R. Kelly - Sign of a Victory

I had no idea this artist did the song used in the FIFA World Cup 2010. It’s weird how this artist’s work oscillates between dirty party songs and inspirational beautiful songs.
Note: Listen to the sound of victory in HD!

R. Kelly - Sign of a Victory:

Sia - Chandelier

This artist’s music videos have a knack for making me feel both weirded out and impressed at the same time. I think everyone recognizes that Sia sounds remarkably like Rihanna at the beginning of this song, which is also interesting because Sia writes songs for Rihanna all the time. Supposedly this song/video are about how the artist felt when she was a child, often left home alone. Also, I wouldn't have known this were it not for YouTube comments, but evidently the dancer featured in the video is on the reality TV show Dance Moms. Girl can dance!
Note: This is the official music video, with HD! Hope it doesn’t creep you out too much.

Sia - Chandelier:

Wang Lee Hom feat. Jin the Emcee - 盖世英雄

In an interesting combination, this song involves two Chinese-American artists, one who went into Taiwanese music to make his fame and became a huge sensation, the other who stuck it out in the U.S. and carved a name for himself in the American underground hip hop scene. One raps primarily in Mandarin, with some English thrown in; the other raps primarily in English with some Cantonese thrown in. On top of that, the song mixes the modern styles of R&B, Taiwanese hip hop, American hip hop, and traditional Chinese opera.

Wang Lee Hom A.K.A. 王力宏 feat. Jin the Emcee - 盖世英雄 [Gai Shi Ying Xiong - Heroes of the Earth]:

La Roux - Let Me Down Gently

I haven’t listened to a ton of songs by this artist. The majority of what I did hear I wasn’t crazy about. I didn’t hate them, but they just weren’t my style. I decided to look into some of the music that’s just been released and found this first. I immediately could tell this moody track was more to my liking than previous music, despite the retro sound (which I normally don’t care for).
Note: HD!

La Roux - Let Me Down Gently:

Tanner Cohen & Wendy Robie - Audition

Here’s a second song I liked from the indie musical movie Were the World Mine. The lyrics (like with the other songs in the movie) take lines and inspiration from Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, hence the old-fashioned English and magical imagery. The movie’s characters perform the play, and this song is the main character’s audition for a role in it.

Tanner Cohen & Wendy Robie - Audition:

Goldfrapp - Pilots

This hyper-mellow song is a bit unnerving in sound, but I believe that’s the intention. I listened to the whole album this song is from, Felt Mountain, today, and the whole thing is pretty much like this. It’s also highly ranked in some lists of top albums for the time period. If the songs are so similar, why did I pick this one, then? Those especially high notes near the end caught my attention.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Goldfrapp - Pilots:

Sam Smith - Make It to Me

Through YouTube surfing, I came upon and made a note of this artist’s music about 9 months before his debut album came out, which happened only a little over a week ago. I also had heard a song that featured him on vocals when a friend posted the music video a little while ago, but since the production was so heavy it was hard to hear his voice and I didn’t care for it (and didn’t realize it was the same singer I’d found on YouTube on my own). Shortly after the release of his album, a friend of mine invited me to the singer-songwriter’s upcoming concert so I looked further into his music to see if he had more songs I liked. Not only did I confirm that he’s excellent live, I’ve become addicted to his album.
Note: HD listening available!

Sam Smith - Make It to Me:


If you want evidence of his live abilities, check out this performance:

Temper - Success

Not even gonna front like there’s no shallow component to me liking this hip hop artist… She looks and sounds and like if Eve were a stud. I came across her music videos on YouTube. This was the first one I came across. This has the typical things people are offended by in rap (profanity, drug references, etc.).

Temper - Success:


If you are shallow like me or wanna check out the Eve resemblance, you can enjoy the official music video:

Vertical Horizon - We Are

I did NOT realize this artist was still around. One of the first albums I ever owned was Everything You Want by this band. That’s also the only music I know by them, so that’s what I’m posting again. Unlike last time, though, the song I’m posting by them was not a single. This was the album opener.

Vertical Horizon - We Are:

Christina Aguilera - Hurt

This song is a favorite to sing at karaoke, despite the high bar this popular artist sets with her vocals. It seems like this song is about her father, and the official music video reinforces this point. Side note: I recently came across an article that charted and ranked the vocal ranges of the most popular artists, and I remember Christina was near the top of the ranking and may have been the top-ranking female singer.

Christina Aguilera - Hurt:

The Colourist - Little Games

I found this song through a music recommendation column. Despite the spelling of the name of the artist, they’re American. At the start of this song, it sounds like the typical style that does nothing for me, but once the chorus kicks in it’s more my style.

 The Colourist - Little Games:

Walk Off the Earth - Cheers (Drink to That)

This artist of YouTube fame became well-known through their cover of Gotye’s overplayed hit “Somebody That I Used to Know.” When I saw this song being promoted in a music column on a website, I didn’t realize it was the same duo who’d done that cover, though. This song is originally by Rihanna, and has a little profanity.
Note: This is a live performance, and in HD!

Walk Off the Earth - Cheers (Drink to That):

World Order - Permanent Revolution

I meant to post a music video by this Japanese artist, but forgot to--until a video of theirs was shown at Fanime, that is! Like Kazaky, they’re more of a dance group than a music group. Their style is characterized by slow, carefully-synchronized, robotic motions in public places. This video features them in Korea. Look at those guys, single-handedly (or 12-handedly) improving Japan’s relations with Korea and China, 2 countries that don’t have the best relationship with Japan. It’s a feel-good video, too, because it has a nice meaning.
Note: I recommend listening AND watching in HD!

World Order - Permanent Revolution:

Marina & the Diamonds - Oh No

I heard this song in an AMV that I saw yesterday at the anime convention I’ve been at this weekend. I heard of this artist right when she first debuted, through the music video for her first single "Mowgli’s Road," but didn’t care for it. I’m glad that since then I’ve heard a number of songs by her that are much more to my liking.

Marina & the Diamonds - Oh No:

You Me at Six - Forgive and Forget

I heard this song on the British show Hollyoaks. I really dig that little vibrato the lead singer does. This is the only song I know of by them, but I plan to look into more.
Note: You can listen in HD!

You Me at Six - Forgive and Forget:

Jessie J - Who’s Laughing Now

In light of me attending a nerdy convention, I am posting this song of nerd revenge by this immensely talented artist. I appreciate that she has a variety of subject matter in her songs. This one, clearly autobiographical, is about being bullied as a child and coming out the victor through her current success.
Note: I think the official HD music video is a must.

Jessie J - Who’s Laughing Now:

Hyde - Perfect Moment

I just came home from an event where they played a song by this mega-popular Japanese rock artist, reminding me of his existence. I’m not the biggest fan of his voice, but he makes some lovely songs, including this one. It feels like I’m watching the end of a movie when I listen to this song, because it paints a vivid picture and describes a specific moment while implying a backstory. The lyrics are so rich, because with only a few simple words it expresses the complexity of putting a miniscule fragment of time into the context of eternity.
Note: It’s surprisingly difficult to find mainstream Japanese songs in good quality, but somehow I knew this song would be available in HD.

Hyde - Perfect Moment:

Miranda Lambert - Mama’s Broken Heart

I found this song first through my friend’s blog, where she had a post promoting current country music songs she liked. The sassy lyrics appealed to me. I later found out my mother liked the song because of its baldfaced rejection of the (by my standards, old-fashioned) convention that dictates women should maintain a prim & proper appearance while keeping their feelings pent up so they don’t seem hysterical or overly emotional. Later, another friend, who doesn’t typically listen to country but also found the song funny, sent it to me as a recommendation. Fun fact: This hit song was written by the country artist whose solo music I posted recently, Shane Mack.
Note: I’m using the official music video, which has HD, because it adds… attitude.

Miranda Lambert - Mama’s Broken Heart:

Sneaker Pimps - Bloodsport

I've already posted a couple songs by this trip-hop group, as well as songs by its leader singer Chris Corner, A.K.A. IAMX. I had heard/seen their name many times before, but only listened to their music when I heard this song in a fanvideo.

Sneaker Pimps - Bloodsport:

Kate Havnevik - Castaway

Music by this Norwegian artist reminds me a lot of Imogen Heap’s music. This song isn’t the best example of that, but it sure sounds nice. This is good music to chill to, and the undulating beat reminds me of ocean waves, which is probably intentional.
Note: HD listening is available!

Kate Havnevik - Castaway:

MC Sniper - Gloomy Sunday

If this isn't a tragic-sounding hip hop track, I don't know what is. It’s like it’s trying its hardest to be as much of an acoustic downer as possible. I do love them violins, though! I remember listening to this song years ago and my dad overhearing and asking what violins were doing in rap music. I said, “There are tons of rap songs with violins,” he made a pun about too much violins/violence in rap music. Har har.

MC Sniper - Gloomy Sunday:

Vas - Mandara

If you’ve been following my music blog for some time (or just music in general) then you might recognize this artist’s vocals as those of Azam Ali, another artist I’ve posted music by in the past. So far, I’ve posted music by her as a solo artist and in her group Niyaz. This is her project collaborating with Chris Ellis. The music tends to be new agey world music with a variety of Middle Eastern and South Asian influences.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Vas - Mandara:

Dominik Joker - Если Ты Со Мной

A little Russian-language R&B fo yo earholes. When I was looking for Russian music, this artist’s name kept popping up. I guess he’s a big deal, especially since his Wiki page attributes a number of titles (poet, composer, arranger, etc.) to him.

Dominik Joker A.K.A. Доминик Джокер - Если Ты Со Мной [Yesli Ty So Mnoyi -If You're with Me]:

F(x) - NU ABO

OK, I actually don't really like this song... Heck, I don't even really like this group. They're your typical poppy Korean girl group... with one exceptional element: OMGAMBER!!! Yes, my one reason for watching this video repeatedly is the group's Taiwanese American rapper, Amber. Actually, I remember that before my classmate posted the link to this video on FB, my friend recommended them to me, saying their music was mostly not my style, except the rapper was awesome. Right she was. Interestingly enough, she is by far and by numerous measures I’ve observed the most popular member of the group—among Americans, that is. In Korea, when I told my coworker that Amber was the only member of the group she was shocked, claiming that in Korea nobody liked her because she’s “like a man”. The very trait that makes her the favorite among Americans, her tomboyishness that sets her apart, is evidently the cause of her unpopularity among Koreans.
Note: As this is a K-pop music video, naturally it’s in HD.

F(x) - NU ABO:

Revolverheld - Unzertrennlich

I heard this song on a German soap opera because the show used it repeatedly for one particular couple; it practically became their theme song. Sehr dramatisch, ich weiss. (Feel free to correct me on my German, haha!) Lately it’s been stuck in my head, and the lyrics are simple enough that I actually understand most of them, even with my very cursory knowledge of the language. Simple lyrics may not sound like a flattering description, but they sure make me feel accomplished!

Revolverheld - Unzertrennlich [Inseparable]:

Yelyena Yesyenina - Мир без тебя

I came across this song while YouTube surfing for Russian-language pop music a little while ago. It starts out sounding kind cinematic, then turns into a more conventional-sounding pop ballad with a bit of Eastern European flavor mixed in.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Yelyena Yesyenina A.K.A. Елена Есенина - Мир без тебя [Mir Byez Tyebya - World Without You]:

Ed Sheeran - I See Fire

I’d heard music by this artist before, including an entire album, and liked it, but I didn’t hear this song until my friend pointed it out to me. It’s from the soundtrack of the recent movie The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. What a gorgeous theme it is! I love the layering of the singer’s voice in two different octaves.
Note: HD listening recommended so you can hear the details of its gorgeousness!

Ed Sheeran - I See Fire:

Ilaria Graziano - Dew

Another song composed by the talented Yoko Kanno with one of her signature go-to vocalists, this song was used in the soundtrack of the anime series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. This Italian artist is often utilized as the vocalist in the Japanese composer’s music. I love the song’s mysterious feel.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Ilaria Graziano - Dew:

Exo-K - Mama

A colleague mentioned that she liked this song, and I later realized I hadn’t heard it. I saw it listed on a website’s article about K-pop videos and decided to check it out. Now I get why my colleague was such a fan of the song. It’s certainly much more epic-sounding than I had expected. I appreciate that the lyrics are about something other than what I typically hear in K-pop (love songs); they are lamenting the state of the world today, in which people are disconnected from one another.
Note: This HD video has a translation of the lyrics, which is helpful. Some sources translate the word in the title as “Your Highness,” while others interpret it as the same thing it means in English, mother. I honestly don’t know what to think; since I’ve seen the official title written with English letters I’m inclined to think the latter, but this video’s translation uses the former.

Exo-K - Mama:

Janelle Monáe feat. Big Boi - Tightrope

The music video for this song, which I found on a NewNowNext playlist, was my first exposure to this talented artist, and her suave dance moves and classy attire won me over almost immediately—her voice and lyrics were just icing on the cake. It’s a song of motivation; don’t let your haters get your down, and keep doing your thing. The featured hip hop artist was one half of the famous duo Outkast, which is quite an endorsement.
Note: Listening in HD is recommended!

Janelle Monáe feat. Big Boi - Tightrope:


And here’s the music video:

3rei Sud Est - Alaturi de Ingeri

I think I found this song by this Romanian group through an mp3 rotation site. It's not amazing or anything, but I like it. I think this group is basically a Romanian boy band.
Note: You can listen to the song in HD.

3rei Sud Est - Alaturi de Ingeri [With the Angels]:

The Tiny - Closer

I heard about this Swedish artist through a music recommendation column on a blog. It’s a simple song, but it serves its purpose. Pretty much any song sounds richer with the inclusion of cello. It’s just unusual enough to be interesting, and just conventional enough to be pleasant to listen to.
Note: You can listen to the song in HD!

The Tiny - Closer:

IAMX - Volatile Times

In another installment of Chris Corner’s bitterness, I present this song! It’s about being fed up with the ridiculousness of society and wanting people to wake up and realize the corruption around them. There’s some profanity. This song (and entire album, as a matter of fact) helped keep me sane while I myself was feeling quite consumed with cynicism.
Note: I recommend listening in HD!

IAMX - Volatile Times:

Etwas - Halt Mich

I discovered this band when I heard one of their songs used in a German soap opera. For a while, I kept visualizing the lead singer as resembling one of the show’s characters, even though I knew that was ridiculous—maybe their voices were similar or something. It was to the point that when I saw what this band’s lead singer looked like for real and that she looked nothing at all like the character, I was disappointed. Quite silly.

Etwas - Halt Mich [Hold Me]:

Wordsworth - Shoulder

This hip hop artist should probably get more recognition than he gets. His music is largely about daily life—nothing too extreme or outlandish—but this means it’s relatable to a lot of listeners. This song is meant to convey a message of comfort and consolation, taking into account the variety of situations that could generate feelings of distress. As opposed to telling the listener to put a brave face on, it encourages the listener to let his or her emotions out and seek out someone to talk to rather than bottle everything up.

Wordsworth - Shoulder:

Park Ki Young - My Favorite Song

I finally get to post this song!! I’ve wanted to put this song up for years, but never could find a high-quality version anywhere. That changed today. The downside of trying to promote lesser-known songs is that they can be pretty difficult to find… Anyway, this is from the first album by this artist I owned, which I found through a Korean music message board back around the time the album came out. I really like the cello parts.

Park Ki Young A.K.A. 박기영 - My Favorite Song:

Daichi Miura - Delete My Memories

I’ve liked this Japanese R&B artist since I first heard his early singles. He seems like a manufactured pop product type, since he’s a singer whose popularity largely comes from his dancing skills, but it turns out his talents go beyond that, as he often writes his own music and lyrics, and choreographs his own dance routines. Enjoy the Engrish!

Daichi Miura A.K.A. 三浦大知 - Delete My Memories:

Meaghan Smith - Have a Heart

I looked up this song when I saw the artist listed on a music website. This song is pretty boring for me, but the music video is interesting. The guy is so good at the robotic movements!
Note: This is the official music video, with HD quality.

Meaghan Smith - Have a Heart:

Placebo feat. Michael Stipe - Broken Promise

This song, according to interviews with the band members, is about a lovers' quarrel in which one guy had cheated on the other, so the cheated-on guy resolves to hurt his partner by also cheating. The guest artist, playing the role of the “first cheater,” is the lead singer of the band R.E.M., in case you didn't know. I like the opening piano sequence of this song, and after figuring out how to play it on the piano I ended up making a (admittedly basic) piano arrangement of the entire song, which I play sometimes.
Note: You can listen in HD, but I don’t recommend having the sound up too loud because the song switches between quiet and noisy.

Placebo feat. Michael Stipe - Broken Promise:

Faye Wong - 冷戰

At last, at last!! I found this song in good quality! This is a cover of the song “Silent All These Years” by another of my favorite artists, Tori Amos. And it’s in Cantonese! It’s one of the first Cantonese songs I ever had, and I think it’s also one of the first songs I heard by this super-famous Chinese artist. I actually heard this cover before I heard the original version of the song.

Faye Wong A.K.A. 王菲 - 冷戰 [Laang Tseen - Cold War]:

Ludo - Love Me Dead

This song’s about a dysfunctional relationship if I ever heard of one. The lyrics are pretty interesting, and the music video is worth watching too. I only heard it the other day.
Note: You can watch in HD!

Ludo - Love Me Dead:

Missy Elliot feat. Ludacris - Gossip Folks

God, this song is so catchy, and I always really liked Luda’s flow on it. I’ve never owned an album by this famous hip hop artist, but her singles that I heard on the radio were always ear-catching. I think this song’s music video may have been the first I saw by this rapper, so I wasn’t acquainted with how weird her videos tended to be. The breakdancing little girls are my favorite part, and I’ve heard they make an appearance in a number of her music videos. Also in other music videos are the illustrated homages to deceased music figures Aaliyah and Left Eye from TLC. This is one of those songs where you try to sing along but because you can’t make out the lyrics you just say gibberish… but in this case those lyrics really are gibberish.

Missy Elliot feat. Ludacris - Gossip Folks:


The song has profanity, but the music video of which I spoke is censored:

Q-Unique - The Set Up

The album this song is from, Vengeance is Mine, is among the albums I had on heavy rotation back when I was getting into underground hip hop. I don’t remember all the tracks from the album well, but this must have been a standout because I do remember it. In it, the emcee paints a picture of the difficult environment in which he grew up. There’s profanity, drugs, violence, etc.

Q-Unique - The Set Up:

Tracy Chapman - Heaven’s Here on Earth

A few days ago, I posted a song that referenced this artist, and it reminded me I should probably post another song by her. This would have been good for Earth Day, which was recent, but oh well. I already was pretty sold on this song the first time I heard it, right from the beginning, but then when that Celtic sound kicks in it totally sealed the deal. The lyrics are about appreciating the beauty that the world has to offer and recognizing the potential for the world to be better.
Note: You can enjoy in HD!

Tracy Chapman - Heaven’s Here on Earth:

Txarango - Músic de Carrer

I found this Spanish artist by YouTube surfing for music. The group is from Catalonia, so their lyrics are in Catalán. I’m not crazy about the vocals, but I dig the instrumental. Right from the get-go, the horns capture my attention, and later in the song the piano commands my ear.
Note: Nice of the official YouTube channel of the artist to upload their song in HD!

Txarango - Músic de Carrer [Street Music]:

Amber Riley - Colorblind

Aghhhhhh!! When this song was performed on a recent episode of the TV series Glee, I immediately thought it was beautiful. Before the song was even over, I was trying to look up the original artist... and discovered it was an original of the show’s! That’s actually kind of a relief because this singer’s voice melts my soul and I wanted to use her version.
Note: HD versions abound!

Amber Riley - Colorblind:


Here’s the scene from the show where it debuted:

Kazaky - Touch Me

I found this Ukrainian artist through a YouTube playlist (as in, a playlist by YouTube itself), which included this, the first music video of theirs I saw. This artist is more of a dance group than a music group, as the members seem to be much better at dancing than singing. The good news is they’re REALLY good at dancing, and do so in high heels. This makes for some pretty entertaining (and visually stunning) music videos. Perhaps more importantly, I found this video pretty darn funny. It turns the anxiety travelers feel about going through airport security on its head by showing the TSA agents being made to feel uncomfortable by the travelers. And check out what the sign indicating the lines for the two types of inspection says!
Note: Since their music on its own isn’t that great, IMO, the main point here is actually their videos. So that’s what you get, in HD! Be warned, though: it’s not family-friendly, and even made a friend of mine uncomfortable when he watched it.

Kazaky - Touch Me:

Delta Rae - Fire

Ooh, an ANGRY song. You can taste the southern flavor in the vaguely country-sounding instrumental component. There exists many-a-song that attempts to channel the anger of feeling betrayed by a lover, but oft-neglected in music is the similar feeling of betrayal by a gossipy and/or unsupportive friend—a sentiment many can relate to.

Delta Rae - Fire:

Jay Brannan - The State of Music

This song is a not-so-subtle criticism of the music industry. In particular, it mocks the simplicity and banality of the lyrics, the lack of artistic vision or depth, and the focus on appearance and flash over the music itself. “Now, everybody, taste the machine.” Then, lest we think he’s purely cynical, he pays tribute to a list of his musical influences and inspirations (all female singer-songwriters), including “the Irish goddess whose voice rivalled the Pope”, who I’m pretty sure is meant to be Sinead O’Connor. The rest he mentions by first name only (Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, Ani Di Franco, Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell… not sure who Lisa is).

Jay Brannan - The State of Music:

Michele McLaughlin - The Eternal City

I came across this artist through a music site, and not long after that my dad recommended her music to me. I don’t have any of her sheet music, but I imagine it’s only a matter of time before I acquire some and learn to play some of her pieces.

 Michele McLaughlin - The Eternal City:

30 Seconds to Mars - Modern Myth

I like how this escalates into screams. I also like the inclusion of the strings instruments. Fun fact, in case you didn’t know: At the Oscar Awards about a month and a half ago, the lead singer of this band won Best Supporting Actor.
Note: You can listen to that screaming in super HD! The video also includes an extra song, Praying for a Riot.

30 Seconds to Mars - Modern Myth:

Shakira - Objection (Tango)

This song is fun to karaoke to, especially with someone else who knows the song well. I’m posting the English version because that’s the one I know better. I’ve been fond of this artist since shortly after this album came out, and now, years later, I’m glad to see how likeable she seems to be as a singing coach on the TV series The Voice.
Note: HD quality, yo!

Shakira - Objection (Tango):

B.o.B. feat. Priscilla - John Doe

I heard this on the RADIO. That’s right, the radio! So old-fashioned of me, but I actually found this, a song I like, that way. I personally think it’s kinda cool that, amongst the songs about partying and glorifying drunkenness, there’s a song lamenting alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse on mainstream radio. Note: In case you haven’t noticed, HD!

B.o.B. feat. Priscilla - John Doe:

Aaliyah feat. Timbaland - We Need a Resolution

The instrumental is sick; credit to Timbaland. But the vocals are of course by the late Aaliyah. Although she’s been gone since 2001, I still see her name come up regularly in discussions revolving around songstresses of R&B.
Note: This song may be old, but it’s available in HD.

Aaliyah feat. Timbaland - We Need a Resolution:

Jorge & Mateus - Logo Eu

I found this artist and song as a result of searching for Portuguese language music on YouTube. It’s upbeat but in this case there’s something charming about it—I blame the accordions. These guys specialize in the Brazilian equivalent of country music, sertanejo.
Note: You can check out that charm in HD!

Jorge & Mateus - Logo Eu [Soon I]:

London Grammar - Strong

Here’s another song I heard on the British show Hollyoaks. It was actually used on there multiple times…
Note: I highly recommend watching the official lyrics video in HD, because it features some gorgeous imagery.

London Grammar - Strong:

Khalil Fong - 南音

If this is what the South sounds like, more of this, please! Since my first discovery of this artist (which may have been this song), the smoothness of his voice has been one of my favorite things about his music. I also believe that he writes & composes his own music, which is always a plus.

Khalil Fong A.K.A. 方大同 - 南音 [Nan Yin - Southern Sound]:

Zaz - Je Veux

I found this song whilst YouTubing for French pop music a few years ago. It’s upbeat and sounds to me like the kind of song a manic pixie dream girl archetype would sing. I haven’t listened to her other songs, but I guess this was her big hit.

Zaz - Je Veux [I Want]:

JYJ - In Heaven

Once upon a time, there was a Korean boy band named Dong Bang Shin Ki A.K.A. DBSK A.K.A. TVXQ A.K.A. some other names. There were 5 members, and they were a mainstream pop force to be reckoned with. Then through some sort of record label contract kerfuffle, the group split up and only 2 members remained performing under the original group name, while 3 members went off and made their own group, whose name was based on the group members’ initials of their Romanized Korean names. This is their music. I’ve been listening to a song by the other group’s new incarnation a lot lately, but since I’ve already posted that song I’m posting one by their counterpart instead.
Note: I know this song is cheesy (that intro isn’t helping), but you can enjoy the HD and the English translation of the lyrics!

JYJ - In Heaven:

Siya - I’m Gucci

This song, which I came across through its music video, raises so many questions. WHY can’t I stop listening to it on repeat?! How did Siya get so much swagger? How does an underground hip hop video that’s about the same materialistic content as mainstream hip hop end up looking so much better than mainstream hip hop videos about the same thing? The song has profanity, drug references, etc….
Note: This is the shiny-looking music video, available in all its HD glory.

Siya - I’m Gucci:

K-os - Crucial

WOWWWWWWWW, I’ve been intending to post this song ever since I started this blog! I couldn’t before, because every time I checked for a good quality version online I couldn’t find one, and then I kinda forgot about it for a while. It just now occurred to me to check again, and behold, ‘tis here. This Canadian artist is an emcee and singer, but this song doesn’t include any rapping.

K-os - Crucial:

Maaya Sakamoto - Hemisphere

This is the opening theme of one of my favorite anime series, RahXephon. Although she didn’t do the series’s soundtrack, famed composer Yoko Kanno composed this one song for the series. This makes sense, as this song’s singer often collaborates with her, and she was a voice actor for one of the characters in the show.

Maaya Sakamoto A.K.A. 坂本 真綾 - Hemisphere:


Here’s the anime opening credit sequence with an abridged version of the song:

Umut Kaya - Yanıma Yataydı

I like how the instrumental component of this song has a Middle Eastern flavor to it even while using just guitars and drums. I found this song while looking for Turkish rock and pop music on YouTube.

Umut Kaya - Yanıma Yataydı [If Only She’d Laid Next to Me]:

Ayo - Lonely

I found this artist by YouTube surfing, I think. It’s reggae-ish neo-soul from Germany!

Ayo - Lonely:

Krizz Kaliko feat. Snow tha Product - Damage

I found this on YouTube, and listened because I recognized the featured artist, whom I’ve posted before. In this song, she flows like Em! It might sound like a weird comparison, but her delivery really does resemble his in some parts. As for the main artist, evidently he’s been around for a while but I don’t think I’ve listened to his music before. He’s often associated with Tech N9ne, with whom I am more familiar. He has a pretty interesting flow in this song too. In case it’s not obvious, this is hip hop (and there’s some profanity).
Note: This is the official music video, which has HD quality available.

Krizz Kaliko feat. Snow tha Product - Damage:

Marsha Ambrosius - Run

This artist used to be a member of Floetry. I found her solo music through a music video, but didn’t get a chance to look into her solo music beyond that one song. Then I saw this song being promoted on a music website yesterday and was all over it.

Marsha Ambrosius - Run:

Sodagreen - 被雨困住的城市

The amount of songs I’ve posted by this Taiwanese artist is not proportional to the amount I enjoy some of their music. Although they’re considered an indie band, it seems to me they’re quite well-known in Taiwan. I even bonded with my friend’s mother a few months ago over our shared love of the lead vocalist’s voice.
Note: I can’t believe this is available in HD, even though it’s not a single! Woo!

Sodagreen A.K.A. 蘇打綠 - 被雨困住的城市 [Bei Yu Kun Zhu De Cheng Shi - A City Stuck in Rain]:

Banks - This is What It Feels Like

I’m not well acquainted with a ton of music by this artist, but based on the few songs I’ve heard her music reminds me of that of The Weeknd. Those deep beats mixed with hypnotic, lowkey but controlled vocals… The production was done by Jamie Woon, an artist whose music I’ve posted previously with him as the vocalist.
Note: I recommend experiencing this in HD.

Banks - This is What It Feels Like:

Rufus Wainwright - April Fools

I am not particularly fond of this song, but this music video is amusing. I like the theme of Rufus trying to save tragic female characters of famous operas from their fates. See if you can spot the Gwen Stefani! And the artist’s sister, Martha Wainwright!

Rufus Wainwright - April Fools:

Veronica Maggio - Välkommen In

Heck if I know where I got this song from. I’m not familiar with this Swedish artist outside of this song, but it's a good first impression. I think it’s kinda cool how the lyrics switch between Swedish and Italian, both of which are this singer’s heritages.

Veronica Maggio - Välkommen In [Welcome In]:

Jinusean - Phone Number

Yet another example of how Korean hip hop artists do it right. I saw the music video years ago on TV, when there was a show that played Korean music videos on. I’m including that video because, honestly, I find it kinda funny.
Note: The audio-only video has HD.

Jinusean - Phone Number:


And the official music video:

Christina Perri - Human

I heard this song on the radio the other day, having never heard it before. I found it pretty, and recognized the voice as that of this artist (after first thinking it kinda sounded like Lana Del Rey).
Note: This is the official music video, which has HD quality!

Christina Perri - Human:

Shane Mack - More Than This

I heard this artist through the movie Shelter, which used a number of his songs on its soundtrack. He usually is credited under elsewhere in his country music career as Shane McAnally. I also JUST found out that he co-wrote a song I’ve posted by a different artist, “Merry Go ‘Round” by Kacey Musgraves. It’s one of the few country songs I’ve posted, and at the time I posted it, I even commented on how much I liked the writing! He also wrote a country music song that I was considering posting at some point in the future, by another artist.

Shane Mack - More Than This:

Icon for Hire - Watch Me

I very recently discovered this artist has a more recent album than the one I’d been listening to, and decided to give it a shot. I quite liked their first album, and felt similarly about their second. This song was one of my favorites from the album, but it doesn’t really sound like their other songs in some way.
Note: HD listening is available!

Icon for Hire - Watch Me:

Jones Shi - 火光

I can’t quite my finger on why I enjoy this song so much. As soon as it starts playing I get the warm fuzzies, and they last throughout the entire song. For a while, this was one of my top go-to song for singing in Mandarin.

Jones Shi A.K.A. 石康軍 - 火光 [Huo Guang - Firelight]:

MØ - Pilgrim

I’ve had a music recommendation column open for literally months that included music by this artist, but didn’t get around to listening to the music in it until very recently. Immediately after finally listening to this artist, YouTube started putting ads for her albums all over the place. There’s some profanity in this song.

MØ - Pilgrim:

Epidemic - Problem

I came across this hip hop artist by YouTube surfin’. I’d never heard of them before, and was blown away from the very first track of their album Illin Spree. Then this track came on and the instrumental had me in addition to the lyrics. It had my head nodding while I was at work. It’s no family-friendly song, though, so probably don’t play it in front of your 8-year-old brother or something.

Epidemic - Problem:

Preslava - Как Ти Стой

This song sounds like it has a combination of genres and influences, all of which make my earholes happy. It even sounds a little like reggaeton to me, but it's Bulgarian! I guess this is the first Bulgarian song I've posted so far.

Preslava A.K.A. Преслава - Как Ти Стой [Kak Ti Stoi - How Does It Suit You]:

Linkin Park - Lies Greed Misery

I haven’t given this behemoth of an artist’s more recent music as much attention as I did their first two classic albums, but I did listen to 2012’s release Living Things all the way through. This song may be my favorite from that album.
Note: Here’s the official lyrics video, which has HD!

Linkin Park - Lies Greed Misery:

Björk - Hyperballad

I don’t necessarily like this famous Icelandic artist’s oddly literal and meandering lyrics, but she definitely has her own sound. I kind of forgot how pretty this song is (particularly the chorus) until I heard someone else’s cover of it.

 Björk - Hyperballad:

Urban Zakapa - Always Be Mine

In some ways, this is pretty typical Korean indie music, but I find the androgyny of the main singer in song’s voice ear-catching. I only came across this artist recently, and I must say I like the inclusion of both male and female leading members in the group, as opposed to the much more common all-male or all-female groups that dominate the K-pop scene.
Note: This soothing tune available in HD.

Urban Zakapa - Always Be Mine:

TLC - No Scrubs

It’s time for a bit of a throwback. If you don’t know this song, you probably weren’t listening to American pop & R&B radio stations in 1999/2000. This is essential listening for the playlist of my childhood, and even though it was popular it never got old for me. There’s a little profanity.
Note: HD listening available!

TLC - No Scrubs:

Reik - Igual a Nada

Last time I posted a song by this Mexican artist the post was taken down… We’ll see how long this one stays up.

Reik - Igual a Nada [Equal to Nothing]:

Jess Glynne - Home

I looked up this artist when I saw she had collaborated with another British artist I recently discovered, Clean Bandit. Her voice is pretty awesome, and bonus points for use of strings! There’s a little profanity.
Note: You can check it out in HDDDDDDDDD.

Jess Glynne - Home:

Brinck - I Don't Wanna Love Her

I was just thinking about how it’s not common for music outside the U.S. to sound distinctly country, but then I re-listened to this song and realized it kinda qualifies as country-sounding. Obviously, it also sounds like pop rock. This Danish artist’s voice and style kinda remind me of the music I've heard from Daughtry. I found this by YouTube surfing.
Note: You can listen in HD!

Brinck - I Don't Wanna Love Her:

Sarah McLachlan - Fear

My mom went to a concert of this artist without me… Based on my mom’s description of the performance, this song was part of it. Now this songwriter is scheduled to perform in my area in the upcoming months, and I’m seriously considering going. Of course when I said this my coworkers started making fun of me…
Note: You can listen to that hiiiiiigh pitch in HD!

Sarah McLachlan - Fear:

Israel Houghton - Hosanna

I found this track while YouTube surfing for music. It’s a Christian praise song. The artist’s voice isn’t my favorite, but I like the instrumental component of the song. I guess his claim to fame (in Christian music circles) is that his music incorporates different genres. In this one you can notice the gospel and rock influences.

Israel Houghton - Hosanna:

Siya feat. Georgia Reign - No Time

I was cruising YouTube for newer hip hop and came across this artist. I liked her style, so I checked out her mixtape and this was one of my favorite tracks off it. It gives you some background info on the emcee. Autobiographical ish! It’s got profanity.
Note: This is the official upload of the track, in HD!

Siya feat. Georgia Reign - No Time:

Buck-Tick - Thanatos (Japanic Pig Mix)

There are so many songs by this Japanese band I love I have a hard time picking which one to post next. Usually I like listening to original versions of songs over the remixes, but I encountered this version first and it has a cool cyberpunk sound to it.

Buck-Tick - Thanatos (Japanic Pig Mix):
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Tanya Chua - 被馴服的象

This is a rather unusual singing style for Taiwanese pop. At first I thought the lyrics were in English simply because of the way she was singing. I’m not very familiar with this artist’s music, but I just found the style interesting for the regional origin.
Note: This is the official music video, with HD!

Tanya Chua A.K.A. 蔡健雅 - 被馴服的象 [Bei Xian Fu de Xiang - Tamed Elephant]:
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Chris Garneau - Relief

Heck if I know what this song is about, but it’s nice. This is the first song I heard by this American artist. An excerpt of it was played as part of the artist’s nomination years ago for a NewNowNext award, and just those few seconds of it were enough to get me to look up the entire song, and then the other songs by him.
Note: It makes that cello action easier to hear if you listen in HD!

Chris Garneau - Relief:

Leona Lewis - I See You

Hey, I’ve never posted anything by this artist, despite her being a great singer who’s been known worldwide for at least a few years now. While she’s best known for her pop/R&B hits of recent years, this, the ending theme of the mega-hit movie Avatar, caught my attention when the credits rolled. It’s got that epic feel to it that’s only befitting a movie of that scale.
Note: It’d be weird if this song WEREN’T available in HD.

Leona Lewis - I See You:

The Cab - Angel with a Shotgun

I never heard of this artist until I stumbled across their album on YouTube. Considering how radio-friendly the music is, it’s a little strange this band isn’t more popular. It sounds like the kind of music that would appeal to Maroon 5 fans (and fans of other American pop/rock acts). Funnily enough, after reaching that exact conclusion, I learned that they toured with Maroon 5.
 
The Cab - Angel with a Shotgun:

Fanny J - Le Ou Jwen Lanmou

I came across this artist and song when I was on a zouk binge. And with this, I can add another country to the list of artist origins: French Guiana. In fact, new country, new language, new artist. Sweet!
Note: ‘Tis good fortune that I found this song in HD!

Fanny J - Le Ou Jwen Lanmou [When You Find Love]:

Brother Ali - Us

Wow, I thought I posted this song AGES ago. This is the intro track to this hip hop artist’s album of the same title as the song. It encapsulates the theme of the album, which is that we are different but that shouldn’t stand in the way of us getting along, and all that good stuff. This theme is even supported by the non-rap aspect of the song, which is distinctly Christian gospel style while the emcee himself is vocally Muslim.
Note: You can be all uplifted 'n shiz in HD!

Brother Ali - Us:

Cirque du Soleil - All Come Together

Last weekend, I saw a show by this famous Canadian circus troupe. This was my first time seeing them live, and it was grand; thanks for asking. The show was AmaLuna, and this was the opening song for the performance. The whole sequence (music, visuals, and all) was so beautiful I felt like I could cry! My friend who saw the show with me sent this to me to remind me of the magic.

Cirque du Soleil - All Come Together:

Mindless Self Indulgence - It Gets Worse

Here’s what appears to be this artist’s cynical answer to the anti-suicide campaign It Gets Better. Not only does it argue that the fundamental message of the campaign is untrue, it also (ostensibly) encourages suicide. “I doesn’t get better unless you’re pretty; it doesn’t get better unless you’ve got money.” There is some truth to that… This band seems to specialize in songs that are the exact opposite of what you’re supposed to say (they also have a song called “I Wanna Be Black”). Obviously, you probably don’t want to listen if you are easily offended, and no MSI song would be complete without profanity.
Note: You can watch the official lyrics video in HD!

Mindless Self Indulgence - It Gets Worse:

London Grammar - Wasting My Young Years

The British soap Hollyoaks is once again to credit for me discovering a British artist. This time, it’s this trip hop group, whose Britishness is worn right in their name. Supposedly this song is about the singer’s ex-boyfriend.
Note: You can experience this in HD!

London Grammar - Wasting My Young Years:

Robot Koch feat. Susie Suh - Here With Me

This song was featured in a show I’ve never seen, The Blacklist. I believe that’s how a lot of people were exposed to it, but I found it through YouTube surfing for music. I'd never heard of either artist, but it's some nice downtempo music.
Note: HD listening is available!

Robot Koch feat. Susie Suh - Here With Me:

Cherry Filter - 꿈꾸는 쎄일러

Behold, one of the very first songs (I think the second one, in fact) I heard by this Korean artist. I already was impressed by the first song I heard by the band, but this one sealed the deal, especially for my love affair with Youjeen’s voice. This song is a good illustration of how well their music can combine beauty and power.
Note: I recommend HD listening, and there are English subtitles!

Cherry Filter - 꿈꾸는 쎄일러 [Kkumgguneun Sseilleo - Dreaming Sailor]: