1. Kelly Clarkson - Piece By Piece (Idol Version)
Back in August 1st, 2015 I attended Kelly Clarkson's Piece By Piece Tour concert in Chicago. When Kelly performed Piece By Piece, she performed this stripped down piano version. I literally cried as I sang along watching her. I fell in love with that version. From that moment I wanted that version on my iPod. Cut to a few months later and Kelly is on Idol singing the same stripped down version in probably one of the most emotion-filled, gut-wrenching, heart-piercing performances I've ever seen her do. I was in tears within the first few seconds. And if you saw it, everyone else had tears as well. Everyone was just enthralled in that powerfully perfect performance. And seeing Kelly become so vulnerable she had to pause made the song that much more perfect to me because it was so real what she was singing. I can go on about the story behind the song but I'll leave that for another time. Anyway after the strong response of that appearance, Kelly announced she was releasing that version. I couldn't have been more ecstatic. I was finally getting an official recording of the version I'd been wanting since August. Every time I listen to it, I can't help but get teary-eyed. The emotion in her voice punches you in the gut. It's a must-listen.
Here is her American Idol performance:
2. Adele - 25
So sure Adele released this album back in November. And sure I have technically been obsessed with it for awhile now, but for some reason this month I have been listening to it more than ever. This album is just amazing. Adele just never disappoints. When it comes to the songs there are a couple of songs that I do find myself listening to more often than anything else lately and that's probably why I've been listening to it more and more daily. Love In The Dark is by far my favorite track off of the album. I listen and sing that song repeatedly. Remedy would be my second fave followed by River Lea and Water Under The Bridge, then Hello. Don't get me wrong, every song on the album is fantastic. Those just happen to be the ones I gravitate to when it comes to me wanting to sing along and repeat. But overall everyone needs to listen to this amazing talent.
3. Little Mix - Get Weird (Deluxe Edition)
About two years ago, on one of my YouTube binges I came across Little Mix's music video for Salute. From there I continued to watch more of their videos and loved their sound. Little Mix consists of Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson. A few months ago they released their third studio album Get Weird. This past month, like Adele's album, I found myself constantly listening to this album mostly for their most recent single with Jason Derulo Secret Love Song. I am obsessed with that song. The whole album is fun and amazing. The girls vocals are insane individually and together. They do an amazing job of showcasing that by including a couple of acapella tracks The End and The Beginning (which is only on the deluxe edition). The talent is just so flawless. There are so many good songs on this album but my faves by far are Secret Love Song (as mentioned before) with Jason Derulo, there's also Secret Love Song Part II without Jason, Grown, Lightening, Love Me or Leave Me, and I Won't. It's a fun album by a group of amazingly talented women. Check it out!
Here's an incredible live performance of Secret Love Song feta. Jason Derulo:
Special Mentions:
Various Artists - This Is For My Girls (Single)
First and foremost this song is so damn catchy and fun. On top of that it's very important. This song has been in many articles out there being used as a "call-to-action" for around the world in suppport The White House's Let Girls Learn campaign as well as Michelle Obama's #62MillionGirls campaign, where the goal is to help young girls around the world finish their education. The song was written by acclaimed songwriter Diane Warren and includes the collaborative vocals of Kelly Rowland, Kelly Clarkson, Zendaya, Missy Elliot, Lea Michele, Janelle Monae, Jada Grace, and Chloe & Halle. It's amazing to see/hear a few of my favorites collaborate on a song for the first time. Especially a song with such an important message and goal. One of the absolutely fantastic things about this song is that all of the artists waived royalties and fees for their participation, so all of the proceeds for the purchase of the song will go to the Peace Corps Let Girls Learn Fund. SO not only do you get an amazing song, you get to help out a great cause as well.
Tori Kelly - Hollow (Single)
So my first introduction to Tori Kelly was when she guested on Elvis Duran and The Morning Show quite a while ago. She performed her song Nobody Love and I really liked the song. I thought she had an amazing voice and couldn't wait to here more from her. Well, it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I came across her song Hollow. I first heard the song being covered by some other artist and wanted to here the original version. When I heard it was a Tori Kelly song I had to have it. I am so in love with this song, I sing it every chance I get. I know I say that a lot but it's so true here. The vocals, the arrangement, just everything about it is perfect. I just bought her album and am very eager to delve into her music. In the meantime Hollow is definitely worth listening to.
Found this flawlessly amazing acoustic version:
Madilyn Bailey - See You Again (Single)
Here is the music video she uploaded:
So those are my picks and I would definitely recommend a listen. If it's not your thing that's fine but at least give it a try. You never know what you might enjoy until you give it a try.
Until next time. Peace, Love, and Hugs!
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