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