I have been enjoying a well deserved day of relaxation today, after passing my first of two finals for the semester yesterday. One down, one to go!! As always, a big part of relaxation for me is music, and I have some great songs for today’s five song Friday; and with that, let’s get right to the music, shall we?
Toni Braxton – Make My Heart
I’ll be honest, I didn’t like this song the first time I heard it. I don’t know why, because now, I LOVE IT. This song practically begs to be danced to. Perhaps it was because it was kind of different in the way that the chorus really assaults you, and switches up the melody of the song that initially put me off, but regardless of whatever it was, I am completely over it now; this song is truly a floor filler and I am ready to shake my booty to the rhythm. It is hard to sit still when this song is on, because again, it is just such a dance ready song. Toni should be getting some major love for this new single, because it deserves a warm welcome for her coming back to the music scene.
The Pipettes – Stop The Music
The first time I heard this, I was bound to be critical of it, because of how much I loved the Pipettes’ debut album, We Are The Pipettes!. There were a few line up changes, which led to nearly 3 years of delays for new music from them, and the fact that they are pretty much an entirely new band now (one original Pipette remains), had me worried that the Pipettes that I knew and loved would be able to revive the spunk and joy they brought on their wonderful debut album a few years ago. After a couple of listens, I am happy to report that the Pipettes are very much alive, and still have that wonderful something that I fell in love with to begin with. If this is just a taste of what we can expect from their hotly anticipated sophomore album, I can say with certainty, that I really cannot wait for more from the Pipettes! Don’t make me wait much longer ladies!
Melissa Etheridge – Fearless Love
What can I say? Melissa Etheridge is a tried and true musician who has an amazing knack for writing powerful, evocative love songs, and her newest release, Fearless Love, is chock full of great tracks. I have been listening to the entire album ever since it came out last week, and I already think it’s going to make my year end best of list. I’m glad that Melissa still clearly has the gift of making music, and continues putting out excellent albums like she has with this new one. Sometimes, you just need some feel good rock and roll, and Melissa proves that she’s still a staple that you can turn to when that’s just what you crave.
Charice – Pyramid
I absolutely love this girl. The first time I heard this song, I couldn’t deny the clear similarity to JoJo, but I have to say, Charice and her producers were brilliant in their using this song as a single; they reel you in with the familiarity of JoJo, and blow you away with Charice’s vocal talent. The song itself is just different enough, that it stands on its own as something fresh, and the song is undeniably, completely radio-ready. The part that really won me over is around 2:49 in the song where she completely wails, and her amazing vocals give me chills each time I listen to this song. This girl can sing, and she has made herself a wonderful single that should (with any justice) be burning up the charts in the coming months. Hopefully the inclusion of Iyaz (while it is completely unnecessary for the song) will give it some “reputable” traction, and get this gem on the radio!
Foxy Shazam – Oh Lord
What would you get if you blended the Darkness, Queen, and threw in a dash of Mika? Why, you’d have the exuberance of Foxy Shazam. I love the blended melodies, and the way they have used so many different musical elements (piano, guitar, horns, drums, oh my!) on this track, and I especially love how lead vocalist carries this song right over the top (but in a good way!). The lead singer’s swagger certainly reminds me a lot of Freddie Mercury, which makes that Queen reference even more relevant. This is certainly a fun song, and one that is best listened to loudly, and I have been enjoying it more and more in the recent weeks. Also be sure to check out the video for the song, which had me swooning for the piano player when he throws that look into the camera at 2:10. Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Keep on keeping on!
Well, what did you think of this week’s five song Friday? As always, be sure to comment and let me know, and also let me know what you are listening to as well!
By all accounts, this song should annoy this shit out of me. It is repetitive, and the vocals border on the realm of childish silliness. However, I now believe that it is the mix of these two elements that makes this song so freaking catchy and fun. I have heard this a few times on the indie XM station, and after hearing it again this past weekend, I went and downloaded it. The playfulness of the beats and the almost silly vocal styling makes for a real earworm that you are sure to be bopping your head to for the rest of the day after listening. I can’t wait to hear more from Matt and Kim, and I don’t have to wait long; their upcoming album is out later this month. Note: If you loved this song, you can download it right now 
Talk about making a rash decision and then realizing how wrong you are; I originally got annoyed by all of the hype and praise heaped on CSS. While I really liked their song Music is My Hot Hot Sex, I really didn’t see what was so out of this world amazing about them. Well, recently, I saw the video for Move, from their most recent album Donkey, and I have to say, I see it now. These guys are just crazy, and totally have such fun that you can’t ignore it. They remind me a LOT of Cibo Matto. This song is so catchy and fun, and the video is a riot. These guys are making some great music (the rest of Donkey is pretty good as well), and I am just glad that I was able to come around and see what others were seeing from the beginning. Beware, because this song will really pull you in; it’s infectious!
Jessica was a former Australian Idol contestant, and went on to record with other Idol alums in the band Young Divas, after Ricki-Lee departed. While I will openly admit that I had no idea she was even in the group, her recent release of this hot track really made me sit up and take notice. This song, with the blaring sirens and hot beats, is ready for the clubs. I have to say, that I am a major sucker for a slick beat and a catchy hook, and this song has plenty of both. Also, the play on the burn of a relationship (or a not-so-desirable left over of love gone wrong) is clever, regardless if it is a little dirty (even hinting at venereal disease is kind of, um, gross).
I first heard this a month or so ago when my friend Stu informed me that one of my favorite songs from the Same Difference album, I Need A House, was actually recorded before by Ms. Serneholt. Marie was in the band A Teens, and did a solo album after leaving the group, that actually has quite a few gems on it. The hook in this song is a piece of pure pop pleasure, and I am glad that he told me about her album that I had no previous knowledge of. I will say, that her voice is so close to Mandy Moore at times, that I can’t help but wonder why Marie didn’t get as much exposure as Mandy did. Oh well, either way, this song is brilliant, and I like it more and more with each listen.
Earlier this week, I got word that a new Toni Braxton song had leaked (thank you to my loyal readers for keeping me informed!), and after checking it out on the internets, I have to say that it is quite literally, an amazing dance pop song. Is there anything that Darkchild can’t do? Well, I guess he couldn’t save Janet in 2008, but there is definitely one thing that I hope that he can do in 2009; give Toni another chance at making it. Darkchild repeatedly produces very high quality pop music, and I am pleased to hear another song that I really like coming from him. Toni Braxton is an amazing singer, and has a bevy of hits in her hay day, but has since danced her way off into the land of reality TV; far away from her soulful and beautiful music. There have been many songs that I have completely loved from Ms. Braxton, and given how much I like this leaked track, and I suddenly very excited to hear more from Toni in 2009. If the rest of the record is anywhere near this good (more Darkchild, Toni!!!), she might have a full fledged comeback in store for 2009… here’s hoping that Darkchild’s hand is stronger for Toni than it was for poor Ms. Jackson last year (I still love you Janet, and Feedback should have done it for you!).