Top Ten Songs for June

Time to start looking for the song of the summer, as many people like to call it! What song will be the hit on radio stations across the country this year?

1. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
Back to the top spot! This song is looking more and more sure of being my song of the year. Is it my song of the summer already? I don't think so, as Say Something isn't the normal upbeat, pop tune that compromises that song of the summer title the majority of the time.

2. Heart Starts Beating - Tim Neufeld - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRYcoMyHPHE
A new addition to the list! This song was first introduced to me a while back when worship artist Luke Langman (see number 5 for a song from him) played it in front of our church in an acoustic setting. I didn't hear it again, or even think of it until my brothers and sister came back from Pitch 'n' Praise, a youth retreat over the May long weekend. Tim Neufeld and his new project The Glory Boys were there leading worship, and this is one of the songs of Tim's new album Trees! Excellent song with a very folky feel.

3. This is the Life - Two Door Cinema Club - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paHH9udAmAg
Currently, this is my song for the summer. It is an older song, released in the soundtrack for the major motion picture Soul Surfer, but no new songs have really caught my attention yet. This is a great, unique, upbeat song to blast as you are cruising in your car with the windows down!

4. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
This is another band that I'd like to see live. The best part is that they are pure musicians, sticking strictly to the original instruments, guitar, drums, and vocals. A simple band, but very talented. The singer is pretty awesome too, with a unique timbre, decent range, and incredible phrasing technique.

5. Joy - Luke Langman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJWC0_bnQV4
New release from another local artist! A master at worship music, this is Luke's fourth album, released this month June 20th. This song is the headliner from the album, an excellent uplifting tune. Excited to say that my family was part of the official music video! You should be able to see a quick glimpse of us within the first few seconds. Click on the YouTube link to check out the video! It's a really cool video idea, and it turned out really well!

6. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
I'm so excited for the new album from Ed Sheeran, titled X. As I stated in an earlier month, I think this is one of the most talented artists in the world right now, if not the best. While I haven't purchased the album yet, from the singles released, a glimpse of the varying styles and songs is displayed. It should make for a very exciting album. The full album release was June 23.

7. King of Wonders - Matt Redman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp9yQt59gYc
For me, one of the telling signs of a great worship song is when it is easily adapted to common worship leaders. Each time I hear this song sung by someone different than Matt Redman, it reminds me of why I like the song. The different versions keep it current, and fresh in my mind.

8. Close to Your Heart - The Glorious Unseen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFvTofjPqco
While singer Ben Crist's voice doesn't necessarily convey easily recognizable emotion through every song he sings, I always hear it in this song. Again, it's one of my favourite worship songs because of how easy it is for me to slip into that special spirit every time I listen to it. Only a few select songs can get to me like that.

9. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
I had the amazing experience of leading this song on Sunday morning for church, alongside my other family members. The response that this song has the potential of producing is truly awe inspiring. The song is limitless in the amount of ways you can bend it to cater to different people in order to draw them into the Spirit of Worship. Truly a blessed song from an God inspired band.

10. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
Summer is not only a time for specific songs to make their mark, it's also a time of attending concerts! Top of my list is this group! Unfortunately, it looks like I'll have to wait until at least September to get to go to one of their concerts. Still, the September one looks like it is at the Air Canada Centre. That is going to be an awesome experience!

I Love You

Check out my first SoundCloud original! Titled I Love You, this song talks about the greatness of God, and what response that generates. Aiming to be dynamic and emotion charged, the song is an anthem worship tune.

Let me know what you think about it!

https://soundcloud.com/jesse-ramson-1/i-love-you