Late Night Music Academy Awards Edition Part 159....."Monday, Tuesday, Happy Days!"

I honestly saw a clip of "Happy Days" a few days ago and thought of this one.

In order to receive votes in this category, the SONG TITLE had to have the word "days" or "day" in it. Also receiving votes in this category were. "These Days" by Jackson Browne, "Have A Nice Day" by Bon Jovi, and "These Are The Days" by Van Morrison.

"Bad Day"- Daniel Powter. Canadian Daniel Powter was having a great day when his signature and break out song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 thus making him one of the only artists to ever have a #1 hit while never having any other singles ever even make the top 100. The single from his 2005 self-titled album was also named the #1 song of the year by Billboard Magazine. While still having a solid following in Canada, Powter hasn't been back on the US Charts again, as this song is his only single to chart in the United States than it did in Canada. This hit single also spawned a fantastic cover by Alvin and the Chipmunks that was featured in their 2007 feature film. Yes, I smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH476CxJxfg

"What A Day"- Nonpoint. This breakout single for Fort Lauderdale alt band Non Point made a small racket on the charts in 2000 from their album Statement when it peaked at #24 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. Much of the success of the single and the album, which peaked at #166 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart was the bands much praised appearance in Ozzfest that year as well as their well received sets opening for bands Mudvayne and Fuel. Besides his cool hair, Elias Soriano showed his charisma and passion for carrying the front of a band in this simple, yet good statement video. I think this video was a good way to get started as a band without going over the top. No pun intended, as I think the title of their major label debut was exactly that- a statement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSajjsER8iQ

"Die Another Day"- Madonna. This bond theme to the 2002 James Bond film of the same name put Madonna back on the map for the moment when this song peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, somewhere she wouldn't be for another 3 years after this. This was never my favorite Madonna effort, but you have to be impressed despite that. The video took some serious performing talent to make look even halfway believable and even at her age at this point, she never lost her dancing ability. Madonna is one artist I really would have liked to have seen act more, because I think this video proves that her acting skills are vastly underrated.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y4TznEKm7I

"These Days"- Alien Ant Farm. This video has to be one of the funniest moments in music, and easily the funniest at an awards show. This video was 100% authentic and has to be one of the most genius moves by any band. This song from the soundtrack of Madden 2004 and from AAF's 2003 album Truant, peaked at #29 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks much due to the success of this video, but AAF never matched the success of their debut album ANThology, which always bothered me because I've always felt they were a very overlooked band. That's the risk you take when you released your first single as a cover of Michael Jackson I guess.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNM2tV3PA_8

"These Days"- Rascal Flatts. Talk about a song bringing back some memories! This 2002 song from Rascal Flatt's mega album Melt became their first ever Billboard Country Charts #1 hit and peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 giving the band huge mainstream exposure to go along with their already strong country following. This single set the tone in making Melt one of the most successful country albums of all time. The craziets thing about this song is that Gary LeVox himself said that this song was written after Melt had wrapped because the band had the money for some extra studio time. They loved the song so much they changed the track listing last second and made this the lead single. Great decision.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MTSBcvI9DI

"Shadow Days"- John Mayer. This lead single from John Mayer's latest album Born and Raised peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and really shows a change in Mayer's style to an almost Americana style in an album that he claims was heavily influenced by Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, as well as Neil Young solo records. Despite this "change" in his style, this record brings out the Mayer that is soulful, bluesy, and rock and roll all in one. I love the scenery of this video, but I really love John Mayer's hat!  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daGcpvxPbCo

"These Are The Days"- O Town. Lou Pearlman's O-Town gained national attention from their forming on the original "Making The Band" that followed the band's formation and early days on ABC. The popularity of the show led to the band becoming a smash when their first self-titled debut album went triple platinum and spawned two Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits. This lead single from the band's second album O2 was hoped to match the success of their debut album, but only peaked at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100 despite a European tour and unreal heavy promotion on MTV. Unfortunately for O-Town, the boy band gimmick was becoming played out, and they soon disbanded in 2003. Almost like a New Kids On The Block coming along too early, O-Town was a talented group that came along too late.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InEiGxSkad8

"These Are Days"- Natalie Merchant. Natalie Merchant took the world by storm when her first two solo albums Tigerlily and Ophelia went platinum (the first doing it 5 times!) after her much maligned exit from 10,000 Maniacs, a band she had fronted for 12 years. There is no doubt she was always meant to be a solo artist. This video from her 1999 DVD/Live Album MTV Storytellers features one of her most underappreciated solo songs. Also, someone please tell me that they also confuse Natalie Merchant with Jeaneane Garofalo. I hope I'm not the only one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AHxD_BMBfE

"Beautiful Day"- U2. In 2001 and 2002, U2 pulled a fast one when they won the Grammy for Record Of The Year two years in a row with tracks from their 2001 album All That You Can't Leave Behind. The first one was this song (the second one was the "title track" to the album "Walk On"- my favorite U2 song!). Despite the song only peaking at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, this song was an international success, and remains the one song that U2 plays at every single live show since it's debut in 2001, including the band's memorable performance at halftime of Super Bowl 36 in New Orleans. U2 seemed to be on a mission to be as uplifting as possible on this album, and their association of being a "Christian band" was very much realized with the lyrical content of this song and this album as a whole. I also have to say that every time I listen to U2, I have to say a small thank you to my man Matt Kilgore- no way I'd ever be as into U2 as I am if it wasn't for him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co6WMzDOh1o

"Hero Of The Day"- Metallica. This very rare major key Metallica song from their 1996 album Load gave us this great power ballad that remains a fixture in every Metallica live set. This song peaked at #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and #60 on the Billboard Hot 100. I have to admit I'm not the biggest Metallica fan, but this is a solid track and a very creative video. I have to also admit that most people that talk bad about Metallica may not know this song, as it's lyrical content while different, is one of the most positive message songs of that era. Also, you're insane if you don't think Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield aren't just insanely awesome guitar players.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkfO8c8MlKU

"New Day"- Robbie Seay Band. Changing gears just a TAD bit here. This Houston praise band included this track on their 2007 album Give Yourself Away, which included the hit songs "Rise" and "Heaven Come Down", both of which were on regular rotation at Faith Outreach Church in Clarksville. Even if you don't care for this band, this is easily one of the most motivational songs I've ever heard in my life. I've never heard a song be more encouraging about turning the page than this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKTwwGh8gMo

"Independence Day"- Martina McBride. I don't know why I didn't include Martina McBride on my latest guilty pleasure list, oh yeah, yeah I do, because sometimes guilty pleasures are even too ridiculous to admit to. It's unreal how much I love her music and this song, which is famously known as the theme song for the Sean Hannity radio show. This very controversial song and video that deals with domestic violence gained notoriety winning both song and video of the year honors at the Country Music Awards. This single was included on McBride's 1993 album The Way That I Am and peaked at #12 on the Billboard Country Chart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKTwwGh8gMo

"Another Day In Paradise"- Phil Collins. Great live performance here from the lead single from Phil Collins 1989 critically acclaimed solo album ...But Seriously. The much darker and deeper tone of the entire album is shown in this song, which went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Collins most successful solo hit, also taking home the Grammy for Record of the Year. This socially active song deals with homelessness, as most of his song of this album dealt with an issue important to Collins. The song was not only his last #1 hit in the United States, but was also the last #1 hit of the 1980's, as it was the #1 song on the first chart of 1990. I love to think about how Phil Collins was just the drummer of Genesis when Peter Gabriel left the band. What would have happened if that would have not happened?

"These Days"- Foo Fighters. What a phenomenal live performance video of this song from Foo's 2011 album Wasting Light. You know as great as Kurt Cobain was, how much greater would Nirvana had been if Dave Grohl actually had written more than one song for the band's entire tenure? Also, would the Foo Fighters have been as big had it not been for the breakup of Nirvana in 1993? Great things to think about. This single went to #2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks. This video features performances from the Australian and New Zealand portions of their 2011 tour promoting Wasting Light. Dave Grohl just drips with cool and just know how to add the perfect lick to a chorus or bridge to give a song that little difference it needs to stand out. Bonus points for original guitar player Pat Smear appearing this video! Pat Smear also appeared on the final Nirvana album, their famous Unplugged album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDVAQI-4lto

"These Are The Days"- Jamie Cullum. This jazzy piano hit was the breakout single for Jamie Cullum when it went to #12 on the British Singles Chart in 2004 from his album Twentysomething. Jamie Cullum kinda reminds me of a British cross between Billy Joel, Ben Folds, John Mayer, and Stevie Wonder. The guy definitely has several styles overflowing together in this and all of his other tracks. The success of this single helped the album go to #3 in the UK and go triple platinum.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RXVIMjNJCg

"End Of Our Days"- Howie Day. This morbidly beautiful song was included on Howie Day's 2003 album Stop All The World Now, keeping with the mellow and almost bittersweet tone of the entire album. This song was famously included as the closing credit song for the extremely controversial documentary "The Bridge" which featured stories behind the suicides on the Golden Gate Bridge in 2004. I'd really like to see Howie Day make another splash because there's no denying his talent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfuR7dYuU4E

BONUS VIDEOS- "Walk On"- U2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwKEdFoUB0o

"Slow Dancing In A Burning Room"- John Mayer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32GZ3suxRn4

"The Bridge"- original trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8muNsj1oUpY

"Bad Day"- Alvin and the Chipmunks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw28YPPdpic

"Happy Days Theme Song". Pratt and McClain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHkynGXUpmY

U2

Robbie Seay Band

Madonna

Natalie Merchant- see what I mean?

Nonpoint

Late Night Music Part 158......"Go-Spel It On The Mountain"

A few of you had been asking me for a gospel list, so here it goes. Let me go ahead and get something out of the way though. I am an avid gospel fan because I truly believe that the Christian church can be one of the most segregated institutions in America if you allow it to be. The worship of Christ should not be concerned with the color of the worshiper or the artists.  This is the second Christian artist list I've done, and I hate that the last one kind of left out these unbelievably gifted artists. Any Christian of any denomination can enjoy these songs, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. All songs receiving votes in this category were included on this list.

"You Are"- Clint Brown. I start this list with easily one of the most underappreciated and underrated gospel artists ever in Clint Brown. This fantastic performance from his 2000 live album Nothing But Church shows his piano, singing, and songwriting ability. His songs were favorites of ours at Faith Outreach in Clarksville. This senior pastor of Faithworld Church in Orlando, Florida is the leader of one of the largest multicultural congregations in the United States, and his choir shows that this is evident in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRs1OSIXbQc

"September"- Kirk Franklin. I love how this video shows the true gospel influence of Earth, Wind, and Fire and more specifically of Maurice White, who despite battling Parkinson's, is still very active in the music industry. This single from the tribute album Interpretations: The Music of Earth, Wind, and Fire was also released in conjuction with Franklin's 2006 album Songs for The Storm as a tribute to Hurricane Katrina survivors. This single peaked at #26 on the Billboard Christian Charts with this heavily promoted video including an appearance by Maurice White himself. Kirk Franklin is deceptively small and always blows me away with this agility and energy he seems to always have the older he gets. I wish I could move like that!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lQZ6j6UGrM

"One"- Take 6. This latest single from this Huntsville, Alabama sextet continues a 25 plus year career for this acapella group that gets more and more creative with every track. Besides their continuity, Take 6 has had very few lineup changes, showing their commitment to excellence and ministry despite the always changing music industry. A little known fact is that this group was started by and still features the older brother of Brian McKnight, Claude McKnight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3af9US_D0Is

"Open My Heart"- Yolanda Adams. I can never watch a Yolanda Adams video without thinking about Steve Harvey- watch his "Don't Trip" DVD and you'll understand. This breakout single for Adams shot to #1 on the Billboard Christian Charts and #57 on the Billboard Hot 100 off of her eponymous album Mountain High...Valley Low. This song gained Adams a mainstream following which is pretty impressive in 1999 when R & B music was being dominated by the likes of 112, Jagged Edge, and TLC. I guess a change of pace was the perfect idea. In 2009, Billboard Magazine named Yolanda Adams the #1 Gospel singer of the decade and named Mountain High...Valley Low the best gospel album of the decade. It went on to achieve platinum status as well as peak at #24 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Soul Album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aYzc0Z0Z8Q

"Go Get It"- Mary Mary. This latest single for WE TV's favorite reality stars sister act Mary Mary is the title track for their newest compilation album. Mary Mary burst onto the scene in 1998 with their #28 Hot 100 hit "Shackles" and have been a mainstay ever since. This single peaked at #4 on the Billboard Christian Chart last year, and shows off the powerful vocals of the sister I always swore were twins. Their uncanny resemblance of each other makes them nearly impossible to tell apart. The funnest fact about Mary Mary is that both sisters go by the name Atkins-Campbell but are not married to men that are related. The band's name also comes from two Marys in the Bible, and most notably the two most well known women in the Bible. Mary, mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene. This song also took home this year's Grammy for Best Gospel Performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADGnIi9KrLQ

"The Best In Me"- Marvin Sapp. This single father of three and senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Center Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan included this single on his 2010 album Here I Am and it went on to win the GMA Dove Award for Best Contemporary Gospel Song. The single also peaked at #14 on the Billboard Christian Chart. Marvin Sapp always looks like he should be in the LeVert family- are you sure they weren't switched at birth?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV6LsR2jCjs

"I Give Myself Away"- William McDowell. This super underrated artist gives a fantastic performance from his live album DVD As We Worship of a song that is now included in church services of all sorts all across the country. This Cincinnati born now Orlando based praise leader rode this song to the top of Billboard Christian Charts with this song, which eventually led to the volunteer movement www.igivemyselfaway.org, this live album also joined it at #1 that same year. This song was actually written for his worship services, I doubt he never realized how big it would eventually become.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4v5IXbEauM

"Holy"- Donnie McClurkin. This senior pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York included this amazing song on his 2003 album Again. I've always been impressed with McClurkin himself, but more amazing to me is his arrangment for his choir and backup singers. I think only Kirk Franklin can compare in that category. I also think that McClurkin is a great example of someone who has truly turned their life around, as his much maligned past has been a frequent target for critics in the Christian music industry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmQg-j7WmO8

"Bread Of Heaven"- Fred Hammond. This awesome live track from former Winans bass player and former bandmate of Marvin Sapp brought home a winner in this worship track that has been used in churches across the country. This track was featured on his 2001 gold album Purpose By Design. Hammond's latest album God, Love and Romance recently peaked at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This song has always meant a lot to me, as it was a constant rotation at Faith Outreach.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY-QKuaxm4Y

"He Is With You"- Mandisa. This track from the former American Idol's 2009 album Freedom went to #21 on the Billboard Christian Chart, but this again is a robbery of one of the most unbelievably gifted and elegant musicians in the world. This great track, however, helped her earn a Grammy Nomination for Best Pop/Gospel Album. There is no question that Mandisa is one of the most humble and passionate singers in gospel music history just because of her choice to go to the gospel side after "American Idol" could have offered possibly more lucrative pastures, and her well documented weight loss has been nothing short of phenomenal. I could listen to this woman sing all day and never get sick of it. She has a voice that demands attention, yet doesn't yearn for it. She'll definitely have mine forever though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3CVlv2dz3w

"I Need You"- Tye Tribbett and G.A. This great song from Tye Tribbett and G.A. (Greater Anointing) from their 2008 album Stand Out is one of this Camden, New Jersey singer's best efforts ever. Few other artists in any genre have such a full performance as Tribbett as his entire group performs at such a high energy level evident by their passion shown in this video. This is one of those songs that just makes you stop whatever you're doing and enjoy it. There is no way you can't enjoy this song if you're a Christian. No other song on this list gets me more excited! What a great song!  

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

"Favorite Song Of All"- Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Carol and Jim Cymbala are amazing. They have turned a fledgling New York City church into a 16,000 member church that is one of the largest in the country and also home of one of the best choirs in the world, having won Grammys in 2000, 2001, and 2003, and gave a memorable performance at the latest Presidential inauguration. This multi cultural inter denominational church has become a staple for choirs of all sorts across the world, as the overwhelming majority of their music is written by Cymbala herself. We had the privilege to sing this song in Brazil in the summer of 2000, and I have to admit, this song is awesome in any language.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6pLUukyvgw

"The Greatest of These"- Larnelle Harris. This legendary gospel singer and 5 time Grammy winner gives an unbelievable performance here. I actually saw Larnelle Harris live twice and was always blown away at his pure musicianship to go along with his unreal heart of ministry. Larnelle Harris is living proof that a gospel singer can be a great musician, as I would bet anything he could transition into opera with no problem. I think the faces of the choir behind him says it all as all you can do is watch and admire when he is singing. I don't know many other singers who could match this effort here. Wow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj7B6h3zJu4

"Tomorrow"- The Winans. This gospel classic and title track of The Winans 1984 album won the 1985 Grammy for Best Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group, and has since been covered by several other artists. I remember hearing this song being blared on the speakers when I walked into their little brother's restaurant in downtown Atlanta. This family discovered by Andrae Crouch could have been a great Motown group- this video just screams Billy Ocean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnD4xBd2Geg

"God's Grace"- Trin-i-tee 5:7. This track from New Orleans girl gospel group's self titled debut album was a smashing success when it crossed over to #32 on the Billboard Hot 100, with this video featuring Kirk Franklin helping put the video on BET and MTV. The female R & B scene was being dominated by TLC, Xscape, En Vogue, Destiny's Child, Monica, Brandy, and Divine at this time, so this mainstream crossover was no small feat. Trin-i-tee 5:7 went on a heavily promoted tour with Audio Adrenaline and other christian artists, that actually made a stop in Jackson. Trin-i-tee 5:7 were marketed by Gospocentric Records as an "alternative" to mainstream R & B music, which many fans were very skeptical of, but it surprisingly worked rather well. Many artists have tried to make the "alternative" christian music by closely resembling mainstream acts, but few other groups have done it as well and as successfully at Trin-i-tee 5:7.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJcl5WNPOv4

"My Redeemer Lives"- Nicole Mullen. Nicole Mullen won the Dove Award for Best Female Vocalist when this song put her on top of the genre in 2000, as this song and the success of her follow up album Talk About It helped her win the 2001 Dove Award for Female Vocalist Of The Year. Mullen actually started out singing backup for the Newsboys, Michael W. Smith, and "Veggie Tales" and writing the Jaci Velasquez hit song "On My Knees" (I smell a bonus video), and became to date still the only black artist to ever win a Dove Award for Song of the Year when this song won in 2001.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP-dxW-Th3c

"Send Out A Prayer"- Anointed. I had the privilege to see this Columbus, Ohio band live in 1999 in Jackson and had a chance to meet them afterwards when they opened for Avalon. This song from their 1995 album The Call is at least to me, one of the most underrated gospel songs ever. While it's been huge in churches of all sorts, the airplay never came for this song, which still baffles me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cR_blld-X8

"Champion Of Love"- Chris Willis featuring the Heritage Singers. I'm not gonna open up the debate here, but it is well known that Chris Willis started in gospel music before coming out a few years ago. He's gone on to have a good career recording with the likes of David Guetta and LMFAO, which is good, because as seen here, the guy is talented beyond belief. In this great performance from North Phoenix Baptist Church, he owns every bit of this song- he doesn't even need the backup singers. I saw him in 1996 open for Mark Lowry and I'm serious when I say this, I've never heard a singer annunciate better in my life, and it's not even close. It's funny how you notice that about people, but his vocal training is evident. I love how everyone on stage looks at him like they know they can't even dream of ever sharing a stage with someone that good again.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sucak1Fu0Cg

"This Too Shall Pass"- Crystal Lewis and Yolanda Adams. I had the unreal opportunity to see Crystal Lewis at Faith Outreach at Christmas 2009 when she was the guest for our Christmas program. This collaboration with Yolanda Adams was included on Adams 2005 album Day By Day and went to #15 on the Billboard Gospel Charts. I'm blown away at how well these two complement each other, and have to wonder why haven't they done this more often? When these two hit that second chorus.......chills. 

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

"I Look To You"- Whitney Houston. This R. Kelly pinned title track to the final Whitney Houston album in 2009 gave us a lasting image to truly remember her by. This song peaked at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #14 on the Billboard Gospel Chart. Whitney Houston is one of the only artists ever who could just stand on a blank stage with a spotlight and still make such an amazing and track. I get sad when I think about her making a comeback in a huge way. Just watch this video and watch the movie "Sparkle" and tell me it wasn't about to happen all over again for her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pze_mdbOK8

BONUS VIDEOS- "I Get On My Knees"- Jaci Velasquez. Written by Nicole Mullen. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By-8BN316mM

"Carry The Light"- Various Artists. So dang funny.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3af9US_D0Is

Kirk Franklin

Nicole Mullen

Mary Mary

Larnelle Harris

Chris Willis today minus the tuna fish can