Last month for Top Ten Song lists for 2014. It's also really the last time of the year to play holiday songs. So, Christmas songs dominate my Top Ten list once again, but a few contemporary songs have also managed to maintain their hold for the month.
1. Hands - Paul Brandt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDpS5lQQLyQ
I've really been focusing on what our attitude should be going into Christmas. This song sums it up perfectly. The telling of the story makes us remember that the birth of Jesus was only the beginning. The time of Christmas is meant to celebrate the birth of Christ, but also his life and ultimate sacrifice for us.
2. Life of the Party - Shawn Mendes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fcTCMWx2-s
Closing out the year close to the top. Again, I think it is between this song and Say Something for the top song of the year, and it's going to be extremely close, because the songs are extremely similar. I was surprised to learn that Shawn Mendes is Canadian, and is only 16!
3. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzo-EL_62fQ
This song was actually extremely close to taking over the top spot for this month. I rate this song very highly, mainly because it seems to be perfect. The intro is amazing, the dynamics are smooth, and the vocals fit in with the instruments impeccably. I haven't heard many covers of this song, but I don't think many could pull it off. This is simply Leona Lewis' song; it's perfect for her vocals.
4. Miraculum - Lincoln Brewster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeUb0o0EXP0
While listening to a lot of Christmas songs this season, I found one common theme which perhaps is why I like Christmas songs so much. A lot of the most popular holiday songs are extremely theatrical. They all attempt to have a mysterious entry, and a climax in the middle, and finally an emotional ending. Miraculum follows that pattern, and completes the cycle perfectly.
5. Hanukkah Blessings - Barenaked Ladies - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spq-2-rhCME
While I may not completely agree with the religion that this song celebrates, it cannot be denied that this song is extremely beautiful. I love almost every aspect of the song! Singing in the Hebrew language seems to add another dimension of emotions for the singer, and you can hear it in his voice. A very pretty holiday song.
6. O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night - Trans Siberian Orchestra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcMe551smvs
Every year I have a certain memory from Christmas that sticks out more so then any other. For me this year, I have no doubt that memory will be Christmas Eve, when I performed this song with some friends. I put a lot of work into the guitar solos for the song, and to pull it off left an amazing feeling that stayed with me throughout the holidays. I live for performances such as the one that night.
7. The Christmas Song - Clay Aiken - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JYa0atZM4g
I'm amazed that Clay Aiken didn't win American Idol, but instead finished runner-up. This song demonstrates his vocal power, and his control over that power, perfectly. During the intimate moments of the song, he reins in his full range, but then he can release into full strength for the powerful moments. That is true vocal skill.
8. Tumbling After - Starfield - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNSfVQjxLdo
Listening to this song over the month, I was struck by how amateur the song actually sounds. Coming from one of the first Starfield albums, the recording is only of decent quality, and the vocals particularly aren't as good as many other Starfield songs. However, I think this is a part of the song's appeal. It's almost as if you are listening to the song live in your garage or at a cafe.
9. Silent Night - Casting Crowns - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FlKC2DQvo4
Mark Hall, the lead singer for Casting Crowns, has one of the most recognizable voices ever. It slots in perfectly with most Christmas carols! This one is the most special for me, because of the harmonies that dominate throughout the song. It is extremely difficult to pull off a decent sounding harmony, but when it is done, it adds another dimension to a song that takes it to the next level.
10. Messengers - Lecrae feat. for King & Country - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxW3stJHdJk
I'm surprised that a hip hop/rap song has stayed on my top ten list for two straight months! Granted it has only occupied my last spot, but normally I don't ever listen to this style of music. I really like this song though, especially the groove that it has. It's really easy for me to get into the mood of the song, whereas with other similar songs, I immediately shut off.
No comments:
Post a Comment