Late Night Music NCAA Selection Sunday Edition Part 129........."I'm Falling To Pieces!"

I honestly just thought of a couple of songs for this one. Nothing clever really. I did find, however that "pieces" is a common theme in the post grunge, nu metal, and hardcore genres. Who would have thunk it?

In order to be considered for this category, the SONG TITLE had to feature the word "Piece" or "Pieces" in it. Also receiving votes in this category were "With The Pieces" by Lights Resolve, "Pieces" by the Sketches, "Pieces" by The Bridges, "Falling To Pieces" by Manzana, "Pieces Of You" by Jewel, and "Pieces" by Rascal Flatts. NOT RECEIVING VOTES was "Piece of Me" by Britney Spears.

"Breakeven (Falling To Pieces)"- The Script. Gotta admit, this song gets stuck in my head all the time, and until today, I had no idea who even sang this song and really had no idea they were from Ireland. This single from The Script's debut self-titled album peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 after not as much success in Europe. The more I listen to this song, I see the Script as a cross between The Fray and Bruno Mars. Great shots of the city of Dublin and Irish countryside in this video. The more I hear and see of Ireland, it really makes me really wanna go there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yZ1uI5yPbY

"Pieces Of Me"- Ledisi. If you don't like Ledisi you are absolutely insane. This title track from her 2011 album is absolutely phenomenal! Somehow, the track only peaked at #19 on the Billboard R&B Chart. This song is what neo soul is supposed to sound like! Ledisi has performed at the White House a reported three times just because she's a favorite of first lady Michelle Obama. Ledisi kinda reminds of the persona of Angie Stone but with a sound and voice that are very distinctive. Ledisi looks great in this video, but how does she keep her head up with that gigantic chain around her neck?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McUj4t3TkPA

"Pieces"- Sum 41. This single was the second released off of Canadian rockers Sum 41's 2005 album Chuck and hit #2 on the Canadian Singles Chart. I really hate when people think that rock bands like Sum 41 don't write good lyrics because this song is deep on so many levels. I love how the video stays halfway serious while still being pretty entertaining. Now can anyone tell me who Deryck Whibley looks like? I can't place it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By7ctqcWxyM

"In Pieces"- Linkin Park. It's seriously amazing how much Linkin Park has evolved over the years. This song from their 2007 album Minutes To Midnight is truly unlike anything I've ever heard Linkin Park record, as most of the album was a far cry from the sound of the previous album Meteora, and Linkin Park should get credit for being creative and actually very diverse in their sound. Seriously, when's the last time you heard a guitar featured so heavily in a Linkin Park song?

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

"Puzzle Pieces"- Saint Motel. This powerpop group from Los Angeles takes piano rock to a new level with this very catchy and creative song and video. This song is featured on the band's debut EP Foreplay and is available on iTunes. I just have a thing for loving first person POV music videos. Especially when you have no idea who's vantage point you're watching from.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7bQGM14mJI

"Pieces"- Red. Man! What a powerful song! This power ballad from Christian Rock Band Red was famously featured in the trailer for the movie "The Blind Side". The song was also featured on the band's debut album End Of Silence, which peaked at #194 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WgbeGnZGnU

"Fall To Pieces"- Avril Lavigne. Oh man! What a song! This song, like so many others on this list was never released as a single. It was featured on Lavigne's 2004 #1 album Under My Skin. I admit that I got sick of "Complicated" and that led to me growing weary of Avril Lavigne, but if you listen to her lyrics, you'll find a quite talented songwriter who sings with great passion and is a deceptively fantastic guitar player. I wish this song would have been released as a single, as I think it's so much better than the same album's "My Happy Ending".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGh0CcbVoPQ

"Fall To Pieces"- Velvet Revolver. Why don't these guys go ahead and call themselves Guns N' Roses. These guys rock, but I'm seriously listening to a Guns N' Roses song that features Scott Weiland on lead vocals. Not to say that's bad, but it's pretty obvious. This song which was featured on the band's first album "Contraband" peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and as made obvious in the video, the song deals with Scott Weiland's heroin addiction and subsequent recovery.

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

"Leave The Pieces"- The Wreckers. Sometimes I wish I was a female just so I could do this song karaoke! This country duo made up of Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp jumped up the charts in 2006 with their debut album Stand Still, Look Pretty, which featured this song that shot to #1 on the Billboard Country Charts and #34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Even though this would be their only hit off of their only album, I freaking love Michelle Branch and I definitely and smelling a bonus video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHfSuBglk8E

"Broken Pieces"- Apocalyptica featuring Lacey Sturm. What is it about me and Finnish melodic rock groups? This track from their 2010 album 7th Symphony featuring Flyleaf lead vocalist Lacey Mosley is BANGING! I love how Finnish groups can use classical instruments and turn it into heavy metal- and it seems to be their trademark. All of the band members are classically trained, but the band started out in 1993 as a Metallica tribute band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01-2xe2Jnzg

"I'll Say My Piece"- Chester See. Man this kid from Los Angeles is incredible! This single from Chester See is available on iTunes. This song is incredible and I'm gonna go download it now. I can't wait to hear more from this guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E9oS8tx0Ko

"Missing Piece"- David Choi. This youtube sensation is fantastic! This single from his newest album "Forever and Ever" is not only a great song, but this video is extremely clever and I think very well done. See why can't we get more good acoustic acts like this? I smell a bonus video. Check out David Choi at www.davidchoimusic.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWut3hZnxOs

BONUS VIDEOS- "By My Side"- David Choi. Another great song from David Choi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x07nlQcP7vY

"Goodbye To You"- Michelle Branch. I LOVE MICHELLE BRANCH!!!!!!!!

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

The Wreckers

Velvet Revolver

David Choi

Late Night Music Part 128........"More Girl Power!"

Despite all these lists I write, I keep finding that I seriously do not feature enough female artists. As I've said before, the music industry is very sexist and some of these ultra talented artists are still not as recognized as they should be for making some of the best music available right now. Oh yeah, don't forget to spring forward tonight!

In a rare "Late Night Music" feat, all artists receiving votes in this category were included in the list.

"Love's Looking For You"- Miranda Lambert. I hate that a song that I love so much was introduced to me by someone that I've had a huge falling out with. She knows who she is, and every time I hear this song I will always think of her. In fact, that is how I first heard of Miranda Lambert. It's funny how people come into your life and turn you on to something that you never realize is such a huge influence on you. I wish I could tell her how much this song has meant to me, but she's not interested in talking to me. I guess I'll just carry that memory with me forever. This song from Miranda Lambert's debut album Kerosene in 2005 has always one of her fan favorites and is featured in a phenomenal performance here from her DVD Revolution:Live By Candlelight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjOvY4f-USo

"Lovesick"- Priscilla Renea. For the record, I LOVE PRISCILLA RENEA. I can thank Sprint for playing her music 4-5 times a day for staying in my head all day, but I'll never complain about it. This super awesome live acoustic performance from her debut album Jukebox. I love how I had to tell everyone at work who she was because everyone swore up and down that this was Rihanna. Priscilla is phenomenal for the simple fact that I know very few women that could pull the look she has in this video off and make it look that good. Something about her is just so freaking cool. This is one artist I'd love to meet!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_2tAXdmmsY

"Wake Up Older"- Julie Roberts. Julie Roberts is another artist that gets stuck in your head all day! This single from her 2004 self titled debut album only peaked at #46 on the Billboard Country Charts, but is a song I'd love to see someone do karaoke and is one I'd try if I had the voice for it. The harmony Julie Roberts puts in her music is something really missing from country solo artists. I think this video is very well done, and I love how Julie just yearns for the listener in the camera- it really makes you wonder who she's singing this song to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ffNBS8lals

"Building A Mystery"- Sarah McLachlan. When I first got my own car in 1997, I played the crap out of this album Surfacing to the point I think my CD player got sick of the album. I've always thought Sarah was "deceptively" beautiful and of all of her videos, this is probably my favorite look she ever had. Besides being a beautiful song, the lyrics of this song are so relateable to anyone who's ever tried to hide insecurities to make people think that they are something that they aren't. This song, which peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, also won McLachlan the Grammy for Best Female Pop Performance in 1998.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QUq72fla3o

"Home"- Taylor Willis. Will someone please pay attention to Taylor Willis!? Her homemade videos have become some of my favorite youtube material. Plus, she's freaking left handed! What left handed guitar player hasn't changed the world? (McCartney, Hendrix, Cobain.....Babyface? ok I'll stop now). Please go watch Taylor's videos at www.youtube.com/eternalheartspeaks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MP9Wjne43I&list=UUGtc95Z-QJYiZ7DBZVLunOA

"Material Girl"- Naya Marie. This is one cover that I really think does Madonna justice, because how many people have even tried to cover Madonna? After her super cool and super popular "Lady Gaga Medley" this Canadian starlet does without a doubt the best cover of this song I've ever heard- because let's be honest- how many times have you heard this song at a Molly Ringwalds show? I love the different Madonna costumes in this video, and I think Naya Marie is not only breathtakingly beautiful, her voice is taylor made for this song. I'm waiting for the day that people all over the world no who Naya Marie is. Check out more of Naya Marie on youtube at www.youtube.com/nayamarie2009 or follow her on twitter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH1n6W3G9PI

"Take A Bow"- Rihanna. As I said before, I like this song because of the simple fact that no woman looks better in a tank top than Rihanna. Let me also go on record that while I love Rihanna, I'm gonna skip "Battleship". Have YOU seen the previews?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3UjJ4wKLkg

"Say It Again"- Marie Digby. After the success of her Rihanna (really bad segue) cover of "Umbrella", Marie Digby released her debut album Unfold with this song reaching #21 on the Billboard Hot Adult Tracks Chart as well as being featured on the TV Series "Smallville". I love this video- Marie has such a welcoming smile! Like Priscilla Renea, this song is on heavy rotation in Sprint, so I'm perfectly ok with this song being stuck in my head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fR4BWQmFSg

"Blame It On Me"- Chrisette Michelle. What an amazing performance from "The Late Show With David Letterman"! This song from her second album Epiphany (which Letterman notes at the time of this performance, was the #1 album in the country on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart), peaked at #28 on the Billboard R&B Chart, but has always been my favorite Chrisette Michelle song. All of her songs are sung with passion, but this song gets to me every time. This one just hits too close to home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx_k25XoiN8

"Turning Tables"- Adele. Another spectacular live performance by this year's big winner at the Grammys. I mean seriously, was there any doubt or argument about Adele running the clean sweep at this year's awards? I love to joke how unlike the other novelty gimmick acts, Adele simply stood in the middle of the stage with a microphone and stole every bit of that show, and that's saying a lot seeing how Paul McCartney was involved in that show. You'll probably never hear me say that one again. Despite only peaking at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100, this is not even close, my favorite song by Adele and at least to me, her best song on 21. Adele is just so laid back- I love how she looks like here that she just found out she was performing a few minutes before but still kills this song. Absolutely amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w44dk4ysnz8

"Pot Belly"- Freshlyground. Ok I know this was supposed to be solo artists, but this single from their 2007 album Ma'Cheri is a favorite of mine and favorite in the entire continent of Africa. Freshlyground is such a distinct group that I find myself introducing them to customers who claim that they are into different kinds of music. I had the privilege of meeting a lady from South Africa recently and she was beyond elated that someone in the United States knew who Freshlyground was. I knew they were quite famous in Africa, but she explained to me the magnitude of their influence, which I'm sure words don't do justice for. I long for the day I can see this band live. This video is beyond clever, and for obvious reasons, was very controversial in South Africa when it was released. Zolani Mahola has the voice of an angel and just seems to take charge of every note of every song she sings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XPl6Pb8K4I

"Spinning Wheels"- Angel Taylor. As some of you know, Angel Taylor is a contestant on this season of "The Voice", but my question is WHY? My other question is why didn't Christina Aguilera want her on her team? What is there not to love about this woman? This song here from her debut album "Love Travels" has huge personal meaning to me and has always been a favorite of mine by her. Phenomenal live acoustic performance here- bonus points for her being able to do it with her hair in her eyes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ5uoccvWpk

"You And I"- Lady Gaga. If Lady Gaga would quit her freak show and stick to music like this, you would be looking at one of the best artists in the world because her talent and soul freaking ooze out of every pore in her body! I actually heard this song for the first time in my life recently at Shenanigan's Karaoke Bar in Hattiesburg, MS- yet another reason to go to karaoke even if you don't sing. You may learn a new song you never thought you'd be into before you hear it karaoke! That's a proven fact as made evident by this song/video because I love it now. This single from her smash album "Born This Way" peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and features a guitar track by Queen legend Brian May. Lady Gaga is definitely a character and isn't afraid to express her creativity in her music, but I just wish she wasn't so freaking weird.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9YMU0WeBwU

"It Could Happen To You"- Queen Of Hearts. These Canadian ladies do something to me every time I hear their beautiful voice blend. They have covered several songs, but yet all of those covers seem to be better than the originals. Just listening to these ladies makes me really wish I could do a feature story on them for Jackson Free Press because I've been intrigued by them since day one. I have to say though that the one thing that I love the most about Queen of Hearts is that they are three different women who look completely different and have different voice that all sound very distinct. However, when they come together, they are majestic on a heavenly level. When different parts come together to make music like this, it's something that needs to be recognized. Check out more of Queen of Hearts on their facebook page or follow them on twitter @qohofficial. Also go buy their latest single "Look At Me Now" on iTunes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OalXSwEvw7Q

"Revelation Road"- Shelby Lynne. I am beyond proud to say that I had the unbelievable privilege to interview Shelby Lynne back in January for a feature that was in Jackson Free Press, and I have to say that the amount of knowledge I gained from her just in our short conversation was truly eye opening as to how talented she is. Shelby won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2000 and has been going strong since, including this title track to her newest album released last year. Shelby actually plays every instrument and sings every vocal on the album, something unheard of except in cases like Dave Grohl on the original Foo Fighters album. This performance from this past December on "The Late Show With David Letterman" is the example of how someone should perform a song on Letterman. This woman is absolutely incredible and I'm so happy to say I met her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aioo-R7O07E

BONUS VIDEOS- "Anyone Who Had A Heart"- Shelby Lynne. This cover of the Dusty Springfield classic was featured on Shelby's 2008 Dusty tribute album "Just A Little Lovin'" and featured this awesome video. I know it's not a big deal to her, but Shelby should seriously be considered more often as one of the most beautiful women in music. This video alone backs up that though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rthbRLQ0MMs

"Love Will Never Do Without You"/"California Gurls"- Naya Marie and Shannon Alvares. I had to include another awesome song by Naya Marie with her Canadian sidekick Shannon Alvares in my all time favorite mashup!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG4XFOOKa20

Queen Of Hearts

Zolani Mahola and Freshlyground

Shelby Lynne

Late Night Music Part 127...."I'm Picking Up Good Vibrations"

A lot of people are saying that I've been negative so much lately, and I have to say I agree, so in a super positive way, I've got this list to remind everyone that it really is good.

In order to receive votes in this category, the SONG TITLE had to feature the word "Good" in it. Also receving votes in this category was "Feel Good Inc." by Gorillaz, "Smokin Good" by Wiz Khalifa, and "Dr. Feelgood" by Motley Crue. NOT RECEIVING VOTES was "It Feels So Good" by Steven Tyler. That song is so ridiculous. The same goes for "Good Man" by R.L.

"Good Life"- OneRepublic. This final single from OneRepublic's epic 2009 album "Waking Up" not only named one of the top 15 Whistling Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone, but peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2010. I had always been kinda on the fence about OneRepublic. I've always thought they were super talented and definitely unique, but I thought that despite their claim that they are a "genreless" band that they were pretty much an alternative almost dark band. However, if you watch this video, and then watch, let's say the video for "Apologize", it's like you're watching two different bands, so I guess that shows good signs for movement in that direction for the next OneRepublic album which is scheduled to be released sometime this year. Oh yeah, I smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZhQOvvV45w

"Good"- Better Than Ezra. LOVE Better Than Ezra! They took the world by storm with their widely popular major label debut album in 1995 "Deluxe" with this lead single that went to #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks Chart and #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Just to show the wide appeal of the band, this song was actually featured in the pre-teen film "The Baby-Sitters Club" based on the children's books of the same name. Interestingly enough, the Modern Rocks Track Chart at that time was filled with great bands, as "Good" proceeded "Lightning Crashes" by Live and preceded "Misery" by Soul Asylum as the #1 songs on the chart. Not bad company to be in. Awesome live performance here- doesn't quite convey the awesomeness of a BTE show. Kevin Griffin is an awesome front man though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji0pyRmSnTY

"Good Morning And Good Night"- Maggie McClure. I featured this Oklahoma native several months back with this same song and it's definitely stuck with me. This is one of those songs that just stays with you and is super catchy! I wish more artists with this much talent and natural charisma could more famous. This song is available on iTunes. Check out more of Maggie McClure at www.maggiemcclure.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH-GfXv5rmY

"Good Vibrations"- Beach Boys. In the 1960's, it was the thing to do to release singles not on albums when those singles would go to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 like this one did. Just look at the Beatles doing the same thing- name the studio album "Hey Jude" was included on- see what I mean? Released right ahead of their epic album "Pet Sounds", this 1966 single quickly became one of the Beach Boys signature songs. Pretty impressive live performance here from 1979 off of Bert Sugarman's "Midnight Special". Carl Wilson was an awesome singer and had an even more awesome beard. Mike Love was a cool guy too- I mean how can he not be? His nephew is NBA white guy superstar Kevin Love, but that idiot in the red shirt trying to get on camera dancing is an absolute idiot. I kept this video just out of pure morbid obsession with that idiot.

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

"Good Man"- Raphael Saadiq. This is another great R & B song that has flown under the radar, while we're stuck with crap like Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, and more songs "featuring" rappers. Where has great soul music gone? Anyway, this song from Raphael Saadiq's latest album "Stone Rollin'". Despite the album being critically acclaimed and peaking at #14 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart, this single hardly made a scratch on the charts. I hate it because this video is solid and this former Tony Toni Tone and Lucy Pearl front man outdid himself with this song. Bonus points for the video making me think I'm watching an old Pam Grier movie.

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

"Good Intent"- Kimbra. I always love finding international artists, and this New Zealand diva is no different. This single from Kimbra's debut album "Vows" has a huge Amy Winehouse feel, but also has a twist of jazz in her angelic voice. Despite this song only peaking at #98 on the Australian Singles Chart, this album reached #4 in Australia and #3 in her native New Zealand. Super cool video here- kinda reminds me of Madonna.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XjNlpe7hII

"Good Song"- Blur. I also love when bands break their genre and do something completely different, and in this case, in the music and the video as well. This very creative song and video was the final single off of Blur's 2003 album "Think Tank" and surprisingly peaked at only #22 on the British Singles Chart, and would be their last single for nearly 7 years! Despite this being their lowest charting single ever in the UK, "Think Tank" was widely praised in the United States and the UK, being ranked by several publications as one of the best albums of the decade. Interesting video here- definitely not something Blur had ever done before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRrJugyk1Yw

"I Look So Good (Without You)"- Jessie James. News for Jessie James- she looks good with or without whoever! This single from her self-titled debut album peaked at #138 on the Hot Digital Downloads and #4 on the Billboard Bubbling Under 100 Charts, but when a woman this beautiful is playing the guitar and singing looking like that, she's #1 in my heart! The greatest thing about Jessie James, is that like maybe no one but maybe Carrie Underwood in the country genre, her voice could fit into another genre tomorrow and she wouldn't be missing a beat!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-35GWbTjus

"Good Man"- Third Eye Blind. I have but only one complaint about Third Eye Blind. No other band has ever made me wait so long in between albums. After their otherworldly stellar debut album in 1997 and the awesome follow up "Blue" in 1999, it was 4 years before we got "Out Of The Vein" in 2003, which would be their last album with Elektra Records and their first album without Kevin Cadogan on guitar. After this, it would be another 7 years before their next album, "Ursa Major" was released. Ok, now to the song. This closing song to the album (which also features a hidden track called "Another Life" with it) is probably my favorite on the album. The mood of the song really reminds me of "Deep Inside Of You". While this song was never a single, it's always been one of my favorites. Also, due to the implosion of Elektra Records, this album was met without a lot of promotion, but yet still peaked at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTe1uSrzyh8

"Into Something Good"- Herman's Hermits. Whatever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxDh2sYQRpo

"Good Man"- India Arie. I LOVE THIS ALBUM! I've said it 100 times, but I remember driving up and down the Pacific Highway in Los Angeles in 2003 with this album "Voyage To India", and couldn't think of a better CD to have listened to at that time. After going 0 for 8 in Grammy Nominations with her debut album "Acoustic Soul" in 2001, she followed it up with this stellar effort the following year with this album winning the Grammy for Best R & B Album. Despite this song being buried in this album, it's always been one of my Arie favorites. "Voyage To India" went on to peak at #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.

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

"Good Man"- Josh Ritter". Man, another artist I've recently gotten in to. This Idaho singer/songwriter featured this song on his 2006 album "The Animal Years". It's featured in a great live performance here. This song also gained notoriety by featured in the season finale of the third season of the TV show "House". This album was also called the Best Album of 2006 by noted fiction author Stephen King in "Entertainment Weekly".

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

"Feels So Good"- Chuck Mangione. Back when instrumental songs still made the charts, this flugelhorn jazz anthem shot to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 as the title track to Mangione's 1978 hit album. The song was actually so popular it was nominated for the Grammy for Record Of The Year in 1979. Pretty cool live performance here. Why can't we have jazz artists in the mainstream anymore? Again, we're stuck with crap like Nicki Minaj.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWSevt_i51w

"Good Vibrations"- Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Remember what I just said about good music? Forget it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eSN8Cwit_s

BONUS VIDEOS- "Apologize"- OneRepublic. See what I mean?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSM3w1v-A_Y

"Girl In The War"- Josh Ritter. Josh Ritter's best song also from "The Animal Years".........wow.

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

"Domino"- Jessie J. This song is stuck in my head for no good reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJtB55MaoD0

"Domino"- Queen Of Hearts. This cover is stuck in my head because it's not only better than the original, I can't stop listening to it. These 3 divas from Canada are so good it's really not fair. I could listen to Queen of Hearts all night! Check out more of Queen of Hearts at www.youtube.com/qohmusic or here on facebook.

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

Kimbra

Josh Ritter

Jessie James

Late Night Music Part 126....."Use My Strong Hand!!!!!"

After a "strong" showing at karaoke tonight, I figured it was time to unveil my newest list which features the word "strong". See what I did there? I did find out, however that in writing this list that the "strong" theme is popular with the females, not that is bad or anything. Lots of girl power on this one.

In order to receive votes in this category, the SONG TITLE had to have the word "Strong" or "Stronger". "Strength" was automatically disqualified. Also receiving votes in this category were "Strong Tower" by Kutless, "My Strongest Weakness" by Wynonna Judd, and "Strong" by LeAnn Rimes.

"Stronger"- Mandisa. I've said 1000 times how much I hate "American Idol", but this Idol alum has made unbelievable splashes in the gospel music industry not only for her amazing voice, but her unbelievable 100 pound weight loss and counting. This song from her Grammy nominated album "What If We Were Real" peaked at #1 on the Hot Christian Singles Chart. Perfect example of my huge issue with "American Idol" is the fact that someone like Mandisa finished NINTH and the winner that year was who??????? Oh yeah, Taylor Hicks- the show is a popularity contest and has less and less to do with talent. This video here is actually a live studio recording and is slightly different than the radio release. Bonus points for the left handed guitar player.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFY2Hdh7cvA

"Strong Enough"- Sheryl Crow. One of my favorite female singers ever! Sheryl Crow released her debut album "Tuesday Night Music Club" in 1993, and after the success of "All I Wanna Do", this final single from the album climbed to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994 and won Sheryl Crow the award for Best New Artist at the 1995 Grammy Awards where she also won for Album Of The Year for "Tuesday Night Music Club". I like this song and this video because it's powerful yet simple, something that isn't done anymore.....except for maybe Adele.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bxE3W1RTz8

"Just A Little Bit Stronger"- Sara Evans. Not gonna lie, this song actually was the song that inspired me to write this entry. I've never been a huge fan of Sara Evans despite her being hot. Also, this video is a little bit over the top for me. I'm not a huge fan of having dialogue over the music in a video, especially in a song like this. However, this song is so awesome I find it getting stuck in my head a lot, and after actually hearing it for the first time at karaoke, it's become a regular on the Sprint playlist. This single was the title track to her 2011 album "Stronger"- her first album in six year and the first since her 2007 high profile divorce which took place while Evans was a contestant on "Dancing With The Stars", and was also featured on the soundtrack to the movie "Country Strong". After climbing to #1 on the Country Chart, the single peaked at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22zB6Soc2Gk

"Stronger"- Mary J. Blige. I love this song on every level, but I hate this video on so many levels. Mary looks great in it, but since it was featured in the 2009 documentary film on LeBron James, "More Than A Game", it features tons of clips of LeBron James St. Vincent St. Mary's High School team. This single was the "title track" of sorts for her 2009 album "Stronger With Each Tear", but was not featured on the US version, only appearing on International Releases. Despite this, it's quickly become one of my favorite MJB songs despite only peaking at #84 on the Billboard R&B Songs Chart. Like I said, I think Mary looks great in this video as far as her hair- but I'm really not feeling this dress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U6TEqhxnuo

"Strong Enough To Break"- Hanson. I left these guys off of "Give Me A Break, Give Me A Break, Break Me Off A Piece Of That Kit Kat Bar" by accident, so I made sure I didn't do it this time. After growing up and going through puberty, Hanson has turned out to be a really good band that isn't bubble gum whatsoever, as most people simply only know their material from 1997's "Middle Of Nowhere". However, after struggling with Def Jam Island Records for creative control of their music, Hanson finally started their own label, 3CG Records. Ironically, this song is the title for the documentary film made about that very conflict. This track is the very first on their 2004 album "Underneath", which peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 200 Albums chart. Despite it not being released as a single, this will always be one of Hanson's best songs. Also, I will say this again- you can say whatever you want, but the talent that Hanson has is undeniable. Now that they've moved away from the bubble gum sound of their childhood, you are looking at a really good band. Also, bonus points for Zac Hanson sharing my birthday just 4 years later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhIvcjF74mg

"Stronger Woman"- Jewel. I really like Jewel, but this debut country single from her 2007 album "Perfectly Clear" just doesn't seem to fit her persona well to me. Jewel is still super sexy and I love her voice, just not in a country song- don't know why. This song was still moderately successful anyway, as this song only peaked at #13 on the Billboard Country Charts and #84 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaXr2vGDQwk

"Strong Enough To Save"- Tenth Avenue North. This single from Tenth Avenue North's 2010 album "The Light Meets The Dark" is a perfect example of how great of a band they are in an under the radar genre. This single peaked #1 on the Billboard Christian Singles Chart, with the album reaching #15 on the Billboard Hot 200 Albums Chart. I'd really like to see Tenth Avenue North in concert because Mike Donehey is a super talented front man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8gsTLF9pL4

"Strong Enough"- Matthew West. Matthew West is quickly becoming the next Steven Curtis Chapman just based on his sound and songwriting ability. This song from his latest album "My Own Little World" peaked at #6 on the Christian Singles Chart in 2010. The first time I saw this video I thought to myself "man that guy really looks kinda like Gary LeVox". Funny thing is that Rascal Flatts actually recorded his song "The Day Before You" on their 2004 album "Feels Like Today". This guy has an amazing voice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knuHDPbE5es

"My Strongest Suit"- Spice Girls. I have to admit that I LOVE this song! This song featured on Elton John and Tim Rice's concept soundtrack album of "Aida" which was famously released in 1999 BEFORE the musical was released on Broadway in 2000. This recording with the Spice Girls was made without Geri Halliwell, and was actually one of their last studio recordings together before their breakup in 2001. Like most of the songs on this album, the Broadway cast version is very different, but this song for Amneris in Aida is one of the musical's best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yYQ6hso8Ks

"Standing Strong"- Sarah Dawn Finer. I love finding Scandinavian artists. SDF is a Swedish artist with this song being featured on her #1 Swedish album "Moving On". This song is super good, and I love when European artists don't show any sign of being European in their music, because this song just screams American R&B, and while Sarah is a beautiful woman, I am just not feeling some of the looks she goes for in this video, but I'm sure that has to do with European producers being so heavily "influenced" by American hip hop artists.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXPzpxkNZx4

BONUS VIDEOS- "Hands"- Jewel. This is what Jewel needs to stick with. Great song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfsS3pIDBfw

"Christmas Makes Me Cry"- Matthew West and Mandisa. I don't if I've ever had two artists on a list on separate songs that recorded a duet together at an earlier date. This live performance from a 2007 concert in Decatur, IL is pretty impressive. They should seriously record some more songs together. Notice the difference between Mandisa and now- actually very inspirational. This single was released on Mandisa's EP "Christmas Joy".

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

And of course the scene from "Scary Movie 2" that inspired the title. Sorry, I had to do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHHB00Nu3Ak

Mandisa

Sara Evans

Sarah Dawn Finer