If you have been looking for some new jams, or need help rediscovering an old favorite, you have come to the right place! I always find myself looking for new songs and artists to add to my playlist but do not know where to begin. Recently, I came across this wonderful little blog called The Mood of Music. Not only does it provide insight into what is happening in the music world, but the author publishes a weekly playlist made up of everything from Indie jams to Top 10 artists’ not-so-known tracks. This has been my go-to blog when I need a new song for the week. Now it is time for me to share the love (the love of music that is) and I have compiled a list of 10 songs that you may not have heard yet and NEED in your life. Some are old, some are new, and well, they are all amazing for very different reasons.
Slow Jam: Although I like to refer to this genre as “baby making music,” slow jams have a way of melting your stress away and slowing down the world around you. Miguel may be known for the chart-topper “Adorn,” but he has another hit on his hands with Kaleidoscope Dream – the perfect slow jam to get you moving and grooving for all the right reasons!
Pop Perfection: Pop music has come a long way since Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, and this is evident in Tegan and Sara’s 2012 hit Closer. It has the perfect pop vibe without being too clichè and is sure to get your head bobbing. Once you listen to it you’ll be hooked and won’t care that it’s stuck in your head all day.
Pre-Game Pick: It’s Friday night and you are about to go out with your girls; although you will hear great music at the club, you need something to get you in the mood. What do I put on, you ask? Fire In Your New Shoes of course! Kaskade and Martina from Dragonette make a great team and this song is sure to get your heart pumping…and possibly ignite a fire in your dancing shoes!
Classic Cover: Although movie sequels are never as good as the original, some artists have gotten very close to remaking songs that outshine the classic. I personally love when rap or hip-hop songs are remixed and slowed down. Anya Marina’s take on Whatever You Like (originally by T.I.) is soulful and clean cut. Sorry T.I. but I think I’ll have to “pop bottles” with Anya instead.
Hip-Hop Hit: Over the last couple of years hip-hop has evolved to include a more diverse group of artists with unique styles. Hoodie Allen emerged from this group and perfectly meshes rapping and actual singing. No Interruption is a prime example of this and with his smooth voice and catchy chorus you’ll be wishing Hoodie wrote this song about you!
Oldie but Goodie: Despite the fact that MGMT seems to have disappeared from the music scene, their amazing songs and devoted fans haven’t gone anywhere. Whenever I need a good pick-me-up I put on Electric Feel and let the music take me away… Okay, that may be a little dramatic but isn’t everything MGMT does over the top (and amazing)?
Chill-Out Track: Something about the XX is just, well, magical. Their sound is a little “off the beaten track” but that’s what makes them so great! Listening to Basic Space is like taking a mental yoga class; you will relax and feel the need to discover your inner-self… without having to read a self-help book.
Ultimate Mash-Up: I think remixes are the best thing to come out of our generation. These days there are artists who make a name for themselves solely by mixing OTHER people’s music. Lesser-known D.Veloped created an AMAZING mash-up in 2010 when he perfectly combined Blink-182 with Rich Boy in the track entitled Throw. I think it’s about time someone “threw some d’s” his way and recognized D.Veloped’s mash-up skills!
From Across the Pond: In 2012 the U.K. based band Crystal Fighters teamed up with Feed Me to produce a great song that goes by the name of Love Is All I Got. This song transitions from ballad to rap to techno and back again! It is diverse, eclectic, and catchy – everything I look for in a new song.
Writer’s Choice: I have had Don’t Save Me by the three lovely Haim sisters on repeat since I first discovered it. I LOVE THIS SONG….need I explain myself more?
Photo Credit: Cover Photo