In my attempt to veer away from too mainstream music (just because pop has become too flashy), I opened my options to new songs. I am the type who has no definite preference in music, no one genre. So I guess trying to check out and get into new songs is quite easy for me.
And among the songs I have recently discovered, I narrowed it down to eight tracks that are constantly in loop on my phone’s player. (It has been my phone’s main purpose, but that is a story told long ago)
1. Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye
I know this song has been making rounds in loopholes in countless music players all over the world right now. I just got into this song just recently. It’s so catchy and just beautifully made.
I have read somewhere (Rogue Magazine, December 2011) that there is this new pop movement in music right now called “New Boring”. Among the mentioned flag bearers were ballad powerhouse Adele, folk band Bon Iver and Australian, singer-songwriter Gotye.
I couldn’t agree more with how the New Boring has been making such a noise. It’s a breath of fresh air amongst heavily produced, often over auto-tuned tracks of this time.
LYRICS that SOLD the SONG:
No, you didn’t have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records
And then change your number
Guess that I don’t need that though
Now you’re just somebody that I used to know
2. All the Rowboats by Regina Spektor
This is the carrier single of Spektor’s 2012 album, What We Saw on the Cheap Seats. Spektor is of the fame of her singles ‘Fidelity’ and ‘Samson’.
This new track is not a far cry from Regina’s often poetic lyrics and haunting vocals. The one thing that sets ‘Rowboats’ apart from previous tracks is the heavy use of percussions.
The song talks about setting art pieces, visual or otherwise, free from the contrived environment of museums and galleries.
LYRICS that SOLD the SONG:
First there’s lights out, then there’s lock up
Masterpieces serving maximum sentences
It’s their own fault for being timeless
There’s a price you pay and a consequence
3. How to Say Goodbye by Paul Tiernan
This song is part of the soundtrack of the 2008 flick, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.
I have yet to see the movie but what I know is that the song was scored aptly in a scene where the actors, Kat Dennings, especially, delivered the goods. A friend just suggested this one, claiming that it was a favorite. And man, it didn’t disappoint.
Although I must say that hearing the song hits me every time. It’s just so emotionally made with the lyrics and the melody.
LYRICS that SOLD the SONG:
to get up and go
to catch the last train
to get in some car
and drive out again
to never come back this way….
and have to say….
goodbye
4. Falling by The Civil Wars
Grammy Award-winning folk duo, The Civil Wars has barely started a career in mainstream music industry. Their 2011 EP Barton Hollow has been getting good reviews with their often quiet, but poetic and haunting style.
Yes, they did the song Safe and Sound with Taylor Swift, but it is this song, Falling, that caught my fancy. The song, as I have mentioned, is poetic and quiet.
LYRICS that SOLD the SONG:
Haven’t you seen me sleep walking?
‘Cause I’ve been holding your hand
Haven’t you noticed me drifting?
Oh, let me tell you, I am
5. If You Go by Javier Dunn
Javier Dunn is Sara Bareilles’ band guitarist and she was the one who lead me into discovering Dunn’s music. Apparent to this song is the easy going vibe and catchy chorus, much like some Bareilles’ style. (Dunn in a collaborator in some of Sara’s songs.)
The song is easy to relate to and is very catchy. It is surprisingly easy to listen to despite the sad undertones and smooth flow. And I also love his cover of Miike Snow’s ‘Animal’.
LYRICS that SOLD the SONG:
If you go, please don’t write
Please don’t call, ‘cause your voice will make me cry
Nothing good in this goodbye
So let me go on without you
6. I Can Barely Say by The Fray
From the band’s most recent album, Scars and Stories, comes yet another emotionally charged track of the same effect as ‘How to Save a Life’ and ‘You Found Me’.
The song has yet to be released as a single but I’m positive that they will eventually do it with this track. The words of the song is just so touching and very deep.
LYRICS that SOLD the SONG:
I wanna return but all you will do is turn to leave
If I can find my way home, will you take hold of me?
I’ve been gone so long
I can barely say
All I know is now I want to stay
Has it been too long since I went away?
Cause I’m trying to find the words but I can barely say
7. The Cave by Mumford and Sons
This list could’ve been solely dedicated to British band Mumford and Sons just because I have been so into their sound as of late. Their song ‘Little Lion Man’ could’ve also been the entry I put here but I figured the song is so 2010.
It was Little Lion Man who introduced the band to me, but as I discovered the band’s songs further, it lead me to liking this Grammy Awards nominated song, The Cave.
Had I been given the right ability to sing and play instruments, I want to sound folk-ish as Mumford and Sons.
LYRICS that SOLD the SONG:
But I will hold on hope
And I won’t let you choke
On the noose around your neck
And I’ll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I’ll know my name as it’s called again
8. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by Amy Winehouse
This is a revival of the 1960 hit by The Shirelles. This track is part of Winehouse’s (sadly) last record, Lioness: Hidden Treasures, released months after the singer’s demise.
I must admit that Amy Winehouse’s death is the only celebrity death that I feel sorry for. Gone too soon. And it’s a shanda.
The song’s slow, jazzy take on the classic totally made this track one of my most loved Amy track.
LYRICS that SOLD the SONG:
Tonight with words unspoken,
You said that I’m the only one,
But will my heart be broken,
When the night (When the night)
Meets the morning sun.
Mental Domain 