As of right now, I think Drake's in the lead for song of the summer, and possibly album of the year as well. Chris Stapleton is close behind, and there were a few more releases this month, including from Needtobreathe and Justin Bieber, but One Dance does seem to be the track to beat.
1. All I Want - Kodaline - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cOCmC_m23E
I'm still in love with this song. The raw emotion behind the music and the vocals are exactly what I want from music. The musician is trying to convey a message, one that has to be close to the musician's heart, in order to be effectively portrayed. When an artist cares so much about their message and is able to connect that with music, the magic really happens.
2. Apologize - One Republic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSM3w1v-A_Y
This song is another that is really one in a million. It can fit into any movie, any TV show, really any dramatic experience. It's a classic, a pop song that will forever be remembered. It has a perfect combination of all the classic instruments, and really introduced the classic new pop drum beat.
3. Brother - Needtobreathe feat. Gavin Degraw - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61Wm_qlVD4Q
One of the big releases of the month was Needtobreathe's new album Hard Love. It takes the band on a slightly different path, with a new sound that is starting to involve more electronics and synth. Still, the classical vocal sound remains, as does the root folky sound.
4. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
Over the past month, I haven't really picked up a guitar and played any music, which is really disappointing. When I do get the chance, this is going to be one of the first songs I tackle. I can't rate this song high enough.
5. Cold Water - Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a59gmGkq_pw
Can Bieber do anything wrong musically? While this definitely isn't Bieber's greatest track, it's a smooth, tame listen, with Bieber's vocals fitting in perfectly. He has an instantly recognizable voice, and is really starting to have a recognizable sound with this electronic dance music.
6. Tennessee Whiskey - Chris Stapleton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zAThXFOy2c
I don't really know, but I've got the feeling lately that I want to see what else this artist can do? What more does Chris Stapleton have to offer, where else can he take his music? That's a good thing and a bad thing. It means that the man has potential to do even more, but it also means that I'm beginning to turn away from his stuff, unless he comes out with more material soon.
7. One Dance - Drake - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IIspaicSnY
I'm not really a huge fan of Drake music, but he does have a few good tracks that are just too catchy to ignore. This is definitely one of them. It's got a very catchy hook, a good beat, and some good tunes to back it up. It's good to see some Canadian talent be well respected in the industry.
8. Cleopatra - The Lumineers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN5s9N_pTUs
I connect The Lumineers to Rend Collective. They both have similar sounds, and similar song writing skills. The Lumineers are very much storytellers with their music. Each song has a different message, that pans out telling a tale.
9. Dancing on My Own - Calum Scott - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31tGyBJhRY
I love listening to good singing auditions. It's the moment you get to hear a new voice, a new talent. This is definitely one of the best auditions I have ever heard. It's a perfect showcase of his voice, a perfect showcase of his musical knowledge, a perfect showcase of his ingenuity.
10. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_weSk0BonM
The old adage that it's not what you know but who you know seems to be really true in the music and acting industry. One example would be Leona Lewis. Even though she really got her start through X Factor, she was raised attending the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. Thrust right into it from a young age; that's one way to do it!
