Those “Romantic” Late Night Phone Calls
A hotline is a direct, private line between two parties who have an urgent need to talk to one another. Like Obama and Putin. Or you and your BFF. Or your lover. ”Hotline” by the Sylvers (1976) opens with that lovely lady relic from the past, “The Operator,” asking...
A Throwback to the 70s Smooth Soul Sounds
Leon Bridges is silkier than Bill Withers (who has a bit of grit) and his latest top ten hit, “Smooth Sailin',” is a nod to that bygone era of sensuous, sophisticated, sexy soul hits from the 70s. “Smooth Sailin',” like Withers’ “Use Me,” glides along with rhythmic...
A 2015 Sampler
Fellow Boomers, do you remember those 1950s Buchanan & Goodman “Flying Saucer” songs, which interspersed clips from other hits into a crazy, sci-fi narrative? Today, mixing up clips from several different hits is called a mashup and it’s an art form—and the...
“7 Years” Reminiscent of “Cats in the Cradle”
Funny how a good song can capture a whole lifetime in four minutes. Harry Chapin’s "Cats In The Cradle" told of his father-son relationship from child to adulthood, and “7 Years” by Danish group Lukas Graham succinctly hits life’s high spots from age 7 to 60:...
Echos From The King Of Pop
“The Weeknd” is a 25-year-old multi-talented pop star from Toronto who sings, writes and produces his own music; he’s been on the Top 40 charts virtually non-stop for the past year and a half with a string of top 10 hits. While he has his own style and sound, it’s...
If You Thought Sophie B. Hawkins Was Hot, Than Meet Selena Gomez
In 1992, Sophie B. Hawkins, than 28-years old, sang an intense song about deep desire and love’s frustrations --it was gruff, and rough and not very melodic, the lyrics were choppy but her intent was clear, and she was sincere, and "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover" was...
New Song Brings Back the Mood of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel”
Twenty years ago, Sarah Mc Lachlan dazzled fans around the world with her touching ballad “Angel,” and today, Sara Bareilles’ “She Used to be Mine” sets a similar mood. Both Sarah/Sara express sensitive, deep emotions in thoughtful, poetic lyrics. “She Used to be...
A Great Feel Good Song!
Is the news of the day bringing you down, maybe ruining your day? Than here’s a big uplifting dose of sunshine and hope! Bobby McFerrin hit the jackpot in 1988 with “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” which just about everybody heard and liked, and while it’s a long shot that...
Charlie Puth: the Sinatra for the Millennial generation?
Forgive the gushing, but 23-year-old charming, adorable, clean cut Charlie Puth is also a prodigious talent with a distinctive style, who plays the piano, sings, writes and produces, and one can’t help but compare him to that other piano man, Billy Joel, who was just...