Ghost

We're more than a week into 2015.  I think that means it is time to talk about who I want to see more of in the music industry.  Normally I would add the acts I wish to not see, but I'll skip that for now.

There's one person in particular I am excited to see this year - someone I have already spoken a little bit about.  Who is it?

Ella Henderson.

I remember back in 2012 when she was eliminated from UK's The X Factor.  She was removed from the competition with quite the number of weeks remaining and people everywhere were in shock.  Her audition (an original track) wowed the judges - Tulisa Contostavlos gave her a standing ovation along with the entire audience.

[Source:  YouTube]

Ella's debut album, Chapter One, is available on January 13th.

Yours

I am completely obsessed with Ella Henderson's new song "Yours" from her new album, Chapter One, set to be released in January.

The song is vocally beautiful.  She has such a flawless voice that is complemented so well by this song.

Hearing her sing this reminds me of her X Factor audition back in 2012.  She auditioned with an original tune and blew the judges away.

[Source:  YouTube]

I can not wait for her album to come.  I loved her first single "Ghost" and hearing "Yours" really puts me on the edge of my seat.  There's talk about her possibly being the new Adele?  I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

Live Like We're Dying

Everyone knows the song "Live Like We're Dying" by Kris Allen, the season eight winner of the singing competition American Idol.  Well I saw him live last week and got to meet him.  Pretty cool, I know.

The Arkansas-native performed songs off his recent album, Horizons, as well as his first single "Live Like We're Dying" and other songs of his, "Chandelier" by Sia, "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5, as well as a few other covers.

His new album is pretty good.  His sound is pretty similar to what it has always been, it just sounds a little more mature, but that's how most artists are.

My favorite song was probably "Better With You" from his 2012 album, Thank You Camellia.

Problem

I was never a huge fan of Ariana Grande.  I thought her Summer hit "The Way" featuring rapper Mac Miller was catchy and I knew all of the words, but I wouldn't have the radio on full blast when it would come on.  That's kind of how I feel about her number one single "Problem" featuring "Fancy" rapper Iggy Azalea.

When the song was first released, I actually hated it.  I listened to the preview on iTunes and turned it off before it was finished.  Now, the iTunes previews never really do much for me.  I usually have to listen a song in full before I make my final decision.  At the time, I was too lazy to listen to the complete recording, but I heard the whole thing yesterday.  Yes, it is a fun song.

Ariana Grande's voice is outstanding.  She sounds like Mariah Carey and hits notes that no one ever really knew could be hit.  Here's the song if you haven't heard it.  If you have heard it but dislike it, try again.

[Source:  YouTube]

Against the Wind

I recently watched Forrest Gump for the millionth time (literally), but I completely forgot how awesome the soundtrack is.

[Source:  Wikipedia]

The CD was released June 28, 1994 with two discs.  It was re-released in 2001 with some additional tracks.

Disc one:

1. "Hound Dog" performed by Elvis Presley
2. "Rebel Rouser" performed by Duane Eddy
3. "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" performed by Clarence Henry
4. "Walk Right In" performed by the Rooftop Singers
5. "Land of 1000 Dances" performed by Wilson Pickett
6. "Blowin' in the Wind" performed by Joan Baez
7. "Fortunate Son" performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival
8. "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" performed by The Four Tops
9. "Respect" performed by Aretha Franklin
10. "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" performed by Bob Dylan
11. "Sloop John B" performed by The Beach Boys
12. "California Dreamin'" performed by The Mamas & the Papas
13. "For What It's Worth" performed by Buffalo Springfield
14. "What the World Needs Now Is Love" performed by Jackie DeShannon
15. "Break on Through (To the Other Side)" performed by The Doors
16. "Mrs. Robinson" performed by Simon & Garfunkel

Disc two:

1. "Volunteers" performed by Jefferson Airplane
2. "Let's Get Together" performed by The Youngbloods
3. "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)" performed by Scott McKenzie
4. "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)" performed by The Byrds
5. "Medley:  Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" performed by The 5th Dimension
6. "Everybody's Talkin'" performed by Harry Nilsson
7. "Joy to the World" performed by Three Dog Night
8. "Stoned Love" performed by The Supremes
9. "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" performed by B.J. Thomas
10. "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)" performed by Randy Newman
11. "Sweet Home Alabama" performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
12. "It Keeps You Runnin'" performed by The Doobie Brothers
13. "I've Got to Use My Imagination" performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips
14. "On the Road Again" performed by Willie Nelson
15. "Against the Wind" performed by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
16. "Forrest Gump Suite" composed and conducted by Alan Silvestri

In the 2001 re-release, they added tracks "Running on Empty" performed by Jackson Browne and "Go Your Own Way" performed by Fleetwood Mac.  In the movie, the two songs were featured int he scene where Forrest ran for three years straight.

Rockstar

How would I dress on stage if I ever became a singer?

Crop & Shorts by loveynj featuring Topshop

Topshop sleeveless shirt
topshop.com

Topshop sleeveless shirt
topshop.com

Topshop crop shirt
topshop.com

Topshop shorts
$54 - topshop.com

The Ragged Priest pink jean shorts
$65 - topshop.com

Topshop hot short shorts
topshop.com

Topshop platform shoes
topshop.com

Topshop white shoes
topshop.com

Topshop platform shoes
topshop.com

Valerie

I used to watch Glee every week, but I never had the time to continue, which is the reason why I stopped.  I know I may have been a little critical with yesterday's post, but it was just my opinion.  Not every Glee cover is bad, which is why I thought I would talk about a few Glee songs that I love.

1.  Valerie - Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse version

I first heard this song while watching the One Direction concert Up All Night Tour DVD when Louis Tomlinson covered it.  When I searched for the song on iTunes I listened to the Glee cover and fell in love with it.  I think Naya Rivera's voice is the perfect match for the song.  I remembered I heard the song a few years ago in season 2 in the episode "Special Education."

Here's the real version

And here's the Glee version

2.  Wake Me Up - made famous by Avicii

I think Avicii is a great DJ, by "Wake Me Up" never really tickled my fancy.  Yes, it is a catchy song, but I kind of like how the Glee version, sung by Rachel (Lea Michele), has a country twist to it.  The song was featured in the April 23, 2014 episode "The Back-Up Plan."

Here's the real version

And here's the Glee version

3.  Pumpin Blood - made famous by NONONO

What I love about the Glee cover is the fact that they didn't change the song from the original at all, or at least from what I can hear.  The song was featured in the episode "Opening Night," the 17th episode of season 5.

Here's the real version

And here's the Glee version

All videos came from YouTube

In the Stars

Since I went to the Miley concert at the beginning of the month, I have been a fan of Icona Pop.  I was never a huge fan but they were awesome live!

The Swedish electro house DJ duo was formed in 2009 by Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo.  The two went to a music school in Stockholm and met at a party and formed the duo.  Their most famous song was "I Love It."  the song was featured in various commercials, TV shows, and movies.

Last year the girls went on tour with Marina and the Diamonds for her Lonely Hearts Club Tour, and this year they tour with Miley Cyrus for her Bangerz World Tour and Katy Perry for her Prismatic World Tour.

My favorite song of theirs is "In The Stars," the sixth track off their 2013 album, This Is... Icona Pop.  Take a listen to the song.

[Source:  YouTube]

I Love It (feat. Charli XCX)

[Source:  YouTube]

All Night

[Source:  YouTube]

Bitchcraft

When I was nine I was in love with Drake Bell.  Drake & Josh was a huge show where he co-starred with Josh Peck.  In the show Drake was in a band and loved music.  Drake sang "I Found a Way," the theme for the show, and later on throughout the show presented the audience with some other songs.  Being the huge fan I was, I had DVDs, CDs, magazines, and saw every single episode.  Call me devoted.

So Drake has released several albums in the past, but his debut album (and in my opinion his best) can no longer be found on iTunes, which is a little strange.  I am aware that because it was an independent album, they did run out of print and had to be re-released two years later, but just because that's what I read does not mean it's true.  The internet, in fact, is NOT always right.

That album, Telegraph (2005), featured:

1. Intro
2. Found a Way - the theme for Drake & Josh (can also be found on the Drake & Josh soundtrack)
3. Circles
4. Somehow
5. In the End
6. Don't Preach
7. Hollywood Girl - was featured in the TV movie Drake & Josh Go Hollywood (can also be found on the Drake & Josh soundtrack)
8. Golden Days
9. Down We Fall - was featured in the episode "Number One Fan" (can also be found on the Drake & Josh soundtrack)
10. The Backhouse
11. Highway to Nowhere - he performed this song on an episode of Zoey 101, another show created by Dan Schneider, the creator of The Amanda Show, iCarly, Drake & Josh, and other hit Nickelodeon TV shows (can also be found on the Drake & Josh soundtrack)
12. Telegraph

For those of you who watched iCarly, Drake can also be heard as a background singer behind Miranda Cosgrove (the star of iCarly who also played Drake and Josh's little sister in Drake & Josh) in the theme song for the show, "Leave It All To Me."

Drake and Josh also covered the song "Soul Man" for their episode "Blues Brothers."

[Source:  YouTube]

[Source:  YouTube]

[Source:  YouTube]

[Source:  YouTube]

[Source:  YouTube]

You may be wondering why I am bringing up the talented star.  It's because he has a new album Ready Steady Go! which is set to be released Tuesday, April 22nd.  One track has been released on iTunes thus far and it is called "Bitchcraft."  Being as though it has been years since he has released an album, you would think his sound would have changed a tiny bit.  It has.  You can tell he has really matured as a singer and songwriter, but he still sounds like Drake Bell, which is what I like.

I'm curious to hear what the rest of the album sound likes, so I plan on buying it during its first week of release.

You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go

This song by Bob Dylan was released on his 15th (yes, 15th) studio album Blood on the Tracks in 1975.

Surprisingly, I had never heard this song until last week when I went to the Miley concert, but I love it.  She first cover the song on the Bob Dylan tribute album Chimes of Freedom which was released in January 2012.

The album is four discs with a total of 73 tracks.  Singers, musicians, and bands on the album include, but are not limited to:  Johnny Cash, The Avett Brothers, Patti Smith, Pete Townshend, Ziggy Marley, Sting, The Gaslight Anthem, Lenny Kravitz, Miley Cyrus, Elvis Costello, Natasha Bedingfield, Jackson Browne, Jack's Mannequin, Adele, Carly Simon, Bad Religion, My Chemical Romance, RedOne, Nils Lofgren, Darren Criss, Sinéad O'Connor, Kesha, Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, and of course Bob Dylan.

The album was for charity with the proceeds going to the organization Amnesty International.  The record debuted in the United States at number 11 with 22,000 copies, while the 2-CD Starbucks version debuted at 38 with more than 10,200 copies sold.

[Source:  Google]

#GETITRIGHT

Yesterday was the Miley concert, which is why I didn't make it on here last night.  One word to describe it:  AMAZING!!!!

I saw the show at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ.  Was it inappropriate?  A tad, yes.  The "F" word was said/sung several times, but the words are also in her songs so I went to the concert expecting that, but I also don't really care - I love her regardless of whether she says words like that or not.

She seemed a lot better than she did at her Boston show the previous night.  For those who are unaware, her dog Floyd died and she was devastated, as most people are when their pet dies.  But she put on a smile and still had an incredible show and thanked us all for being there for her.

Here was the set-list:

1. SMS (Bangerz)
2. 4x4
3. Love Money Party
4. My Darlin'
5. Maybe You're Right
6. FU
7. Do My Thang
8. #GETITRIGHT
9. Can't Be Tamed
10. Adore You
11. Drive
12. Rooting For My Baby
13. You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go (Bob Dylan cover)
14. Summertime Sadness (Lana Del Rey cover)
15. Jolene (Dolly Parton cover)
16. 23
17. On My Own
18. Someone Else

Encore:

1. We Can't Stop
2. Wrecking Ball

Encore 2:

1. Party in the U.S.A.

Here are some pictures from the concert:

Icona Pop

 We Can't Stop

Wrecking Ball

Party in the U.S.A.

Party in the U.S.A.

Party in the U.S.A.

Party in the U.S.A.

I wanted to upload the videos I took of "Summertime Sadness," "23," and "Wrecking Ball," but the videos were taking an extremely long time to upload so I'll post them on a later date, maybe one a day.

Sirens

Cher Lloyd's first single off her upcoming album Sorry I'm Late is definitely worth the long wait.  It's such an addicting song.

The song was released on iTunes not too long ago and is a little different from what we're used to getting from her.  Her songs usually contain rap but this one doesn't at all.  It's actually a beautiful song and she sounds amazing as well...as usual.

[Source:  YouTube]

Nintendo...Take Two

AHHHHH Todd Carey's video for his single "Nintendo" has finally been released!

To view my post about the singer himself, click here.

The song is available for purchase on iTunes.

So I received an e-mail today about Todd's Off the Record Tour with Tony Luca, Honor By August, and Matt Duke and I immediately went to go purchase tickets for one of the NYC shows, but I quickly came to learn that the show is 21 and older....ummm alright.

But I soon got over it, as I can see him another time.  No biggie.

The song is the first single off his upcoming album Future Throwback through Blaster Records.  Here's Todd Carey's FIRST EVER music video:  "Nintendo."

[Source:  YouTube]

Pure Heroine

My GRAMMY winners continued:

6.  Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

"Get Lucky" - Daft Punk (feat. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers)

"Just Give Me A Reason" - P!nk (feat. Nate Ruess)

"Stay" - Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)

"Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke (feat. T.I. & Pharrell)

"Suit & Tie" - Justin Timberlake & Jay Z

I had a lot of trouble picking between Daft Punk and P!nk for this one, and I know I picked two yesterday for Album of the Year, but I shouldn't have done that because there can only be one winner for each category.  I went with Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers because, again, I think this song was done soooo well.  It's pretty rare that Daft Punk disappoints.  There's nothing about this song that I don't like.

7.  Best Pop Vocal Album

Paradise - Lana Del Rey

Pure Heroine - Lorde

Unorthodox Jukebox - Bruno Mars

Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke

The 20/20 Experiences - The Complete Experience - Justin Timberlake

I know, I know:  How could I have picked Lorde?  Overall, here debut album is pretty solid.  Yes, I am sick of hearing "Royals" and I am tired of hearing everyone go crazy over this 17-year-old New Zealand star, but I recently got a chance to listen to the record and every song is good - not a single one (well, besides "Royals") is terrible.  Maybe there is reason to hype...

8.  Best Dance Recording

"Need U (100%)" - Duke Dumont (feat. A*M*E & MNEK)

"Sweet Nothing" - Calvin Harris (feat. Florence Welch)

"Atmosphere" - Kaskade

"This Is What It Feels Like" - Armin Van Buuren (feat. Trevor Guthrie)

"Clarity" - Zedd (feat. Foxes)

I am still obsessed with this song.  I love the mix and I love her voice.  I was listening to iTunes and saw something I never realized that on Lady Gaga's album Born This Way (Deluxe Edition), Zedd remixed her song "Marry The Night," which is really good.  Anyway, this song was the biggest hit out of the five nominees, so Zedd deserves to win this.

There are only a few more categories I am going to post, so I'll do those tomorrow!

I Knew You Were Trouble

It's very rare to see me rant on my blog, especially when it comes to singers and bands.  But there are so so so many singers that have been getting on my last nerve.

1.  Taylor Swift.  Her music, especially from Red, is very catchy and entertaining. BUT, the fact that a majority of her songs are written about her two-month flings drives me insane.  And on top of that, her snarky comments when receiving her awards are uncalled for and immature.  But she seems like a good friend and is a great musician and completely worked for where she is today in the music industry, so I honestly applaud her for that.

2.  Lorde.  I don't know.  Something about her kind of freaks me out.  She's 17-years-old yet acts like she's 70.  "Royals" and the other songs on Pure Heroine are all extremely well done and she has a great voice.  I guess you could say I just find her a little creepy.

3.  Robin Thicke.  I'll just start by saying that "Blurred Lines" was never on my iPhone.  And to be really honest, I don't think I have ever listened to the song from beginning to end.  Yes, I know parts, and from what I've heard, it's annoying.  And to make things more annoying, Robin Thicke is constantly a musical guest at an awards show.  What?!?!

Images

It's easy to believe that people create images of themselves based on their physical appearance.  Do singers create an image by the songs they perform?  They do in fact build images by how they appear in videos and on stage, but the songs themselves - are they a factor?

I'll start with Miley Cyrus.  She has created the image of being rebellious and daring by defying previously molded behavior that was sculpted by no, not her, but us.  She was a "Disney" star, and while I love Disney and absolutely everything they offer, Miley knew that the only way she could break away from what made her famous (Hannah Montana) was to be everything they didn't want her to be.  "We Can't Stop" is a badass song.  The lyrics are scandalous and the video is even worse, but it's still a good and popular song.  But take away the physical aspects of everything and just listen to it.  It's still scandalous, right?  And the way the song sounds molds an image of what Miley should look like based solely on how the song was written. 

Now I'll talk about One Direction.  They always sing about girls and falling in love and falling out of love.  "What Makes You Beautiful" is the perfect example of being in love with a girl.  He throughout the song tells her that she lights up his life and how flipping her hair makes him overwhelmed.  Does the song make them look like romantics and great to go out with?  It sure sounds like it, right?  The mushy lyrics develop an image for the boys that they are sweet teenagers, and that is the image they created for themselves.

Vibe On

The magic behind every song is/are the songwriter/s.  You may not know this, but "Loser Like Me" from Glee, Usher's "DJ Got Us Falling In Love," and Vanessa Hudgens's "Say OK" all have something in common - the man who helped write them.

Savan Kotecha is an very talented songwriter and music producer from Austin, Texas.  He writes for so many different labels like Syco Records, Columbia Records, RCA, and Capitol.  He has co-writtern so many hit songs like (but not limited to):

• Justin Bieber - "Beauty and a Beat"
• Vanessa Hudgens - "Say OK"
• Ke$ha - "All That Matters (The Beautiful Life)"
• Victoria Justice - "Beggin' on Your Knees"
• Glee - "Loser Like Me"
• Emblem3 - "Chloe (You're the One I Want)"
• Usher - "Scream"
• Cher Lloyd - "Want U Back"
• One Direction - "Up All Night"
• Britney Spears - "I Wanna Go"
• Maroon 5 - "One More Night"
• Dannii Minogue - "Vibe On"
• Adam Lambert - "If I Had You"

To see the FULL list (and I really recommend you do because your mind will be blown as to what songs he has co-written) click here.

Let It Go

To me, Idina Menzel has one of the best singing voices ever.  Not only does her voice just sound incredible, but her vocal range can't compare to the majority of singers around today.

The first time I heard her sing was when I heard "Defying Gravity" from the Broadway production of Wicked.  The last two minutes of the song brings goosebumps to my arms every single time I hear it.  She hits the notes and holds them for an impressive amount of time.

But most recently I was incredibly impressed with her performances in Disney's Frozen as Elsa.  I particularly love the song "Let It Go."  Menzel sounds completely flawless (as usual) and the song is very good as well.  Written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the lyrics fit her voice perfectly.

[Source:  YouTube]

The Apple Tree

Nina Nesbitt is a very talented 19-year-old from Edinburgh, UK.  The singer-songwriter is able to sing and play the guitar, piano, and keyboard.

She has five EPs available for download on iTunes (even the US):

1. Live Take (four tracks)
2. The Apple Tree (five tracks)
3. Boy (four tracks)
4. Stay Out (four tracks)
5. Way In The World (four tracks)

She announced on her Twitter last month that her debut album Peroxide is set to be released in February 2014 in the UK (sorry, US).  On top of that, she recorded a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop" which you can purchase on iTunes and covered "Love Me Again" by British singer John Newman for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.

I love her voice.  It is somewhat raspy but sounds amazing.  My favorite song may be "The Apple Tree" from the EP of the same name.

She has several music videos for her songs including (but not limited to) "Stay Out," "Make Me Fall," and her most recent one, "Selfies," a song on her upcoming album.

[Source:  YouTube]

Who You Are

Jessie J has a magnificent voice.  In every song of hers, she presents her voice in a remarkable and unforgettable way.

Well, I love her song "Who You Are" which is all about never losing who you truly are and that no one is perfect.  The song is so beautiful and occasionally makes me tear up.  To me, this song is one of the greatest examples of why she is an incredible singer and songwriter.

I was watching one video that my friend showed me where she is singing this song in a subway station in Times Square, New York City.  I want you to remember that she is singing this LIVE.  It's fantastic.

[Source:  YouTube]