Mario Takes A Walk

Song: Mario Takes a Walk
Album: Gravity
Artist: Jesse Cook

Mario Takes a Walk? More like Mario hopped, skipped, and danced about during his walk! The finger-work of Candian born guitarist Jesse Cook is jaw-dropping. Having opened for legends like Ray Charles and B.B. King, he's on his way to becoming a legend himself. This is one of his more fast-paced songs featuring a lot of percussion, but as always his music inspires us to dance and be better musicians.

Moves Like Jagger

Song: Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
Album: Hands All Over
Artist: Maroon 5

The title says it all... like a challenge, everyone tries to make moves like Jagger. Echoing a slightly sped up hook of the Rolling Stones Miss You, Moves Like Jagger,  is a contemporary twist on the Rolling Stones at their peak. From the whistle, to the synthesizer, the throbbing drum and the in-your-face guitar it becomes background until you realize the lack of sound was due to the silenced guitar; Maroon 5 released this song at risk of stepping out of their comfort zone - I am glad.

The music video, featuring archived footage of the titular star - Jagger, and so many impersonators, is in tribute to the  moves of Mick Jagger. No one can move like the original, but we'll damn well keep trying.

Little Wonders

Song: Little Wonders
Album: Meet the Robinsons (OST)
Artist: Rob Thomas

Amazing how music and a little time can change how we perceive ourselves and things that have affected our lives. If we let it, sorrow can be swept away with the right kind of music. Most might be familiar with the voice of Rob Thomas, (if you've heard a few of the Matchbox 20 hits, you have). It's refreshing to hear a voice that often sang songs of depression and sadness, singing something about the magic of wonderment. The synthesizer, drums, guitar and bass nudge the listener into the new perspective - giving a surge of merriment that sweeps away any despondency, like when entering Disneyland.

From Where You Are

Song: From Where You Are
Album: Smoke & Mirrors
Artist: Lifehouse

A song of loss, and reminiscence, From Where You Are has a nostalgic melody that weeps. The synthesizer echoes of a memory past. No drums, the strums and pluck of the guitars are the sole source of rhythm in this song. The song was written by Jason Wade in dedication to his childhood friend who died in a car accident.

This song is most well known because it was featured in the auto insurance company, Allstate, commercial as a means to discourage teens from driving under the influence of alcohol. Honestly, the depressive nature of the song might lead some to seek solace in the bottle, but hopefully they will recollect the reason for this song and not drive while drunk.

The Silence

Song: The Silence
Album: Anywhere But Here
Artist: Mayday Parade

Hear the angst in the vocals, the awesome drive of the bass and the hook you just want to sing when feeling down simply because you've watched someone else breakdown.

Kryptonite

Song: Kryptonite
Album: The Better Life
Artist: 3 Doors Down

Ever wanted to do the right thing regardless of your head telling you to just leave it all alone? The notes of Kryptonite don't go that high, the chorus drives you, the drums move your feet forward, the strums of the electric guitar fills you with a desire to make things all right again. The bass simply gives a purpose to everything again.

Industry

Song: Industry
Album: The Early Recordings
Artist: Jon McLaughlin

Now there are two versions of this song - one on each album: Indiana (2007) and The Early Recordings (2010). Indiana features louder instrumentation, less dynamics, The Early Recordings features a build-up of sound. Neither versions can hide the fact that Jon is an amazing pianist!

The music video from Indiana - Industry.

Raajhan

Song: Raajhan
Album: Midival Times
Artist: Midival Punditz

Someone listening to the Midival Punditz for the first time ever, may wonder where this song might go... if you've heard them before and like their stuff, you just know it's gonna be something nifty. Featuring strings, electronica, heavy vocals and, as always, an almost (but not quite) overbearing drum machine, this song is one of my favorites by the Punditz. Very thematic and very dynamic music.

Starry Eyed

Song: Starry Eyed
Album: Lights
Artist: Ellie Goulding

Boken up words, a voice that might be a little too thin - are the thoughts that come to mind you hear the first 15 seconds of the song. It gets better. The voice grows on you. The electronics doesn't get too big for the song. It's fun beat and so upbeat that even the depressed are overwhelmed with an urge to snap fingers, sing along, dance or at least bob their respective heads to the rhythmic melody.

Punjabi 5-0

Song: Punjabi 5-0 (feat. The 1Shanti)
Album: Spiritual Bling
Artist: Dum Dum Project

Drop a sick beat, add some fat bass throw it all into the Asian Underground and you get Punjabi 5-0. Catchy melody... The chorus is something anyone can chant along with as is displayed in the slightly risque music video.

I came across this song a few years ago when a friend worked with The 1Shanti and wanted me to see some of his other work. This song fills your mind when you remember it... mine forgets it after a while and the moment of rediscovery is sweet relief - akin to when you get off with just a warning from the 5-0.

Holding On

Song: Holding On
Album: Me Against Myself
Artist: Jay Sean

The first thing that drags your attention to this song is the melodic line of the bansuri. This song, actually this flute piece, was what intrigued me about in 2005, when Jay hadn't made such a huge name for himself across the pond in America. His fame had then been confined to the UK. I must say I enjoy his experimental fusion more than his more recent albums where he's collaborated with Lil Wayne, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Beyonce - to name a few. But this song... the fusion that made Jay much adored among the Desi diaspora - flavors the Asian Underground without the too-polished feel of his later works. Rhythm heavy, melody interwoven through the song... these are the best times in an artist's career, but it's not easy holding on.

Glad You Came

Song: Glad You Came
Album: Battleground
Artist: The Wanted

Getting past the Brit accent combined with the really catchy dance melody... this song is rather repetitive - fitting party music. Exactly the music to which club-goers dance, grind, groove and feel. There aren't any amazing hook or fantastic vocals. When broken down and analyzed, the components aren't much... put together, this dishy song cannot help itself, just grab a partner and dance.

Clocks

Song: Clocks
Album: Rush of Blood to the Head
Artist: Coldplay

Clocks, probably one of Coldplay's most famous songs, and the one that drew me into their fanbase, was written after the band had set their list of tracks for their 2nd album - Rush of Blood to the Head. Inspired by Muse, Clocks features a repetitive melody on the piano with minimal soundscape on the drums, guitar, bass, strings and synthetic sounds. The release of the album was delayed two months untill Coldplay was satisfied with the track list. I think I speak for all Coldplay fans when I say it's a damn good thing they didn't withhold the song from us.

Raise Your Glass

Song: Raise Your Glass
Album: Greatest Hits... So Far!!!
Artist: Pink

Oft described as a party anthem song... this song features a four-on-the-floor beat that makes anyone who hears the song incapable of sitting still. The grip of Pink's voice in your mind is no caressing touch, it's about rebellion; about standing up for what you believe in, even if others despise or see what you represent as an abomination. Pink was inspired to do the music video after the mother of her lesbian friend (whose wedding was held in Pink's backyard) broke down crying, 'why can't this be legal?' at the beauty of two people in love being married  Don't conform to the social norm if it's antithetical to who you are.


Raise your glass... I raise mine.

Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)

Song: Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
Album: The Papercut Chronicles II
Artist: Gym Class Heroes

It took a show called Glee to galvanize me into finding the artists behind the music... I am ashamed that they almost passed me by. The music is stirring, and makes me want to get up and confess my love through this song to someone. The beat drives you. The chorus (My heart's a stereo...) soars above and lifts you up with it. One cannot help but feel the joy. Love lives. Viva la GCH

Original (Gym Class Heroes):

Reprisal (The Cast of Glee):

Promise

Song: Promise
Album: Every Kingdom
Artist: Ben Howard

Find solace in this song. Wishes and promises will be fulfilled. The rhythmic and soothing pluck of the guitar coupled with the warm vocals of Ben lend this song an assurance that supports the premise of this song.

Rolling in the Deep

Song: Rolling in the Deep
Album: 21
Artist: Adele

This has been an amazing song since the day it came out... but Adele's performance at the 2012 Grammy was nothing but stellar and probably the best act of the night. A song of heartache, sorrow, and resolve, this song is not something most people want to hear on Valentine's, but sadly, this might be a song that'll be aired a lot for those heartbroken souls.

Safe and Sound

Song: Safe and Sound
Album: The Hunger Games (OST)
Artist: Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars

If you haven't read Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games," or been caught up in the hype of the upcoming movie... well... here's Taylor Swift's (heard of her, right?) song Safe and Sound to be featured in the movie. The song like the book conveys a sense of desolate landscape. The video helps bring the sparseness of the music into sharp relief. Even if you close your eyes and imagine the world of oppressed people, the music does nothing to assuage the feeling, only Taylor's voice offers the support needed to cling to sanity. A perfect companion for the book.

Hold On (feat. Sampha)

Song: Hold On (feat. Sampha)
Album: SBTRKT
Artist: Sbtrkt

Sbtrkt (pronounced 'subtract') has been a soothing presence in my life... the pads wash away any lingering thoughts, and the beats bring a new tempo irrespective of any rhythm lingering in my mind. The vocal warmth of Sampha accentuates how calm this song is despite the syncopated beat coursing through your body into your feet.

You Are We Am I (Blue Mix)

Song: You Are We Am I (Blue Mix)
Album: TJ Rehmi
Artist: Axis of Ignorance

Strings are plucked, the tampura drones and a little electronic thrown in with the percussive mix  makes this down-tempo, chill-out song the psychedelic pleaser it is... Why? Simply the genius that is TJ Rehmi.