The end of summer is upon us. As sad as it is, it does mean that decisions have to be made regarding my song of the summer. I've made up my mind as to one song and one runner up in two categories; contemporary songs, and Christian songs. You can find them at the bottom of my Top Ten list!
1. Maybe - Peter Kelly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vvplDFagEQ
I stumbled upon this song out of nowhere, and was immediately taken back by the raw emotion in the song. First, I love the piano work driving the song along. The lyrics are simple, but pure, and really touch a chord with me. The overall craftwork of the song and when each different piece is added is simply stunning. New top song for a reason!
2. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllXxyHTzfg
Ever wonder what true talent really is? Check out this song story: Peter Jackson, director of the Hobbit was searching for an artist/song for the end credits of the movie when his daughter suggested he ask Ed Sheeran. Sheeran immediately accepted, stating that the Hobbit was the first book he ever read. Watching the movie in the morning, Sheeran proceeded to write and record the song the same day. Not only the speed, but he also learnt a new instrument for the song; violin via overdubbing. Outstanding.
3. One - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix9NXVIbm2A
I think that Ed Sheeran is best when he is stuck with just a mic and a guitar. Stripping it all down, his raw emotion and power shines through when he is solo on the stage. This first track in his new album X is an amazing demonstration of that. Interesting fact about Ed Sheeran #1 - his musical career started around the age of 4, when he joined a church choir, and decided to learn the guitar.
4. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
One thing that has really struck me this month is how evenly talented Ed Sheeran is in every area of music! Everything he attempts to do, he completes! His singing prowess in this song is stunning. The slight changes from mellow to more piercing, the octave changes, the small additions of falsetto, they all truly make this song a masterpiece. Interesting fact about Ed Sheeran #2 - all of his guitars are named after people from his crew. He also uses the same guitar, a Little Martin LX1E.
5. Alive - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvEVALLjNQ
I've been searching for a song for a while now like this one. I've been surprised at the lack of Christian songs that are modelled around the electronic pop songs the seem to dominate contemporary charts today. This song was exactly what I was thinking would fill that market gap. I actually enjoy the song too, whereas most of the time it is really hit and miss for those same types of song from the contemporary side of things.
6. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
One of my favourite things about different songs are the different stories that they each have, whether it be why the author chose to write about that specific topic, or the inspiration for the idea of the song, or even a single line that bore the song to life. This song was written based off a fan email, one that told the band how their songs had inspired the emailer to have hope for the future, ultimately saving his life.
7. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
I've really been concentrating on the piano work for this song, and I'm amazed at how simple it is. Essentially, the same note is just repeated with some slight chord changes added in every once in a while. Sometimes that note is switched for a bar, or paired with a different note, but essentially the pattern is as follows - chord - note - note - note - repeat.
8. Live to Praise You - Lincoln Brewster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa2XEUnC29g
I'm so pumped that Lincoln Brewster's new album was released this month, titled Oxygen. This first song from the album is awesome! Upbeat, uplifting, and very unique! The signature guitar work still drives the song, but the beat is really cool as well, creating a swing kind of feel. The lyrics are also interesting, I noticed a few lyrics from Brewster's old songs.
9. Am I Wrong - Nico & Vinz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwHwxWroo70
Not sure what it is about this song that grabs my attention, but it is very catchy! The lyrics are well written, with a great meaning. The vocal talent is also not immediately the first thing that comes to mind, but after listening to this song over and over again, something that really strikes me as unique. Watching this guys perform live is pretty cool, they seem to really love their music which is awesome!
10. Supermassive Black Hole - Muse - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBb-J0hcBQA
This one is a little bit of an older song, but it's still got a great rocky feel. The heavily distorted guitar is not exactly my style, but I like the sound of it in this song. The singer's voice is also incredibly unique, with the only close match being Adam Levine. Again, a different, but still awesome song for the summer.
Contemporary
*Song of the Summer* - She Looks So Perfect - Five Seconds of Summer
*Runner-Up* - Am I Wrong - Nico & Vinz
Christian
*Song of the Summer* - Say Hello - Sky Terminal
*Runner-Up* - Alive - Hillsong Young and Free
Friday 29 August 2014
Tuesday 26 August 2014
The City Harmonic's Heart Album Review
Rating: 7.5/10
Website: http://thecityharmonic.com
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heart/id686774233
One of Christian music's hottest upcoming artists, The City Harmonic's sophomore album Heart continues with the band's fast paced development. Still thriving off the band's signature piano work, the album fluctuates with piercing pop guitar riffs, booming bass lines, inspired lyrics, and unique vocal work. Lead singer Elias Dummer continues to mature in his vocal talent, and band leadership, captaining his Juno award winning band to a very successful second record.
The album is chalk full of anthem pop songs, worship cries, and upbeat enjoyable songs. While missing a hit single like Holy (Wedding Day) from the band's first album I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home), The City Harmonic has ensured that their overall songs have drastically improved. Each song provides a quality that perhaps the first album was missing overall. Perhaps the greatest thing about this album is that the band has not ventured away from their roots, rather just developed their sound that made them so successful the first time round.
Heart is a must have for a few reasons. First, support for local bands such as The City Harmonic from Kitchener Ontario is always welcome. The inspiring tale of the band is only made greater in the fact that they are a Christian band sticking strictly to worship tracks. Having a local Christian band strive to bring their music to the world provides for a perfect role model for young musical believers. Finally, the development of this band cannot be ignored. This track represents a group of young men pouring every effort into their music. Truly, the album rewards this effort, and provides for an excellent listen.
Website: http://thecityharmonic.com
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heart/id686774233
One of Christian music's hottest upcoming artists, The City Harmonic's sophomore album Heart continues with the band's fast paced development. Still thriving off the band's signature piano work, the album fluctuates with piercing pop guitar riffs, booming bass lines, inspired lyrics, and unique vocal work. Lead singer Elias Dummer continues to mature in his vocal talent, and band leadership, captaining his Juno award winning band to a very successful second record.
The album is chalk full of anthem pop songs, worship cries, and upbeat enjoyable songs. While missing a hit single like Holy (Wedding Day) from the band's first album I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home), The City Harmonic has ensured that their overall songs have drastically improved. Each song provides a quality that perhaps the first album was missing overall. Perhaps the greatest thing about this album is that the band has not ventured away from their roots, rather just developed their sound that made them so successful the first time round.
Heart is a must have for a few reasons. First, support for local bands such as The City Harmonic from Kitchener Ontario is always welcome. The inspiring tale of the band is only made greater in the fact that they are a Christian band sticking strictly to worship tracks. Having a local Christian band strive to bring their music to the world provides for a perfect role model for young musical believers. Finally, the development of this band cannot be ignored. This track represents a group of young men pouring every effort into their music. Truly, the album rewards this effort, and provides for an excellent listen.
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