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.
Tuesday 27 January 2015
Friday 2 January 2015
Year Review/Preview
For my first year as a blogger, I've been pleasantly surprised with the results for Delayed Distortion. Over the course of the year, I've managed to obtain just over 700 total views, which is a strong number for a rookie start. The site has expanded to include Sponsored Sites and Booking Arrangements. I've been able to rate songs every month, and have also concentrated on posting some reviews of my favourite albums.
Going into this project, I was merely testing out what I could do with a music themed blog. Because of the initial success of Delayed Distortion, I have decided to continue working with the site for the upcoming year. My main focus will continue to be monthly top ten songs, but I'm also going to try working on some other posts as well.
I want to continue to develop my album reviews, posting more, and of a wider variety. I also want to begin to include reviews of artists, of singles, and of music videos.
One area I did not work on this year at all was my musical equipment review section. For next year, I'm going to attempt to develop this area. However, the reviews will be restricted mainly to software, recording hardware, and of course all things guitar related.
The area I want to add to Delayed Distortion the most is music news. This will include news of artists and what they are working on, musical developments in the industry, possible new albums, or concerts, and new musical equipment news.
I'm really enjoying this blog so far, and I hope 2015 brings even greater results, and allows for a professional aspect of music perspective to be developed.
Going into this project, I was merely testing out what I could do with a music themed blog. Because of the initial success of Delayed Distortion, I have decided to continue working with the site for the upcoming year. My main focus will continue to be monthly top ten songs, but I'm also going to try working on some other posts as well.
I want to continue to develop my album reviews, posting more, and of a wider variety. I also want to begin to include reviews of artists, of singles, and of music videos.
One area I did not work on this year at all was my musical equipment review section. For next year, I'm going to attempt to develop this area. However, the reviews will be restricted mainly to software, recording hardware, and of course all things guitar related.
The area I want to add to Delayed Distortion the most is music news. This will include news of artists and what they are working on, musical developments in the industry, possible new albums, or concerts, and new musical equipment news.
I'm really enjoying this blog so far, and I hope 2015 brings even greater results, and allows for a professional aspect of music perspective to be developed.
Thursday 1 January 2015
Top Ten Songs of 2014
2014 seemed to be a year that was dominated by pop female vocalists. With songs like Anaconda, All About that Bass, and Problem, the charts were dominated with few males arriving on the scene. However, in my top ten list for 2014, males dominate with their new releases. Perhaps it's because the music from the males seemed to be a lot more serious than the females and their marketing techniques.
1. Life of the Party - Shawn Mendes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fcTCMWx2-s
Life of the Party pulled out inches ahead of Say Something to claim my top spot for 2014. Although being extremely similar to Say Something, Life of the Party held a more motivational message for me, and was the more inspiring song. Ultimately, this was the swaying factor that favoured Shawn Mendes' song to come in first.
2. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
This song could have claimed the top spot if it had been released closer to the end of the year. Over the course of the year, it lost its special appeal. However, it remains an amazing song. The harmonies are spot on, the piano work is simply inspiring, and the passion behind the song is unrivalled. Definitely a top song for the year.
3. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Coming out of 2014, I can safely say that Ed Sheeran is my favourite musical artist. I believe I can also say that he is the most talented musician alive right now. His understanding of the guitar and how it can create a song is amazing. His vocal improvement can easily be seen, and all of a sudden, he has crafted himself into a musical genius. I expect for Sheeran to be around for a very long time.
4. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
The top Christian release of the year for me. The song could also be played on contemporary radios, but maintains its Christian message. Truly an inspirational song, and the best that Sky Terminal has to offer thus far. This song now has me hooked on the band, and I hope they can continue their upward development.
5. Stay with Me - Sam Smith - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA
Definitely one of the top if not the greatest breakout artist of this year, Sam Smith has a gem in Stay with Me. The song has introduced him to the world, with his soulful vocals a wonder in the industry today. The big question for him is can he duplicate this song's success next year?
6. One - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix9NXVIbm2A
Another new release from Sheeran's album X, or Multiply, has to make the summer release album the best of the year. Again, it shows the diversity of Sheeran's skill, from dabbling in hiphop to returning to his famed ballad style. On stage with his guitar and a mic, Sheeran can make magic. Goes to show that all the tricks and fancy displays that many artists use today aren't the only things that can provide a good show; pure talent is enough to draw people in too.
7. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
The next three songs are by no means new releases, but they still crack my top ten list for 2014, as they are amazing songs. While The City Harmonic did come out with a new album in 2014, titled Heart, nothing can rival the pure star power of Holy.
8. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllXxyHTzfg
Again, not a new release, in fact the final movie to the Hobbit series was released this year, but this song was from the second one. Most times I don't like movie soundtracks, but this was one song that I had to have. Perfectly structured for the Hobbit series, it displays a new asset to Ed Sheeran's skill set; songwriting.
9. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
This song is a perfect example of where I can see worship music heading in the next few years. Passionate, free singing driven by emotional instruments that aim to inspire and motivate. The lyrics are fairly simple, and the song relies on a lot of repetition. It leaves room for the Spirit to move though, and forces worshippers to rely on God for the right words.
10. Alive - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvEVALLjNQ
The emergence of Hillsong Young and Free into the Christian music industry fills a void that has been missing for many years. This song displays the potential of this style of music to take Hillsong and Christian music to a new level, or to new places.
1. Life of the Party - Shawn Mendes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fcTCMWx2-s
Life of the Party pulled out inches ahead of Say Something to claim my top spot for 2014. Although being extremely similar to Say Something, Life of the Party held a more motivational message for me, and was the more inspiring song. Ultimately, this was the swaying factor that favoured Shawn Mendes' song to come in first.
2. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
This song could have claimed the top spot if it had been released closer to the end of the year. Over the course of the year, it lost its special appeal. However, it remains an amazing song. The harmonies are spot on, the piano work is simply inspiring, and the passion behind the song is unrivalled. Definitely a top song for the year.
3. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Coming out of 2014, I can safely say that Ed Sheeran is my favourite musical artist. I believe I can also say that he is the most talented musician alive right now. His understanding of the guitar and how it can create a song is amazing. His vocal improvement can easily be seen, and all of a sudden, he has crafted himself into a musical genius. I expect for Sheeran to be around for a very long time.
4. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
The top Christian release of the year for me. The song could also be played on contemporary radios, but maintains its Christian message. Truly an inspirational song, and the best that Sky Terminal has to offer thus far. This song now has me hooked on the band, and I hope they can continue their upward development.
5. Stay with Me - Sam Smith - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA
Definitely one of the top if not the greatest breakout artist of this year, Sam Smith has a gem in Stay with Me. The song has introduced him to the world, with his soulful vocals a wonder in the industry today. The big question for him is can he duplicate this song's success next year?
6. One - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix9NXVIbm2A
Another new release from Sheeran's album X, or Multiply, has to make the summer release album the best of the year. Again, it shows the diversity of Sheeran's skill, from dabbling in hiphop to returning to his famed ballad style. On stage with his guitar and a mic, Sheeran can make magic. Goes to show that all the tricks and fancy displays that many artists use today aren't the only things that can provide a good show; pure talent is enough to draw people in too.
7. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
The next three songs are by no means new releases, but they still crack my top ten list for 2014, as they are amazing songs. While The City Harmonic did come out with a new album in 2014, titled Heart, nothing can rival the pure star power of Holy.
8. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllXxyHTzfg
Again, not a new release, in fact the final movie to the Hobbit series was released this year, but this song was from the second one. Most times I don't like movie soundtracks, but this was one song that I had to have. Perfectly structured for the Hobbit series, it displays a new asset to Ed Sheeran's skill set; songwriting.
9. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
This song is a perfect example of where I can see worship music heading in the next few years. Passionate, free singing driven by emotional instruments that aim to inspire and motivate. The lyrics are fairly simple, and the song relies on a lot of repetition. It leaves room for the Spirit to move though, and forces worshippers to rely on God for the right words.
10. Alive - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvEVALLjNQ
The emergence of Hillsong Young and Free into the Christian music industry fills a void that has been missing for many years. This song displays the potential of this style of music to take Hillsong and Christian music to a new level, or to new places.
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