The Lion's Tunes #8

Welcome to another edition of The Lion’s Tunes.

At the suggestion of a close friend, I decided to put my love of music to good use.

She pointed out to me that since I love music and listen to so much of it, I should share what songs I’m currently jamming to at the moment.

If you follow me on twitter then you’d know I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings.

I’m by no means a music expert and I won’t pretend to be. Most of what will be written here is information I’ve learned on the net and just my personal opinions on the songs. So have at it...

·         Song: Revelations

Artist: Lakota Silva
Album: Pop The Mixtape

I recently did a album review for this singer, that if the editors like will hopefully appear in one of the publications soon (but I will update everyone about that if it happens. That aside, I really fell in love with this song.I love how anthemic it is - it has a bit of that Santigold vibe and some reggae undertones, but this song is just so awesome.

"Attention, we're doing it well with our hands to the sky

and a story to tell,

Attention, we're doing it well with our hands to the sky."

·         Song: Howling (Ame Remix)

Artist: Howling

This song is not actually new. I came across this song because, honestly this will sound bad, it was on the Taken 3 soundtrack. Judge away. It is really just such a cool song. It might not be the last song that you would want to listen to before you die, but it got to me and I love the mellow vibe.

·         Song: To You (Radio Re-release)

Artist: Jack Ü ft Aluna George

The combo of Skrillex and Diplo has to my mind been a really awesome one. They have crafted really great music together with this project of Jack Ü that they have been working on and in keeping with their electronic music roots, this song is another solid banger. It has recently been released for radio. Their song with Justin Bieber "Where Are Ü Now?" has done really well on the charts, and the remix of a song they did before that which features Missy Elliot no less, while slipping by under the radar, is really one you should go give a listen to.

Additional Mention: Jack Ü - Take Ü There (feat. Kiesza) (Missy Elliott Remix)

·         Song: Runnin' (Lose It All)

Artist: Naughty Boy ft Beyoncé, Arrow Benjamin.

One of the reasons I love this song is Beyoncé. Obviously.
Another reason why I love this is because of the ridiculously amazing music video. I was spellbound. Regardless of the fact that I think Naughty Boy is really great music producer and creates hit music like "La la la" with Sam Smith and "No One's Here To Sleep" with Bastille and etc...
This song is 50 shades of awesome with a inventive music video that makes me love it.

Shout out to Arrow Benjamin, who I have no clue who he is, because his voice on this song if perfection.

·         Song: Woke The Fuck Up

Artist: John Bellion

I came to know about John Bellion when I was researching for new music a couple of months back. I heard his song Luxury and it was really cool. Then when I discovered he collaborated with one of my favourite EDM artists, Zedd on "Beautiful Now", I was really amped. The cool thing about Jon is that he can SING but the dude prefers to rap. He is in the new generation of artists who rap/sing or sing/rap whichever they prefer. That said, this song is really just so honest, and struck a nerve because I know exactly that feeling he is singing about. 

·         Song: Hourglass 

Artist: Disclosure ft Lion Babe

I have been on a Disclosure tip lately, which is understandable given how they have been teasing their album "Caracal" (which is out now) by lately putting out videos for songs on the album. Other than the grooving Omen that they did with Sam Smith, this song with  Lion Babe, whose lead singer is actress-singer Vanessa William's daughter, really delivers. If you are liking what Disclosure are selling then definitely go visit their Youtube channel.



Additional Mention: Magnets ft Lorde.

Fire. Damn Lorde is definitely going for an adultier sound.



Additional Mention: Their "Caracal" minimix

·         Song: Tender 

Artist: Aramour

Another a slow jam goody.

·         Song: Hanging

Artist: Bastille

I love Bastille, and I am eagerly anticipating whatever they have coming up next. That aside, I saw that they released this song called Hanging. All I can say is that this definitely left me hanging like a cliffhanger, for some more Bastille.

·         Song: Thousand Eyes

Artist:  Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters and Men are just phenomenal, I haven't been able to keep as up to date with the group as I would like given how busy my life gets and that I don't always have time to listen to all the music that I would like to listen to, but I saw this and when I pressed play, I was reminded why I love them. The goosebumps, the lyrics and oh my golly that instrumental that keeps building and building!!! Chils for days. I would very much encourage you to listen to more of their stuff if you can.

·         Song: The Beach
Artist: The Neighbourhood

I love The Neighbourhood. They are just so cool. Much like Of Monsters and Men, it’s been a while since I’ve heard band but boy am I so glad that I did because this song is just so stunning. Jessie’s voice is everything! I love this song. It’s smooth, and casual and just hard hitting.  Their music is something I would suggest you get high on, only because while I have never tried weed, the lead singer of the group is definitely on that tip. So if you're a stoner kid, or want to experience it without actually smoking weed, then the music of The Neighbourhood is for you.

·         Song: Fools

Artist: Troye Sivan

EP: WILD

The South African born-Australian artist released his follow up EP WILD to his first musical effort TRXYE, and WILD is exactly how everyone reacted to the music. I included the first song from his latest EP in the previous music blog, and as part of his "Blue Neighbourhood" trilogy as he calls it, comes the second music video. Blue Neighbourhood is a music video trilogy that came out of Troy realising that three of the songs he wrote for the EP unintentionally fit together in a story narrative. Fools is the second video in that trilogy, and also one of my favourite songs on the EP. I connected with it so much. Also I did include this in my review of his EP here.

·         Song: Hurt Me

Artist: Låpsley

Another random Youtube find, and it gave me chills. There is just something about it I really feel.

·         Song: Writing's On the Wall

Artist: Sam Smith

I am a Sam Smith fan, he recently released his James Bond song for the upcoming movie, Spectre, unfortunately, many people are hating on the song, and his use of falsetto. I assume that is because of the other James Bond songs before and also because usually Sam Smith has a target market for a James Bond movie soundtrack it requires a singer to break out of that. I really like because I know how talented Smith is, I do hope though that given enough time, and the context of the movie, people will realise how good it is.



The Covers:

I came across these covers and I just had to share. I may not always included covers, but these are just so stunning. If you have any other covers that you think I should listen to then please recommend them to me.

·         Song: Let It Go

Artist: James Bae

Covered By: Hailee Steinfeld

In the last music blog post, I covered Hailee's debut single "I Love Me" and recently I came across this cover she did of a superb song. Her cover had me going like, "I need her and James to duet". There is no denying that this girl can sing. I hope she becomes successful because she is just so captivating and have a great voice. Btw...Yes, Hailee is the girl you saw in Pitch Perfect 2, True Grit, the awesome Begin Again, and etc...

·         Song: Drunk In Love

Artist: Beyonce

Duet By: Beyonce and Ed Sheeran

Love this version of it. It is just all kinds of fire. Yonce is definitely all on his mouth like liquor. It starts at the 22 minute mark.

· Song: Where are U Now?

Artist: Jack U ft Justin Bieber
Covered by: Pentatonix

They honestly just win at covers, also because they are a capella, it just makes them 500 times all the more awesome. Here is there recently released one, and also the OMI cheerleader one which is just pure fun!




Additional Mention: Cheerleader

Songs on the radio that I’m currently obsessed with –

1.   A Great Big World - Hold each other 

2.   Nick Jonas - Levels

3.    Nico and Vinz - That's How You Know

4.   Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean? (Acoustic)

 

5. DJ Kent - Don't Let Go

All tracks should be available on iTunes.

If you have any suggestions don’t be scared to let me know in the comments below.

PS - The right song will find you at the right time.

The Lion’s Tunes #7

Welcome to another edition of The Lion’s Tunes.

At the suggestion of a close friend, I decided to put my love of music to good use.

She pointed out to me that since I love music and listen to so much of it, I should share what songs I’m currently jamming to at the moment.

If you follow me on twitter then you’d know I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings.

I’m by no means a music expert and I won’t pretend to be. Most of what will be written here is information I’ve learned on the net and just my personal opinions on the songs. So have at it...

·         Song: Didn’t Know You

Artist: Karmin

I love how just by browsing Youtube was I able to come across this song. Karmin is most well for their song Acapella and the viral video where the female lead singer manages to Rap Bust Rhymes' verse on "Look at me now". I really love this song, it's moody and poppy but there is nothing annoyingly bubblegum about it. It is just a song that makes you want to be in showdown like the video showcases...

·         Song: Nothing but Trouble

Artist: Lil Wayne and Charlie Puth

I must start off by saying that I didn't like Charlie Puth and I was having a hard time getting into his vibe.
I am not 100% sold on the guy, (maybe because I want to fuck him but I can't have him so that makes me dislike him??? IDK), but dude is talented. You can't hate on someone who is talented because my issues with him aside, he does have one helluva amazing voice. He really has power behind that voice, and also when it comes to getting working with other artists, he really makes a excellent addition to any song.

·         Omen

Artist: Disclosure ft Sam Smith

Album: Caracel

I loved their first collaboration together, Latch, because it was just so damn cool. The Disclosure brothers had teased the release of a new single that they did with Smith all over Instagram, and so by the time that the single came, I was more than ready to let it wash over me. I was really excited about it because while it was recorded a while back, it was the first single that Smith has out following his vocal surgery.

·         Song: Say Love

Artist: JoJo

As part of her comeback, JoJo has released a Tringle, which is a fancy way of say thing that she simultaneously released three songs as her first release for her comeback. She has been out of the music game for quite some time following her legal battle with record label.

I am obsessed with her song Say Love because when you sit and listen to her vocal, you can hear how truly amazing she is. I immediately took to Youtubing live performances and it is as captivating live as what the studio version is.

Additional Mention:

Save My Soul:



When Love Hurts:

·         Song: The Hills

Artist: The Weekend

I wish I had words, but I dont. Chills down my spine for days!

·         Song: Holding On

Artist: Tourist ft Josef Salvat, Nina

There is something hypnotic about this song. Not just the music video (because when you watch it, you will know what I mean) but the song is just so good. I stumbled across this song as what happens when you go into a Youtube rabbit hole. The vocals on the song are just goosebumps inducing and the production is superb as the beat just makes me want to move along.

·         Song: Caviar Dreams

Artist:  PHFat ft Al Bairre

Album: 5fm Mashlab

This song is a 5FM Mashlab, and it is just one superb song. I can't get enough of it. I have nothing else to say. I love how it took Al Bairre's sound and added with Phfat they came together to create this lovely piece of music that more people need to hear.

·         Song: Black Mambo

Artist: Glass Animals

Psychedelic pop is the only thing that comes to my mind when I think of as a way to describe the sound of this group. I love how weird their lyrics and their sound is but there is something about them that is just undeniably awesome. Admittedly their sound is not for everyone but that aside, the song comes from a group that I am just so love in. They are just so cool.

·         Song: Wild

Artist: Troye Sivan

EP: WILD

The South African born-Australian artist released his follow up EP WILD to his first musical effort TRXYE, and WILD is exactly how everyone reacted to the music. No one can deny that the Spud star is quite the talent, and it works in his favour that he is releasing music that is not trying to be something that it isn't. With Troye Sivan's music, it is what it is...and to me it is great. I love the vibe of it, and while I was initially thrown by the song WILD, it is a very good follow-up and I am excited to see where he goes next.

·         Song: Can't Sleep Love

Artist: Pentatonix

I first came to know about Pentatonix, the acapella group, after them winning the Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental Or A Cappella earlier this year. The group then popped up again in Pitch Perfect 2 and it was really after that when I then went on a journey of their stuff. They also made the internet take note following their A Capella Michael Jackson medly (which I will share below). If you are not paying attention to PXT, then you better start because they are on the up and up.




Additional Mention: Michael Jackson Medley

·         Song: Let It All Go

Artist: Birdy + Rhodes

I came across this on my Facebook. I loved the music video, and just how saturated and lush colourful tones that they used. The song itself is pretty emotive and lovely to put on if you are feeling a bit emotional. I must admit this resonated with me quite a bit as it touched of some of my feelings about my break-up with the ex, and that is why I love it because it just speaks to the point of where you have to let it go.

Songs on the radio that I’m currently obsessed with –

1.      Major Lazer ft Ellie Goulding & Tarris Riley - Powerful

2.      Carly Rae Jepsen - Run Away With Me

3.      Demi Lovato - Cool for the Summer

4.      Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams

5.      Hailee Steinfeild - I Love Me

- Yes, Hailee is the girl you saw in Pitch Perfect 2. I was surprised myself by her solo effort but damn. I love it. Also you can't really go wrong when singing a song about masturbation...especially one so catchy.

All tracks should be available on iTunes.

If you have any suggestions don’t be scared to let me know in the comments below.

Theo. Over and Out.

PS- “The right song will find you at the right time”

The Lion Tunes #5

Welcome to another edition of The Lion’s Tunes.

At the suggestion of a close friend, I decided to put my love of music to good use.

She pointed out to me that since I love music and listen to so much of it, I should share what songs I’m currently jamming to at the moment.

If you follow me on twitter then you’d know I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings.

I’m by no means a music expert and I won’t pretend to be. Most of what will be written here is information I’ve learned on the net and just my personal opinions on the songs. 

I was told that because all of you bitches are lazy, I should just embed the stuff. Sure it does make my workload a little complicated, but I do it all for you.

The things we do for the ones we love. -sigh-

So have at it...

·         Song: Never Sleep Alone

Artist: Kasade

Description:

I came across this banger of a song from my twitter pal (@Hey_rynhardt). I really have nothing to else but to let the song speak for itself. It’s a mother*cking great song.

I can guarantee you that you will be murdering it on repeat. 

·         Song: Nightmare

Artist: Miley Cyrus

Description:

This song was actually leaked off Miley's forthcoming new release, and my my is it a mother banger of a tune. I heard it once and became as obsessed as I do. I am always critical and skeptical when it comes to Miley but my criticism of her celebrity persona aside, this woman sure knows how to make damn good music.

·         Song: Repetiton

Artist:  Purity Ring

Description:

I discovered this song after only hearing the first 10 seconds on it on someone’s Instagram account. They posted a clip of the first 10 seconds at a live performance they were at. I asked the guy what the song was, he told me and I obviously went to Youtube to hear the full song. I was so glad that he gave me the name of this song because it is a masterpiece. I feel that this song speaks to my soul and I get it on an emotional level.

Sometimes stuff gets to me and all I do is put the song and block everything out.

This is definitely my one of my favourite songs at the moment.

·         Song:  Our Own House

Artist: Misterwives

Album: Our Own House

Description:

I have featured this group before and the last time I had mentioned that they fit into what I call “Sassy Jazzy Rock” and if their newly released album revealed anything it is that my description of them was utterly perfect.  (Theo for the win!!). 

As usual, I’m listening to the song right now as I am typing, and it’s just such a damn funky song. The trumpets, the groovy guitar and everything just makes me fall more in love with the song the longer it plays. The lead singer (I really should Google her name) has an amazing set of pipes to her and she is quite a petite girl btw. Her tone of voice just works so well.

I am basically ready to learn every single word to the song...actually I’m half way there:

“We built our own house (own house) with our hands over our hearts,

And we swore on that day, that it’ll never fall apart.

We built our own house (own house) with our hands over our hearts,

And we swore on that day, that it’ll never fall apart.

We’ll never fall apart

We’ll never fall apart

With our hands over our heart

We’ll never fall apart”

Additional Mention: “Not Your Way”

As much as they love doing their love songs, they equally love telling someone to move on their way. “Not Your Way” tells the story of a woman telling a guy that his way isn’t law and that she will do things her way. She did not grow up to be anyone’s trophy wife, and this song is all about the woman empowerment but in a way that will even have the guys singing along. It’s fun, spunky and sassy- basically everything I love about this band.

·         Song: Gooey

Artist: Glass Animals

Description:

This song is “Gooey”, and I love it.

When the first few seconds of the song starts you will understand what I mean and then, after that, the beat drops and it’s just a senses overload. I know nothing about the group Glass Animals. I watched the music video for the other day and I was left utterly stumped, it is one of those metaphorical music videos that speak to deeper message of the music videos. Which you never really listen to one the first few times, you only start paying attention to lyrics after about the 5^th time you’ve heard it (or that is what happened in my case). Still it is a damn banging tune and just makes me want to imagine I’m in a dark room slowly swaying my body to the music. Yes, I said sway.

Additional Mention: “Cocoa Hooves”

 I didn’t like this song. I thought that the potential was there but the song didn’t really do much. As what often happens with me is that I sometimes judge songs too quickly, and not all songs make a home in your heart immediately. This one grew on me and while I never seek it on my playlist, when it does come on it just makes me stop and I don’t skip it. You feel the hairs on your arm raise because it just gets you. You just have to listen. There is something quirky and off about the song but it is arbitrary in a way that you feel like you understand. It makes sense in the way that it doesn’t make any sense. I honestly think that that is exactly how to describe the band.

·         Song: Confess To Me

Artist:  Disclosure ft Jessie Ware

Album:  Settle

I really like Disclosure. The family EDM duo from Britain makes great music and more people really need to hear it. It’s just superb. I had already discovered “Latch” featuring Sam Smith and that was a song I fell in Iove with.  “Confess To Me” features the talented vocals of another brit singer I like Jess Ware, and what a tune it is. It builds, takes you a journey where you anticipate it to be a fun and mellow tune but when the rest of the beat comes in it just gets me grooving.

“Confess to me, make me feel it.

Confide in me, don’t resent it.

Cause I can’t stop you from nothing.

I fulfil your desires for you.”

Additional Mention:  “F For You”

Another song from their album, “F For You” was a favourite of mine before RnB songstress Mary J Blige added her vocals to the updated version. The original which I love utilises the vocals of the group and I really liked it. Another version with the vocals of Ms Blige came out of her friendship with another close friend of the group, Sam Smith. Ms Blige came on to the song and added some modern day Rhythm and Blues – I must say that it didn’t hurt the song either. Either way, “F For You” is a great song and “I’d play the fool for” Disclosure anytime when their producing such great tunes.

·         Song: 2 Shy

Artist: Shura

Description:

So I have been hearing more about Shura as there seems to be a growing buzz around her. She is one of the artists poised to make it big either this year or next year but it seems like it is only a matter of time.

There is something very old school about this song. It has that 80s Paula Abdul pop to it but the slow stuff. I didn’t like the song the first time I heard it, and now I’m currently listening to it for the second time and somehow I like it more the second time around. I think because I was expecting something different the first time, but now I get it.

I love the message of the song too. So all in all, give it a listen and find out if you like her vibe.

·         Song: Surrender

Artist: John Lock ft Jaden Michaels

Description:

This song is the “Truth Bomb EDM”.

It is just so good. Listening to it at full blast right now and dancing along makes me realise why I love this song. There is something so honest and emotional about this song. I really love it. I am struggling to formulate how much I love it right now. *Goosebumps*

“Surrender your heart,

Surrender your mind,

Surrender it all to love (to love)

Surrender it all to love.”

I came across this gem once I read that this guy John Lock was actually the dude who was playing drums in Glee for all that time but never spoke once. I always wondered why they never included him in the plot but then I realised that the show pretty much became a mess during season two already.

·         Song: Delilah

Artist: Florence and the Machine

Description:

If you are a Florence fan then of course you will like this.

For those who aren’t so sold on Florence there is nothing I can do for you. Everything I’ve been hearing from her latest album has been darker. Flo has challenged herself in a very different way because she does have the power behind her voice but she doesn’t always show it off which is clearly intentional because she doesn’t want to distract you from her verbrato tone but still keep you engaged and boy does she. Flo of course uses it when she has to but it feels like she consciously pulled back to make you not notice it as much.

This song is pretty cool. You can either listen to it in the background or if you want to shake it off and go crazy.

·         Song: Like I’m Gonna Lose you

Artist:  Meghan Trainor ft John Legend

Description:

This is a collaboration that you never knew you wanted.

It’s moody, emotional and you can slow dance to it. Of course it is a song about loving someone like you are going to lose them because it’s Meghan Trainor and John Legend – did you really expect them to sing about something else?

That aside, the song is great. Sure if you don’t have a significant other it can be pretty sucky but that aside, it is a song that you will appreciate having heard.

It is a wonderful song, just something you want to put your hands up it the air for and slowly move from side to side.

The “Oud maar nog nie Koud nie”:

There might not always be this section within future posts but I thought I would add it in this one nonetheless. 

These songs aren’t new (and may or may not exactly be well known) but yet are still banging. The section title is in Afrikaans which in English means “The old but not yet cold”.

·         Song: Heartbreaker

Artist: MSTRKRFT ft John Legend

I like John Legend. So does my mother.

However, we like him for different reasons. My mom loves him because he tugs on the emotional heartstrings and makes her feel stuff in her lady bits I assume (shudder). I like him for the fact that he has a really cool vibe but also he isn’t afraid to step out of his genre. There have been other dance tracks where he has volunteered his vocals and the fact that he does this is really awesome. I think more artists should do this as it not only challenges them but also encourages them to give their voices something to sing that they haven’t necessarily changed to suit them. Props to MSTRKRFT (pronounced: Mastercraft) for delivering a banger.

I discovered this song during the Season 5 finale of So You Think You Can Dance when a couple danced a cool Sonya Tayeh dance number, (I know it was the winner Jeanine and the adorable Evan Kasperzak who did the dance because I had a crush on Evan). That aside, I fell in love with the song and it has been a track I still love years later.

·         Song: Secrets

Artist: Mary Lambert ft B.O.B

I had heard this song before but forgot about it.

Someone reminded me of it when the revealed something personal of themselves to me. It was a shock to me because it was something that you hear about never associate with a person until they tell you. I respect that person so much for telling me something like that because the person never knew how I’d take it.

Stuff has happened with me and this person, that has left me sad but I will remain optimistic and hope that things work out the way they are meant to. Que Sera Sera, what will be will be.

This song should be given a listen to because it’s a song that just helps you say “Fuck it, I am ME and I love who I AM”. We need more songs like this in the world that celebrate who we are as individuals and no one person is ever identical. This song is really great so please give it a listen when you can.

·         Song: Endorphins

Artist: Sub focus ft Alex Clare

Description:

His song fits right into that Drum and Bass genre; it’s a banging tune with banging vocals. If I was a runner, this would be great music to use for jogging or running as it has that steady thud that just keeps you going.

I discovered this song on the radio, it never really took off in South Africa but it caught a hold of me and I have just kept it in rotation on my playlists ever since. Other than good running music, this song is also wonderful to feel as you dance in your room with the door closed and shut off the world with nothing but the music to be your guide.

·         Song: Little Bit

Artist: Drake ft Lykke Li

Description:

This song is originally Lykke Li’s tune but Drake redid it. This was a song that was originally on his mixtape and so not many people know about it, which is my opinion is a shame because it’s a really great song.

A friend sent me some music and that was how I came across this song, and I’m glad I did. With Drake’s current direction of his music, this song makes me miss the days of his first album. He manages to sing and rap on the song doing something that he is very good at, and in my opinion does too little of.

I think Drake will forever have a chip on his shoulder about which genre he fits in. It’s a battle between the purists that say he isn’t a true MC because he sings and people who will say he isn’t a singer because he raps.  Personally, I just hope he ignores them and finds a balance between both that suits him. He has tried with a few songs that aim for that balance but he hasn’t managed to find it since he debuted in my opinion.

That aside, this will forever be a favourite of mine.

Additional Mention: Hold On (We’re Going Home) by Lykke Li

Lykke Li found a way pay back Drake, with intentional or not, by doing a cover of his song “Hold On (We’re Going Home)” and she does a really good job in my opinion. I like how she changed it up, made it hers much in the same way that he took her song and made it his own version.  Who knows, maybe they will actually managed to collaborate with each other and create a stellar song that excels in vocals and rap lyrics.

Extra:

Songs on the radio that I’m currently obsessed with –

1.      Ty dollar Sign ft Charli XCX – Drop That Kitty

2.      Zedd ft Jon Bellion – Beautiful Now

3.      Alyxx Dione ft Jason Derulo - Chingaling

4.      Tori Kelly – Nobody Love

All tracks should be available on iTunes.

If you have any suggestions don’t be scared to let me know in the comments below.

Theo. Over and Out.

BONUS:

There is this guy on Youtube called Leroy Sanchez. He is pretty damn gifted vocally, and he is not bad to look at either. Here is one of his covers I really like:



Thanks to @DarronDiesel for suggesting I check him out:

PS- I came across this saying that I just felt was so perfect; it went something to the effect of, “The right song will find you at the right time”.  I really hope that the right song found you this week.