New year, and a new start for my top ten music monthly lists. Some consistency can be seen in this list between the last one of 2015, mainly because January never marks the real start of the year for the music industry. Newer music tends to be released closer to March, which marks the pick up of the industry.
1. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
The vocals from the lead singer for this song are absolutely unique. So unique in fact, I don't think anyone would be able to perfectly replicate the tone. It's just so raspy, and fluctuating, that you can try to produce the same enunciation, but it would be extremely difficult.
2. You Will Never Run - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONYUM3v35S4
I've heard this tune in multiple places, showing that Rend Collective's Christian fame isn't dying down at all. This new album has only solidified their place in the Christian music industry. The song is very similar to the original stuff that Rend Collective came out with, which makes it even better.
3. Heartbeat - Matt Kearney - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acScCRFIFNc
I love Matt Kearney's style. It's a combination of hip hop and pop to the extreme degree. However, he doesn't feel pressured to conform to the contemporary idea of the genre, and continually pushes the boundary with his music in a way that excites and motivates. This song is extremely upbeat, catchy, and simply amazing.
4. The Woods (Ghosts Remix) - Hollow Coves - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-fxSQazjvs
I've heard this song on at least three TV episodes now. It seems to be a very popular remix to use throughout multiple media venues. The original is also very good, not as reliant on electric instruments, and slightly slower, but still very good.
5. Every Giant Will Fall - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW63lCBOaVo
Another song from the new album from Rend Collective. In fact, this is the only other big hit song I can see coming from the new record. It is written in a very similar style as You Will Never Run, one that really suits the band. It's a folky, pop, kind of vibe, that is amazing in a worship setting.
6. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyEuk8j8imI
I'm not sure why all the news about Justin Bieber nowadays is about his appearance, or his conduct. I would have thought by producing such a mature, amazing album, the focus would have shifted to his talent. Personally, I think Bieber deserves that respect now, especially with his comeback.
7. Wasn't Expecting That - Jamie Lawson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AydFkrm6UrU
Even though Ed Sheeran is going on break, we still have his protegee Jamie Lawson. While the majority of the year will be spent promoting this record, if it does as well as it is doing now, then I think we can expect to see some new material from him closer to the end of the year.
8. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp-EO5I60KA
Fresh off a great victory in 2015, Thinking Out Loud is still on the list for 2016, which is another amazing tribute to the song's level. It is close to being the song of the decade, with Sheeran rising to an internationally famous artist. I'm disappointed he is taking the year off, but can't wait to hear what he'll come out with next.
9. I Believe in a Thing Called Love - The Darkness - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRYNYb30nxU
Definitely a weird song, with some interesting use of vocals. But it's a classic rock song, complete with superb guitar riffs, a standard basic progression that drives the whole song, and of course flamboyant lead singing. It's upbeat, with surprisingly wonderful lyrics, making it a perfect case of a classic 90s rock tune (even though it was released in 2003).
10. Someone Worth Dying For - MIKESCHAIR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlj2G1pvKTw
I still love this song. I've been searching through Mikeschair's other material, but this is definitely their top song. The song is insightful, piercing, and purposeful. Not only that, but the music itself is extremely well done. It is fairly simple, yet provides room for the passion of the song to move.
Monday 25 January 2016
Friday 1 January 2016
Year Review/Preview
Sophomore year for Delayed Distortion and it was another successful one, with a slight increase in performance compared to last year. The blog was close to finishing out at 2000 views for 2015, compared to 700 in 2014.
The majority of my focus for the blog was once again on my monthly top ten lists, which had a great year due to the booming music industry. The insight generated through these monthly posts also helped paint a picture of the industry, which I found an extremely interesting and exciting venture throughout the year.
I was also happy to conquer more album reviews this year, and many from different genres. I hope to continue this, with more and more albums this year. A big goal for this upcoming year is drumming up reader response, which I hope to also include in regards to which albums I review.
I was fairly pleased with the work I did in regards to starting up the musical equipment expertise part of my blog. I hit up some key effect pedals, and this year I hope to have some interesting ideas up my sleeve to build up this aspect of the blog.
A goal from last year that I didn't end up touching on was musical news. I desperately think this is an area that I need to work on, and an area that will drastically help create interest in my blog. This will be my primary focus for 2016.
As I mentioned previously, another focus for the New Year will be on creating reader response. I want to hear what my readers want to see on the post, what they think of my content, and what direction they want this blog to take.
The majority of my focus for the blog was once again on my monthly top ten lists, which had a great year due to the booming music industry. The insight generated through these monthly posts also helped paint a picture of the industry, which I found an extremely interesting and exciting venture throughout the year.
I was also happy to conquer more album reviews this year, and many from different genres. I hope to continue this, with more and more albums this year. A big goal for this upcoming year is drumming up reader response, which I hope to also include in regards to which albums I review.
I was fairly pleased with the work I did in regards to starting up the musical equipment expertise part of my blog. I hit up some key effect pedals, and this year I hope to have some interesting ideas up my sleeve to build up this aspect of the blog.
A goal from last year that I didn't end up touching on was musical news. I desperately think this is an area that I need to work on, and an area that will drastically help create interest in my blog. This will be my primary focus for 2016.
As I mentioned previously, another focus for the New Year will be on creating reader response. I want to hear what my readers want to see on the post, what they think of my content, and what direction they want this blog to take.
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