Sara Bareilles - Breathe Again

Whoooooooooooooooo, prettayyyyy! My friend was playing this song in his car while we were driving home from a concert we’d attended together, which is how I encountered it, but I guess this song was used on the TV series The Vampire Diaries. (I highly suspect that’s how my friend first heard it.) More recently, I heard it somewhere else and was reminded that I should post it. This doesn't sound to me like the other songs I've heard by this artist; I wouldn't even recognize her voice on my own.
Note: Another one to enjoy in HD!

Sara Bareilles - Breathe Again:

Avan Lava - It’s Never Over

The appeal of this song is largely through its music video, which is fun stuff. I think I came across it after I looked up another music video by this artist, which I already posted at the beginning of this year. It amused me how the two videos are completely different in style.
Note: Here’s an HD video for listening purposes!

Avan Lava - It’s Never Over:


And here’s the official music video, which is worth the watch:

Banks - Waiting Game

I heard this song on a Victoria’s Secret commercial. Evidently this song was also used on a TV show I’ve never seen called The Originals. Anyway, this song practically has me frothing at the mouth. It is quite the experience for the ears. It reminds me of Ellie Goulding.
Note: I recommend listening in HD!

Banks - Waiting Game:

Masaji Watanabe - Winter Song

This song is from a compilation album of winter-themed piano music by Japanese composers that someone got me as a present years ago. I have difficulty sleeping in the car on long roadtrips, but years ago on one of these long car trips when I was trying to sleep I put this album on and I actually managed to fall asleep to it.

Masaji Watanabe A.K.A. 渡辺 雅二 - Winter Song:

Olivia - December

Confusingly, this artist has the same name as another artist I’ve posted. I found this song by YouTube surfing earlier this year. It’s weird how infrequently I post R&B, considering how much I like it.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Olivia - December:

Biggi Hilmars feat. Damien Rice - Winter Tree

I came across this track on YouTube not long ago. Alas, the song is no longer on YouTube, but fortunately I found it elsewhere. I listened to it because I recognized the name of the featured artist, but it turns out he’s hardly in the track. Nonetheless, it’s nice enough without vocals, as the composition by the main artist, an Icelandic composer, stands well on its own. ‘Tis a nice song for the winter time, no?

Biggi Hilmars feat. Damien Rice - Winter Tree:

Hayley Westenra - Little Drummer Boy

Oh hey, it’s a Christmas carol I actually quite like! Some people adore Christmas carols as a genre. I am not one of those people. This opera singer was introduced to me through my grandparents, who bought an album by her for me as a present years ago.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Hayley Westenra - Little Drummer Boy:

Danny Elfman feat. Paul Reubens & Catherine O’Hara - Kidnap the Sandy Claws

This was always one of my favorite songs from the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas, not only because it got stuck in my head like none other but also because it was so surprisingly dark for a children’s movie. (Yes, as I child I appreciated things being inappropriately dark.) If you actually pay attention to the lyrics, the song’s not just about capturing Santa Clause; it’s about murdering him.

Danny Elfman feat. Paul Reubens & Catherine O’Hara - Kidnap the Sandy Claws:


The clip is here:

Mylène Farmer - Si J'avais au Moins...

I didn’t hear of this French artist until I came across this song while YouTube surfing recently, but after that I saw her name listed somewhere else, like a soundtrack or something. Evidently she’s a really, really big deal in France, so it’s not that surprising that I ran across her name shortly after discovering her. She actually holds the record for most number one hits in France of all time. From reading her Wiki bio, I get the impression she’s like the Madonna of France. She’s been around for a hot minute, stirring up controversy, but this song is from recent years. The song is supposedly about missing a deceased loved one, but the music video is virtually irrelevant.

Mylène Farmer - Si J'avais au Moins... [If I Had At Least…]:


And here's the official music video:

K.K. - दिल इबादत

This lovely tune is from the Indian movie Tum Mile (which I haven’t seen). For some reason I thought I already posted this song. I didn’t, I guess, but I meant to quite some time ago. It just sounds awesome from beginning to end.

K.K. - दिल इबादत [Dil Ibadat - Heart Prayer]:

Ikuko Kawai - Czardas

I found a video of this artist performing this piece through the related videos margin of YouTube. In case it’s not obvious, this Japanese artist is a violinist, but I didn’t realize when I came upon her music that she’s a composer as well. This piece, however, is not an original composition of hers; it’s by Vittorio Monti.

Ikuko Kawai A.K.A. 川井郁子 - Czardas:

Aloe Blacc - Ticking Bomb

I posting music by this artist before, but lately I’ve seen his name popping up a few places. Most recently, I heard this song used in a trailer for the video game Battlefield 4. With that kind of exposure, I can easily imagine that he’s going to blow up (pun intended) in the near future. He may be on the cusp of stardom!
Note: This is the official lyrics video, with HD!

Aloe Blacc - Ticking Bomb:

Bebe - Siempre me Quedará

Here’s a relaxing, laidback song from Spain. I think this is the only song I’ve heard by this artist, who evidently is also an actress. Turns out one of her songs was used as the opening theme to an Argentinian TV series, which I think I saw parts of the Mexican remake of.

Bebe - Siempre me Quedará [You Will Always Leave Me]:

Scissor Sisters - Let’s Have a Kiki

This grew on me like a fungus. It was covered on the TV show Glee and even though at first I wasn’t sure I liked it, I kept replaying it. The accompanying dance routine amused me, but even when I looked up this, the original version of the song, I hadn’t decided whether I liked it. It’s pretty odd but it gets stuck in my head too easily for me to hold that against it. This song has some profanity.

Scissor Sisters - Let’s Have a Kiki:


Here’s the official music video, which contains the dance, and was filmed all in one take:

NLX - Find Love

I heard this song in an episode of the American family drama series Brothers & Sisters. I’d never even heard of this artist before, but apparently she's Canadian.
Note: HD again, yo!

NLX - Find Love:

Cakra Khan - Harus Terpisah

I came across this Indonesian artist only today. I admit, I was not expecting this kind of voice to come out of this guy. Evidently he’s a fairly new artist, but I’d say with this interesting and controlled of a voice he’s got a good shot at continuing success.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Cakra Khan - Harus Terpisah [Have to Separate]:

Kokia - 調和 Oto ~with Reflection~

This is among the first songs by this Japanese artist that I had. I was first introduced to her music through an mp3 rotation site, which then led me to search for some other random tracks by her to sample and I found this one. I didn’t realize this was from the movie Origin: Spirits of the Past (which I never saw). Some of the lyrics in this song are coded Japanese (with the syllables backwards), which is kinda cool.
Note: You can experience the pretty in HD!

Kokia - 調和 Oto ~with Reflection~ [Chouwa Oto ~with reflection ~ - Harmony Sound ~with Reflection~]:

Vodka Rain feat. 장윤주 - 그 어떤 말로도

This is one of my favorite discoveries from recently listening to Korean indie music on YouTube. The featured vocalist is actually a model, but she has embarked on a singer/songwriter career as well. I found out the main artist had songs banned from the radio in Korea and was trying to figure out why, and eventually found out it’s due to references to alcohol in their lyrics. That’s funny, because then it seems like everything by them should be banned due to the artist name itself.
Note: HD listening, fuuuuuuuu!

Vodka Rain feat. 장윤주 A.K.A. Jang Yunju - 그 어떤 말로도 [Keu Eoddeon Mallodo - That Certain Word]:

Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats

I thought I posted this song ages ago, but can find no evidence that I did. VERY weird. Oh well. This is the second song I’m posting by this artist, but the first I heard by her. I’ve always liked they lyrics; they amuse me.
Note: This video has the highest level of HD I’ve ever seen on YouTube. Where did that come from?!

Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats:

Damien Crawford - Champion

I think I found this artist through an article or blog post or something. I listened to his EP of the same title as this song, and found this song especially to my liking. I didn’t post it, though, because I couldn’t find it on YouTube. It finally occurred to me today to check the artist’s official SoundCloud, and whaddaya know? It was right there. Ahahaha, I’m dumb.

Damien Crawford - Champion:

Hannah Schneider - In the Line of Fire

This is one of the first songs by this Danish artist I listened to. In fact, I think it was the second song by her, and it led to me suspecting that she has a pretty good variety of worthwhile songs in her discography. I confirmed this suspicion later!

Hannah Schneider - In the Line of Fire:

Iyanya - Kukere

All right, time for something festive. And so I bring you Nigerian music! Despite the autotune effect, I find the song pretty catchy, to the point that it got stuck in my head for months after I’d heard it only two or three times. I appreciate that the guys in this music video are doing the same dances as the women. And there are moments that make it seem like an equal-opportunity objectifier.
Note: The song is available in HD. And how cool is the artwork used in the picture?!

Iyanya - Kukere [Don’t Worry]:


Here’s the music video:

Daughter - Youth

The intro to this song reminds me of a Red Hot Chili Peppers song. This kind of music (vocals, instrumentation) isn’t typically to my taste, but what the heck. I do like the line, “Most of us are heaving through corrupted lungs,” and something about the lyrics, which I normally can’t focus well on, captivates me when it comes to this song.
Note: You can enjoy in HD!

Daughter - Youth:

Radical Face - Welcome Home

I heard about this song and artist through a message board thread with music recommendations. It reminds me of Jónsi’s solo work, even the voice at some moments. I just found out this song gained some exposure due to being featured in a commercial.
Note: HD, man!

Radical Face - Welcome Home:

Caroline - Winter

I heard this song in an AMV that was shown at an anime convention earlier this year. Until just now when I looked her up, I had no idea this artist was the younger sister of another artist whose music I’ve posted before, Olivia! Now that I know, though, I can hear the resemblance in their styles, both musically and vocally.

Caroline - Winter:

Cristiano Araújo - Caso Indefinido

I came across this song by YouTube surfing when I was on a Brazilian music listening spree. I came across quite a few artists who had voices I liked, including this one. Evidently he is also a composer. I’m not certain of my translation of the title, but I’d like to think it is correct because that would probably mean it’s a kinda cool play on words.

Cristiano Araújo - Caso Indefinido [Indefinite Case]:

A Fine Frenzy - Ashes & Wine

I’ve been listening to random songs by this artist over the past few days. She has such a nice voice with a variety of qualities to it. I fully intend to look into more songs by this American artist. (Oddly enough, I just kinda assumed she was British until I looked up her biography.)
Note: Hurray, you can listen in HD!

A Fine Frenzy - Ashes & Wine:

Angus & Julia Stone - Draw Your Swords

I came across this song through a fanvideo. I suspect that if I’d heard it only by itself, with no accompanying reason to replay it, I wouldn’t have found it particularly appealing. However, since it was paired with a video, I ended up hearing it repeatedly and liking it more and more. If the song stayed static in tone throughout, I probably would find it boring. At first, the song doesn't sound like something I'd be into, but as it goes on it gets better and better; it's like a reward for sticking around. Some people feel that beauty is desecrated by profanity, and if you're one of them you should be warned that this song has some.
Note: HD, suckaaaaaa!

Angus & Julia Stone - Draw Your Swords:

Bubble Sisters - 사랑 먼지

I came across this Korean artist recently, and although the name made me doubt their abilities (I pictured one of those uber-girly pop groups), I really liked the quality of their voices. They have a refreshingly mature sound. Now, about the melody itself, on the other hand…

Bubble Sisters - 사랑 먼지 [Love Dust]:

Wang Lee Hom feat. Rain & Lim Jeong Hee - 完美的互動

Everyone who listens to contemporary Asian music knows American-born Taiwanese superstar Wang Lee Hom... To be honest, I'm not a huge fan (though I don't DISlike him either), but I really like this multilingual song that features 2 Korean singers. Everyone who listens to contemporary Asian music also knows Korean superstar Rain, but I'm quite partial to Lim Jeong Hee. I've posted music by both Korean artists before, but it looks like this is my first time posting music by the main artist of this song.
 
Wang Lee Hom A.K.A. 王力宏 feat. Rain A.K.A. 비 & Lim Jeong Hee A.K.A. 임정희 - 完美的互動 [Wan Mei de Hu Dong - Perfect Harmony]:

Paper Aeroplanes - Winter Never Comes

Today is the first day of December, and yet it’s sunny and nice outside. It reminded me of this song (mostly for its title).  Evidently there’s a club remix version of this song that’s quite popular as well, but I opted for the original. I heard this song when it was used in the finale of the Scottish TV series Lip Service.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Paper Aeroplanes - Winter Never Comes:

Jason Walker - Down

I came across this song recently through YouTube surfing. I guess this was on the American TV show The Vampire Diaries, but I’ve never seen it myself. Evidently this artist, whom I hadn’t heard of before, has some degree of fame when it comes to dance music, but this song isn’t very dancey.

Jason Walker - Down:

Doll $ Boxx - Take My Chance

My friend sent me this music video and I appreciated the humor because I’ve always found the cutesy little girl act that Japanese female idol groups tend to put on supremely creepy AND obnoxious. They still appear to be a somewhat lolita-kei group, which isn’t my style, but the video is humorous to me nonetheless. I think my friend who sent it to me described it as a “wait for it” video, and I think that’s a pretty apt way to put it.
Note: You can watch in HD!

Doll $ Boxx - Take My Chance:

Pentatonix - Evolution of Beyoncé

This a cappella artist’s medley of hits by Queen B was making the rounds a couple weeks ago. This is similar to the previous song I posted by this group in that it’s a medley of hits by a major artist in American popular music, but this time I happen to be into the music of the artist they’re covering. I have been replaying it so many times! I can’t stop! Soon the versions of Beyoncé songs that I’ll know will be these instead of the originals!
Note: Watching/listening in HD is recommended!

Pentatonix - Evolution of Beyoncé:


You can also watch them performing a different version of their Beyoncé medley live:

Silja - Sokratæsk

This Danish artist seems to make pop music with a bit of an edge to it, which I like. I thought the music video for this song was pretty cool so I’m including it. Before I was able to find a good translation of the title, I guessed it to be “Socratic” since the song seems to make a lot of references to philosophers. I later found an explanation that the title is a portmanteau, consisting of a first part meaning “Socratic” and a second part meaning “beat up”. Since we don’t have an apt equivalent of this in English, I just included both meanings in my translation of the title.
Note: HD available!

Silja - Sokratæsk [Socratic/Beat Up]:

Brown Eyes - True Luv

This is one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite R&B artists. Even though they’ve parted ways now, this Korean duo remains near the top of my list of favorite Korean music artists as well. For some reason this song is entirely in English, but the Engrish on the speaking parts makes me chuckle a bit.

Brown Eyes - True Luv:

Jessie J - Do It Like a Dude

SWEET BABY JESUS, THANK YOU FOR LETTING THIS MUSIC VIDEO EXIST. Those back up dancers, man!!! Anyway… This song is the first I heard by this now-popular British artist, who at the time didn’t even have a Wikipedia page. Someone in one of my classes posted this song’s music video to our class’s Facebook group as a jumping off point for discussion. While I agreed with the conclusion of the discussion (which was, in very simplified terms, that the message of the song is a little silly), I could not stop watching the video. Something about the weirdness of the movements in some of the closeup shots and the lip art had me addicted. Although this song, her first single, doesn’t really showcase it, she has one of the best voices in pop music I’ve ever heard. I noticed a brief moment near the end of the song that hinted at a more powerful voice than this production-heavy song allowed her to demonstrate, so I found a video of her performing this song acoustically and was blown away. Strangely, the acoustic version is self-censored… This version not so much.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Jessie J - Do It Like a Dude:


And here’s the music video:

Siam Shade - Heaven

I heard this Japanese artist years ago, I think through an mp3 rotation site. I then listened to a number of their albums, and for some reason this song stood out to me. I like the energy! The instrumental is my favorite aspect of this song.
 
Siam Shade - Heaven:

Celine Dion - Be the Man (On this Night) (Japanese Version)

I don’t particularly like this song; I just find it funny that this famous Canadian artist has a song with Japanese lyrics. I still don’t know why that came to be, but I thought it was worth sharing this odd discovery I made years ago.

Celine Dion - Be the Man (On this Night) (Japanese Version):

Rhye - Verse

My friend recommended this artist to me. The selling point of this artist for many, including my friend, was that the man who sings lead vocals has a voice that bears a striking resemblance to that of famous female singer Sade.

Rhye - Verse:

Natasha Bedingfield - If You’re Gonna…

I have already posted 2 songs by this famous artist’s brother, but realized I hadn’t posted any by her yet. She has a great voice, but I never looked into her music until today, when I listened to an album by her. I particularly liked this song, whose message is essentially “no half measures.”
Note: Some of the lyrics in the video are wrong, but just ignore that an enjoy the HDness.

Natasha Bedingfield - If You’re Gonna…:

Darin - Playing with Fire

The melody and instrumental aren’t really interesting… It sounds like typical European club music, which isn’t really my thing. But his voice is really nice! I somehow came across this by YouTube surfing. Prior to that, I didn’t know about this artist even though he’s supposedly a pretty big deal in Sweden.
Note: This official lyrics video, which has HD, is pretty cool-looking too, when it displays the word “fire.”

Darin - Playing with Fire:

Blu Cantrell - The One

I just think she has a great voice. I have the album this song is on, and this was one of my favorites from it. I’ve been trying to post this song for ages, but for a long time I couldn’t find it anywhere and I was too lazy to dig through my partially-packed CD collection to find it.

Blu Cantrell - The One:

Ben Howard - Empty Corridors

Nice strings! I can only find this song in live performance form. Fortunately, the artist is fully capable of performing live so this isn’t much of a detriment. I’m not sure where I first heard this song but it’s the only one I’ve heard by this artist so far. I may rectify that soon, though…
Note: Available in HD!

Ben Howard - Empty Corridors:

Nneka - Heartbeat

This was the first song I heard by this Nigerian artist, although it’s not the first song I’ve posted by her. I believe my initial reaction upon hearing this song was, “Whoa.” There’s an intensity to it even though there’s nothing obviously loud or over-the-top about it.

Nneka - Heartbeat:

OneRepublic - Counting Stars

I should have jumped on this bandwagon long ago. Better late than never, though, because this artist released an album this year and I listened to it in its entirety recently, repeatedly. I had already heard their hit “Apologize” when it came out years ago, but when I heard this opening track from their new album (also now a hit on the radio, as I understand) I went, “Wow, the man can sing.” The lead singer is unusually good for this genre of music.
Note: HD listening available!

OneRepublic - Counting Stars:

Anna Dovlatyan - Tell Me

This Armenian artist's song caught my attention when YouTube recommended its music video to me and the title called it “Armenian R&B”… and that’s what it was! I saw some negative comments about the artist for singing R&B style instead of something more traditional, but I don’t really see the problem with singing in a style that speaks to you and that you’re capable of singing. Now, if she did a poor job, that would be another story...
Note: I could only find the music video, but it has HD.

Anna Dovlatyan - Tell Me:

Dúné - Remember

This song reminds me of some of Clazziquai’s music. BUT this is not Clazziquai; it’s a Danish artist whom I’ve posted a song of once before. I haven't heard a ton of music by this band, but when I came across this I was struck by how much I liked the chill instrumental, although I don’t think I would like it as much as a standalone track.

Dúné - Remember:

Juli - November

My friend recommended this artist to me a while ago. I figured, “When better to post this song than in the month of its title?”
Note: Another HD listening opportunity!

Juli - November:

John Newman - Try

My friend recommended this song to me recently. Apparently the British soulful singer/songwriter phenomenon I noted before is not restricted to female artists (Adele, Jessie J, Florence Welch, Duffy, etc.). In fact, when I listened to this song I thought, “Man, boy got soul. Wait… Is he British?” And so he was.
Note: You can listen in HD!

John Newman - Try:

Lee Soo Young - 라라라

I don’t know how popular she is these days, but this Korean artist, when I heard of her music years ago, was everywhere. Her music tends to be quite pretty and on the dramatic side. This video shows an English translation of the lyrics!

Lee Soo Young A.K.A. 이수영 - 라라라 [Rarara - La La La]:

Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Part II

This is one of the most famous hip hop songs, and a quintessential gangster rap anthem. I heard the instrumental first, years ago when it was used in the movie 8 Mile, and was somewhat mesmerized by it all on its own. It wasn’t until years later that I heard the complete song. There’s something unsettling about the beat itself, but that works seamlessly for the song since its content is unsettling as well—its lyrics describe the violence the song’s narrators are forced to implement in order to maintain status in their dangerous neighborhood of Queensbridge.
Note: Even though this song is from 1994, you can listen to it in HD!

Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Part II:

Kalafina - Magia

This Japanese artist is yet another project by the anime composer Yuki Kajiura, who created this group of vocalists. Her work is so distinctive that while I was watching the anime series Puella Magica Mahou Shoujo, which used music by this group in its soundtrack (including this song as the opening theme), I recognized the music as the composer’s work.

 Kalafina - Magia:

Hozier - Take Me to Church

I came across this song through its music video. Since then, it’s repeatedly popped up to get stuck in my head. I recommended it to a friend the other day and she found it to her liking too! There's something to be said for lyrics that can make the most banal of subject matter sound artistic.
Note: HD listening, yo!

Hozier - Take Me to Church:

Chidinma - Run Dia Mouth

I came across this Nigerian artist quite recently, and listened to a handful of her songs. She seems quite popular, and I liked all the songs by her I heard. “Dey run dia mouth like wata!”

Chidinma - Run Dia Mouth:

Bishop Allen - Busted Heart

This song was created for (I think) and used in the indie film Private Romeo, which I saw about a year ago. Then I heard it as the ending credits theme of the documentary Bully, which I watched a few months ago. It’s kinda odd, so I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first, but I guess that’s its charm. Everyone compares this song to the work of Modest Mouse, but since I’m not a listener of theirs I can’t really attest to that.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Bishop Allen - Busted Heart:

Assol’ - Без Тебя

Just some nice Ukrainian pop music I came across. It’s nothing amazing, but this video has the Romanized lyrics AND English translations!

Assol’ A.K.A. Ассоль - Без Тебя [Without You]:

Tony Jay & Tom Hulce - Out There

I did not fully appreciate this song from the Disney film The Hunchback of Notre Dame, when I was little. In fact, I didn't even like this song when I was little. Now I'm amazed by how good the singer's voice is. It’s likely that I’ll eventually post practically every song from this movie.

Tony Jay & Tom Hulce - Out There:



Here’s the scene in which the song was used:

Lyn - 사랑했잖아

I’ve been meaning to post a song by this Korean artist for a long time, but had a hard time finding a standout song by her that was available. Even this is pretty typical Korean R&B, but her voice is so nice I’m going with it anyway.
Note: Woo, HD!

Lyn A.K.A. 린 - 사랑했잖아 [Sarang Haettjanha - I Said I Love You]:

Stromae - Papaoutai

I think I just came across this music video and Belgian artist through YouTube surfing, and I did not expect it to be nearly as entertaining as it was! After having the window open and unloaded for probably weeks, I finally watched the music video about a week ago, and I haven’t been able to get the song out of my head since. Just the song by itself is great, because it’s catchy-sounding with an unconventional meaning, and the songwriting seems great, even through the filter of a translation. Not only that, but the music video, in my mind, is what a music video should be: interesting, original, good dancing, and some essence of a story. It even matches the lyrics of the song (which are about an absent father) in an artistic way! If you don’t know French but do know English, I highly recommend checking out the lyrics translated into English: http://lyricstranslate.com/en/papaoutai-papa-where-are-you.html
Note: I also recommend watching/listening in HD!

Stromae - Papaoutai [Papa, Where Are You?]:

Barbra Streisand - The Way He Makes Me Feel

I heard this song in a fanvideo and didn’t even realize that, like the other song by this famous singer I posted, it’s from the musical movie Yentl. Obviously, I’ve never seen it. But that’s fine, because it’s a purdy song.
Note: Yet another HD song!

Barbra Streisand - The Way He Makes Me Feel:

Dead Man’s Bones - Dead Man’s Bones

Happy Halloween!!! My friend played music by this artist for me recently. The lead singer is the ultra-popular actor Ryan Gosling. I’m not exactly floored, but their whole album is pretty perfect Halloween music. This probably has something to do with the 2 members of the band joining together over their shared fixation with ghosts, according to Wikipedia… And they had a Halloween tour. It sounds like these guys might be my kindred spirits (pun intended, HA!). This video mixes the song with an old cartoon and the end result is pretty cool.

Dead Man’s Bones - Dead Man’s Bones:

Imogen Heap - Aha!

I figured I should include a song from this artist’s latest album, although I don’t like it overall as much as her previous one. This song, however, sounds really cool and even somewhat Halloweeny. BTW, The Pentatonix (whose music I've also posted before) did an awesome cover of this song; I recommend it too!

Imogen Heap - Aha!:

Gackt - Nine Spiral

I find this song kinda scary, but in a way that makes it sound so cooooool. I love when he goes, "KOROSARETE” (“kill me”) in the deep voice. I wish I could find this song in great quality, because listening to it in excellent quality with good headphones is quite the experience. This song exists because the artist fancies himself a vampire.

Gackt - Nine Spiral:

Nada - Oda

Ummm, some creepy Turkish music I found. It’s all witchy and perfect-sounding for fast-encroaching Halloween!
Note: HD again!

Nada - Oda:

Killswitch Engage - End of the Heartache

This is another song I heard on the soundtrack of Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Once again, I’ve never seen the movie or played the video games it’s based on (although I watched my friend play a Resident Evil game once and got pretty tense just from watching), so me listening to the soundtrack years ago was probably on some sort of whim. I ended up getting quite a few songs I liked out of it, though, so that was a good choice!

Killswitch Engage - End of the Heartache:

Irma - In Love with the Devil

I came across this song when I was looking for more music by this artist. Please forgive the weird slideshow...
Note: Another HD song available!

Irma - In Love with the Devil:

Evans Blue - Graveyard of Empires

I discovered this Canadian artist recently while YouTube surfing for rock music. I found the entire album that shares a name with this song to my liking, but this track, despite not being rock, wins a spot in this blog by virtue of pretty instrumentation.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Evans Blue - Graveyard of Empires:

Cherry Filter - Tick Tock

This is one of my favorite songs by this Korean artist! Once again, I love Youjeen’s voice, how it’s unconventional for Korean music to begin with, and how she just casually sings in the whistle register in the background…
 
Cherry Filter - Tick Tock:

Chino XL - Skin

I could have sworn I tried to post this hip hop song a year or 2 ago but couldn’t find it online in decent quality, which is weird because this particular upload claims to be 4 years old. Anyway, I used this song in my honors thesis on hip hop lyrics, because it uses two examples of intertextuality: the poem at the beginning, and the chorus. The introduction is a recitation of the poem “Antigonish” by Hughes Mearns, and the chorus of this song is based on the chorus of the song “Honestly Okay” by Dido (another artist I’ve posted music by). It's a good song, but in case you're sensitive to it there’s profanity n’ stuff.

Chino XL - Skin:

Within Temptation - Memories

I’ve always loved the clarity of the lead singer’s voice. I don’t think this is the first song I heard by this band—that would be the first song I posted by them—but this song’s music video was the first by this Dutch artist that I saw, I believe.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Within Temptation - Memories:


I have to post the music video for this song, because that’s what makes it Halloweeny!:

Christopher Lloyd - In the Dark of the Night

This song is from the animated movie Anastasia. In this case, the villain’s song isn’t my favorite of the animated feature, but it’s up there. (I've already posted my favorite song from the movie.)

Christopher Lloyd - In the Dark of the Night:


Here’s the scene of the movie where it’s used:

Björk - All is Full of Love

OMG, I can’t believe I’ve NEVER posted a song by this famous Icelandic artist! She’s pretty famous, and I’ve had her on my list of music to eventually post since I started this blog. I guess I just somehow never got around to it. Weird. Just like this artist.
Note: You can listen/watch in HD!

Björk - All is Full of Love:

Akira Yamaoka - Theme of Laura ~Reprise~

I *believe * I had this piece on a CD I burned for myself ages ago. It’s from the horror video game Silent Hill 2, which I’ve never played (because I never owned a video game console) but it has always intrigued me. Many a year ago, I listened to the compilation CD that this song was burned on to try to lull myself to sleep.

Akira Yamaoka A.K.A. 山岡 晃 - Theme of Laura ~Reprise~:

Bertie Blackman - Hide and Seek

Supposedly this song is about when the artist was a kid and her house was robbed with her in it, and she had to free her mother from being tied up. Sooooooooo that’s kinda disturbing.

Bertie Blackman - Hide and Seek:

Lee Byung Woo - Epilogue

This piece of music is from the gorgeous Korean horror movie A Tale of Two Sisters. Believe it or not, this piece nicely encapsulates both the beauty and sadness of the film. (Also, I just found out this composer also did the soundtrack of another favorite Korean film of mine!)
Note: Available for listening in HD quality!

Lee Byung Woo A.K.A. 이병우 - Epilogue:

Juri - 薔薇の失墜–Sanctus

This is music from the audio drama adaption of the Angel Sanctuary series. I never heard the audio drama, nor did I watch the anime, but I have read the entire manga series and it was pretty darn good. I heard a few tracks of the various Angel Sanctuary soundtracks and bought them (yes, legitimately and everything) despite not having seen the OVA or heard the audio drama.

 Juri - 薔薇の失墜–Sanctus [Bara no Shittsui – Sanctus - Fall of the Roses – Sanctus]:

The Book of Mormon Cast - Hello!

This has nothing to do with Halloween, but the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, which is both hugely popular AND critically-acclaimed, is coming to town and I want to see it sooooo badly! It’s by the creators of the also-hugely-popular TV show South Park, and I’ve already seen bits and pieces of it and it seems great. I heard this song from it when it was used as the opening number of the 2012 Tony Awards.

 The Book of Mormon Cast - Hello!:


Here’s the performance from 2012 Tony Awards ceremony where I first heard this song:

Delta Goodrem - Believe Again

I thought of another song that might be appropriate to post in honor of my mother’s wedding, which was today. Congratulations to mah mama!

Delta Goodrem - Believe Again:

Daniel Bedingfield - If You’re Not the One

Sooooooo my mom is getting married tomorrow. I didn’t realize how few English-language romantic songs I had in my queue until I went through my list of possible future posts to find one for this occasion. Even the ones that were about romantic relationships had some sort of dark, tragic, or inappropriate element to them. Fortunately, I remembered this song, which is actually one of the few songs I’ve heard by this British artist.
Note: Another HD song!

Daniel Bedingfield - If You’re Not the One:

Alejandra Robles - La Llorona

If this song sounds ghostly, that’s because it is—the subject of the song is the Latin American legend of La Llorona, a widely-known ghost story. I really wanted to post a different version of this song by the same singer, but I couldn’t find it in good quality anywhere.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Alejandra Robles - La Llorona [The Weeping Woman]:

Gary Stadler feat. Stephannie - Mystery

Fun fact: The vocalist featured in this song was my dance teacher when I was a youngun'. She gave/sold (I don't remember) the album this song is on to me and I actually quite liked it. For whatever reason, this is the song from it that stuck in my memory the best. I’m kinda surprised to have found it on the Internets!

 Gary Stadler feat. Stephannie - Mystery:

Halestorm - Love Bites

That scream at the end! I came across this artist by YouTube surfing recently, and even listened to their album while at work. There is a little profanity, so cover your ears, ye sensitive souls!
Note: Hope you can listen in HD!

Halestorm - Love Bites:

Giles Lamb - Dead Island Trailer Theme

Have you seen the trailer for the zombie-themed video game Dead Island? I don’t even play video games, but my friend showed me the viral trailer for the game that featured this piece of music. The trailer, and the music along with it, became so popular the song was eventually released for purchase.
Note: HD, yo!

Giles Lamb - Dead Island Trailer Theme:


If you're up for some sad storytelling and don't mind violence and animated gore, you can watch the trailer it came from here:

Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move

Weird, I know, but nice voices. At least it doesn’t sound conventional! Evidently this song was used on the soundtrack of the video game NBA 2K13, which I find strange in itself.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move:

Clint Mansell - Requiem for a Dream

Even if you haven’t seen the notoriously depressing movie Requiem for a Dream (like me), there’s a good chance you’ve heard the theme song. I remember initially hearing it when my friend burned the film's soundtrack for me back when I was in middle school, but since then I’ve heard it many, many times in trailers for various movies and probably other things too. It’s a popular track to re-appropriate!
Note: You can listen in HD!

Clint Mansell - Requiem for a Dream:

Kate Rusby - I Am Stretched on Your Grave

I heard this song on an episode of the German soap opera I used to follow a storyline of. I didn’t know of this British artist prior to that. Quite pretty, no? It sounds a lot of like Irish folk music to me.

Kate Rusby - I Am Stretched on Your Grave:

Slipknot - Vermillion

I like the lead singer's voice when he's talking (in what linguistics call "creaky voice"), for some reason, and then when he actually starts singing I like it too, probably because of the layering. I heard it on the soundtrack of Resident Evil: Apocalypse.
Note: HD listening recommended!

Slipknot - Vermillion:

Tori Amos - Carnival

I keep finding out about more and more unlikely-seeming fans of this amazing artist. For example, recently I heard the pro-wrestler Mick Foley talk about how he got involved with RAINN because of his respect and admiration for her. Anyway, this song was used in the soundtrack of the movie Mission Impossible 2, apparently.

Tori Amos - Carnival:

Hungry Ghosts - I Don't Think About You Anymore But, I Don't Think About You Anyless

I love Halloween. It’s my favorite holiday. My view of the month of October as a whole is largely subsumed by its relation to Halloween, so you will probably be able to notice a trend in many of the songs I post over the course of this month. Including this one! I found this a while ago by YouTube surfing. Evidently this Australian artist performed in the late 90s and then disbanded... but got together again last year.

Hungry Ghosts - I Don't Think About You Anymore But, I Don't Think About You Anyless:

Agnes Monica - Ku T'lah Jatuh Cinta

Evidently this Indonesian artist, whom I’ve liked for years, is trying to make a name for herself internationally now! She’s totally deserving of wide recognition. Dang, I guess in the years since the album I own by her came out, she’s made HUGE leaps in increasing her international exposure, including in the U.S. I had no idea. But this song is from her earlier work. It was used in a soap opera of the same name as the song, which she also starred in.

Agnes Monica - Ku T'lah Jatuh Cinta [I’ve Fallen in Love]:

Bastille - Get Home

When my friend asked me if I’d listened to this artist, the answer was no. But not long afterward, I came across albums by this artist and listened to them in their entirety. I found myself liking every song to some degree.
Note: Another song you can listen to in HD!

Bastille - Get Home:

Mira - Bir Gün Gelir

This is kinda weird and I like that about it. BTW, I speak no Turkish, so the title translation is more or less just what Google Translator came up with. Please let me know how it should be translated differently if you know!
Note: The video offers HD quality!

Mira - Bir Gün Gelir [One Day Income]:

Epik High feat. Yankie - Mr. Doctor

This Korean artist does hip hop justice. Here is evidence of Tablo's skill as a lyricist in ENGLISH. I was impressed by his verse in this song. This dark, brooding song is apparently about insanity. There is some profanity.
If you’d like to read an English translation of the Korean lyrics, you can follow the link here: http://epikhightrans.tumblr.com/post/34315216288/epik-high-mr-doctor-feat-yankie-click-on
Note: Listen in HD!

Epik High feat. Yankie - Mr. Doctor:

Charice - Nobody’s Singin’ to Me

This young Filipina artist became famous worldwide thanks to the power of the Internet and her own crazy talent as a vocalist. I remember first coming across her years ago when she was featured on a Korean talent show, wherein the hosts, audience, and guests (the boy band Super Junior) flipped out because they weren’t expecting such a big, powerful voice to come out of such a small, cutesy-looking girl. As a result of this video, she was introduced to American audiences through such influential American personalities as Oprah and Ellen. Since then, she’s released her own albums and even been a recurring actress on the TV show Glee.

Charice - Nobody’s Singin’ to Me:


Here’s the first video I saw of her, on the Korean talent show Star King performing "You're Gonna Love Me" at the age of 14 and blowing everyone’s mind:

Coma - Muzyka Gra do Końca

I think I came across this artist through YouTube surfing a while back. I only listened to a few songs by them, but if I get time I'll probably try to listen more to get a better feel for their style because I like what I've heard so far. Besides, how often do you hear Polish rock? It doesn’t sound radically different from what I’m accustomed to hearing as far as American rock goes, but simply hearing it in a language I don’t get to hear often adds a nice twist for me.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Coma - Muzyka Gra do Końca [Music Plays to the End]:

Kimbra - Good Intent

1,000th post, yo!!!!
Anyway, I came across this Kiwi artist on YouTube. It was only after I heard her solo work that I realized she was the featured artist in that overplayed Gotye song. At first I wasn’t quite sure what to think of her music, but I eventually came to the conclusion that I like it. I listened to her album Vows today and especially liked this song.

Kimbra - Good Intent:

Kazaky - Last Night

I held out as long as I could. It is time to post a music video by this Ukrainian artist. And the video is an equal opportunity objectifier! This video is really nice if you A) really like artsy stuff, or B) are really shallow. Something for everyone! The members of this group are dancers, which explains the crazy airborne dance moves. Although this music video doesn’t feature rapid dance moves like their others, the whole thing is a weird feast for the eyes. But first, the track by itself. This is probably my favorite song I’ve heard from this dance/music group.

Kazaky - Last Night:


And now the garjuss music video, in HD:

Fran - 打雷了

This isn’t my favorite singing—it’s a little TOO “effortless”—but I find the instrumental part of this song really nice.

Fran A.K.A. 法藍 - 打雷了:

Craig Armstrong feat. Elizabeth Fraser - This Love

Dang, I've never seen the movie Cruel Intentions but it seems to have a great soundtrack. I keep discovering good songs and then finding out they were on the soundtrack of that movie. Anyway, I think I heard this song in a fanvideo. It's pretty and soothing!

Craig Armstrong feat. Elizabeth Fraser - This Love:

Blake Perlman feat. RZA - Drift

This was the song used in the ending credits of the recent Guillermo del Toro film Pacific Rim, which I saw in theatres. When this song came on I made a mental note to look it up later. I believe the main artist, whom I hadn’t heard of before, is the daughter of the actor Ron Perlman, who’s in the film.
Note: HD!

Blake Perlman feat. RZA - Drift:

Abel Korzeniowski - And Just Like That

For the second time, I’m posting a piece of music from the soundtrack of the gorgeous but little-known film A Single Man. Prior to seeing the trailer for this movie some years ago, I was unfamiliar with this Polish artist’s work. Even now, the only film I’ve seen that he’s scored has been A Single Man. Interestingly, the music reminded me of Shigeru Umebayashi’s work, and then I discovered that that composer had worked on the film’s soundtrack as well.

Abel Korzeniowski - And Just Like That:

Michelle Chamuel - I Knew You Were Trouble

This artist was a contestant on the most recent season of the singing contest show The Voice, but prior to that she was an artist in her own right, as she performed with her band Ella Riot (whom I’ve posted music by) or as half of S/He or under her pseudonym Reverb Junkie. She won second place on the show (even though many of us *cough* believe she should have gotten first) and is still a fan favorite, and with good reason. She’s such a dynamic performer, and she even managed to pull off rocking this Taylor Swift cover.
Note: HD available!

Michelle Chamuel - I Knew You Were Trouble:


Here’s her first live performance of it from The Voice:

Chevelle - Antisaint

I’ve been on a rock music binge while at work lately, and was reminded of how much I like this artist’s music when I listened to various albums in their discography. I hadn’t listened to songs from the album this song is from, Vena Sera, which is more recent than their other songs I knew. Still good, though! Rock on, Chevelle.
Note: HD!

Chevelle - Antisaint:

Johanna Kurkela - Oothan Tässä Vielä Huomenna

It’s Finnish time!! A lot of Finnish music I’ve come across has been in English, but not this song. At last!
Note: You can listen in HD!

Johanna Kurkela - Oothan Tässä Vielä Huomenna [Please Be Here Tomorrow]:

CunninLynguists - The South

One of the best impulse purchases I’ve ever made was the first three albums of this hip hop artist, all at once, after only hearing maybe 2 or 3 songs by them. All 3 of those albums rank among my favorite albums in my collection. This song is from their second album, Southernunderground, because my previous two posts of their music were from their first and third albums. This song showcases their pride in being from the South of the United States. It acknowledges the good and the bad, but it’s mostly a love song for the region. I love that flute action! In case you’re wondering, it’s sampled from the Jethro Tull song “My God.” It also samples another song I’ve already posted. 10 points if you know which one!

CunninLynguists - The South:

Lylah - Mon Bébé

It’s time for more zouk!
Note: I can only find the song in its music video, but at least it’s in HD!

Lylah - Mon Bébé [My Baby]:

Mumford & Sons - Thistle and Weeds

I got to hear this song performed live!
Note: You can listen in HD!

Mumford & Sons - Thistle and Weeds:

Dolly Parton - Jolene

This song has come up like 3 times over the past 3 days. It’s a sign to post it! And so I am. Fortunately, I also like the song so I don’t mind the weird frequency with which I have heard various versions of it I’ve heard lately. This is the original version of the song, but I have heard it covered numerous times.

Dolly Parton - Jolene:


This slowed-down version of Dolly Parton’s song is worth checking out:

Amos Lee - Sympathize

I think I heard this song on a TV show, maybe Brothers & Sisters. This song goes through an interesting progression and I like the unusual combination of instruments in certain parts. This is the only song I know of by this artist.

Amos Lee - Sympathize:

Luxuslärm - Alles Wird Gut

It’s kinda weird that this is the second time I’m posting a song with this title by a female-fronted German rock band… but oh well. I liked the entire album I listened to by this band, but this is the song from it that probably gets stuck in my head the most. The piano part completes this song!

Luxuslärm - Alles Wird Gut [Everything Will Be Fine]:

Three Days Grace - Get Out Alive

Mmmm, the harmonies! They’re probably hard to hear unless you’re using headphones, like I was with this song while at work today.
Note: They’re also probably easier to hear if you listen in HD.

Three Days Grace - Get Out Alive:

Celtic Woman - Black is the Colour

I’d been planning for quite some time to eventually post Kokia’s version of this Irish song, but I have a ton of songs I want to post by her so I’m giving this one to this other artist’s cover of it instead. It repeats the first verse instead of going through different verses, but it’s still really pretty.

Celtic Woman - Black is the Colour:

Jeremy Irons, Whoopi Goldberg, and Cheech Marin - Be Prepared

I have only posted one song from one of the greatest Disney movies of all time, The Lion King! Considering the soundtrack has maintained a spot as one of my favorite albums since I was a little kid, I perhaps should have posted more already. I have always lovvvvvvvvved Scar’s voice and Disney villain songs tend to be the greatest, so it makes sense that I would love this song by his character.

Jeremy Irons, Whoopi Goldberg, and Cheech Marin - Be Prepared:


Here’s the scene with the song:

Kandi - Don't Think I'm Not

This song is from my childhood radio listening days. I don’t think I heard any other songs by this artist, but I always thought this song was catchy. It belongs to a class of R&B songs that came out around the same time that were all kinda sassy rejection/revenge-themed songs directed by women toward their would-be suitors or boyfriends. "They say 2 wrongs don't make a right, but it's suiting me just fine." So sassy!

Kandi - Don't Think I'm Not:

Sigur Rós - Ísjaki

I was somewhat disappointed by this Icelandic artist’s previous album so I wasn’t very eager to jump on listening to their newest album Kveikur. But I saw it available for listening somewhere by coincidence and gave it a chance anyway. I was impressed! It ended up being one of my favorite albums that I’ve heard by them. So now my faith in their work is restored! I found this song from their newest album particularly pretty.
Note: HD again, whoaaaaaaaa! This is the official lyrics video.

Sigur Rós - Ísjaki [Iceberg]:

Joss Stone - Less is More

I’d been meaning to look up music by this artist to see if I liked her voice, but then I heard this song by her coming from my sister’s room and I didn’t have to! This artist is yet another example of the phenomenon I’ve noticed of British female singers having a quality of soul to their voice.
Note: HD again!

Joss Stone - Less is More:

Robin Stjernberg - You

This song was Sweden’s entry in this year’s Eurovision contest. I know I posted another song from this year’s Eurovision less than a month ago, but that previous song triggered my listening to a bunch of other Eurovision songs, which led me to come across this song today. It’s the only song in that series of discoveries that I played repeatedly. The instrumental part seems almost tiresomely generic, but the vocal part is unusual enough for me to really like it.
Note: HD!

Robin Stjernberg - You:

F.I.R. - Lydia

Here’s a famous song by this popular Taiwanese artist. I like how so much of their music infuses classical instrumentation.
Note: Woo, it’s in HD!

F.I.R. - Lydia:

E.S. Posthumus - Nara

I found this song first through an AMV, but afterward learned that it’s the theme song for the TV series Cold Case. Since then I’ve heard this song used in a number of “epic” videos, including other AMVs. It seems to be a fan favorite.
Note: Super HD!

E.S. Posthumus - Nara:

Amber Riley - Bridge Over Troubled Water

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it’s absurd how under-utilized this talented artist is on the hit TV show Glee. Her voice is perfect. I also love the inclusion of the gospel choir, and it continues the church theme from my previous post! This song is originally by Simon & Garfunkel, but I guess this cover is of Aretha Franklin’s cover.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Amber Riley - Bridge Over Troubled Water:


The scene from the show in which the song is used can be viewed through this link:
https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=155421807823433

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Allen Stone - Neon Cathedral

All right, I finally listened to The Heist. About halfway through it I thought, “Wow, this is a great album.” Totally deserving of its unprecedented success and hype, ESPECIALLY for an indie record. I could tell this song about the fight for sobriety, from the perspective of Macklemore as a recovering alcoholic, was one of my favorites from the album even before the gorgeous strings kicked in. It wasn’t even one of the album’s three chart-topping singles. This song makes me visualize some kind of wooded small town area in the deep South. It draws a parallel between church and alcoholism (more broadly, with substance dependency functioning as a sort of religion). I love the production on this, how it evolves as the song goes along instead of staying static on a loop like in most songs.
Note: I really like this lyrics video, which has HD, except for that I detected some incorrect lyrics.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Allen Stone - Neon Cathedral:

Crooked Still - Florence

Some soothing Celtic tunes from ‘Murrica! It’s interesting that this group is classified as bluegrass, but some of their stuff just sounds Celtic to me.
Note: The video appears to be some kind of promotional slideshow for a country club, but you can just ignore that—the point is it’s in HD!

Crooked Still - Florence:

Weird Al Yankovic - Your Horoscope for Today

This song is directly relevant to your life!
Note: Listening in HD should allow you to better hear the important information contained in the lyrics!

Weird Al Yankovic - Your Horoscope for Today:

Temper - Best Revenge

I just discovered this hip hop artist a few days ago—if I heard of her before, I don’t remember. I’ve only heard a handful of her songs, but this is my favorite solo song I’ve heard by her so far. It’s definitely not family-friendly stuff (profanity galore, etc.) but I’m loving the swagger-laden attitude. Honestly, from what I’ve heard it seems like her lyricism shines more in her more aggressive-leaning music.

Temper - Best Revenge:

Jakwob feat. Maiday - Fade

My friend sent me the music video for this song. ‘Tis pretty!
Note: And you can listen in HD!

Jakwob feat. Maiday - Fade:

Scala - Teenage Dirtbag

I heard this oddly pretty cover of Wheatus’s song in the documentary Bully, which I’d been meaning to see for quite some time but only got around to the other day. I thought it was an interesting choice of song for a Belgian girls’ choir, as there is some profanity.
Note: The song is in HD!

Scala - Teenage Dirtbag:

Tevin Campbell - Stand Out

‘Tis another song by the young 90s R&B singer, and same as the last time I posted a track by him, it’s from the Disney movie A Goofy Movie. The songs by this singer were a large part of what made me like the movie overall.

Tevin Campbell - Stand Out:


Here’s the scene from the movie where the song plays!:

Preta Gil - Estéreo

I finally have some Brazilian music to post! I came across this song just yesterday in a fanvideo.

Preta Gil - Estéreo [Stereo]:

Ishii Tatsuya - River

I have had this song for so long I can't even clearly remember how I acquired it. It's from the anime Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, which I never watched, so I think I found it through an mp3 rotation site. Anyway, I think this guy's vibrato is cool.
Note: I’m pretty surprised I found this video in HD, but hurray!

Ishii Tatsuya A.K.A. 石井 竜也 - River:

Karmin - I’m Just Sayin’

My first exposure to this artist was not the hip hop aspect of them. I was pretty surprised when I looked into their other songs and noticed Amy usually raps. This song is a better illustration of that than the previous one I posted by them.
Note: More HD!

Karmin - I’m Just Sayin’:

John Powell feat. Steve Martin & Martin Short - Playing with the Big Boys

Yes, it’s THAT Steve Martin and yes, it’s THAT Martin Short. This song is from the Dreamworks animated movie The Prince of Egypt. I have always especially liked this song from that movie.
Note: Wow, I found this one in HD. Noice!

John Powell feat. Steve Martin & Martin Short - Playing with the Big Boys:


Here’s the scene in which the song was used, which wasn’t available last time I wanted to post this song:

Fever Ray - Stranger Than Kindness

I came across this Swedish artist somehow I can’t remember, and more recently a FB friend mentioned her and I was reminded to look into her music further. And then I found this!
Note: You can listen in HD!

Fever Ray - Stranger Than Kindness:

Big K.R.I.T. - Banana Clip Theory

I came across this hip hop artist really recently. I heard him mentioned by another hip hop artist in an interview and decided to check him out. Not bad! This song is about the vicious cycle of violence. This emcee, reppin’ the South, produces his own music, BTW.
Note: HD listening!

Big K.R.I.T. - Banana Clip Theory:

Hannah Schneider - This is Goodbye

Last time I posted a song by this artist, I had only just begun to look into her music. Since then, I’ve listened to two of her albums repeatedly and concluded they’re both quite good. This song is from her debut album.


Hannah Schneider - This is Goodbye:

Luna Sea - Providence

This artist is, I believe, one of the more famous classic rock acts from Japan. I came across this pretty song by them through an mp3 rotation site, if memory serves me correctly.

Luna Sea - Providence:

Kelly Clarkson - People Like Us

I came across this song by this popular American Idol winner through a YouTube playlist that included its music video. I’ve always thought her voice was great, and the song is one of those “don’t worry about being a misfit” messages. This artist has tons of hits, but I don’t think I’ve heard this song outside of the MV on YouTube.
Note: Listen in HD!

Kelly Clarkson - People Like Us:


The MV is worth watching too, because it’s on the creative side:

Simon Curtis - Laser Guns Up

Wow, I played this artist’s album RA a ton of times since it came out, but I never posted a song from it. Now’s the time! This was the beginning track, which I think was one of the best songs on the album due to its catchiness. I lovvvvvve the part where he starts the brief rap section. There is some profanity, because the dude makes some aggressive-sounding pop music. He's like an angry Justin Timberlake.
Note: It’s meant to be listened to in HD!

Simon Curtis - Laser Guns Up:

Austra - The Beast

Whooooooooooo, that voice! I came across this artist by YouTube surfing, I think. After that a friend recommended this Canadian artist to me, too, so I guess it’s obvious this is the kind of artist I like. I’ve only listened to maybe 2 songs by her so far, though. Clearly, this is one of them.
Note: This has HD!

Austra - The Beast:

Shotei Hanevua - קול גלגל

I’ve had this artist on my mp3 player for a while now, and the other day this song played when I was randomly listening to various tracks. It struck me as particularly interesting, because it goes through a bunch of different phases rather than staying static.

Shotei Hanevua A.K.A. קול גלגל - שוטי הנבואה [Kol Gagal - Sound Wheel]:

Emmelie de Forest - Only Teardrops

I found this Danish artist by Google surfing, and listened to her album of the same title as this song while I was at work. I quite liked the whole album, but this song was among the standouts, and afterward I found out this was the Denmark entry into this year’s Eurovision Contest.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Emmelie de Forest - Only Teardrops:

CunninLynguists feat. Tonedeff, Sankofa, Kashal Tee, and Celph-Titled - 616 Rewind

It’s absurd that I haven’t posted more music by this group, one of my absolute favorite hip hop artists. This was actually the first track I heard by them, and I found it by following a hip hop thread on a message board for recommendations of songs with lots of clever punchlines and puns. This song delivered on that front—It’s got punchlines for days. There is profanity and it's not for the easily offended.
Note: Listen in HD to better hear the jokes!

CunninLynguists feat. Tonedeff, Sankofa, Kashal Tee, and Celph-Titled - 616 Rewind:

Haun Solo Project - The Gray

I heard this song in the indie movie The Four-Faced Liar. Evidently this artist is also an actress, but none of the shows she’s been in are shows I’ve followed, nor have I seen any of the movies she’s been in. Her voice is super pretty, though.

Haun Solo Project - The Gray:

Shinhwa - This Love

Earlier this year I saw a presentation about the history of K-pop, and although I already had been listening to this artist for years, I was surprised to learn that they are the longest-lasting boyband in Korea. When I thought about it, though, this made sense, because I’ve observed how most ultra-popular idol groups in Korea tend to be flash-in-the-pan successes, maintaining their popularity and contract integrity long enough to put out maybe 2 albums. These guys just put out their 11th album. This is a rare occurrence. I’m glad that these guys are the ones to have the title as longest-running boyband act, though, because they’re one of very few K-pop boybands that I like. This is one of their newest songs, because they’re STILL GOING!
Note: HD quality!

Shinhwa A.K.A. 신화 - This Love:

Regina Spektor - You’ve Got Time

This artist is one of those artists who I’ve always felt like I SHOULD be a fan of because she has garnered so much respect for her music, but her music just never did it for me. I heard this song because all this week I’ve been watching the Netflix series Orange is the New Black, of which this song is the opening credits theme. Understandably, it keeps getting stuck in my head—I haven’t skipped the opening sequence a single time.
Note: HD!

Regina Spektor - You’ve Got Time:


You can watch the opening sequence of the show here:

Staind - Epiphany

I played this artist's album Break the Cycle so many times when I was in 9th grade it's ridiculous. I think the melody of the chorus of this song is pretty, for some reason.
Note: Found it in HD!

Staind - Epiphany:

Utada Hikaru - Passion ~After the Battle~

Wow, WTH? I’ve only posted two songs by this artist already! That’s ridiculous. She’s been one of the most famous J-pop artists of the past few decades and is really prolific. Her other songs are more… linear I guess, but this one, made for the video game Kingdom Hearts II, I find to be especially pretty in its abstractness. There’s more than one version of this song, and they’re all nice. I picked this one ‘cause it’s got piano, and it goes through different phases.

Utada Hikaru A.K.A. 宇多田 ヒカル - Passion ~After the Battle~:


This music video for the single version of this song has animated parts that are SO PRETTAY:

Keith David - Friends on the Other Side

Why do Disney villains always get the best songs? This song is from the most recent hand-animated Disney movie The Princess and the Frog. It was easily my favorite song of the movie. I love the animated sequence that goes with it—so creative and cool! I’ve included it here, and it’s well worth watching, IMO.

Keith David - Friends on the Other Side:


Here’s the scene from the movie where it’s used:

Irma - I Know

Here’s a nice song I found while searching for music by this artist.
Note: Look at them fancy lyrics in HD!

Irma - I Know:

Mika feat. Ariana Grande - Popular Song

I just discovered who the female artist in this song is a few weeks ago. She in particular impresses me. The main artist I’ve known about for some time, although before this I hadn’t heard a song by him that did much for me. However, there were two teenage girls I met in Korea who were fans of his, which struck me as weird because he’s kinda indie even in the English-speaking world. I heard this song when one of my friends posted its music video on her FB.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Mika feat. Ariana Grande - Popular Song:


And here’s the music video:

Carrie Underwood - Blown Away

I heard this country song when one of the contestants on the singing competition TV show The Voice was assigned to sing it this past season. I had already planned to post a song by this country artist (herself a former contestant on a singing competition TV show, American Idol), but that was a song I appreciated for its humor and ‘tude. This song, by contrast, deals with the heavy subjects of abuse and death-- more specifically, it's about a girl who leaves her abusive father to die in a tornado.  It might seem insensitive to post a song about a tornado hitting Oklahoma in the wake of an actual major tornado hitting Oklahoma, but eh.

Carrie Underwood - Blown Away:

Sweeping Logic - Very Old Folks

Something a little atmospheric for your earholes. I found this via YouTube surfing.

Sweeping Logic - Very Old Folks:

Kate Havnevik - New Day

I discovered this Norwegian artist when I was looking up info on a different artist. Google search suggested her to me! I’m glad I pursued the recommendation, because her music sounds pretty cool.

Kate Havnevik - New Day:

Neyse - Kırık

This song was one of my favorite discoveries during my Turkish music YouTube rampage.

Neyse - Kırık [Broken]:

Lee Hi - Rose

I only know of this Korean artist because of a presentation about the evolution of K-pop I attended. I was struck by this singer’s tone that does not imitate the sound I typically hear from female Korean singers. My friend and I couldn’t help but notice her image in the MV was going for neither of the types women are typically shown as in K-pop MVs, cute or sexy, but instead, pretty.
Note: The video is the music video, in HD.

Lee Hi A.K.A. 이하이 - Rose:

Cazwell feat. Jonny Makeup - I Seen Beyonce at Burger King

Welcome to your new favorite music video. The costumes are so ridiculous! I think this was the first song by this hip hop artist I heard. It’s such a stupid song but it makes me laugh, especially the chorus how he asks, “She was what?” and then says, “Oh,” before the other guy even finishes answering. Gets me every time.

Cazwell feat. Jonny Makeup - I Seen Beyonce at Burger King:


The music video is must-see:

JoJo - Too Little, Too Late

I had a weird experience lately when I was listening to the radio and this song came on. I wasn’t familiar with it, but I immediately thought, “She sounds just like JoJo, that pop singer from when I was 12 that I only know one song by.” But I thought it couldn’t have been her because her career as a mainstream pop star was long over. But it was her!
Note: HD!

JoJo - Too Little, Too Late:

Disturbed - Darkness

Here's a (gasp!) PRETTY song by Disturbed?? It’s kinda weird how pretty and mellow this song is, considering how high-energy and screamy this band’s music usually is.
Note: And you can listen in HD!

Disturbed - Darkness:

Ellie Goulding - My Blood

I saw this artist perform last night for the first time—she was great, as expected. She performed this song, which was a nice treat because it wasn’t one of her singles, but it’s one of my (many) favorites by her. I just realized that I haven’t posted a single song from her latest album Halycon, which is ridiculous because that’s in my top 3 most-listened-to albums of 2012, so this track off of it couldn't come too soon.
Note: HDDDDDDDDDDDD!

Ellie Goulding - My Blood:

Bobby McFerrin - Don’t Worry, Be Happy

I grew up with this song because my mom had this talented artist’s album with it. I didn’t appreciate until recent years the fact that the song uses no instruments other than Bobby himself. It turns out this is kinda what he’s known for—doing all sorts of unique stuff with his voice to create cool effects so he doesn’t need instrumentation.
Note: Although I’ve heard this song many times since I was young, I only just now saw the music video. It’s greater than I ever imagined, so I’m including it. And also the song in HD!

Bobby McFerrin - Don’t Worry, Be Happy:


And the entertaining music video:

Julie Maria - Gør Det Kort

I like the self-harmonizing vocals in this. This has that nice singer/songwriter feel to it—probably because the artist IS a singer/songwriter. I think I found this Danish artist through YouTube surfing.

Julie Maria - Gør Det Kort [Make It Short]:

Damien Rice feat. Lisa Hannigan - Cold Water

OK, when the male choir kicks in I honestly find it creepy-sounding, but the rest of the song is lovely. I really like the inclusion of Lisa Hannigan's voice.

Damien Rice feat. Lisa Hannigan - Cold Water:

Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko - Stay

This is one pretty song. I first heard it on the radio, and since I’ve heard it covered by various other artists, and it’s pretty every time!
Note: In case you’ve somehow missed it, enjoy in HD!

Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko - Stay:

Hide - LEMONed I Scream

I thought I’d already posted this song, but I guess I haven’t. This song by one of the more famous figures in Japanese rock music is pretty weird, enough to amuse me. It’s in English, but in true Japanese fashion it’s pretty difficult to understand. This guitarist was from the immensely popular band X-Japan, and he was so much of an influence on pop culture that his death years ago was followed by a rash of fan suicides. R.I.P. Hide.

Hide - LEMONed I Scream:

LeAnn Rimes - Can’t Fight the Moonlight

It’s a country song I like, and it’s not by the Dixie Chicks! I guess it sounds more like pop than country, but oh well.  This song used to be on the radio all the time.
Note: This video was, according to the description, uploaded in some fancy kind of HD.

LeAnn Rimes - Can’t Fight the Moonlight:

Matt Alber feat. The Cello String Quartet - Velvet Goldmine

Cellos! I’ve only heard a handful of songs by the main artist, but they’ve all had nice, poetic lyrics.  I stumbled across this recently and thought the same.  This is a continuation of yesterday’s pianist/singer/songwriter trend.
Note: Experience it in HD!

Matt Alber feat. The Cello String Quartet - Velvet Goldmine:

Wanting - 我的歌声里

There was a different song by a Chinese artist that I wanted to post for today, but I can't find it ANYWHERE on the Internet in decent quality and it's frustrating me.  So I'm settling for this.  I’m not in love with this song, but I came across it on YouTube and thought it was interesting that the artist’s singing style is a departure from the high-pitched, thin-voiced style of many female C-pop singers. She's based out of Vancouver, and she's a pianist/singer/songwriter, so maybe those things have something to do with it. Other than that, it’s pretty typical of Chinese pop, but that ain’t exactly a bad thing.
Note: You can watch/listen in HD, and there are English translations of the lyrics included! Fancy.

Wanting A.K.A. 曲婉婷 - 我的歌声里 [Wo De Ge Sheng Li - You Exist in My Song]:

Westlife - Us Against the World

This Irish boyband of yesteryear isn’t such a big deal in my country, but for some reason they seemed to be inexplicably popular in Korea, as quite a few of the kids I talked to there named them as among their favorite music artists. They actually disbanded the same year I learned this, last year, but they had a good run. Their Wiki article even notes that they achieved success throughout most continents of the world, but for some reason North America (and the U.S. in particular) was the outstanding exception—we weren’t having it.

Westlife - Us Against the World:

Jean Grae - Taco Day

Ain't gonna lie--this hip hop song is disturbing. It's also very good. This artist is one of the most well-respected emcees out there, and this song provides a good demonstration as to why. She narrates a violent rampage from the perspective of an unconventional assailant: a popular blonde cheerleader who's been driven to the edge by domestic abuse and societal pressures placed upon girls. The irony of the song is that it illustrates how even the most well-adjusted-seeming, privileged teenage girl can often be subjected to a plethora of problems, pressures, and abuses in her life, yet it is rare for the perpetrator of mass violence like a school shooting to be a girl—although similar issues are what are used to explain away the destructive behavior in boys. Bear in mind, the song contains graphic depictions of violence, as well as references to self-harm, abuse, etc. I’m also including the music video, which contains a truncated version of the song, but even that preserves a good amount of the potentially disturbing content.

Jean Grae - Taco Day:


And here’s the official music video, with a truncated but still NSFW version of the song:

Harajuku feat. Kristina Bach - Phantom of the Opera

It’s been so long since I listened to this version of the famous song from the famous musical play by the same name that I forgot the name of the artist who covered it in this version. (In my defense, my copy of the song didn’t have the correct artist tag to begin with, so I only found out the artists years after acquiring it.)
Note: Despite how difficult it was years ago to find out the artists’ names, this was surprisingly easy to find in HD!

Harajuku feat. Kristina Bach - Phantom of the Opera:


I originally came across this song through a pretty cool AMV for the really cool short anime film Magnetic Rose in the collection called Memories, which you can watch here: