February is commonly the month for love songs and ballads. While I have included a few of those in my top ten list for the month, I've also stuck with some persisting hits, and brought in some songs that may not follow the theme of love. Still, this is a strong list!
1. Sugar - Maroon 5 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09R8_2nJtjg
This song claims the top spot for the month, not because of the love theme, but because of how musically amazing it is. The groove to the song is extremely unique, matching Adam Levine's vocals. I'm not sure if I've ever heard him sing a bad song before! The sound of his voice matches the sound of the song perfectly, really creating the pop groove to the song.
2. My Lighthouse - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPtIv2lnkTY
I've never really thought of this song as a traditional Sunday morning worship tune, but I was proved wrong by Word of Life Bible Institute and their worship band. They pulled it off in a worship session perfectly, and now I see the song in a new light. Rend Collective is truly an unique band, and the spin they are putting on worship tunes is extremely refreshing.
3. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzo-EL_62fQ
Another love themed song! Again, I didn't place it this high simply because it is Valentine themed, but rather because it is an amazing song. I find that the artists that had to work the hardest to get where they are always come out with the best material. Lewis for example worked as a receptionist and a Pizza Hut waitress to fund her studio time, before realizing that her demos were getting no where. She then decided to audition for X Factor, and the rest is history.
4. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
You just can't knock this song off of my playlists right now. It seems American/Canadian Radio is also picking up on the song, as it dominates the second spot on the Billboard Hot 100 right now, and is continually being played. I really like the fact that this is classic, good old, original, real music. It consists of good vocals, a catchy guitar lick, and some drums/bass to add a groove. None of that electronic, synthesized stuff that many pop songs are relying upon so heavily today.
5. Hideaway - Kiesza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D70UT2wUnoM
Hugely being overplayed right now, this is song can get extremely annoying, yet at the same time it is a good song. It's catchy, has a good beat, strong vocals, and has the dynamics to motivate, or inspire people. These are my favourite songs. That special dynamic is hard to come by. There is a reason why almost every sporting event will play this song during the pre-game; to pump up their players.
6. Fix You - Coldplay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4V3Mo61fJM
In my opinion, this song would not be a hit if not for the electrifying guitar riff midway through the song. The sound from that guitar is incredibly difficult to duplicate. There seems to be a hint of delay in there, but not enough to mask the well rounded distortion that covers the note picking. The actual notes are simple enough to figure out, but the recreation of the sound takes work.
7. Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6oxXwRWFTo
One of the things I struggle the most with as a musician is timing. When I hear songs, and finger picking in times such as 6/8 like this song, I automatically revere the song so much more. You can't really hear it in this song until you listen really closely. 6/8 usually produces a swing kind of feel, but this song maintains the head sway movement. Sounds silly, but there really is a difference!
8. Piano Man - Colton Dixon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAJcv3F6zyM
A cover of the original song, Colton Dixon's version is fabulous. He originally did a part of it on American Idol, and won over the crowd and the judges with his rendition. The opening piano riff is my favourite part of the whole song. I love when instruments get a chance to shine, without anything else distracting from the talent of playing key pieces such as that intro.
9. Superman (It's Not Easy) - Five for Fighting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRz4FY0ZcwI
Again a piano driven song. This one is another older classic song. I've always loved the song, and for a reason that is very similar to Piano Man. The opening piano riff is special, unique, and easily recognizable. It's also an amazing song to jam with, whether on the piano, the guitar, or even vocals. This song is definitely one of my all time favourites.
10. You Are My Fire - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBgxGyUlfSk
Sky Terminal's new album We are One won the GMA Rock Album of the Year 3 months ago! They can add this award to the Juno Nomination for Don't Close Your Eyes from 2011. This band clearly has a lot of potential, and it will be extremely exciting to see them progress in the coming years. They are heading out on tour later this year, and I can't wait to see them perform live!
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