Late Night Music Snow Day Edition Part 184.........."More Brits"
I know the snow day has come
and gone, but since we may have another soon, I figured why not. I
haven't done a British list in a while, and the amount of talent across
the Atlantic is seriously head exploding. In a rare "Late Night Music"
occurrence, all songs receving votes were included on this list.
"I'm Not The Only One"- Sam Smith. This single from Smith's eponymous debut album In The Lonely Hour not only showed Smith's true powerful emotions in songwriting, but showed that he has one of the best voices in the industry today. This smooth track peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features this powerful video featuring Diana Agron of "Glee" fame and Chris Messina from "The Mindy Project". This colossal connection helped Smith earn the Grammy for Best New Artist with In The Lonely Hour receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Album at this year's ceremony. I could seriously listen to Sam Smith's music all the time, but every time I look at him, I think I'm looking at a Rick Astley in a time warp where he loses 20 of aging and gains 70 pounds. Tell me I'm not the only person who thinks this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCkpzqqog4k
"Fix You" (Live from "Austin City Limits")- Coldplay. This now famous performance from 2005 on the PBS live music show "Austin City Limits" was yet another splash into the middle of mainstream for London's favorite sons Coldplay. This emotionally charging anthem was included on their 2005 platinum album X & Y and peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and shot all the way to #4 on their hometown British Singles Chart. Chris Martin puts his piano humping on full display in this video, which he seems to compulsively do. I mean I think the guy is one of the best lead singers out there today, but dang dude. With all of Coldplay's media and fan success, it's hard to believe that they've only had one #1 single ever. More on that one later.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2qJl7TP9IM
"Thank You"- Dido. I'm not sure how I managed to leave this one out so many times, but I am almost positive that I've never featured this gem on these lists before. This 1999 tribute song to Dido's then boyfriend and eventual fiance shot to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 after Dido felt compelled to write a song about her recent engagement. Ironically enough, they would eventually split before they were married and her follow up single was actually about that (I smell another bonus video). Featured on her album No Angel, this song would go on to be easily Dido's most recognizable and most successful single, famously being sampled by Eminem for his 2003 single "Stan" (again, a bonus video might be in order). I really like the metaphors that are rampant in this video, as it was the last of a dying breed. Made at the twilight of the video era, this video did a great job showing the raw emotion Dido was obviously feeling when she wrote this song which was obviously written during a roller coaster time in her life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TO48Cnl66w
"Thinking Out Loud"- Ed Sheeran. The pride of Suffolk and gingers everywhere struck gold with this masterpiece from his 2014 sophomore album x when this amazing single shot to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Helping his cause was the amazing dancing of professional ballroom dancer Nina Cherry of "Dancing With The Stars" fame. I really see Ed Sheeran as a British John Mayer. The sky is seriously the limit for this guy. He's likeable enough and believable enough to take serious. His musicianship is super underrated as well. I am super interested as to what this guy will come up with next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp-EO5I60KA
"Prayer For The Dying"- Seal. This very "under the radar" song by Seal was released as the lead off single to his second album, Seal, which was weirdly also the name of this first album. This 1994 summer hit creeped to #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 with its great message and led off what would be a very productive year for Seal. Hey, if he never releases this song would he had ever married Heidi Klum? I mean, this dude broke up with Tyra Banks to be with Heidi Klum. Must be tough. This video is interesting because Seal shows his obviously left-handedness while he wears his all black on an all white room. I think it's so cool to see Seal play the guitar left handed! I smell a bonus video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btl5PYdpcNs
"Only Love Can Hurt Like This"- Paloma Faith. Paloma Faith has been crooning her Amy Winehouse-esque voice in Europe for a few years now, but few sound as great as this lead single from her 2014 album, A Perfect Contradiction. This single went to #6 on the British Singles Chart. Paloma Faith has an amazing voice, but her mysterious look I think really adds to her artistic ability and shows that she truly is passionate about her craft. If you looked down the streets of Paloma Faith's hometown of London and had to pick the most likely to be a singer I really don't think she'd win that contest. Just saying.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaKr9gWqwl4
"Lights"- Ellie Goulding. The small town girl Ellie Goulding from Lyonshall, England made a splash in the United States when this single from her 2011 album, Bright Lights peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of this song, the super cool video, and this super cute blonde immediately gave her a mainstream following in the United States that she doesn't seem to lose any time soon. Like the aforementioned Paloma Faith, Ellie Goulding is mysterious in her own right as well. That mysterious nature shows in this song that was written about her childhood fear of the dark. It's almost like you could look at her and already know that she is a small town girl who takes her art very serious, but at the same time, she never expected herself to be in this position despite being super talented and beautiful. For some reason, her voice is seriously hypnotizing to me- I can never get enough of this song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NKUpo_xKyQ
"I Will Never Let You Down"- Rita Ora. This Kosovo implant into the UK hit #1 on the British Singles Chart when this super catchy tune from her upcoming album made its splash in the UK with a #77 showing on the Billboard Hot 100. The gorgeous Rita Ora has a super soulful voice that all but guarantees that she will have a fantastic following in the United States in due time. A soulful voice on a pop catchy track like this song is pretty much what American mainstream music fans crave these days. For those of you into the movies of the day, you have seen Rita Ora starring in the blockbuster film adaptation of "50 Shades of Grey".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50GQjUZ4P3M
"Dance With Me Tonight"- Olly Murs. This British star of "X-Factor" fame in the UK made an impact that is still felt with this leadoff single from his 2011 album In Case You Didn't Know. This single peaked at #1 on the British Singles Chart and started the ball rolling on what is turning out to be a very successful career on both sides of the pond already. This video is kinda cheesy and screams "Christmas Coca-Cola commercial", but he has a perfect voice for this type of sound, and has proved successful for him as he has since spawned 5 more top 5 singles in the UK.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3EG4olrFjY
"Next To Me"- Emeli Sande'. You guys know how much I freaking love British soul! This Melanie Fiona-esque soulster takes my breath away with this song! This single from her 2012 debut album Our Version of Events peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and put this pride of Alford, Scotland on the map for what is already turning out to be a pretty impressive career. Besides her look, she also reminds me of Alicia Keys, another mixed race piano master. And yes, if Emeli Sande' was my woman, you would find me next to her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nwdjQmc_N8
"Things We Lost In The Fire"- Bastille. This London rock band released this song in 2013 on their debut album Bad Blood, and while sounding very "British"- you can't tell me this song doesn't scream Snow Patrol, Sting, and Keane- they did a great job of making their sound stand out to a point that shows Daniel Smith as an effective, yet not over the top lead singer. This song peaked at #28 on the British Singles Chart, and was quite popular on the BBC Radio networks in the UK. This video, which was filmed in Lithuania, shows that this is actually a quite painful breakup song. Why do British bands always have to write about sad stuff?
,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGR4U7W1dZU
"Rather Be"- Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne. This electro pop duo won a Grammy at this year's awards with this super catchy single from the debut album New Eyes. This single literally came out of nowhere when it peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year. Featuring Asian/Jewish Londoner Jess Glynne on the lead vocals. I kinda see this song as Owl City meets Madonna- maybe I'm just crazy. However this song sounds to you, I think this song is freaking awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-M1AtrxztU
"Say You Love Me"- Jessie Ware. This woman can sing! This single from her 2014 album Tough Love peaked at #25 on the British Singles Chart. I listen to this song and I think Adele with a little Lisa Stanfield. Of course two brits......is this just a typecast I've talked myself into?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAMM8JVbr8g
"What Makes You Beautiful"- One Direction. Whatever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E
BONUS VIDEOS- "Viva La Vida"- Coldplay. There only #1 single.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgZkm1xWPE
"Crazy"- Seal. Wow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x1x4ofpTl4
"White Flag"- Dido.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-fWDrZSiZs
"Burn"- Ellie Goulding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGyEd0aKWZE
"Shine Ya Light"- Rita Ora.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH182aLsVig
"Lego House"- Ed Sheeran.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4BLVznuWnU
Emeli Sande'
Bastille
Ed Sheeran
Ellie Goulding
Rita Ora
"I'm Not The Only One"- Sam Smith. This single from Smith's eponymous debut album In The Lonely Hour not only showed Smith's true powerful emotions in songwriting, but showed that he has one of the best voices in the industry today. This smooth track peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features this powerful video featuring Diana Agron of "Glee" fame and Chris Messina from "The Mindy Project". This colossal connection helped Smith earn the Grammy for Best New Artist with In The Lonely Hour receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Album at this year's ceremony. I could seriously listen to Sam Smith's music all the time, but every time I look at him, I think I'm looking at a Rick Astley in a time warp where he loses 20 of aging and gains 70 pounds. Tell me I'm not the only person who thinks this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCkpzqqog4k
"Fix You" (Live from "Austin City Limits")- Coldplay. This now famous performance from 2005 on the PBS live music show "Austin City Limits" was yet another splash into the middle of mainstream for London's favorite sons Coldplay. This emotionally charging anthem was included on their 2005 platinum album X & Y and peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and shot all the way to #4 on their hometown British Singles Chart. Chris Martin puts his piano humping on full display in this video, which he seems to compulsively do. I mean I think the guy is one of the best lead singers out there today, but dang dude. With all of Coldplay's media and fan success, it's hard to believe that they've only had one #1 single ever. More on that one later.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2qJl7TP9IM
"Thank You"- Dido. I'm not sure how I managed to leave this one out so many times, but I am almost positive that I've never featured this gem on these lists before. This 1999 tribute song to Dido's then boyfriend and eventual fiance shot to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 after Dido felt compelled to write a song about her recent engagement. Ironically enough, they would eventually split before they were married and her follow up single was actually about that (I smell another bonus video). Featured on her album No Angel, this song would go on to be easily Dido's most recognizable and most successful single, famously being sampled by Eminem for his 2003 single "Stan" (again, a bonus video might be in order). I really like the metaphors that are rampant in this video, as it was the last of a dying breed. Made at the twilight of the video era, this video did a great job showing the raw emotion Dido was obviously feeling when she wrote this song which was obviously written during a roller coaster time in her life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TO48Cnl66w
"Thinking Out Loud"- Ed Sheeran. The pride of Suffolk and gingers everywhere struck gold with this masterpiece from his 2014 sophomore album x when this amazing single shot to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Helping his cause was the amazing dancing of professional ballroom dancer Nina Cherry of "Dancing With The Stars" fame. I really see Ed Sheeran as a British John Mayer. The sky is seriously the limit for this guy. He's likeable enough and believable enough to take serious. His musicianship is super underrated as well. I am super interested as to what this guy will come up with next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp-EO5I60KA
"Prayer For The Dying"- Seal. This very "under the radar" song by Seal was released as the lead off single to his second album, Seal, which was weirdly also the name of this first album. This 1994 summer hit creeped to #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 with its great message and led off what would be a very productive year for Seal. Hey, if he never releases this song would he had ever married Heidi Klum? I mean, this dude broke up with Tyra Banks to be with Heidi Klum. Must be tough. This video is interesting because Seal shows his obviously left-handedness while he wears his all black on an all white room. I think it's so cool to see Seal play the guitar left handed! I smell a bonus video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btl5PYdpcNs
"Only Love Can Hurt Like This"- Paloma Faith. Paloma Faith has been crooning her Amy Winehouse-esque voice in Europe for a few years now, but few sound as great as this lead single from her 2014 album, A Perfect Contradiction. This single went to #6 on the British Singles Chart. Paloma Faith has an amazing voice, but her mysterious look I think really adds to her artistic ability and shows that she truly is passionate about her craft. If you looked down the streets of Paloma Faith's hometown of London and had to pick the most likely to be a singer I really don't think she'd win that contest. Just saying.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaKr9gWqwl4
"Lights"- Ellie Goulding. The small town girl Ellie Goulding from Lyonshall, England made a splash in the United States when this single from her 2011 album, Bright Lights peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of this song, the super cool video, and this super cute blonde immediately gave her a mainstream following in the United States that she doesn't seem to lose any time soon. Like the aforementioned Paloma Faith, Ellie Goulding is mysterious in her own right as well. That mysterious nature shows in this song that was written about her childhood fear of the dark. It's almost like you could look at her and already know that she is a small town girl who takes her art very serious, but at the same time, she never expected herself to be in this position despite being super talented and beautiful. For some reason, her voice is seriously hypnotizing to me- I can never get enough of this song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NKUpo_xKyQ
"I Will Never Let You Down"- Rita Ora. This Kosovo implant into the UK hit #1 on the British Singles Chart when this super catchy tune from her upcoming album made its splash in the UK with a #77 showing on the Billboard Hot 100. The gorgeous Rita Ora has a super soulful voice that all but guarantees that she will have a fantastic following in the United States in due time. A soulful voice on a pop catchy track like this song is pretty much what American mainstream music fans crave these days. For those of you into the movies of the day, you have seen Rita Ora starring in the blockbuster film adaptation of "50 Shades of Grey".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50GQjUZ4P3M
"Dance With Me Tonight"- Olly Murs. This British star of "X-Factor" fame in the UK made an impact that is still felt with this leadoff single from his 2011 album In Case You Didn't Know. This single peaked at #1 on the British Singles Chart and started the ball rolling on what is turning out to be a very successful career on both sides of the pond already. This video is kinda cheesy and screams "Christmas Coca-Cola commercial", but he has a perfect voice for this type of sound, and has proved successful for him as he has since spawned 5 more top 5 singles in the UK.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3EG4olrFjY
"Next To Me"- Emeli Sande'. You guys know how much I freaking love British soul! This Melanie Fiona-esque soulster takes my breath away with this song! This single from her 2012 debut album Our Version of Events peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and put this pride of Alford, Scotland on the map for what is already turning out to be a pretty impressive career. Besides her look, she also reminds me of Alicia Keys, another mixed race piano master. And yes, if Emeli Sande' was my woman, you would find me next to her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nwdjQmc_N8
"Things We Lost In The Fire"- Bastille. This London rock band released this song in 2013 on their debut album Bad Blood, and while sounding very "British"- you can't tell me this song doesn't scream Snow Patrol, Sting, and Keane- they did a great job of making their sound stand out to a point that shows Daniel Smith as an effective, yet not over the top lead singer. This song peaked at #28 on the British Singles Chart, and was quite popular on the BBC Radio networks in the UK. This video, which was filmed in Lithuania, shows that this is actually a quite painful breakup song. Why do British bands always have to write about sad stuff?
,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGR4U7W1dZU
"Rather Be"- Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne. This electro pop duo won a Grammy at this year's awards with this super catchy single from the debut album New Eyes. This single literally came out of nowhere when it peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year. Featuring Asian/Jewish Londoner Jess Glynne on the lead vocals. I kinda see this song as Owl City meets Madonna- maybe I'm just crazy. However this song sounds to you, I think this song is freaking awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-M1AtrxztU
"Say You Love Me"- Jessie Ware. This woman can sing! This single from her 2014 album Tough Love peaked at #25 on the British Singles Chart. I listen to this song and I think Adele with a little Lisa Stanfield. Of course two brits......is this just a typecast I've talked myself into?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAMM8JVbr8g
"What Makes You Beautiful"- One Direction. Whatever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E
BONUS VIDEOS- "Viva La Vida"- Coldplay. There only #1 single.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgZkm1xWPE
"Crazy"- Seal. Wow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x1x4ofpTl4
"White Flag"- Dido.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-fWDrZSiZs
"Burn"- Ellie Goulding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGyEd0aKWZE
"Shine Ya Light"- Rita Ora.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH182aLsVig
"Lego House"- Ed Sheeran.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4BLVznuWnU
Emeli Sande'BastilleEd SheeranEllie GouldingRita Ora
posted by General 5A Pigott at 9:55 PM
0 comments
