#OnRepeat, Jazz, Music

#OnRepeat: Etta Jones’ “If I Had You”

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This week, I’ve had Etta Jones’ version of “If I Had You” #OnRepeat. There are plenty of versions of this standard out there, but this one in particular caught my attention because of Jones’ voice.

Etta Jones is a Jazz singer from South Carolina who toured with Jazz pianist Buddy Johnson’s band when she was in her teens. She has several Grammy nominations and some of her most well-known songs were “Don’t Go to Strangers,” “Salty Papa Blues,” and “Long, Long Journey.”

Jazz standards are constantly in danger of becoming stale since they have been performed so much in so many different ways, however, Etta manages to make this version stand out. Jones’ version of “If I Had You” is so enjoyable for me mostly because of her voice. Its rich, warm, deep timbre adds a calm, laid-back feel, yet at the same time, her tone is bright and her enunciation is sharp, showcasing her refined sound, reminiscent of someone like Julie London. Her musical choices for each phrase are contrary to what you think a singer would pick to sing, reminding me of Billie Holiday’s musical taste and make you want to listen to the song repeatedly just to try to figure out her musical lines.

Check it out below:

Do you have any Jazz standards that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

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#OnRepeat, Music

#OnRepeat: “How Far I’ll Go (From Moana)”

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Okay, so I think this is a perfect opportunity to tell you guys that I’m a huge Disney fan. Knowing this, I’ve seen Moana twice already (it’s that good of a movie) and I’ll probably see it more, but ever since Thanksgiving weekend, I’ve had the song,”How Far I’ll Go,” sung by Auli’i Cravalho, #OnRepeat.

The movie, Moana, is about a daughter of a village chief who is chosen by the ocean to return an artifact to save her people. The themes of family, responsibility, and wanting more combined with great music, beautiful animation, and comedic characters make this Disney movie one of the best I’ve seen in awhile.

Auli’i Cravalho plays the speaking and singing voice of the main character, Moana. “How Far I’ll Go” is a song about wanting to go beyond the horizon, having the itch to roam and explore even though you have responsibilities and expectations to live up to. Auli’i’s portrayal of the lyrics is spot-on; she captures the restlessness, innocence, and wonder that is a part of Moana’s character. Auli’i’s voice is bright and powerful for someone so young. You can hear the potential for great range and power when she gets older.

Take a listen below:

 

If you haven’t seen the movie, Moana, yet, go check it out! What do you think of the music from the movie? Leave a comment below!

 

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#OnRepeat, Latin Music, Music

#OnRepeat: Jose Antonio Mendez’s “La Gloria Eres Tu”

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This week, I’ve had Jose Antonio Mendez’s “La Gloria Eres Tu” #OnRepeat. One of the great (and potentially dangerous, time-consuming things) about YouTube is the videos that are listed on the side of the video you’re listening to or watching. I came across this song while listening to other music and I couldn’t stop playing it.

Jose Antonio Mendez was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Cuba who was considered one of the most recognizable singers of the Filín music genre; a type of music that was influenced by popular Cuban music and Jazz music, sounding similar to crooning (like Frank Sinatra or Sammy Davis Jr.). Some other well-known performers of Filín music were Elena Burke, Frank Dominguez and Omara Portuondo. One of Mendez’s most well-known songs (and my absolute favorite song he performs) is “Si Me Comprendieras.”

“La Gloria Eres Tu” is a beautiful song with a simple melody and guitar accompaniment. I’m a huge fan of simplicity in music–I think it is vastly underrated–and this song is no exception. Simply stated, the lyrics talk about someone being so in love that they consider that person to be their glory–they don’t need to go to heaven because they have found it already (please keep in mind that this is an over-simplified translation and that some meaning is lost when you translate from one language to another). The words are so simple, yet so profound, it almost makes you want to cry–it is a rare thing to find anyone who loves like what is talked about in the lyrics. Maybe that is why the lyrics are so beautiful. Mendez’s voice is rich and dark, adding inflection and licks reminiscent of both Nat King Cole and the vocal style of Tango and Bolero music.

Take a listen below:

Are there any musicians or groups that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

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#OnRepeat, Music

#OnRepeat: Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity”

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This week, I’ve had Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity” #OnRepeat. I know I’m late on Sara Bareilles (way late), but I can’t get over how relatable her lyrics are and how much her melodies get stuck in your head.

Sara Bareilles is a singer-songwriter and instrumentalist from Eureka, California. She became well-known with her hit single “Love Song” and has earned several Grammy nominations for her music. Some of her other well-known songs are “King of Anything,” “I Choose You,” and “Brave.”

Although many have said that her style and voice is reminiscent of Billy Joel and Regina Spektor (you can hear these influences and similarities as well), Bareilles’ “Gravity” reminds me very much of Sara McLachlan. Her voice is mellow and raspy, yet she has the ability to belt notes in the upper part of her range, suggesting she has had musical theater training and influence. The words for “Gravity” are suggestive of a break-up; or at least someone who is trying to break free from someone else, but can’t seem to stay away. The lyrics are simple and subtle, yet you feel the agony without it feeling cheesy or overbearing.

Take a listen below:

 

 

I hope to hear more from Bareilles in the future; her voice is soulful and her songwriting gives her music ongoing relevancy.

Is there any musician or group you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below and let us know!

 

 

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#OnRepeat: Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic”

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This week, I’ve had Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic” stuck #OnRepeat. I’ve been looking forward to this guy coming out with another hit for awhile, ever since his collaboration with Mark Ronson on “Uptown Funk,” and this follow-up (or what I consider a follow-up) did not disappoint.

I have written about Bruno Mars before, but just in case you didn’t get around to reading it, Bruno Mars (born Peter Gene Hernandez) is a singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Honolulu, Hawaii. He became famous with singles like “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade,” but hits like “Treasure” and “Uptown Funk” really showcased his vocal ability and performance style.

“24K Magic” is another one of Bruno’s hits that pays tribute to great music from previous decades. In it, you hear Zap & Roger, George Clinton, SugarHill Gang, and other 90s R&B music. Bruno brings his own unique flair to the performance of the song–almost rapping most of the lyrics and dancing while surrounded by his entourage.

Take a listen below:

Is there any artists or groups that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

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#OnRepeat: Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling”

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This week, I’ve had Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” #OnRepeat. I know, I’m a little late, but it’s Justin Timberlake so I know you’ll forgive me.

For those of you who don’t know, Justin Timberlake is a singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. He got his start on the television shows, Star Search and the All-New Mickey Mouse Club, but became internationally known as one of the lead singers of the boy band N’Sync. Timberlake eventually started producing solo work separate from the band and has even won two Grammy Awards for his work; some of his most well-known songs are “Cry Me a River,” “SexyBack,” “My Love,” and “Rock Your Body.”

The song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” is another one of those catchy pop songs that was written really well. It has a simple melody, feel-good lyrics. Timberlake’s bright timbre and wide range only adds more to the song, giving the listener even more of a reason to want to dance. With songs like “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” it’s no wonder why Timberlake has continued to be a success even long after N’Sync broke up.

Take a listen below:

 

Are there any songs or musicians that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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#OnRepeat, Latin Music, Motown, Music

#OnRepeat: Gaby Moreno’s “Se Apagó (Love is Gone)”

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This week, I’ve had Gaby Moreno’s song, “Se Apagó (Love is Gone)”#OnRepeat. I came across this song while scrolling through one of the social media websites, which is actually a great way to discover new and interesting music.

Gaby Moreno is a Latin Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Guatemala who became well-known throughout Latin America after recording with fellow singer Ricardo Arjona and performing with British actor, Hugh Laurie. Gaby sings in both Spanish and English, her music blending influences of Jazz, R&B, Soul, Blues, and Latin music. Some of her well-know songs are “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás,” “Song of You,”and “Y Tu Sombra.”

I was incredibly impressed with Gaby Moreno’s voice and musical vibe. Her music is simplistic and catchy and her voice is almost chameleon-like; she is able to adapt to each style of music that she performs in a different way, creating her own unique sound. “Se Apagó (Love is Gone)” is no different. Gaby sings both an English and a Spanish version of the song (hence the two different titles). Both versions hint at a theme of a relationship ending and the partners’ struggle with whether to hold on or let go. Gaby sings “Se Apagó,” displaying the bright powerful aspect of her voice, yet the English version, “Love is Gone,” is more reminiscent of Motown duet-style music; playful, yet soulful at the same time.

Take a listen to “Se Apagó” below:

 

Here is “Love is Gone” so that you can hear the difference:

 

Is there an artist or group you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

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#OnRepeat, Music, Uncategorized

#OnRepeat: Regina Spector’s Version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”

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This week, I’ve had Regina Spektor’s version of the Beatles’ classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” #OnRepeat. It was recorded for the recent stop-motion animation movie, Kubo and the Two Strings.

This song actually gave me an opportunity to become more familiar with Regina Spektor and her music. Spektor is a singer, songwriter, and pianist originally from the Soviet Union, who emigrated with her family to the United States when she was nine years old. She began playing classical piano and writing her own original songs in her teenage years, gaining popularity with songs like “Better,” “Fidelity,””Small Town Moon,” and “You’ve Got Time” (the last of which being used as the theme song for the Netflix original series, Orange is the New Black).

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is a song written by George Harrison–one of the band members from the Beatles, in case you didn’t know–from their 1968 album The Beatles (also called the White Album). The song’s lyrics have themes of relativity, which reflect themes of the storyline of the movie, Kubo and the Two Strings. In the movie, Kubo accidentally summons a vengeful spirit and must then go on a quest (with a monkey and a beetle) to find his father’s armor and save his family, all the while battling monsters with with his magical instrument.

Regina’s interpretation of the words for “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” are both haunting and surreal, yet have an element of simplicity and innocence. It’s always interesting to hear new interpretations of classic songs. The addition of Asian instrumentation to this arrangement, although mainly for purposes to relate it more to the movie, makes the song sound brighter and more contemplative. Listen below:

Are there any musicians or groups that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

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#OnRepeat: Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too”

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This week, I’ve had Meghan Trainor’s song, “Me Too,” #OnRepeat. I try to always turn on the radio at least once in a while to expose my ears to any new music that might be on the radio (though I must admit, more often than not, there’s not that much interesting music on the airwaves) and this song immediately made me stop “channel surfing.”

I’ve written about Meghan Trainor before on here, specifically with Postmodern Jukebox’s cover of her hit,”All About That Bass,” but just in case you didn’t catch that, I’ll give you a short introduction. Meghan Trainor is a singer-songwriter from Massachusetts who became well-known with her top 10 hits “All About That Bass,” “Lips Are Moving,” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.” Her music is described as retro with influences from music of the 190s and 60s, including Doo-Wop, Rock, R&B, and Soul.

“Me Too” is a really catchy, funky song, and if you listen to it one time, you might just think it’s another Pop song with an “electronic” beat. However, listening to it several more times, you can catch the not-so-subtle message of self-love and confidence that comes out in the lyrics. To be honest, the first thing that caught my attention was the beat; but while I was wiggling around in my seat, I noticed the message that was being delivered in the words. I have to say that anyone who can write/arrange/produce a Pop song with a catchy beat and at the same time, slip messages of empowerment within the lyrics is pretty clever creative individual in my book. Not only is she making money, but she is empowering women and people at the same time.

Take a listen below:

I’m interested to see what other kinds of music Trainor can produce and whether or not she can still have this combination in her songwriting and music production. Enjoy!

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#OnRepeat, Latin Music, Music, Uncategorized

#OnRepeat: Carlos Varela’s “Una Palabra”

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This week, I’ve had Carlos Varela’s “Una Palabra” #OnRepeat. I was actually watching the movie, Man on Fire, starring Denzel Washington, and the song, which played at the end of the movie, caught my attention.

Man on Fire is about a man who is hired to protect a little girl who lives with her family in Mexico during a time when kidnapping children of prominent families is prevalent in the major cities. The little girl becomes close to the body guard, but is taken and presumed dead. The majority of the film shows the man’s journey to find what happened to the child. This film already has a very shocking and somber premise, but this beautiful song and its words add so much poignancy to the end scene.

Carlos Varela is a singer-songwriter form Havana, Cuba who is relatively unknown outside of the island. Varela has been singing and writing music for nearly three decades. His lyrics are considered part of the Nueva Trova movement, a political musical movement associated with the Cuban Revolution that uses poetry to comment on everyday life and political issues in Cuba. Varela’s open critique of the Cuban government and beautifully written lyrics have garnered attention from celebrities and musicians in the United States and hundreds of people on the island. “Una Palabra” is one of his most well-known songs, however, some of his other recordings include “Todos se Roban” and “Memorias.”

“Una Palabra” is another example of what happens when you mix seemingly simplistic lyrics, a bare melody, and the right arrangement. Varela’s use 0f space in this song adds so much to the overall feeling and sound. I’ve always been a big believer of “less is more;”how can you manipulate silence so that it can be given the same weight as sound, a word or musical note? The lyrics are beautiful too–you get the theme of the song within the first 2 to 3 lines:

“Una palabra no dice nada

y al mismo tiempo lo esconde todo.”

Roughly translated to English:

“A word says nothing

and at the same time hides everything.”

Listen below:

“Una Palabra” Carlos Varela

The words are so beautiful and so simple that it leaves you wanting to hear more. Varela’s writing combined with his distinct voice has made him the subject of a HBO Latino documentary film titled, The Poet of Havana, airing this October. I look forward to seeing this documentary and hearing more of Carlos Varela’s music.

Are there any singers or groups that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

 

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