover remains my favourite. The way he animates each word is an unheard of vocal skill.
8. Rather Be - Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-M1AtrxztU
This is just a weird song, and the music video is even weirder. Relying on quick harsh interchanges between notes, the song has a kind of dance beat to it, while also utilizing orchestra strings and pianos, and electronic sounds. The combinations and rhythm patterns are crazy unique!
9. Mountaintop - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUYAqH2yRqQ
This was another amazing song to listen to live. To be honest, I feel that The City Harmonic's first album, I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home) contains a lot more hits then their new one Take Heart. I do feel The City Harmonic are progressing as a band, but their first album is a lot better then their second one.
10. Sugar - Maroon 5 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09R8_2nJtjg
I stumbled upon this song from the music video for it, where the band travels around LA and crashes weddings. Maroon 5 is an extremely talented band that seems to really enjoy their music, and spreading it to as many people as they can. Granted, they also have Adam Levine, definitely one of the most talented male vocalists and rock icons in the industry today. His voice is incredibly unique.
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