Late Night Music Super Bowl 47 Edition Part 157......"Even More Guilty Pleasures"

The fact that I now have three of these lists is beyond scary. I can't believe I do this to myself. Well, at least it's funny.

In order to receive votes in this category the song had to usually thought of as "unacceptable" for someone of my demographic to enjoy. With that being said, all songs receiving votes were included on this list.

"Stay"- Nick Jonas And The Administration. I've always said that Nick Jonas is tons better without his brothers, and I think that's pretty obvious here. Still doesn't make me cool for liking this song so much. Nick Jonas is super talented and this current solo project with his band The Administration is so much better than his bubblegum brother act. Not to mention, he has a left handed guitar player Sonny Thompson! He joins his New Power Generation and WWE Superstar Mabel/Viscera look a like Michael Bland on drums for this unreal live performance which was used as the released single version of the song. Despite it's popularity, it wasn't included on the band's debut album Who I Am and was only released as a standalone single. I have a feeling that this single as well as his cover of Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet" from the NBC series "Smash" soundtrack will be included on this next album. I'm embarassed to admit that I'm really looking forward to that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0

"Iesha"- Another Bad Creation. Some of you know that the first CD I ever bought in my life in 1991 was Another Bad Creations's Chillin' At The Playground Ya' Know! And my street cred which I thought was building immediately went and permanently stayed at zero. This debut single from 1990 for ABC shot to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made these Atlanta kids household names and one of the faces of the fledgling newly formed East Coast Family led by former New Edition and Bell Biv Devoe star Michael Bivens. Thank god that alliance was short lived because I still don't know what Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, and Michael Bivens saw in these guys. I hate that they faded out so fast, but can you seriously take these kids seriously as a hip hop group? Looking back, it had to be a joke that they all were in just to sell this group to kids. I guess I fell for it too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDPIK7Fz_g4

"You Got It All"- The Jets. The Jets were so freaking good! I am still amazed by a few things. First of all, Elizabeth Wolfgramm was 12, yes TWELVE years old when this song was released in 1986 on The Jets self titled debut album. She sounded like a grown woman singing this true soul ballad which peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year. The other thing I've always been amazed at is how the Wolfgramm family had 15 yes FIFTEEN kids (though 2 were adopted) and all of them were talented enough to be in this group. I'm also amazed that momma Wolfgramm didn't freaking die from the pain. She has to have set the world record for "the uterus most like a clown car". These Tongan-Minnesota Mormons went on to release 3 more major label albums becoming a staple of the 80's and one of the best trivia questions in music history just due to their unbelievably peculiar back story while being a really good band. My favorite fact about this song is that Elizabeth Wolfgramm said herself in the 25th anniversary concert that she was never comfortable singing this song because at 12, she had never had a boyfriend and was completely lost singing about love, so she practiced singing this song by singing to her dog. That's pretty funny. Oh yeah, if I was a girl I would totally do this song karaoke, and I totally had this song played at every Shawreth function I went to at Mississippi College.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4zjw7IyfFA

"This I Promise You"- N'Sync. This 2000 boy band ballad from N'Sync's album No Strings Attached has become one of my karaoke staples over the years just because every time I sing it, I really think I'm JC Chasez, because as John Lassiter famously said, "when JC hits that bridge, an angel gets his wings". I would also like to add that Justin Timberlake looks absolutely ridiculous in this video. This song rode this video's popularity on "TRL" in its early days and peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Interestingly enough, this song was actually written by Richard Marx, who has also recorded it.  

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

"Ready"- N-Toon. I absolutely hate that I love this song so much. I will never forget watching these little chumps sing the national anthem at Smith Wills Stadium before a Jackson Diamond Kats game in the absolute worse rendition of the song I have ever heard. Even worse than Carl Lewis. I really wish I had a recording of it. It was seriously that bad. They had opened for fellow teen idol Sammie in a pregame concert (who was equally as corny as a child act), and they stuck around to open the game, I wish they would have skipped that part. This Atlanta band started by Klymaxx lead singer Joyce Irby (wow we'll get to her in a second) released this single off of their debut album Toon Time with Radio Disney heavily promoting the song. Dallas Austin also produced this album.....should have told you something there. As cheesy as these guys were, this song is super catchy, just thank god it never caught on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW3g3dilM-A

"I Miss You"- Klymaxx. Wow what a segue! I didn't even plan it like this! Before she was trying her hand starting kid groups, Joyce Irby was a huge part of the girl band Klymaxx which scored their biggest hit of their moderately successful career with this song from their 1984 album Meeting In The Ladies Room, with the single going to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 being easily the band's signature and most well known song. The crazy thing I've always said about this song is that Joyce Irby sang the lead vocals even though she wasn't the normal lead singer, as she was usually the bass player. Lorena Porter was the usual lead vocalist, but this song written by keyboardist Lynn Malsby specifically for Joyce Irby to sing. Like most other girl groups, Klymaxx is always fun to watch, but you find yourself wondering why you love this song so much.  

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

"The Hardest Thing"- 98 Degrees. I wish someone would have told Nick Lachey how ridiculous he looked in this video. Are we really supposed to buy him as Rocky? This song went to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999 fueled by the success of 98 Degrees And Rising. There's no doubt that 98 Degrees were talented musicians with a great blend, I just wish they would have stayed with their R & B roots instead of turning into a R & B group that carried themselves as a boy band. I'm not gonna say it, but you know what you are thinking right about now.

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

"The Rain, The Park, and Other Things"- The Cowsills. Nothing says cool like a mom in a rock band. The very weird Rhode Island family The Cowsills shot to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 with this smash single from their debut self titled album. Much to my surprise, this song is NOT called "I Love The Flower Girl", so I stand corrected. Unlike the previously mentioned Jets, The Cowsills were a completely dysfunctional family controlled by an overbearing father who forced his wife to be in the band despite her unwillingness to do so. The family and band have actually a quite tragic ending with only three family members still living.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q6fLhnwEKk

"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"- Kelly Clarkson. Kelly Clarkson has now been on two of these lists- why does she have to be so good? She's one of the most diverse female vocalists out there right now, and I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that I am a true Kelly Clarkson fan despite my complete disdain for "American Idol". This girl power smash single was the title track for her 2011 album Stronger and shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charted in basically every country that has a chart. The success of the single and video were fueled by her very creative concept of "global flash mob" which features videotaped submissions from fans that "flash mobbed" the routine that Clarkson made available on her website, and then chose the best ones to be used in the video. I have to admit, I'm a sucker for flash mobs. I finally crossed the "witness a flash mob" off of my bucket list when I witnessed one at Callaway High School this year. Bonus points for that. Now, if Kelly Clarkson could stop being so awesome I'd  be ok.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn676-fLq7I

"Close To You"- The Carpenters. Quite possibly the most embarassing one on this list. I did not know this, but this is actually a cover song written by Burt Bacharach recorded by him and later by Dionne Warwick. The 1970 version that was the title track for The Carpenters most famous album went on to be their biggest hit where it went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made Karen Carpenter a star. However, the cheesy level of The Carpenters is up there with Barry Manilow despite their enormous talent. This is a definitely a song you listen to when you make sure no one else is listening.

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

"Breaking Free"- Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. If I ever want to do a random duet, this "High School Musical" closing number is always a great pick. This song was fueled by the popularity of the Disney movie and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006. Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are just two people you hate to admit are super talented because it's just not fair how perfect they sing this song. I actually saw "High School Musical 3" in the theater on its opening weekend. Should I stop talking now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6fpbBoIrXI

"Wide Awake"- Katy Perry. To quote our good friend John Lassiter again....."Katy Perry......what a disaster". I'd have to agree, but once again, she's on my list of guilty pleasures. Why does she have to be so catchy every freaking time she records a song? This final single from her 2010 smash album Teenage Dream went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Performance at this year's awards. As weird and slutty as she is, Katy Perry is one of the best female artists of our generation and is quite possibly the next Madonna. I just hate that I feel so guilty for liking her so much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0BWlvnBmIE

"Rodeo"- Juvenile. I'll just let you watch the video to see why this one made the list. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5ATUCocIyc

"Run"- Leona Lewis. Leona Lewis blows me away with this Snow Patrol cover, but why must she be so awesome? This British "X Factor" winner continues to woo me with her voice and her beauty, but I seriously am too embarassed to admit it. This famous cover off of her debut album Spirit went to #1 on the British Singles Chart (where it out charted the original Snow Patrol version, which only hit #5), but failed to make much of a splash in the United States, where it just hit #81 on the Billboard Hot 100. This live performance from "The X Factor" gives me chills, but the most amazing part is that she sneezes not once but THREE times and recovers like it never happens. That's simply amazing. I mean even Simon said it was good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgu5sUcqbfQ

"Strawberry Wine"- Deana Carter. This ode to teenage fornicating was Deana Carter's debut single from her 1996 debut album Did I Shave My Legs For This? and went to #1 on the Billboard Country Chart and #65 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unfortunately for Carter, her career, while successful, never matched the hype that this song created for her out of the gate, leaving her biggest contribution to my music library this song about a teenage girl losing her virginity. Oh yeah, is there even such thing as Strawberry Wine?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up06CryWQpE

"Start of Something Good"- Daughtry. Daughtry is the new Nickelback. Sorry, you can't convince me otherwise. However, this lover's theme song from his (or their- which one is it????) 2012 album Break The Spell. I guess the reason I like this song so much is because unlike his other played out singles, this one only hit #31 on the Billboard Pop Songs Chart. Yeah, pop, and he expects us to believe that we think that's actually a rock band up there with him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKsyxZWQ_g0

"I Will Come To You"- Hanson. Hanson has found its way back onto this list again. This single from their 1997 breakout album Middle Of Nowhere peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and further cemented these kids in our brains whether we wanted them to be or not. I've said 100000 times that Hanson's new stuff is really good because they are grown up and don't play bubble gum stuff anymore, but you know you held your girlfriend or boyfriend's hand when you heard this song like you were something. How silly does that make you feel now? In a pretty funny twist, the biggest celebrity who shares my birthday is Hanson drummer Zac Hanson. I know- stop traffic! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rsWf09_PmI

"Fly (The Angel Song)"- The Wilkinsons. The Wilkinsons were so ridiculous, but this song is freaking perfect. This Canadian family group released this song on their 1998 album Nothing But Love where it went to #1 in Canada, #15 on the Billboard Country Charts, and #53 on the Billboard Hot 100. To make it more ridiculous, when this song was at its peak, the Wilkinsons were the headliner, yes the headliner for the Mississippi Dixie National Rodeo here in Jackson. Because that's the concerts we get in Jackson. Something about daddy in the video never let me look at Amanda Wilkinson the way I wanted to at the time.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6XMzvFpmTM

"Little Rock"- Collin Raye. The fact that I know every word to this song seriously scares me. There is no excuse for any person under 45 ever liking a Collin Raye song as much as I like this one. This 1994 single from his album Extremes hit #7 on the Billboard Country Charts. This has to be the worst acted music video since Garth Brooks "The Thunder Rolls".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRv0jVZtdbY

"I Wanna Sex You Up"- Color Me Badd. If you wanna have some fun, go into a bar or restaurant, anywhere with a jukebox, and play this song. The reactions you will get are worth whatever money you put in the machine. I had no idea that Color Me Badd was from Oklahoma City- really? This lead single that was featured on both their debut album C.M.B. and the original motion picture soundtrack to the Ice-T gang busting movie "New Jack City" actually earned Color Me Badd the Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist in 1992. My question is WHY? This ridiculously catchy song actually peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 giving us a tune that just won't go away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO6BtpIzIiM

"Gangnam Style"- PSY. You wonder how songs like this ever become so famous and then you find yourself singing them and trying to do the dance. Then you realize you're just as big of an idiot as everyone else.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0

"Down To Earth"- Justin Beiber. Sorry. I went there. Can't help it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRzRYfxZBK0

BONUS VIDEOS- "Tonight"- Nick Jonas And The Administration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9kEkJLnv4g

"Underneath"- Hanson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhmOuXiz9VM

"Stop Crying Your Heart Out"- Leona Lewis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKrPC432wiU

"Last Friday Night (T. G. I. F.)"- Katy Perry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlyXNRrsk4A

"Down To Earth (Acoustic Version)"- Justin Bieber

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-rpK72GB5Y

"You Got It All"- The Jets. Live from their 25th anniversary concert in Minneapolis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3Vu5j4eVho

Katy Perry

Klymaxx

The Jets

Let me see you Rodeo!

worst ever?

sometimes you just got to do it Gangnam Style

Late Night Music Part 156......."Curtain Closers"

It is always interesting to watch a really good movie and then have it end even better because the song playing in the last scene or ending credits makes the movie that much better......or that much worse.

In order to be included in this category the song had to be featured in the CLOSING CREDITS or the FINAL SCENE leading to credits in a motion picture. The song being included on the official motion picture soundtrack was not considered. Also receiving votes in this category were "Miss Misery" by Elliott Smith from "Good Will Hunting", "Mad World" by Gary Jules from "Donnie Darko", "Age of Aquarius" by 5th Dimension from "The 40 Year Old Virgin", and "We'll Meet Again" by Vera Lynn from "Dr. No".

"Save Me"- Aimee Mann ("Magnolia"). This song written specifically for the 1999 epic "Magnolia" earned Aimee Mann an Oscar and Grammy nomination in 2000. In a super cool video, the actors from the movie stayed after the film wrapped and appeared in this video which interestingly doesn't use any of the scenes from the actual movie. This was done due to "Magnolia" screenwriter's Paul Thomas Anderson's connection to Mann, as he claimed that he wrote "Magnolia" while listening to Aimee Mann's music, and immediately included her in the soundtrack with this awesome track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNbTC6xLVg0

"The Living Proof"- Mary J. Blige ("The Help"). With all the Oscar nominations "The Help" received, this one that it was passed over for really upset me. This song closed out the epic Mississippi film based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name. This song written specifically for the movie was never released as a single, but is without a doubt one of Mary's best efforts in quite a while, and how this song was not included mention in any awards still baffles me. When this song started with Viola Davis walking down the street in the closing scene, I can't remember many more times I was more overcome emotionally in a movie. If you haven't seen this movie, ESPECIALLY if you are from Mississippi, you need to see it immediately. This song was the perfect addition to a nearly perfect film. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwI4zsNteU8

"Stop Crying Your Heart Out"- Oasis ("The Butterfly Effect"). I love when a movie uses a song that was unreleased in the United States to get the song American exposure. That was the case here when "The Butterfly Effect" rolled this song in the closing credits which was off of Oasis's 2002 album Heathen Chemistry, but never released in the United States despite peaking at #2 on the British Singles Chart and being one of the band's favorite songs. In a great ironic twist (I love when this happens) this video for the song shown here was filmed completely in Los Angeles despite the song never being released in the United States. The popularity of the song led to it being covered by Leona Lewis (I smell a bonus video), and it was also included in the Patrick Dempsey "Made of Honor" and the TV Show "Smallville". As far as "The Butterfly Effect", it's always been one of my favorite movies despite the inclusion of Ashton Kutcher and the unbelievably huge plot hole about halfway through the movie. I guess I'm just a sucker for time travel movies. If you get a chance to see it, definitely worth watching though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QyVil0dwhk

"Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometimes"- Beck ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"). What a great conclusion song for a fantastic movie! This cover of the original song by Korgis was covered by Beck specifically for the movie. This psychologically complex movie always has been a favorite of mine just because Jim Carrey is so good and underrated in dramatic roles, and his on screen chemistry with Kate Winslett was undeniably awesome (she earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actress). I would imagine also, that if you wanted a cover song done by an artist that can really make a song memorable even though the song was already off genre, that Beck would be the person to do it. This track is amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1X5UgZprp0

"There You'll Be"- Faith Hill ("Pearl Harbor"). I wasn't a huge fan of this movie, but it wasn't bad. I did love the historical aspect of it, but Josh Hartnett in a love triangle is pretty vomit inducing to me in most instances. However, Mississippi's own Faith Hill took this Diane Warren written song to #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 as part of her "crossover" mission in the late 90's and early 2000's. This song also earned Warren and Hill an Oscar nomination in the award that has always alluded Warren. I was actually kinda upset that this movie came out on Memorial Day, but focused more on the love triangle than the actual historical story of Pearl Harbor, that's a slight slap in the face to the men and women who served at Pearl Harbor, but I won't get on that soapbox today. Despite that, Hill used this song to release a Greatest Hits album later the same year with this song as the title track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QuInFGeV8Y

"How Do I Live"- Trisha Yearwood ("Con Air"). I don't care what any of you say, this version is so much better than LeAnn Rimes! The two singles were actually released on the same day in 1997, and despite the better chart success of Rimes version peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 compared to #23 by Yearwood, the producers of Con Air must have known LeAnn Rimes really sucks, as Yearwood beat Rimes for the Grammy for Best Female Country Performance (the first and only time two artists were nominated for the same song in the same category), and fell victim to the "Titanic" bandwagon at the Oscars where it was nominated for Best Original Song and even included a stellar performance by Yearwood at the ceremony. I've always loved this song and I have to admit, if I was a female, I would do this song karaoke all the time. "Con Air" is a pretty awesome and funny movie at the same time- one of Nicolas Cage's better efforts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFnD3uwKHag

"Can You Feel The Love Tonight"- Elton John ("The Lion King"). I have to admit, I thought of only including his song "Someday Out Of The Blue" from the movie "The Road to El Dorado", but I feared the backlash and took the easy road. This song and soundtrack to the 1994 Disney classic helped Elton John resurrect his career in the early 90's after falling late in the previous decade, and gave us some of Elton John's best songs in an unbelievable career. This song also shot Disney back into top of the industry hot off the momentum from the previous year's "Aladdin". This song introduced Elton John to a whole new audience when it peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made "The Lion King" one of the highest selling soundtracks of all time. This song also took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song in a category Elton John had THREE entries in. Talk about a slam dunk. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1hcc1QvM2Q

"Believe"- Josh Groban and Beyonce ("The Polar Express"). I get blown away every time I see this performance from the 2005 Academy Awards. Beyonce can make even Josh Groban sound better- just proves how talented she really is. This Oscar and Golden Globe nominated song peaked at #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart- a familiar spot for Josh Groban. I have to admit, I just recently saw "The Polar Express" for the first time 2 Christmases ago. I wondered why it took me so long. I would really like to see these two collaborate again soon, both of them seem to really benefit from it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcABY5jlgqU

"Skyfall"- Adele ("Skyfall"). Holy shnikees! How in the world is Adele so awesome? This slam dunk Oscar Winner from this year (see my prediction there?) helped make "Skyfall" one of the highest grossing films of all time and showed that Adele is quite possibly the best female artist out there right now. This song peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, but went to the top 10 in basically every country that has a chart. I swear everything this woman touches turns to complete solid gold. I could listen to her voice and this song over and over and over again. I've never really been a huge James Bond fan, but this song and video really makes me want to see this movie. I think it also says a lot about Adele's songwriting that she could write a song that so close to the mood of a Bond film, as this video and song seem to fit together perfectly. I have to admit, I'm really looking forward to watching the Oscars just to see Adele do this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-gLRp5bSpw

"One Wing"- Jordin Sparks ("Sparkle"). This song and this ending scene from "Sparkle" was one of those songs that just catches you off guard. This R Kelly written song was the closing number in the recent remake of "Sparkle" which featured Whitney Houston in her final role. Not to overshadow that was this unreal performance from Jordin Sparks. I never gave a crap about Jordin Sparks, as I put her with most "American Idol" winners of being just nothing but bubblegum singers who happened to win a popularity contest. However, she blew me away in this movie and with this song because she should have been doing R & B music all along and not messing around with teeny bopper stuff because this is her true persona here. I really hope the success of the movie propels her into a new level so we can enjoy more songs like this from her. As far as the movie, I'm sure it's not as good as the original, but the acting was definitely above average and this song as well as others from the Curtis Mayfield original soundtrack make it a really good watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czf7kqtPOUw

"Under The Same Sun"- Scorpions ("On Deadly Ground"). This one is almost funny that I know this. Who in the world was even thinking about Scorpions in 1994? This song from their 1993 album Face The Heat was included in the 1994 Steven Seagal Alaska oil Chuck Norris wannabe movie. This single failed to really catch on, peaking at just #16 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks Chart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwyXnft6ZVk

"Nobody Does It Better"- Carly Simon ("The Spy Who Loved Me"). Another Bond song here I included just because it's so weird. Who in the world would ever think of this song as a Bond theme? Also, even though the movie title is in the lyrics, how confusing is it that the song title and movie title aren't even close? This single peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 tying it with Paul McCartney's "Live and Let Die" as the highest ever charting Bond theme. This song can also be considered Simon's biggest hit ever, as it's been covered by both Aimee Mann and Oleta Adams (I smell bonus videos).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNA7DcVppEs

"Don't You Forget About Me"- Simple Minds ("The Breakfast Club"). There would have been a riot if I didn't include this one. Quite possibly the best ending scene/closing credits song ever. This song was surprisingly written specifically for the 1985 John Hughes classic and peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 helping the film make over $51 million on a $1 million budget! This song is also easily Simple Minds best known song in the United States, as they never really saw the success in the United States that they found in Europe. However, they made an eternal stamp in pop culture with this theme song to one of the greatest teen movies ever made.

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

"The Sound of Silence"- Simon and Garfunkel ("The Graduate"). This Billboard Hot 100 #1 song in 1966 was included the next year in the Dustin Hoffman classic "The Graduate". At the time, buying rights to a song that had previously charted to be included on a movie soundtrack was unheard of, but the decision to include this song helped this movie become a box office hit and one of the highest grossing films all time while it boosted the careers of Simon and Garfunkel, with the soundtrack album knocking The Beatles out of the top spot on the albums chart in 1968 fueled by the success of the re release of this song and the other #1 hit from the movie "Mrs. Robinson".  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLEmyeQlS5M

"Bittersweet Symphony"- The Verve ("Cruel Intentions"). I can't think of this song without thinking of this movie. I never really cared for the movie, but this is such a great ending scene and great song. Released the previous year after seeing success in the UK, this song peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 making The Verve a pretty memorable one hit wonder in the United States. Also, as much as I hated this movie, I will forever love Sarah Michelle Gellar. I'm just saying- nothing can ever change that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2xCLOjOWco

"Exit Music (For A Film)"- Radiohead ("Romeo and Juliet"). This song is freaking genius and is a great ending to a surprisingly creative movie despite my hesitation of watching it just due to the fact that at the time Leonardo DiCaprio was such a teen idol vomit inducer I couldn't bring myself to watch it until well after the movie had come out on VHS (DVDs were not around yet! man I feel old!). The unbelievably popular movie included the song in the closing credits, but not on the soundtrack at the request of Radiohead, who wanted to include the song on their upcoming mega album OK Computer, which was released the following year. The craziest thing is that the song was written specifically for the film's closing credits and the band was inspired to write it by watching the Claire Danes suicide scene in the movie.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu-m4e0DzTs

"What A Feeling"- Irene Cara ("Flashdance"). I had to do it. Irene Cara hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a Golden Globe in 1984 and an Oscar in 1983 for this theme song to the 1981 cult classic "Flashdance". The Golden Globe made Irene Cara the first ever black woman to receive a Golden Globe award. Cara would only crack the top 20 one more time, but left us with this unbelievably memorable song from an embarassingly memorable movie. There were actually 3 arrangements of the song recorded. One for the opening credits, the closing credits version seen here, and the most famous single version- bonus video coming up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65ynRuXN7GI

"Where Is My Mind"- The Pixies ("Fight Club"). I can't lie. I liked this movie, but I can't say that I got it. Definitely creative, but also very confusing. This song was originally on The Pixies 1988 debut album Surfer Rosa and was written by lead singer Black Francis after his experience scuba diving in the Caribbean. It was used in this famous ending scene which turned out to be a flashback in "Fight Club", but the song was also used the previous year for the movie "The Adventures of Sebastian Cole". This song is always played at Pixies live shows, as the band has previous reunited after a hiatus, but I bet they still can't tell you what "Fight Club" is really about, because I know I can't.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCD14IrOcIs

"Cole's Song"- Julian Lennon ("Mr. Holland's Opus"). What an unbelievably awesome seemingly completely unknown song! This song used in the closing credits of the Richard Dreyfuss masterpiece "Mr. Holland's Opus" actually uses the melody of "The American Symphony" which is used in several parts of the film including the climax at the end. Despite this song being released as a single, it never caught on, and thus never even charted. Julian Lennon has always been given a bad wrap and I bet it sucks being a Beatle's child- talk about lofty expectations! I thought that this song was a perfect ending to one of my all time favorite movies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2TnmtDsc38

"When You Believe"- Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston ("The Prince Of Egypt"). I have to admit, I've never seen this movie all the way through, but this has always been one of my favorite songs and still to me one of the most inspirational songs ever written. This Stephen Schwartz pinned song peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and took home the Academy Award in 1999 for Best Original Song. The song was also featured on Whitney Houston's 1998 album My Love Is Your Love and on Mariah Carey's 1999 greatest hits album #1's. This was always one of both artists more under appreciated songs and to me, one of the best songs of the 90's. Their performance at the 1999 Academy Awards still gives me chills. Yeah, bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxIN79n4jVo

"Don't Stop Believing"- Various Artists ("Rock of Ages"). This movie is super cheesy and cliche, but the singing is phenomenal and the musical tribute to 80's rock ends with the ultimate 80's rock anthem featuring the entire cast of the movie. Does the song even need an introduction? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E1xRJLwZts

BONUS VIDEOS- "Someday Out Of The Blue"- Elton John.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dp22KRD5zM

"Nobody Does It Better"- Aimee Mann.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=finaXhHQw_I

"Nobody Does It Better"- David Sanborn featuring Oleta Adams.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ9feIf3xy0

"When You Believe"- Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston (Live at 1999 Academy Awards).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7qX3eQVnQ0

"What A Feeling"- Irene Cara.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GelOkOzQ9cw

Adele

"Sparkle"

Whitney and Mariah should have done this more often

Best teen movie ever?

Don't stop believing.....

Late Night Music NFL Playoffs/NHL Lockout Is Over Edition Part 155......"Acoustically Speaking Part 2"

It has surprisingly been over 130 entries since I first did "acoustically speaking". Needless to say, my library has grown extensively since then. It's always so fascinating to see how artists can strip down a song to just a few instruments, fewer vocals, no electric guitars, or no percussion at all and stilll make a song keep the same feeling as the original. Even more impressive is when these same songs take on a whole new personality with just the re arrangement of the musical setup of the same song.

In order to be included in this category, the song had to be stripped down (to any extent- some obviously more than others) and had to be by the original artists- we already did "acoustic covers"- remember? In a rare "Late Night Music" feat, all songs receiving votes were included in this category.

"All Around Me"- Flyleaf. We'll start this list with an odd but mesmerizing cover by one of the best bands flying under the radar (seriously, no pun intended). I've always been enthralled with Lacey Sturm, as she shows true emotion in this amazing performance of Flyleaf's biggest hit from their 2005 debut album. This single hit #1 on the Billboard Christian Chart and crossed over to hit #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007. Flyleaf has always been a band with a huge cult following, but with the recent pregnancy of Sturm causing her to leave the band, I'm afraid Flyleaf is done for. Thank God we have great videos like this to remember what an exceptional band Flyleaf really was. My only question is how small Lacey Sturm actually is because that chair she's sitting in looks like it's absolutely swallowing her. Almost like she's a midget! Lacey Sturm is also one of the few women I know of that could look that rough but still be so attractive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M2kDanRWCg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN0FFK8JSYE

"Your Winter"- Sister Hazel. I always take crap for loving Sister Hazel so much, but I'm telling you these guys from Gainesville, Florida are super awesome. I've always thought of Sister Hazel as the Southern Rock band that almost everyone knows about, but their music is surprisingly very difficult to find. I'm not sure if they weren't marketed right or what, but they always seemed like they were a lot more popular than they were I guess. Anyway, this great effort by lead singer Ken Block is included on their 2000 album Fortress and has always been a favorite of mine. This is a pretty impressive performance from "Daily Buzz", and I guess I decided that Ken Block just doesn't look like a lead singer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32bIOVMEA_s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhEUJ0CiOY8

"One More Try"- Wavorly. I hate that this Tupelo, Mississippi band recently broke up just as I was getting into them. I saw them in a pregame concert before the Hawks/Hornets game last year and actually saw them do this song. This song was included on their last album The EP and almost seems like it was meant to be played in this format when Dave Stovall sets it on fire in this track right here. I think it's so cool that the way I saw Wavorly for the first time was because I was tired from walking in New Orleans and saw them play with Rapture Ruckus and Fireflight before the game. Sometimes the music finds you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2NnHuyMBwQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jaLMqclXO8

"Looking Up"- Paramore. This great track from Paramore's 2009 album Brand New Eyes has always been one of my favorite Paramore songs despite never being released as a single. It's also a crowd favorite at most live shows. This is a great stripped down version of a pretty heavy song that takes on a whole new identity. Hayley Williams and Paramore have always seemed like they'd be so fun to hang out with. They just seem like they're always having fun no matter what they're doing. That's so hard to do in the music industry. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knwKb38b-YQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2FYCGMahy4

"Candles"- Hey Monday. This clip from Pure Volume Sessions featuring recent "The Voice" champion Cassadee Pope as the lead singer of Hey Monday is phenomenal. Bonus points for the Cub Scout shirt! The original version of this song was included on Hey Monday's 2008 debut album Hold On Tight, but this version was released as a single on the EP of the same name in 2011 (the version was the same- this version was not the single). That version was the same version that was famously covered by Darren Criss and Chris Cofer on "Glee" as well. I'm really glad that Cassadee won "The Voice" because I'm usually a skeptic of those stupid shows, but its really good that someone with some real talent actually won.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnvxqiMiIcA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC4RSkm2vj0

"Knock You Down"- Keri Hilson. This is one song that I think is better in the acoustic version. This version Billboard.com's acoustic sessions shows the way this song should have been performed all along. This single from Hilson's 2009 debut album In A Perfect World... peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 despite featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West. Keri Hilson has a phenomenal voice and I'd really like to see her go more neo soul, but I know she likes the whole hip hop scene a little bit more, but I think she'd be even better than she already as a Melanie Fiona/Jill Scott/India Arie conglomerate. Anyhow, she has an angel's voice and shows it here minus those other two clowns in this stripped down version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDeMgEFeVkI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_RqWocthcc

"Hey, Soul Sister"- Train. Another great track from Billboard.com. This great song from Train's 2009 album Save Me, San Francisco peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming their highest charting single ever and also included Jimmy Stafford learning to play the ukelele just for this song because Pat Monahan liked the way it sounded. I absolutely love this song and everything about it especially the surprisingly deep lyrics, but why do all of Train's songs have to be so freaking high? I can't even dream of doing these karaoke.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-7XPCNrD5Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVpv8-5XWOI

"Say You Love Me"- Fleetwood Mac. This super awesome stripped down version was unveiled here at the reunion/live album recording of Fleetwood Mac's 1997 comeback album The Dance. This Christine McVie pinned song was featured on the classic duo's first album together, the eponymous self-titled album in 1975. The single peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and despite McVie departing from the group, this song and this version still remains a fan favorite and a mainstay of Fleetwood Mac shows. Also, on the album, the band claims that Jon McVie is singing, and is mouth is definitely moving in front of a microphone, but can you guys hear ANYTHING he's singing? Yeah I thought so too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKnfGqYOdrw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uN9bTRDOtk

"Like We Used To"- A Rocket To The Moon. Talk about a group really flying under the radar! (No pun intended, but that was a really good one!) This is a pretty impressive stripped down performance of A Rocket To The Moon's debut single from their 2009 album On Your Side. Nick Santino really feels it when he sings and is one of my favorite lead singers out there right now just because he's just seems to be so freaking natural. I also have to add that it's pretty cool that he's able to play the guitar with that many rings on his fingers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F2yTYMhoJc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US46cHVj0-M

"We Are Young"- Fun featuring Janelle Monae. These guys are just incredible. This song is so hard to sing, and both the band and Janelle Monae put on a fantastic acoustic rendition here. This single from their 2012 album Some Nights took the world by storm and peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and shot Fun into a household name almost over night. Nate Ruess just sings this deceptively intense so non chanlantly and Janelle Monae just adds a calming presence to an emotional song. Very very very well done in all aspects. I look for this song to rake in at this year's Grammy Awards in 2 weeks and give me hope that artists with real talent still win Grammys in the United States and not crap like Nicki Minaj.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQLGhPHzxjc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv6dMFF_yts

"Pumped Up Kicks"- Foster The People. This song from Foster The People's debut album Torches in 2011 made them an overnight success when this song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The super catchy tune makes this song cool I guess, but I had no idea what the words were until I looked it up. But at the end of the way, this song is fun to sing, even if the words are wrong. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maZuT3uR-gM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDTZ7iX4vTQ

"Heaven"- DJ Sammy featuring Do. This dance hit with DJ Sammy and Dutch singer Do peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 when DJ Sammy included as the title track to his 2001 album which was a surprising dance cover of a Bryan Adams song. This stripped down version featuring just Do was recorded due to the popularity worldwide of the dance version and actually received mild radio airplay as the "candlelight mix".  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCD7bSgR2Xc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkrfGsBJsME

"I Try"- Macy Gray. For some reason, I've always been fascinated with Macy Gray. Also, I've heard this song covered by so many cover bands it's unreal. Maybe Time to Move Band should do this one (I'm talking to YOU Ben Bradley!). Macy Gray just always seems to me as a genre-less singer and she even talks about her music backgrounds coming from going to a boarding school growing up. I also would like to see Macy Gray in more movie roles, even if they are small parts. I really liked her cameo in "Training Day". This single from Macy Gray's 1999 album On How Life Is peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. This piano and drum only version is super different even for Macy Gray, but makes me wish she'd release an unplugged album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSknGGwTHYo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoNOYthycb8

"We Are"- Kari Jobe. This single from Kari Jobe's 2012 Grammy Nominated album Where I Find You peaked at #8 on the Hot Christian Singles Chart and helped this album peak at #10 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and make Kari Jobe an even bigger name in the Christian music industry. This acoustic version was recorded for iTunes release, but really captures the power of her voice even more than the original version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B07iK9uh9qY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoWmih6CcKc

"My Immortal"- Evanescence. Amy Lee is freaking amazing! I'll say it again. Amy Lee is freaking amazing! This unreal track from their 2003 debut album Fallen shows pure raw and unbelievable emotion from every bone in Amy Lee's body. Few other female singers put this much into every single track and leave you mesmerized to this extent. This single went on to peak at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and proved to be one of the band's biggest hits. I thought it would be hard to strip down a pretty light song, but Evanescence does a great job of it here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1Y9ccRg7gw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5anLPw0Efmo

"California King Bed"- Priscilla Renea.- Ok, I kinda cheated on this one, but this song is too awesome to not include. Plus, I love Priscilla Renea!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZi_oZkMCs8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhBorPm6JjQ

"Round Here"- Counting Crows. Here is a band I'd really love to see make a huge comeback! How did this version ever slide by me without being noticed? This super deep song was included on the band's 1993 debut album August And Everything After and despite a wildly popular video, the song only peaked #7 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks Chart. I have to agree with Jay Money though- Counting Crows is a super cool band name. I still can't believe how old it makes me feel knowing that these guys came out when I was in FIFTH GRADE!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bwnfYFVBeo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAe3sCIakXo

"Halo"- Beyonce. I swear there is nothing that Beyonce sucks at. This is absolutely ridiculous awesome. This single from I Am...Sasha Fierce peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has one of the coolest videos ever made. Remember, I've discussed that one. I honestly feel that the only reason this song didn't go to #1 is because they had to make it look like the system wasn't rigged for Beyonce, but I seriously wouldn't care if it was. This woman is absolutely spellbinding. Interesting fact though is that this song was written by Beyonce partially due to inspiration from the Ray Lamontagne song "Shelter". That's pretty awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWgWZFxCkdk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnVUHWCynig

"Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of"- U2. I was freaking obsessed with this song in college! (Thanks Matt Kilgore!). This awesome song from U2's 2001 album All That You Can't Leave Behind peaked at #52 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song's background is quite puzzling. According to Bono, it was about a fictional conversation with the late INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence. Yeah, I'm still trying to figure that one out. That being said, this song is awesome and so is this acoustic version from "Late Night With Conan O'Brien".  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANk_Fn0mEyY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emFUtuotHL4

"Spinning Wheels"- Angel Taylor. I still don't know how Angel Taylor didn't win "The Voice" in its inaugural season. She is so freaking awesome and I freaking love this song which can be interpreted as the "title track" to her debut album Love Travels. I love how she rocks this song to death while holding a coffee mug in her lap and with her hair in her face- that's pretty dope. I absolutely love hearing this song at work (at the last two jobs I've had no less!) and tell everyone I can about her every chance I get! I really look forward to her new album! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ5uoccvWpk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=790DIbDaYqY

"It Ends Tonight"- The All American Rejects. Here's one I never thought I'd see acoustic, but these guys actually pulled it off. This very different from the norm AAR song was included at the last single from their 2006 album Move Along where it peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was, according to Tyson Ritter, written about a guy rather than a female as you would think. I absolutely love this song, it just kinda reminds of Train- too freaking high to sing and thus eliminating itself from karaoke contention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9dstnPlET8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfdAGkjHGac

"Who I Am Hates Who I've Been"- Relient K. This catchy yet remorseful song was included on Relient K's 2005 album Mmhmm and peaked at #82 on the Billboard Hot 100. I think Matt Thiessen is one of most underrated song writers and lead singers in any genre. He is just so freaking genius and I really think he adjusts this song's mood to fit the acoustic set up. Relient K is always full of surprises, and I look forward to another clever album name as well, as their last album was simply called Is For Karaoke. See if you catch that one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWpY6Vr4Si0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jd9dfn0Fgc

"Everything We Had"- The Academy Is.... I can't believe I haven't had more of these guys on these lists, and now that they are no more, I'll have to find a way to get them on here again. I do think it's super funny that they added "is" on their name just due to legal complications from so many band names having the name "The Academy", I also think it's hilarious how big William Beckett always wanted to keep his hair. That can't be on purpose. This song was included on their 2007 album Santi and on the soundtrack for the movie "P.S. I Love You". I'm gonna go ahead and also say that this is the closest of any of these versions to a lead singer sounding just like they did in the studio version. I almost want to accuse of him lip synching because that is pretty impressive. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McOgGwXdkOs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YqYA_rbh1Q

"Under Control"- Parachute. There was a few month period where I was calling this song my favorite song. Talk about super catchy! I just hate that the single version was so much different than the original version. This single from their 2009 album Losing Sleep peaked at #27 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart and is a constant in retail stores across America. This seemingly impromptu version from Houston isn't top quality, but still features the talent of the band and the super cool voice of Will Anderson. He also looks a little bit like a dark hair Dave Barnes- anyone else agree? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8b0FB3k8xg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HiRnS4k2Vw

"No One's Gonna Love You"- Band of Horses. This song right here has got to be Band of Horses best, and is put on full display here. This also seems like a pretty difficult song to arrange acoustically, so either they are just freaking awesome or really rehearsed it before doing it live on the radio. This fan favorite was included on their 2007 album Cease To Begin. Band of Horses is one of those bands that I would absolutely love to see live, as their talent is really overshadowed by not seeing them in person. Ben Bridwell has a super distinctive voice, but he controls it amazingly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxyCnY-onhU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuZo7pLnL7c

"Poker Face"- Lady Gaga. I'll just let you watch this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laIr_d0hFB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bESGLojNYSo

BONUS VIDEO- "Perfect Two"- Auburn. No reason, just liked this song. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKM516jRXvQ

"City Love"- Priscilla Renea. How can you not love her? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35MNqd4ehtY

"Like You Do"- Angel Taylor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKN-2YEYb-4

"Detlef Schrempf"- Band of Horses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za71GzDQJ2c

"If Only They Knew"- A Rocket To The Moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynS7rgygk_o

"Cold War"- Janelle Monae
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqmORiHNtN4

A Rocket To The Moon

Counting Crows

Fun and Janelle Monae

Flyleaf

Parachute

Angel Taylor

Late Night Music Part 154......"Girl Power! Part 3"

I've done two "Girl Power!" entries, but I keep finding so many great female artists that I decided to write another one and include some of the great female artists that weren't included on the first two lists. Some of these acts are household names, some are just unknown in the United States, but some of these will hopefully be heard of everywhere one day.

Obviously, only solo female artists were included in this list. All artists receiving votes were included.

"Everyone's Waiting"- Missy Higgins. I can't believe that I haven't featured Missy Higgins on here more. This latest single from this singer/songwriter from Melbourne was the second single from her third album The 'Ol Razzle Dazzle released earlier this year and was her third #1 album in Australia. Not bad percentage huh? This single peaked at #10 on the Australian Singles Chart and gave Missy Higgins a new sort of sound to go along with her deeply personal lyrics. I'm so glad Missy Higgins came back so strong with this new album after taking nearly 5 years off after the release of her album On A Clear Night. A lot of times we complain when artists take a long time to release their next album, but this is a great example of how sometimes an artist needs time to clear their head and get the inspirational juices flowing. Because honestly would you rather have an album like this that is worth waiting for or an album that is obviously thrown together to fulfill record contracts? Yeah I thought so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiFKGbH4NzE

"Arms"- Christina Perri. Here's one for you. I knew who Christina Perri was, but I had absolutely no idea she sang this song. This Pandora favorite off of Perri's 2011 debut album Lovestrong made a splash on VH1 with this dramatic big budget video which was fueled by Perri's "Glee" moment when her song "Jar Of Hearts" was covered. This song surprisingly only peaked at #94 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it is just a glimpse of big things to come for Christina Perri who is obviously very talented. This song was also given new life when Perri performed it this past season on "Dancing With The Stars".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeW0Sl0tNS8

"Stay (I Missed You)"- Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories. For some odd reason, this epic song has somehow avoided all my lists until now. Lisa Loeb made a splash when this song was included on the soundtrack of the 1994 comedy/drama movie "Reality Bites" starring Ben Stiller, Ethan Hawke, and Winona Ryder. Loeb was a personal friend of Hawke's and got included on the soundtrack because of him. He also made his directorial debut when he directed this video which became a huge hit on MTV and VH1. The video was unbelievably cheap to make, as it was filmed in all of two takes! Wow! Lisa Loeb also included this single on her debut album Tails but not before becoming to date still the only artist to ever top the Billboard Hot 100 without a major recording contract when this song peaked at #1 in 1994, knocking off All-4-One. Lisa Loeb has only cracked the Top 20 twice since she caught lightning in a bottle with this song, but she gave us one of the greatest "out of nowhere" songs in music history.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka9mCmx9Jhs

"The Way I Am"- Ingrid Michaelson. I LOVE INGRID MICHAELSON! This 2007 single from her album Girls and Boys peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced Michaelson to a national audience. This song was performed by her when she made her US television debut on "Last Call With Carson Daly". Michaelson's albums have steadily climbed in the charts since, with her latest album Human Again peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Michaelson is a master at writing little diddies that stay stuck in your head and make you laugh at the same time. She's truly a distinct artist.

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

"Thank You"- Estelle. Estelle brings soul like no other to this single from her latest album All Of Me. This single peaked at #100 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #15 on the Billboard R & B Charts. This song was actually written by Akon (who sings backup vocals), and is thought of many people as a tribute song to Lauryn Hill, a favorite of Estelle. I have to admit, when you look at Estelle, you would never peg her as a singer. Goes to show that you can never judge talent on looks alone. This song is also nominated for Best R & B Performance at this year's Grammy Awards. Estelle really reminds me of Chrisette Michelle with a dash of Mary J. Blige. Too bad real R & B singers like this don't get a push anymore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUuEYM9vjlw

"You"- Chantelle Barry. This Perth, Australia singer/songwriter and frequent actress on the CW's "90210" puts on a soothing effort with this song and video. This single is from her debut album Simple Things. I wish I knew where this video was filmed, because I've heard that Perth is the most beautiful city in Australia, and that is some awesome beaches right there. For more on Chantelle Barry check her out at www.chantellebarrymusic.com

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

"Piece Of My Heart"- Beverley Knight. This cover right here man! Wow, Beverley Knight lives up to her billing as "The Voice of Great Britain" with this unreal cover of the Emma Jones classic. This soulful but still rocking single was released on her 2006 compilation album Voice- The Best of Beverley Knight and peaked at #16 on the British Singles Chart. Beverley Knight shows that she's truly capable of performing any genre and killing it while doing so. I'd really love to see Beverley Knight make a splash in the United States.

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

"The Show"- Lenka. This song was famously included in the movie "Moneyball", and it was perfect for that movie, and it got a very underrated Aussie some much deserved exposure. This live peformance from the Australian morning show "Sunrise" does a great job capturing the personality of Lenka. Before its inclusion in the movie, this song from her 2008 self titled debut album saw its most success in the UK where it peaked at #22. I just love when an Australian singer's accent comes out in singing- you really don't see that much in British artists.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-7hiqy4J-E

"Almost Lover"- A Fine Frenzy. Alison Sudol wins the award for the coolest stage name ever with this super awesome stage name which makes her sound like the ultimate badass. This debut single from her debut album One Cell In The Sea made a splash in Europe and was used on several American TV shows while peaking at just #76 on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. This Seattle artist is definitely one of a kind. I'm seriously enthralled by the piano being played in the middle of the river.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDEEzS7OV2k

"Hands Tied"- Toni Braxton. Man I love this song! Toni Braxton is so freaking awesome! I still cannot figure out for the life of me why this song was not bigger! I know I say that every time, but it seriously blows my mind. Once again, this video gets bonus points for featuring former "Kids Incorporated" star Eric Balfour. I still can't get over the fact that this song, and the album it came from, Pulse, wasn't bigger. I realize that Toni Braxton was huge in the mid to late 90's, but this song and her current look is amazing. She's a great example of yet another woman aging gracefully, and in my opinion looking even better. As I watch this video again, my only question is what in the world are the guys in the back playing pool doing? Are you really telling me that wouldn't be looking at Toni Braxton? I'll believe that when I see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JpVynh9HWU

"You Win Again"- Sophie Madeleine. Sophie Madeleine does a spectacular cover of this forgotten 1987 Bee Gees song. Every time I hear this song or feature it on this list, I like it more and more. I've always loved the Bee Gees, but for some reason, this girl is so much easier to listen to than Barry Gibb. Sophie Madeleine did an incredible feat of covering 30 songs in 30 days and featuring all of them on her youtube channel. To see all 30 songs, check out http://www.youtube.com/misssophiemadeleine. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqdiwGlb_o8

"More Than A Woman" - Aaliyah. Man talk about getting me emotional. Every time I think about the circumstances surrounding this diva's death I get upset. Aaliyah was so close to becoming the biggest R & B star maybe ever. This song from her final self titled album, was performed in her last ever TV performance when she appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. This song also became her only #1 hit on the British Singles Chart, and peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100. It always blew my mind that this video came out a few months after her death, it was almost like she knew this song and video would be huge, so it was filmed and then spent a few months in production to make it perfect as a swan song, as this song just before the infamous "Rock The Boat". Man this woman was about to set the world on fire. Sometimes life is so unbelievably unfair.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oAeoOcpUS4

"One Last Time"- Kellie Pickler. This former "American Idol" contestant puts forth an unreal beautiful effort with this song from her 2008 self-titled second album. The album reached #1 on the Billboard Country Charts and #9 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Kellie Pickler is one of the most beautiful women in music and has a simply breathtaking talent. I'm glad she's doing well, but she's also proof that it takes more than talent to win "American Idol" because Kellie Pickler, Mandisa, and Katharine McPhee all were too busy losing to TAYLOR HICKS. How in the world does that happen?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu0cOnfUGa0

"Call Me Maybe"- Carly Rae Jepsen. I had to do it. Why do songs like this stick in your head? By the way, the "love interest" of Carly Rae Jepsen in this video has seriously the worst tattoos ever.  

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

"Need U Bad"- Jazmine Sullivan.  This debut single off of Sullivan's debut album Fearless is still her best to me. This single peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard R & B Chart. I don't care what you guys say, I still think that Jazmine Sullivan strikes a stunning resemblance to the Mowry twins. Why am I the only person that thinks this? I am super glad that Pandora likes Jazmine Sullivan so much because this entire album gets a lot of love on most soul stations on Pandora, so make sure you add her to your station to hear one of the best debut albums ever.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiFqIVQNM4I

"Feels Like Home"- Chantal Kreviazuk. This piano ballad instant classic was actually not included on any album for this Canadian songstress. It was actually released originally on the Songs From Dawson's Creek soundtrack album in 1999 and later included on the soundtrack to the movie "How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days". Without much play in the US, the song peaked at #12 on the Canadian Adult Contemporary Charts. Why you would not want to push a song like this is pretty amazing. I actually discovered this song a tribute to Mr. Rogers video. This song was also performed with Sara McLachlan to close out some of her sets on McLachlan's Lilith Fair tours.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-ouxPhYy7Y

"Stars"- Janis Ian. Talk about a super underappreciated singer- Janis Ian takes the cake on that one. This title track to her 1974 album propelled her into back into the mainstream with her #1 album Between The Lines which came out the following year briefly putting Ian back in the spotlight. This epic piece shows Ian's guitar skills and soulful yet edgy voice. I hate that I missed her when came to Jackson recently. I bet she is absolutely amazing live. Stars went on to peak #83 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA8LwUBNdXc

"Isn't It Always Love?"- Karla Bonoff. Like Janis Ian, Karla Bonoff was another super underappreciated singer from the same era. This former Linda Ronstadt backup singer included this track on her 1977 debut album. This album went on to peak at #52 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Surprisingly enough, for some reason, this album isn't available on iTunes, while all of her other music is. That sucks because this is a super catchy song. I love when an artist can make a super sad song sound so happy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fHbyP7dHv8

"Like A Star"- Corinne Bailey Rae. Corinne Bailey Rae is the ultimate British soul diva. This debut single from her 2006 self-titled debut album was nominated for the Song Of The Year Grammy. It also peaked at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100. She gives a great live version of the song here and even mentions in the intro that it was the first song she ever performed on TV when she performed it on "Later With Jools Holland". I don't think there's a better singer in music that can literally relax me more with her voice than this woman.

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

"And I Am Telling You"- Jennifer Hudson. This song famously won Jennifer Hudson the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 2006 Academy Awards for her memorable performance in "Dreamgirls". She performs the signature song of her famous role here live on "Good Morning America". Every time I hear this song I still don't know how she she can belt like that. This has got to be one of the hardest songs to sing in the history of Broadway or Hollywood. Her version from 2006 peaked at #60 on the Billboard Hot 100 in support of the movie. This performance was also before her famous weight loss which led to her being named the new spokesperson for Weight Watchers.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJNijQzv8Cs

BONUS VIDEOS- "You and I"- Ingrid Michaelson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zub7nUGFWn0

"Put Your Records On"- Corinne Bailey Rae.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWQl00LWEwE

"I Wonder"- Kellie Pickler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb9mvkxE5Ww

"You Mean The World To Me"- Toni Braxton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB5FxcI7Pyw

Ingrid Michaelson

Corinne Bailey Rae

Kellie Pickler

Toni Braxton