April was a month of new country music for me, mainly because my car radio was constantly set on the country station. I also renewed my interest in Keith Urban, especially since his new album is dropping soon. The artist of the year so far has to be Chris Stapleton too, coming from the country industry. His vocal prowess is absolutely amazing.
1. Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4ujS1er1r0
This is one of those country songs that I picked up on from the radio. For me, I think the radio is kind of like the newspaper; it will never go completely obsolete. I may be wrong, but I think in one way or another the radio will always be around. It's one of the greatest ways to discover new songs.
2. Tennessee Whiskey - Chris Stapleton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zAThXFOy2c
With all of the new music this year, it just happens to be an artist with an album from 2015 that is making headway as the most exciting and talked about musician of the year. Chris Stapleton's vocals are the top coming from the country industry in recent years, and his style is so smooth and unique. Watching him live, everything he does is just so effortless.
3. This Must Be a Dream - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55wfl5lpoAM
I'm running out of good things to say about The 1975. Everything that they do is absolutely stunning. The only complaint I do have about them would be their actual lifestyle, which sometimes comes through in the profanities in their lyrics. They seem to be hooked on drugs, alcohol, and sex. Remove all that, and they still would be amazing. I don't think that lifestyle is their key selling point at all.
4. Fire Away - Chris Stapleton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18AhUXAILWE
One reason all Stapleton's songs sound so amazing would be the harmonies that are included. The majority of these harmonies are sung by Chris' wife, Morgane, who also has her own individual career. Actually, the two met while working at the same publishing house, and now work together, while having two kids as well!
5. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
I really want to experience this song live. I think it's one of those special ones, that's going to have a different reaction each time, simply because of the different emotional impact it's going to have on different people. My favourite worship songs are ones that spark something, that motivate people, that inspire the church, that reignite passion. This song can definitely do that.
6. Youth - Daughter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QT5eGHCJdE
Some awesome news regarding this developing band. They just announced a visit to Toronto soon, June 12th. This is great, especially after the release of their new album Not to Disappear. Top new song off of that album would be Numbers. The new album tends to be very similar to their sound which is great, with maybe the addition of a little more electronic synth instruments. Still, a very unique style.
7. Change of Heart - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63uwYBmOvKM
Lead singer of the band, Matty Healy is actually incredibly intellectual. He continually talks about the theory of music and its unique styles. One of his big talking points has always been the use of cell phones in the crowd to film the concert. He's actually stopped a live performance before to get people to put down their cell phones. He says that in order to actually experience the performance, you can't have a screen in front of you. The electronic version doesn't help you relive it at all; it doesn't come close to the actual thing.
8. Heartbeat - Matt Kearney - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acScCRFIFNc
Matt Kearney loves to use odd beats to drive his songs. Almost every one of his songs utilize a backing click track that is funky, catchy, and extremely pop driven. His music might be the closest I have ever seen to being considered true pop. Some might argue there are some hip hop influences, but I think he has really mastered a strong pop sound.
9. Come Thou Font - Adam Young - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfQO99HVogE
Adam Young or as he is better known as, Owl City, is a really unique artist. He has tons of hidden material floating around on the internet that has never actually been released. He uses Soundcloud and BandCamp to just experiment, and sometimes he produces gems like this unique version of Come Thou Font, my favourite hymn ever.
10. Fallingforyou - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3JJxS0gNkE
This song is just so eerie. It's got a great groove, and the same kind of synth electronic vibe that classified the band first album. An absolute stunner, the lyrics are also extremely well written. Apparently, this is one of their favourite songs to play live!
