We all listen to music... obviously. In fact, it's almost inevitable. Music is everywhere! It's playing when we go to the grocery store, on TV, watch a movie, and even in children's toys. And with today's advances in music streaming and sharing it's easier than ever to discover up and coming artists or bands. Over the years, I've listened to a lot of music, as I'm sure all of you have. However, I tend to listen to music different, analyzing the overall mix, sound quality, master, panning, effects, sample choice, rhythms and chord progressions. From classical to oldies rock, to modern genres, I've discovered many great tunes that have either inspired me as a musician or made me feel a certain way. And being that I'm going to school for music, this post only makes sense.
1. Cascada - "Everytime We Touch": I don't think that I'll ever stop listening to this song. Furthermore, I don't think I'll ever stop listening to Cascada. Every time I hear it I can't help but stop whatever it is that I'm doing to get up and dance. The overall production is so well done, and it's an extremely catchy piece that features a killer vocal and a phenomenal melody. This is also the song that turned me on to electronic music, specifically the fast-paced "hands-up" music. Because of Cascada's inspiration, I've changed my outlook on music.
1. Cascada - "Everytime We Touch": I don't think that I'll ever stop listening to this song. Furthermore, I don't think I'll ever stop listening to Cascada. Every time I hear it I can't help but stop whatever it is that I'm doing to get up and dance. The overall production is so well done, and it's an extremely catchy piece that features a killer vocal and a phenomenal melody. This is also the song that turned me on to electronic music, specifically the fast-paced "hands-up" music. Because of Cascada's inspiration, I've changed my outlook on music.
- Fun fact: Most think that Cascada is simply an artist, which can easily be misunderstood due to the fact that most of her album covers feature her and her only. However, Cascada is the name of the group. It features Natalie Horler, Yanou, and DJ Manian.
3. Backstreet Boys - "I Want It That Way": What teenage music list would be complete without a Backstreet Boys song? None! I remember when I first got my Backstreet Boys CD (what's a CD, right?). In the early 2000s, the Backstreet Boys were pretty popular. I heard their music on the radio quite often, and "I Want It That Way" is the one that really stuck with me. Although I love most of the Backstreet Boys' stuff, "I Want It That Way" is probably my favorite. Definitely a pop classic! When I hear that acoustic guitar at the start of this song, I stop what I'm doing and sing along. "Ain't nothin' but a heartache. Tell me why..." Take it away!
4. DJ Sammy - "Heaven": Much like D.H.T.'s "Listen to Your Heart," I fell in love with this song when I first heard it. If I can remember correctly, my iPod (I'm dating myself here) deleted the song because it got sick of playing it over and over again (not really, just a figure of speech). The vocals and melody line are what really reeled me in. They're both beautiful! As I listen to it now, it brings back so much nostalgia from my younger musician years and studying it. It definitely has that 2000s dance music sound, which is something I'll never get sick of. It is the dance music that got me hooked on the music I listen to today.
5. Kevin Lyttle - "Turn Me On": When I used to go to Youth Alive after school, this song would play almost every time. The radio was pretty big at the time; it was one of the only sources to hear music (alongside having a portable CD player). This song was a lot different than what was usually played on the radio. It didn't have your standard Backstreet Boys vibe to it, nor did it sound anything remotely close to everything else (in my opinion). "Turn Me On" was Kevin Lyttle's song that made him popular, and now you don't hear about him, unfortunately. Not only did the music sound different, but he also had a different sounding voice, and I really enjoyed it. This song really helped me open up to newer styles of pop music, and I'm forever grateful!
6. Britney Spears - "Oops!...I Did It Again": Much like the Backstreet Boys, a pop music list wouldn't be complete without Britney Spears. "Oops!...I Did It Again" was a smashing hit, and I listened to it a billion and one times. It was catchy, sexy, and fun.
7. Blue Oyster Cult - "(Don't Fear) The Reaper": My dad is an avid vinyl collector, so I grew up to an extremely wide array of music. I was exposed to old country (which I thoroughly enjoy), rockabilly, rock, hair bands, jazz, soul, and pop. However, one song that I particularly clung to was Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." I really like the guitar riff that's used throughout. Not only is this song really, really catchy, but it also has a cowbell!
8. Adam Lambert - "For Your Entertainment": When Adam Lambert got off of American Idol, he started his solo career by releasing his "For Your Entertainment," which kickstarted him into the music industry. When this album came out, I had "For Your Entertainment" on repeat for a long time (my parents and brothers can speak for this). I just loved it! It was a mixture between his killer vocals, the pop/dance production, and the memorable "treasures" sprinkled throughout. I knew this song inside, outside, upside down, and downside up. It had well over 1,000 plays on iTunes. I had the amazing opportunity to see him live when he went to the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, Minnesota. Although he didn't perform "For Your Entertainment," this concert only brightened and strengthened my passion and support for him as an artist. I still do and always will love this song! "I'm here for your entertainment!"
9. L.A.R.5 - "All the Girls (Empyre One Remix)" [feat. Jai Matt]: I remember shuffling through the internet's amassed collection of music. I was looking for something a little different, but not so different that I'd have to almost force myself to enjoy it. I narrowed my search to something similar to Cascada - I wanted to expand my music in the German dance music. Bingo! I found Empyre One! I'd heard of him before I stumbled across this remix of his, but I never took the time to listen to any of his stuff. He changed the way I listened, critiqued, analyzed, and now produce dance music. In fact, a huge chunk of my inspiration when producing dance music comes from Empyre One. In my opinion, he's set the standard for fast-paced dance music. This particular remix had my ears yearning for more. It was one of those songs that I wanted to last for hours. The crazy wild melody line, tacked with the amazing vocal, brought this song to its full potential! They don't come crazier and more amazing than this, folks!
10. Eiffel 65 - "Blue (Da Ba Dee)": Last but not least, Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Ba Dee)." It's one of those iconic 90s dance tunes that everyone can sing along with when they hear it. I remember when I first found the song. I loved the piano part so much I took it to my piano teacher at the time and wanted her to help me figure out how to play it. I was young and not too sure how to figure things out by ear quite yet. Although I never figured out how to play it at the time, I know for a fact I could sit down and in a matter of minutes have it figured out. I've improved quite a bit since then. This song is one that I'll always be able to jam out to because it's such a classic to me. The vocoded vocals, catchy piano throughout, cheesy dance beat are what really make this song come to life.
Well, folks. There you have it! A complete list of my top ten songs. Keep in mind that these songs are not in any particular order. These are songs that have affected me in one way or another over the years. Whether they've made me feel a certain way, or even inspired me to do something, it's on here. This list could've been 100+ songs easy; however, I don't have the time or patience to type up something that big. I figured a few songs that have inspired the musician and professional inside of me was good enough. Besides, I am a music production student. Wouldn't it make sense for me to share some of my favorite songs?
What're some of your favorite songs?
Lennon
Student
Bachelor of Science, Music Production
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