Presidential Election Playlist

Attention!!!

Sri Lanka has voted and by later today our nation would know its first citizen who will lead this country for the next five years. The new President will have a major task; he can either start afresh on a clean slate or commit the same sins of his predecessors. As the results keep coming in from all over the provinces and districts, here’s a playlist for everyone to listen to catered particularly for this Presidential Election: 

1. Dixie Chicks – Not ready to make nice  

A powerful country record by the group who received a major backlash following their dissenting comments regarding former US President George W. Bush’s and his invasion of Iraq. The song is so personal and the evocative lyrics are relevant to the party politics in this country and how the politicians cannot tolerate criticism of any sort. It is their biggest hit to date and won the coveted Record and Song of the Year at the 49th Grammy Awards.

2. Scorpions – Wind of change  

Who can forget the flat whistle intro of this rock ballad. Produced at the height of perestroika (restructuring and reforming the Soviet political and economic system) the lyrics celebrate glasnost (openness and transparency) in the Soviet Union. The track became a global hit after the failed coup to oust Soviet Union President and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev in 1991.

3. Pink – Dear Mr.President  

Only Pink would be fearless enough to sing to the US President directly. Accompanied by the Indigo Girls this soft acoustic rock track addresses former US President George W. Bush and his shortcomings and failures in policy. This record’s relevance to Sri Lanka is undeniable as the artist is pleading to the leader of the nation to understand the issues of a normal citizen and try to walk in their shoes.

4. Black Eyed Peas – Where is the love? 

BEP’s breakthrough hit is one of the most meaningful productions in the noughties covering issues such as terrorism, government hypocrisy, racism and war. The track was co-written by Justin Timberlake and is the first song to feature Fergie. This record is relevant now more than ever for our country particularly following the Easter Sunday tragedy and the resulting fallout and distrust between communities.

5. John Mayer – Waiting on the world to change  

Dealing with his first politically-tinged tune, Mayer addresses the lack of the power of the citizenry to act and that the reason for this is that the present generation is waiting for the world to change. The jazz rock track with a blues and soul vibe won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 49th Grammy Awards. This track is meaningful to Sri Lanka as the new generation of voters can shed the ugly party politics lines and vote for the most suitable candidate.

6. Lily Allen – F**k you  

Don’t let the uptempo comical arrangement of this track fool you, Allen is clearly dissing the actions of the former US President, George W. Bush. It was her third international single which was monumentally successful in Europe, particularly due to the catchy nature of the lyrics. Since then she has maintained that the song is universally applicable to all depraved leaders of this world.

7. Captain Ska – Liar liar GE2017  

This ska track is a remake of the 2010-original released just before the 2017 UK elections, rewritten as a protest song against UK’s former Prime Minister Theresa May. The previous version was against Prime Minister David Cameron. The song’s success and influence can be evaluated by the fact that it charted without radio airplay, since radio stations were afraid of running afoul election regulations.

8. The Cranberries – Zombie  

This rock classic and its memorable guitar riff reverberated throughout all households across the globe in the 90s accompanied by the unique vocals of lead Dolores O’ Riordan. Although written about the 1993 IRA Bombing in Warrington, the song’s sentiments of anti-conflict is clear. This was The Cranberries biggest hit and won Best Song at the 1995 MTV Europe Music Awards.

9. Joni Mitchell – Big yellow taxi  

While not overtly a politically relevant song, its connotations of environmental conservation makes it relevant for this year’s Presidential Election. Mitchell’s third solo single speaks about the sad state of the loss of greenery in the place of development. Protection of the environment has been at the top of the promises of all candidates this year and so balancing this social cause with the exercise of their franchise will be at the voter’s discretion.

10. Tracy Chapman – Talkin’ bout a revolution  

Chapman’s folk rock successor to her debut hit Fast Car is a political anthem regarding the inequality in society and how the disempowered will rise up to claim their due share. While a staple at political campaigns and rallies in the US, the song’s relevance to Sri Lanka, is that it speaks to the disparity of wealth in our society and is definitely a trump card used by all candidates at this election.  

Till the next swan song...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - June, 2017

Attention!!!

The 2017 CMT Music Awards were held in June with Keith Urban as the top nominee and taking home the coveted Video of the Year and Male Video of the Year for Blue Ain’t Your Colour and Collaborative Video of the Year for The Fighter alongside Carrie Underwood.  Other big wins of the night included:

• Female Video of the Year: Carrie Underwood – Church bells
• Duo Video of the Year: Florida Georgia Line – H.O.L.Y.
• Group Video of the Year: Little Big Town – Better man
• Breakthrough Video of the Year: Lauren Alaina – Road less traveled
• CMT Performance of the Year: Jason Derulo & Luke Bryan – Want to want me

Following the horrific bombing at the Manchester Arena in May, Ariana Grande returned to Manchester but this time to the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in order to pay tribute to her fans who died in the blast. She did not come alone as guest artists included Miley Cyrus, Black Eyed Peas, Justin Bieber, Take That, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Little Mix, Niall Horan, Pharrell Williams, Liam Gallagher and Robbie Williams. Proceeds from the event which exceeded £12 million went to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund established by the Manchester City Council and the British Red Cross. The funds were to help the victims and their families.  

The Summertime Ball returned to the Wembley Stadium in London on June 10, for the eighth consecutive year headlined by Bruno Mars and Little Mix.  All the contemporary megastars took center stage as Clean Bandit, Sean Paul, Julia Michaels, Stormzy, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, Shawn Mendes, Louisa Johnson, Olly Murs, Zara Larsson etc. with guest appearances from Hailee Steinfeld, Craig David, Imani Williams and Ella Eyre. 

Sir Paul McCartney, Emeli Sandé and Ed Sheeran have been recognized in Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours’ List which will see the artists receive the prestigious MBE for their contributions to the arts and society. 

It is the end of the Black Eyed Peas as we know it as Fergie has officially left the Hip-Hop group. Although not in the original line-up Fergie’s addition saw the group rising to new heights and making a massive breakthrough into the mainstream Pop, Rap and Hip-Hop industry. Her powerful vocals gave the group the much needed sync with the rapping of will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo. All in all Black Eyed Peas will never be the same, and her last contribution was to the fittingly reworked #WHEREISTHELOVE which is a charity song the proceeds of which was to will.i.am’s non-profit foundation i.am.angel, which funds educational programs and college scholarships.  

Boyzone are to celebrate their 25th anniversary next year with an arena tour. They have also teased about new music, although it is unclear whether they will release a new album with fresh music or a greatest hits compilation with a few new singles. 

Moving onto chart news, in the US, Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber’s Despacito continued at the top of the charts throughout the month, with no competition whatsoever. There was hardly any activity at the top of the charts during the month with Miley Cyrus’ Malibu and Post Malone featuring Quavo’s Congratulations being the only two songs to crack the top 10. 

In the UK too, Despacito reigned supreme until the cover of Bridge of Troubled Water by Artists for Grenfell peaked in the final week. The latter song was a charity single released to raise funds for the families of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. During the month Liam Payne featuring Quavo’s Strip That Down, Niall Horan’s Slow Hands, David Guetta featuring Justin Bieber’s 2U, Little Mix featuring Stormzy’s Power and Jonas Blue featuring William Singe’s Mama all entered the top 10. 

Other songs which became popular during the month were:

1. DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – Wild thoughts
2. Katy Perry ft. Nicki Minaj – Swish swish
3. Fifth Harmony ft. Gucci Mane – Down
4. Olly Murs & Louisa Johnson – Unpredictable
5. Imagine Dragons – Thunder
6. Selena Gomez – Bad liar

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Most Inspirational Songs of 2016

Attention!!!

This segment of the year-end compilation is here to stay. This is mostly because unlike other decades, each year there are enough and more inspirational songs that are released. Even most movies and animated films include many inspirational songs, which is clearly reflected on this list. While inspirational songs did not chart high worldwide in 2016 like the preceding year, there were some really good songs. Particularly Andra Day's Rise Up is an exceptional song which has now been covered by hundreds of artists. It is also a favorite at auditions in reality contests. At second place is Sia with her Never Give Up from the film Lion and at third is Sucker for Pain by Lil Wayne and a number of artists from the film Suicide Squad. 

Sia is the only artist with two entries while Fergie has two entries as she is also a part of the Black Eyed Peas. The film Trolls also has two songs on the list. Other films include Zootopia, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and Star Trek Beyond. Some other interesting facts are that Fifth Harmony's last single as a quintet is on the list as well as the Black Eyed Peas' final song before Fergie's departure; the official song for the UEFA Euro 2016 by David Guetta and the official English song for the Olympics 2016 by Katy Perry are also on the list. So here are the top 25 most inspirational songs of 2016:

1. Andra Day – Rise up
2. Sia – Never give up 
3. Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons ft. Logic, Ty Dolla $ign & X Ambassadors – Sucker for pain 
4. Katy Perry – Rise 
5. Shakira – Try everything 
6. Rihanna – Sledgehammer 
7. Charlie Puth – One call away 
8. Justin Timberlake – Can’t stop the feeling!
9. G-Eazy & Bebe Rexha – Me, myself & I 
10. Selena Gomez – Kill ‘em with kindness 
11. Iggy Azalea – Team 
12. Alan Walker – Alone 
13. Fifth Harmony – That’s my girl
14. Pink – Just like fire 
15. David Guetta ft. Zara Larsson – This one’s for you 
16. Tim McGraw – Humble and kind 
17. Sia ft. Kendrick Lamar – The greatest 
18. Major Lazer ft. Justin Bieber & MØ –  Cold water 
19. Anna Kendrick – Get back up again 
20. Fergie – Life goes on
21. Zedd ft. Kesha – True colors 
22. Dami Im – Fighting for love 
23. Black Eyed Peas ft. The World – #WHEREISTHELOVE 
24. Robbie Williams – Love my life 
25. Beyonce – Formation 

Till the next chord...

At Ease!!!

Best Dance Hits of the 2000s

Attention!!!

The best years of those born in the 80s were during the 2000s when they would be in the latter ages of their teens. The 2000s may also prove to be the last vestiges of Alternative Rock and Hard Rock as the 2010s have massacred the genres to the point of no return. Eurodance was dead and in its place Europop was building itself as a genre with a significant contribution from Romanian Pop. As far as dance music goes Rap, Dancepop and Hip-Hop ruled the dance floors with the likes of Flo Rida, Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent, Sean Paul, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Pitbull shaping the industry as they took over the mainstream charts. With an immense stress on beat and rhythm rather than lyrics, the dance music of the 2000s is unique. 

Those artists that began their careers in the 90s such as Britney Spears, Eminem, Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias have become superstars with several dance hits and some like Shakira, Pitbull, Rihanna, Sean Paul and David Guetta have entered the mainstream with several dance hits. With his debut dance anthem Low, Flo Rida entered the hearts and minds of the party people during the 2000s and claims the top spot on this compilation. At No.2 we have Usher's Yeah in which he collaborated with veteran rappers Ludacris and Lil Jon. With a different flavour at No.3 we have Shakira's Hips Don't Lie where former Fugees member Wyclef Jean is featured. With the highest number of entries we have Black Eyed Peas with 8 whopping entries followed by Sean Paul with 7, 50 Cent and Jennifer Lopez with 6 each, Timbaland, Akon, Pussycat Dolls, Rihanna, Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake with 5 each, Flo Rida, Britney Spears, Madonna, Shakira, Bob Sinclar, Pitbull, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Inna with 4 each, David Guetta, Kylie Minogue, Sugababes, Missy Elliot, Ludacris, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Eve, Pink, Destiny's Child and Cascada with 3 each. So here are the best dance hits from 2000-2009: 

1. Flo Rida ft. T-Pain – Low
2. Usher ft. Ludacris & Lil Jon – Yeah
3. Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean – Hips don’t lie
4. Pitbull – I know you want me (Calle ocho)
5. Sean Paul – Get busy
6. Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg & Kurupt – The next episode
7. 50 Cent – In da club
8. Nelly – Hot in herre
9. Flo Rida ft. Kesha – Right round
10. Black Eyed Peas – I gotta feeling
11. Timbaland ft. Keri Hilson & D.O.E – The way I are
12. Bon Jovi – It’s my life
13. Rihanna – Don’t stop the music
14. Lady Gaga ft. Colby O’Donis – Just dance
15. David Guetta ft. Akon – Sexy bitch
16. Eve – Tambourine
17. Justin Timberlake – Sexyback
18. Madonna ft. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland – 4 minutes
19. Vengaboys – Shalala lala
20. 50 Cent ft. Olivia – Candy shop
21. Kelis – Milkshake
22. Black Eyed Peas – Let’s get it started
23. Bob Sinclar ft. Gary Pine – Love generation
24. Sean Paul – Temperature
25. Missy Elliot – Get ur freak on
26. Black Eyed Peas – Hey mama
27. David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland – When love takes over
28. Daft Punk – One more time
29. Eminem – The real Slim Shady
30. Black Eyed Peas – Boom boom pow
31. Yves Larock – Rise up
32. Las Ketchup – The ketchup song (Asereje)
33. DMX – Party up (Up in here)
34. Jennifer Lopez – Let’s get loud
35. Black Eyed Peas – Pump it
36. Pussycat Dolls ft. Busta Rhymes – Don’t cha
37. 50 Cent ft. Snoop Dogg, Lloyd Banks & Young Buck – P.I.M.P.
38. Baha Men – Who let the dogs out?
39. *NSYNC – Bye bye bye
40. Destiny’s Child – Jumpin’ jumpin
41. Sean Kingston – Fire burning
42. Spiller ft. Sophie Ellis Baxtor – Groovejet (If this ain’t love)
43. Alex Gaudino ft. Crystal Waters – Destination Calabria
44. Lady Gaga – Poker face
45. Benny Benassi – Satisfaction
46. Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne – Down
47. Daddy Yankee – Gasolina
48. Atomic Kitten – The tide is high (Get the feeling)
49. Chamillionaire ft. Slick Rick – Hip hop police
50. Steve Angello & Laidback Luke ft. Robin S. – Show me love
51. Cascada – Evacuate the dancefloor
52. LMFAO – I’m in Miami bitch
53. Shakira – Whenever wherever
54. Gwen Stefani ft. Eve – Rich girl
55. No Doubt ft. Bounty Killer – Hey baby
56. Eve ft. Gwen Stefani – Let me blow ya mind
57. Modjo – Lady (Hear me tonight)
58. Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell – Drop it like it’s hot
59. Basshunter – Now you’re gone
60. Edward Maya ft. Vika Jigulina – Stereo love
61. Eric Prydz – Call on me
62. Fergie – London bridge
63. 50 Cent – Just a lil bit
64. Kevin Lyttle – Turn me on
65. Britney Spears – Toxic
66. Rihanna – Disturbia
67. Guru Josh Project – Infinity 2008
68. R.Kelly ft. Wisin & Yandel – Burn it up
69. Pink – Get the party started
70. Crazy Town – Butterfly
71. Timbaland ft. Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado – Give it to me
72. Nelly ft. City Spud – Ride wit me
73. Puddle of Mudd – She hates me
74. Outkast – Hey ya!
75. Jennifer Lopez ft. Jadakiss & Styles – Jenny from the block  
76. Black Eyed Peas – Don’t phunk with my heart
77. Beyonce ft. Jay-Z – Crazy in love
78. Kat DeLuna ft. Elephant Man – Whine up
79. Counting Crows – Accidentally in love
80. Beyonce – Single ladies (Put a ring on it)
81. Nelly Furtado – Maneater
82. Eminem – Just do it
83. Soulja Boy – Crank that
84. Sugababes – Round round
85. Bomfunk MC’s – Freestyler
86. Junior Senior – Move your feet
87. Britney Spears – 3
88. Blue – All rise
89. Fragma – Toca’s miracle
90. Shaggy ft. Rikrok – It wasn’t me
91. Mary J. Blige – Family affair
92. S Club 7 – Don’t stop movin’
93. Nicole Scherzinger ft. T.I. – Whatever u like
94. Smash Mouth – I’m a believer
95. Chris Brown ft. Juelz Santana – Run it!
96. Jennifer Lopez – Play
97. Missy Elliot – Work it
98. Inna – Hot
99. Bob Sinclar with Cutee B ft. Dollarman, Big Ali  & Makedah – Rock this party (Everybody dance now)
100. Britney Spears – Gimme more
101. Madonna – Hung up
102. Axwell ft. Steve Edwards – Watch the sunrise
103. Eminem – Without me
104. Pussycat Dolls – When I grow up
105. Truth Hurts ft. Rakim – Addictive
106. Britney Spears – Circus
107. LL Cool J ft. Jennifer Lopez – Control myself
108. Inna – Amazing
109. Sugababes – Get sexy
110. R. Kelly – Ignition (Remix)
111. Teriyaki Boyz – Tokyo drift
112. Akcent – Jokero
113. Michael Buble – Save the last dance for me
114. Terror Squad ft. Fat Joe & Remy Ma – Lean back
115. Destiny’s Child – Bootylicious
116. Cascada – Everytime we touch
117. Basshunter – All I ever wanted
118. Jamelia – Superstar
119. Flo Rida ft. Nelly Furtado – Jump
120. Nina Sky ft. Jabba – Move ya body
121. Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Swiss Beatz – I can transform ya
122. DJ Sammy & Yanou ft. Do – Heaven
123. Pitbull – Hotel room service
124. Shakira – Objection (Tango)
125. Kylie Minogue – Love at first sight
126. Sean Paul – Gimme the light
127. Andreea Banica ft. Dony – Samba
128. Nelly Furtado ft. Timbaland – Promiscuous
129. Crazy Frog – Axel F
130. Rihanna – SOS
131. Panjabi MC – Mundian to bach ke
132. Ashley Tisdale – Crank it up
133. Pink, Christina Aguilera, Mya & Lil’ Kim – Lady Marmalade
134. Nelly Furtado – Say it right
135. Bob Sinclar ft. Steve Edwards – World, hold on (Children of the sky)
136. DJ Laz ft. Flo Rida, Pitbull & Casely – Move shake drop  
137. Destiny’s Child – Lose my breath
138. Sidney Samson – Riverside
139. Lumidee – Never leave you (Uh oooh, uh ooh)
140. Sugababes – About a girl
141. Beyonce ft. Slim Thug – Check on it
142. Dizzee Rascal ft. Armand van Helden – Bonkers
143. Pussycat Dolls ft. Timbaland – Wait a minute
144. Black Eyed Peas – Shut up
145. Bob Sinclar with Cutee B ft. Gary Pine & Dollarman – Sound of freedom
146. Pussycat Dolls ft. Snoop Dogg – Buttons
147. Akon ft. Eminem – Smack that
148. Justin Timberlake – Rock your body
149. Anastacia – I’m outta love
150. iiO – Rapture
151. Rihanna ft. Sean Paul – Break it off
152. Madonna – Music
153. Ludacris – How low
154. Sean Paul – Like glue
155. Kylie Minogue – Can’t get you out of my head
156. O-Zone – Dragostea din tei
157. Pink – So what
158. Inna – Love
159. Katy Perry – I kissed a girl
160. DJ Otzi – Hey baby (Uhh, ahh)
161. Holly Valance – Kiss kiss
162. Jennifer Lopez – Ain’t it funny
163. Madonna – Sorry
164. Daniel Bedingfield – Gotta get thru this
165. Pitbull ft. Akon – Shut it down
166. Fergie ft. will.i.am – Fergalicious
167. Rihanna – Pon de replay
168. Fatman Scoop – Be faithful
169. Enrique Iglesias – Be with you
170. Tinchy Stryder ft. N-Dubz – Number 1
171. Shakira – She wolf
172. The Offspring – Pretty fly (For a white a guy)
173. 50 Cent ft. Ne-Yo – Baby by me
174. Mr.C The Slide Man – Cha-cha slide
175. Cascada – What hurts the most
176. Sean Paul – We be burnin’
177. Jennifer Lopez – Love don’t cost a thing
178. Sophie Ellis-Bexter – Murder on the  dancefloor 
179. Cobra Starship ft. Leighton Meester – Good girls go bad
180. David Guetta ft. Estelle – One love
181. Kylie Minogue – In your eyes
182. Ludacris ft. Shawnna – Stand up
183. Akon – Belly dancer (bananza)
184. Black Eyed Peas – My humps
185. Michael Buble – Sway
186. Cupid – Cupid shuffle
187. DJ Bobo with Irene Cara – What a feeling
188. Blu Cantrell ft. Sean Paul – Breathe
189. Gwen Stefani ft. Akon – The sweet escape
190. Mika – Grace Kelly
191. Missy Elliot ft. Ciara & Fatman Scoop – Lose control
192. Inna – Deja vu
193. 50 Cent ft. Justin Timberlake – Ayo technology
194. A.R. Rahman & Pussycat Dolls ft. Nicole Scherzinger – Jai ho! (You are my destiny)
195. David Deejay ft. Dony – Sexy thing
196. Mary Mary – Shackles (Praise you)
197. JLS – Beat again
198. Chamillionaire ft. Krayzie Bone – Ridin’
199. Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend
200. Chayanne – Boom boom  

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Best Songs about Anti-Racism/Non-Discrimination

Attention!!!

Are we not all guilty of racial profiling? In the wake of the terrible rise of ISIS, we see the gradual slow but steady ascension of racism. Discrimination is only skin deep, but not all of us are colour blind. The Holocaust was a horror for all of us, not just the Jews which suffocated in the gas chambers. The massacres and genocide in the name of purifying regions and nations has become a contemporary nightmare around the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. That does not in anyway mean that in the elitist areas of the developed Western world, that bigotry is dead. For those of African descent with dark skin have suffered immense discrimination at the hands of those with white skin, especially in the Americas. 

The root cause of racism is the mistrust among communities and terror outfits such as LTTE and ISIS have paved the way for certain ethnicities being classified and profiled as terrorists. The ugly truth is that the violent separatism advocated by the Tamil Tigers and the incessant Jihadist butchery of the IS militants have lead the world to stereotype these communities. #SayNoToRacism is a slogan popularized by activists, mainstream and social media these days. However, it is relevant to note how much of it has had an actual effect. 

Music has over the years dealt with many issues and non-discrimination is an area which it has touched upon, although there is no significant number. Bob Marley and the Wailers' War takes the crown as the Rastafarian sings bravely about the equal rights for different races. Michael Jackson with his 90s hit Black or White takes second place and the King of Pop is the only one to have two entries on the list. At a close third is Eddy Grant's Gimme Hope Jo'anna which refers to the Apartheid which prevailed in South Africa. There is no typical genre as it varies from pop and rock to reggae and rap. So here are the Top 25 songs about anti-racism and non-discrimination:

1. Bob Marley and the Wailers – War
2. Michael Jackson – Black or white
3. Eddy Grant – Gimme hope Jo’anna
4. Vanessa Williams – Colours of the wind
5. Billie Holiday – Strange fruit
6. Lady Gaga – Born this way
7. Bob Dylan – Hurricane 
8. Black Eyed Peas – Where is the love?
9. John Legend & Common – Glory
10. John Lennon – Imagine
11. B.o.B. ft. Taylor Swift – Both of us
12. Sam Cooke – A change is gonna come
13. Race Against The Machine – Killing in the name
14. Boyzone – A different beat
15. Sly and the Family Stone – Everyday people
16. Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – Ebony and ivory
17. En Vogue – Free your mind
18. Jay-Z – 99 Problems
19. Michael Jackson – They don’t care about us
20. Gwen Stefani – Long way to go
21. Aerosmith – Livin’ on the edge
22. Cher – Half-breed
23. Red Hot Chili Peppers – The power of equality 
24. 2Pac ft. Pogo – I don’t give a fuck
25. Scatman John – Scatman’s world 

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Best Mixed Bands of All Time

Attention!!!

We all know about the boy bands and the girl groups which have stormed the mainstream pop industry. But there are also mixed bands, an assorted motley of boys and girls which have formed bands as well. Most of them have their designated lead singer but the others also play significant roles in the group. Some of these bands have become extremely successful and popular and among these is ABBA which is one of the best selling bands of all time followed by Fleetwood Mac and Black Eyed Peas. Most of these bands have also lead the way for solo careers for their lead vocalists such as will.i.am, Fergie, Stevie Nicks, Gwen Stefani, Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. So here are the best 30 mixed bands of all time:

1. ABBA
   
2. Fleetwood Mac
   
3. Black Eyed Peas
   
4. Ace of Base
   
5. Boney M.
   
6. Blondie
   
7. No Doubt
   
8. The Human League
   
9. Heart
   
10. S Club 7
    
11. Aqua
    
12. Lady Antebellum
    
13. Fugees
    
14. Steps
    
15. The Pretenders
    
16. The Corrs
    
17. Vengaboys
    
18. The B-52s
    
19. Liberty X
    
20. The Mamas & the Papas
    
21. The Velvet Underground
    
22. Little Big Town
    
23. Talking Heads
    
24. A* Teens
    
25. Cover Drive
    
26. The Band Perry
    
27. N-Dubz
    
28. Alcazar
    
29. ATC
    
30. Scandal'us
    

Till the next ensemble...

At Ease!!!

Best Hip-Hop/R&B/Rap Ballads of All Time

Attention!!!

The ascension of Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth's See You Again to the top of the charts in both the UK and the US shows that the era of hip-hop/r&b/rap ballads is not completely over. These songs are set apart from the average hip-hop/r&b/rap songs from the fact that there is a fixed structure for them, with the highly personalized rap verses accompanied by an even more emotional chorus mostly by a set of powerful haunting vocals by a featured artist. Eminem is the king of such ballads as his experiment with the structure by sampling the chorus of Dido's Thank You in Stan and featuring Dido herself in the song proved to be a massive commercial success which was also adored by the critics. His entrance to the sub-genre in the early 2000s laid the foundation for the monumental hits to come over the years which took on the form of hip-hop ballads. The female favorite to accompany Eminem on these ballads is Rihanna who has also proven herself as a vocal powerhouse with Jay-Z and Kanye West. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Tinie Tempah and B.o.B are also ardent fans of the hip-hop ballads releasing several throughout their career.

Love The Way You Lie by Eminem & Rihanna takes the crown with B.o.B ft. Hayley Williams' Airplanes takes second place. Interestingly at third place it is once again the king and queen with their hit The Monster. Eminem has the highest number of entries on the list with 7 with Rihanna and Tinie Tempah having 6 entries each. B.o.B, Bruno Mars, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Rita Ora, Nelly, Travie McCoy and the Black Eyed Peas all have several entries on the list. So here are the 50 Best Hip-Hop/R&B/Rap Ballads of All Time:

1. Eminem ft. Rihanna – Love the way you lie
2. B.o.B ft. Hayley Williams – Airplanes
3. Eminem ft. Rihanna – The monster
4. Black Eyed Peas – Where is the love?
5. Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys – Empire state of mind
6. Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland – Dilemma
7. Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – See you again
8. Tinie Tempah ft. Eric Turner – Written in the stars
9. Jay-Z ft. Rihanna & Kanye West – Run this town
10. T.I. ft. Rihanna – Live your life
11. Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande – Read all about it
12. Rita Ora ft. Tinie Tempah – R.I.P.
13. B.o.B. ft. Bruno Mars – Nothin’ on you
14. Eminem ft. Dido – Stan
15. Gym Class Heroes ft. Adam Levine – Stereo hearts
16. Nelly – Just a dream
17. Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars – Billionaire
18. Jay-Z ft. Justin Timberlake – Holy grail
19. Labrinth ft. Emeli Sande – Beneath your beautiful
20. T.I. ft. Justin Timberlake – Dead and gone
21. Iggy Azalea ft. Rita Ora – Black widow
22. Bad Meets Evil ft. Bruno Mars – Lighters
23. Lil Wayne ft. Bruno Mars – Mirror
24. Chipmunk ft. Chris Brown – Champion
25. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem & Skylar Grey – I need a doctor
26. Diddy-Dirty Money ft. Skylar Grey – Coming home
27. Black Eyed Peas – Meet me halfway
28. Alicia Keys ft. Nicki Minaj – Girl on fire
29. Tinchy Stryder ft. N-Dubz – Number 1
30. Kanye West ft. Rihanna – All of the lights
31. Keri Hilson ft. Kanye West & Ne-Yo – Knock you down
32. B.o.B ft. Taylor Swift – Both of us
33. Labrinth ft. Tinie Tempah – Earthquake
34. Tinchy Stryder ft. Amelle Berrabah – Never leave you
35. Tinie Tempah ft. John Martin – Children of the sun
36. Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna – Fly
37. Tinie Tempah ft. Ellie Goulding – Wonderman
38. Gym Class Heroes ft. Ryan Tedder – The fighter
39. Eminem ft. Sia – Guts over fear
40. Professor Green ft. Lily Allen – Just be good to green
41. Tinchy Stryder ft. Pixie Lott – Bright lights
42. Eminem ft. Lil Wayne – No love
43. Gym Class Heroes ft. Neon Hitch – Ass back home
44. Nicki Minaj – Girls fall like dominoes 
45. Sean Paul ft. Kelly Rowland – How deep is your love
46. Travie McCoy ft. Jason Mraz – Rough water
47. T.I. ft. Keri Hilson – Got your back
48. Eminem ft. Nate Ruess – Headlights
49. Eric Turner ft. Tinie Tempah & Lupe Fiasco – Angels and stars
50. Pitbull ft. Kelly Rowland & Jamie Drastik – Castle made of sand

Till the next ballad…

At Ease!!! 

Happiest Songs of All Time

Attention!!!

In the past I have covered the most inspirational songs of all time, the most upbeat songs of all time and now I have compiled the happiest songs of all time. These are the chirpiest songs, of course ones that have entered the mainstream and become extremely popular. I believe that music must necessarily uplift one's spirits. While the genre of music you listen to may depend on the mood you are in, at the end of the day music should be able to fill that gap in your soul. The following songs are not the most favorite of some as they are considered barfingly too happy for some people's tastes. However, their beats, lyrics and melodies are extremely bubbly and high-spirited. These cheerful songs are almost always about beautiful sunny days, feeling good, being young, and living care free. Almost all the songs belong to traditional pop with some elements of alternative rock. American Authors with their Best Day of My Life tops the list as the song was clearly made about just being happy. So here are the happiest songs of all time:

1. American Authors – Best day of my life
2. Imagine Dragons – On top of the world
3. Natasha Bedingfield – Pocketful of sunshine
4. Michael Buble – It’s a beautiful day
5. U2 – Beautiful day
6. Katrina and the Waves – Walkin’ on sunshine
7. Colbie Calliat – Brighter than the sun
8. Johnny Nash – I can see clearly now
9. Nathan Lane & Ernie Sabella – Hakuna matata (The Lion King: Original Soundtrack)
10. Pharrell Williams – Happy
11. Elton John – Crocodile rock
12. The Chiffons – One fine day
13. Sheryl Crow – Soak up the sun
14. The Carpenters – Top of the world
15. Hanson - MMMBop
16. Kid Rock – All summer long
17. Samuel E. Wright – Under the sea (The Little Mermaid: Original Soundtrack)
18. Fleetwood Mac – Go your own way
19. Savage Garden – The animal song
20. Snoop Dogg ft. Wiz Khalifa & Bruno Mars – Young, wild and free
21. Spice Girls – Never give up on the good times
22. Counting Crows – Accidentally in love
23. S Club 7 – Bring it all back
24. The Wonders – That thing you do
25. Smash Mouth – I’m a believer (Original by The Monkees)
26. Des’Ree – Life 
27. Sheryl Crow – All I wanna do
28. John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John – You’re the one that I want
29. Ace of Base – Life is a flower
30. Bobby McFerrin – Don’t worry be happy
31. Celine Dion – I’m alive
32. Rascall Flatts – Life is a highway (Original by Tom Cochrane)
33. Glee Cast – Light up the world
34. Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway
35. B.J. Thomas – Raindrops keep falling on my head
36. Taylor Swift – Shake it off
37. Robert Guillaume, Liz Callaway, Gene Miller & Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Upendi (Simba’s Pride: Original Soundtrack)
38. One Direction – Live while we’re young
39. Pink – Raise your glass
40. The Corrs – So young
41. The Beatles – Here comes the sun
42. Five – Keep on movin’
43. Hilary Duff – What dreams are made of
44. Whitney Houston – I wanna dance with somebody
45. Ellie Goulding – Burn
46. Michael Franti & the Spearhead ft. Cherine Anderson – Say hey (I love you)
47. Owl City ft. Carly Rae Jepsen – Good time
48. Train – Hey soul sister
49. Black Eyed Peas – I gotta feeling
50. Bruno Mars – The lazy song

Till the next beat…

At Ease!!!