Late Night Music Part 124......."Baby I'm Down To My Last Teardrop This Time"

I have to admit. I cried when I found out today of the passing of baseball great Gary Carter. As usual, it made me think of a list. How many times can tears bring about some great songs just because of the emotion that goes into both crying and writing? If you think about it, they can be very closely related, as some of the best music ever written were pinned by artists suffering great personal loss.

In order to receive votes in this category, the SONG TITLE had to feature the word "tear" or "teardrops", and the verb "tear" was automatically disqualified for obvious reasons. Also receiving votes in this category were "Trail of Tears" by Billy Ray Cyrus, "Tears Are Falling" by Kiss, and "Tears" by Tinie Tempha.

"Tracks of My Tears"- Boyz II Men. In 2007, Boyz II Men released what would be their second of their 3 "cover albums" as the group was transitioning to being a 3 person act after being known for years as a quartet. "Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA" featured all covers of Motown hits, with this spectacular cover of the Smokey Robinson classic as the lead single from the album. This single and album were produced by "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson, and this track reached #26 on the Billboard R & B Chart despite and online exclusive video and not much marketing outside of the group's TV appearances. I'm not one to say that people can do Smokey better than Smokey, but this cover, at least to me, is much better than the original. Interesting fact about this album though, Boyz II Men actually did a "cover" of their original song "End Of The Road", which was the biggest Motown single release in the album's history.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnDnqEdjPNM

"Fistful of Tears"- Maxwell. Wow! What a performance in this grateful and almost sarcastic breakup song from Maxwell's much praised 2009 comeback album, "BLACKsummer's Night". Despite this very powerful video, this song only wound up at #94 on the Billboard Hot 100, but is a true testament to the true talent Maxwell possesses as one of the most underrated artists in recent history in any genre. The lyrics to this song, in particular the first verse, are some of my favorite lyrics to any song ever. It's that good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KabCkV_oW48

"Tears In Heaven"- Eric Clapton. After the very public and very tragic loss of his 4 year old son in 1991, Eric Clapton wrote what was probably his most emotional song ever. Featured in the soundtrack of the 1993 movie "Rush", this single shot to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won Clapton the 1993 Grammys for Best Song and Best Record. The acoustic version of the song was also very popular, as it was featured on Clapton's multi-platinum live album "MTV Unplugged". The video, seen here, won the award for Best Male Video at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards. This song marked a huge turning point for Clapton, as his next single (and next hit) was the Babyface co-written "Change The World" from the John Travolta film "Phenomenon".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxPj3GAYYZ0

"Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall"- Coldplay. I always love when I can put my man Chris Martin on these lists. Coldplay is one of my favorite bands! This lead single from their latest album "Mylo Xyloto" was famously played at the memorial service for the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs. I think this video is also super cool because so many bands today don't take the time to make cool videos any more just due to the decline of music videos, but Coldplay never disappoints. This single peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for two Grammys at this year's awards. I would kill to have Chris Martin's permanent stubble. That guy is amazing. Man, this song is so exhilarating!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyMhvkC3A84

"Here Come Those Tears Again"- Jackson Browne. Here's one singer that a lot of people forget about, but is one of the greatest ever despite that. This single from his 1976 hit album "The Pretender", like most of the album, is inspired by the suicide of his wife earlier that year. This song went on to hit #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, but remains one of Jackson Browne's most famous songs. Like most of the album, this song is so catchy and is one of those songs that just keeps you singing all day. The popularity of this album also led to the success of his much anticipated and Grammy nominated album "Running On Empty".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzNo7Ol4zTA

"Each Tear"- Mary J. Blige featuring Jay Sean.This title track from Mary J. Blige's 2010 album "Stronger With Each Tear". (even though the album had a "double title track" because of the release of the single "Stronger"....just sayin) is one of my favorite MJB songs, but I have to say I'm not a huge fan of this duet with Jay Sean which was the exclusive UK Version of the song. Jay Sean is a pretty good singer, but it just shows how Mary can make anyone better when they are on the track with her. However, even Mary couldn't save this track as it only peaked at #183 on the British Singles Chart, while going to #1 in Italy (with Italian singer Tizziano Ferra singing the duet). Is Jay Sean really that bad? I really love Mary's look from this album, as she continues to age gracefully.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvash3C5G9c

"Too Many Tears"- Whitesnake. I guess Whitesnake didn't get the memo when they released this song off of their 1997, yes 1997 album "Restless Heart". I'm all about groups having long careers, but at least look like you're not stuck in the 80's! Whitesnake is kinda cheesy when there isn't a hot chick dancing on a car. This song, not surprisingly didn't chart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9G_97GRUXc

"96 Tears"- ? And The Mysterians. This one hit wonder from 1966 took the world by storm with this 1966 classic that went all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making ? and the Mysterians the first ever Latino rock group to have a #1 hit in the United States. However, not surprisingly, they were never heard from again. Do gimmick acts ever last?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7uC5m-IRns

"Lonesome Tears"- Beck. Beck is so cool man! This video for the non-single (really?) track off of his mega album "Sea Change" shows the true mood of the entire album, which some consider Beck's best ever. The album is famous for being one of two albums ever to receive the coveted five star rating from Rolling Stone Magazine, and features, as usual, Beck playing several instruments on the album, some in a somewhat experimental manner and featuring orchestral arrangements that are evident on this track. Beck will go down as one of the greatest artists of all time just due to his pure creativity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWe6bMVvTzk

"Diamonds For Tears"- Poets Of The Fall. Believe it or not, this is the second time this hard rock band from Finland has been on here. I love how Scandinavian music has such a regal tone. This second single from their 2008 album "Revolution Roulette" peaked at #13 in Finland, but featured this very strange video that makes me think I'm watching a really bad Stephen King movie. I'm always fascinated by Scandinavian music, in particular groups from Finland because the sound is SO FREAKING distinct, completely different, and completely unheard outside of Europe, but is other worldly popular in Finland. Really cool to think about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Rl8WMqejc

"The Salt In My Tears"- Dolly Parton. If I could have any cougar, it would be Dolly Parton.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOzNJ9quibc

"Tears Dry On Their Own"- Amy Winehouse. I was never a huge fan of Amy Winehouse, but this song was super catchy and really has a good sound. This song from her 2006 final studio album "Back To Black" get bonus points right away for sampling the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". The song was a hit in the UK peaking at #16 on the British Singles Chart, while making just a small ripple in the US. I'd like to think that if Amy Winehouse hadn't had such a tragic life that she could have really had a successful career with talent like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojdbDYahiCQ

"Teardrops On My Guitar"- Taylor Swift. I know you guys are gonna give me crap, but I really like Taylor Swift! I know she's cheesy and a tad bit annoying, but she's super talented and really writes some catchy lyrics. I hate how people complain when she gets awards and call her "overprivileged"- never got that one. This single from her 2006 self-titled debut album peaked at #2 on the Billboard Country Charts and #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song is cleverly written about a boy Taylor had a friendship with that always talked to her about girls, but she all along she was really in love with him. She even goes as far to use the guy's real name in the first verse, as "Drew" was really her friend Drew Hardwick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKCek6_dB0M

"Down To My Last Teardrop"- Tanya Tucker. The namesake of this one. Tanya Tucker was one of the biggest country acts in the world in the late 80's and early 90's and was a tabloid magnet for her very public and very outrageous relationships- most famously with recent Grammy honoree Glen Campbell and "Miami Vice" star Don Johnson. I see this video and I ask myself how any of that happened. She was super hot, but her voice just annoys me. Anyway, pretty good song here that was featured on her 1991 hit album "What Do I Do With Me" and went to #2 on the Billboard Country Charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YplH9jhwNHA

"Tears Don't Fall"- Bullet For My Valentine. This single from this Welsh Hard Rock Group's 2006 debut album, "Poison". In a very clever ploy, the album was released on Valentine's Day 2006 in the United States as play on the band's name. I like this song, and the chick in the video is SUPER HOT but I'm not a big fan of the raindrops falling instead of the tears. I hate that comparison!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sTQ0QdkN3Q

"Black Tears"- Hands On Approach featuring Ana Free. While we're on foreign bands, Hands On Approach and Ana Free are both stars in Portugal, with this powerful duet being featured on Hands On Approach's latest album "High And Above". Call me crazy, but this band really really really reminds me of Maroon 5. Ana Free also really reminds me of Demi Lovato, but you know me. I may be alone in that one. Super awesome song though. I love seeing international bands singing English.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3WzDp-1ZwE

BONUS VIDEOS- "Days Of Our Own"- Hands On Approach. Another great song from HOA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2l7gBClZIU

"Head Over Heels"- Tears For Fears. I had to do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be0mRpzdAT4

Maxwell

Hands On Approach

Poets Of The Fall