Song of the Day

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gvofiXHbUI My Commentary: I saw Coldplay when they came to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis in August. It was the greatest concert I have ever seen. Their technicalities, their showmanship, their musicianship were all on display in full force. The song that still sticks out to me three weeks later was Fix You. The power they had with them when they hit the bridge. The energy Chris Martin had during the bridge, it was unbelievable. The entire crowd was giving them energy and they were going off of it. Fix You is one of my favorite Coldplay songs. I love the contrast between the beginning portion and the end portion. It is such a rich song. I included a live version because I think it is important to appreciate the energy and joy the band gives off during this song. 

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5DMmOLkLQI My Commentary: This is my favorite Adele song. She is so talented-even today, when I listen to this song it still surprises me that she sings a song like this. Adele has a reputation for her thrilling ballads such as "Someone Like You," and "Hello," but Adele has a talent for more upbeat, jazzy songs like this one. It's catchy, its smooth, its like glass of ice tea on a hot summers day. This range and flexibility makes Adele a classic of our generation, and her musical ability is truly second to none. 

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJgZ-GiPlvM My Commentary: I believe this is the first instrumental to be featured as the Song of the Day, and what a song it is. Full of tension and power, it is everything a Russian sailor's dance should be. It does have its' softer moments however. It is a fine blend between tension and beauty. I really like the low strings and their role in the entire song, they add a lot of weight to the composition and really drive this song. 

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViRb_fyFZtY My Commentary: This song is featured on two of Hillsong United's albums, Empires and Of Dirt and Grace, I chose the live version because it sounds more intimate. This songs is Hillsong at its finest. A bold claim to make for a group which is a staple in Christian Music with hits including Oceans and the Stand. This song sounds more real. This song sounds more intimate. "Faith makes a fool of what makes sense." Hillsong acknowledges the craziness that Christianity can be. But in the end they let God "have His way." Musically, this song is incredible. Taya Smith has an incredible voice and her harmonizing with the rest of the band at the end of the song is incredible. This song is incredible  

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pAz9UpnRKw My Commentary: Fun fact, this song is not actually by Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse, it is actually by a band called the Zutons-take a minute to listen to that version if you have time, it is really good. But this is Amy's song. Mark Ronson is incredibly accomplished, so that is just a testament to Amy's abilities. Amy Winehouse was a maestro and this song only backs it up. She is so talented. Her raspy voice fits a jazz club perfectly. The up tempo nature of Valerie only backs up Amy's claim as being one of the best female vocalists of our generation. It is a shame she passed away so soon. Thankfully she left behind some of the greatest works of the 2000s.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfR9iY5y94s My Commentary: When I looked up the lyrics to this song before writing this, I thought to myself, "what in the sam heck is this about?" To be honest, I have no idea, but it is one of the catchiest songs I have ever heard. The beat, the chorus, everything about this song screams two things: it was meant to be catchy, and it is probably a one hit wonder. I have never heard any other songs by Men at Work, so I would suppose that both assumptions are true. Men at Work is an Australian band so this is potentially a song harkening back home in ways the major market can easily understand. This is a good song that is very pleasant to listen to.