March has been a decent month for music. There's been some new singles released, some old songs taking the rise, and some exciting band news. I've also finally started my new band project, Called Out, and have released two videos of original songs on the YouTube channel. Hopefully, soon I'll be able to post some cover videos using some of these top songs from each month.
1. This is Living - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFR-tV2whAU
I actually prefer the acoustic version of this song to the original. Especially in the choruses, the sound is eerily similar to many of Ellie Goulding's hit songs. However, this song holds a beautiful purpose. Hillsong Young and Free have harnessed that new hip female sound, and produced multiple contemporary songs along the same line as the pop industry, but again, with a praise and worship aspect.
2. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
I'm probably going to get vilified for including this song on my list, and in the second spot! However, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Justin Bieber might have one of the best vocals in the male industry today. I understand his behaviour is certainly lacking, and his maturity level is quite low, but musically, there's a reason Scooter Braun snatched him up off of YouTube so quickly.
3. This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
Released in 2013, this song has only recently begun to dominate the charts. Amongst many Christian lists, this is the praise and worship song of the year. Catering to young and older people alike, the upbeat song combines a mix of electronics and strong guitar, bass and drum rhythms to create an anthem song. This past month I had the opportunity to learn the electric guitar part of the song, and it was definitely one of the most fun songs I have ever learned.
4. Hideaway - Kiesza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D70UT2wUnoM
Another interesting story for this artist! Kiesza is Canadian, born in Calgary. She was in the Royal Navy Reserves as a Naval Communicator, teaching herself to play guitar during sing alongs with the crew. She also entered the Miss Universe Canada pageant, and gave away 4500 CDs to troops serving in Afghanistan in 2008.
5. Sugar - Maroon 5 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09R8_2nJtjg
Apparently Maroon 5 isn't regarded as musical talent by many in the world. Still, I stand by my decision to include them in this list. I personally think the whole band is way better than a lot in the industry today. They are an experienced band that knows how to continually produce massive hits.
6. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
I've been playing around with this song quite a bit, as I prepare to post it as my next cover for my band Called Out. I've found that it is an extremely enjoyable song to cover. The rhythm is easy to flow with, the vocal range is challenging but sounds amazing, and the guitar part allows for a lot of freedom to experiment. This might be Sheeran's greatest song in his ever-growing list of hits.
7. The Stand - Hillsong - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV5iZBTNYrk
This is one of my favourite all time worship songs. Actually, with the combination package of Came to My Rescue, the two create an amazing impact in a service. The song is simple, but powerful. The lyrics stand for something unique, a cry to the Lord.
8. Where Can't I Find You - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-em44bgX-o
It seems every new song that I hear from this band is amazing. This one is from their older album, but their unique sound is still present. It is definitely a rock genre, but the lead singer's vocal's, Marcel Preston, can also be extremely smooth. They recently played at Air Raid hosted by Life 100.3. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend, but I've heard they sound amazing live as well.
9. Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6oxXwRWFTo
A lot of the times with bands, there is a constant flow of old members leaving and new members being added to replace them. The great thing about Big Daddy Weave is that all the members except for one have been with the band since day one. All but the drummer have been committed to the cause since 2002. And the drummer only recently left, in 2013.
10. Supernova Sunrise - We Are Leo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Gxvze4fBE
I always like when the electric guitar is given a key role in a song. The repeated riff in this song drives the pace forward, and makes sure to provide the song with an electric atmosphere. Actually this band, just like Sky Terminal, was at a past Air Raid. I'm really going to have to pay more attention as to when these concerts happen.
Tuesday 31 March 2015
Saturday 7 March 2015
Ed Sheeran's Multiply Album Review
Rating: 8.6/10
Website: http://www.edsheeran.com/home.htm?force=show
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/x-deluxe-edition/id858512800
Arguably the most talented male musician in the world today, Ed Sheeran has produced yet another amazing album. And once again, the album is incredibly interesting, and possibly one of the most diverse ever recorded. With this being Ed Sheeran's second studio album, he is still developing his sound, which is possibly why he dabbles in hip hop, and variations of his classic acoustic style. However, the highlights of the album remain in Sheeran's niche; him and a guitar.
While it may seem that the hip hop side of this album is something new, really this is just the product of Sheeran's development in the genre. Heavily influenced by artists such as Pharrell Williams, while internationally Sheeran has garnered acclaim for his hip hop work, I find the strongest part of this album is when Sheeran remains true to his roots. When he crafts a song with just his guitar and his voice, he makes magic. Highlighted by Thinking Out Loud and One, Sheeran continually displays his world class skill at songwriting. For this album, rather then just stick with ballads, Sheeran has played around with some classic guitar riffs, and time signatures to create original material. Yet, overall, his style has not changed, rather it has improved.
Ed Sheeran deserves a lot of credit for this album, and for the start of his young career. He is one artist to keep an eye on for the future, as he continues to take the world by storm. I hope he continues to stick with his acoustic work, rather then venture too far into the world of electronic music, or even the hip hop genre.
Website: http://www.edsheeran.com/home.htm?force=show
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/x-deluxe-edition/id858512800
Arguably the most talented male musician in the world today, Ed Sheeran has produced yet another amazing album. And once again, the album is incredibly interesting, and possibly one of the most diverse ever recorded. With this being Ed Sheeran's second studio album, he is still developing his sound, which is possibly why he dabbles in hip hop, and variations of his classic acoustic style. However, the highlights of the album remain in Sheeran's niche; him and a guitar.
While it may seem that the hip hop side of this album is something new, really this is just the product of Sheeran's development in the genre. Heavily influenced by artists such as Pharrell Williams, while internationally Sheeran has garnered acclaim for his hip hop work, I find the strongest part of this album is when Sheeran remains true to his roots. When he crafts a song with just his guitar and his voice, he makes magic. Highlighted by Thinking Out Loud and One, Sheeran continually displays his world class skill at songwriting. For this album, rather then just stick with ballads, Sheeran has played around with some classic guitar riffs, and time signatures to create original material. Yet, overall, his style has not changed, rather it has improved.
Ed Sheeran deserves a lot of credit for this album, and for the start of his young career. He is one artist to keep an eye on for the future, as he continues to take the world by storm. I hope he continues to stick with his acoustic work, rather then venture too far into the world of electronic music, or even the hip hop genre.
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