Best Cover Songs of All Time

Attention!!!

Who really owns a song? Is it the singer? the writer? Or the producer? Well, I believe that it is the singer who owns the song and there is no doubt about it. However, there are songs which have been covered by certain artists and/or groups which have proved to be more successful than even the original. These artists and/or groups better the original composition and come out with their own version or a similar version with better vocals or music. Like this there have been many instances where the original artists and/or groups have been surpassed commercially as well as critically by subsequent artistes and/or groups that covered the song. Therefore, this is a list of the best of such songs which proved to be hits even though they are cover versions. The top 10 artistes and/or groups have bettered the original songs, and it is clear that through their version they can make a claim to the songs, though it may not be ownership, the songs are more popular under the subsequent artiste and/or group.

1. Dolly Parton - Whitney Houston – I will always love you
2. Bee Gees - Boyzone – Words
3. Cat Stevens - Sheryl Crow – The first cut is the deepest
4. Jennifer Rush - Celine Dion – The power of love
5. Fleetwood Mac - The Corrs – Dreams
6. Leonard Cohen - Alexandra Burke – Hallelujah
7. Vicki Sue Robinson - Glora Estefan – Turn the beat around
8. Ritchie Valens - Los Lobos – La Bamba
9. The Jackson 5 - Mariah Carey – I’ll be there
10. Neil Diamond - UB40 – Red red wine
11. Toni Braxton - Il Divo – Unbreak my heart/Regresa a mi
12. Bob Dylan - Guns N’ Roses – Knockin’ on heaven’s door
13. Journey - Glee Cast – Don't stop believin'
14. Lee Hazelwood ft. Nancy Sinatra - Ville Valo ft. Natalia Avelon – Summer wine
15. Phil Collins - Mariah Carey ft. Westlife – Against all odds
16. Labelle - Pink, Christina Aguilera, Mya & Lil Kim – Lady Marmalade
17. Roberta Flack - The Fugees – Killing me softly
18. Ednaswap - Natalie Imbruglia – Torn
19. Kingston Trio - Westlife – Seasons in the sun
20. Tarkan - Holly Valance – Simarik/Kiss Kiss
21. Frank Sinatra ft. Nancy Sinatra - Robbie Williams ft. Nicole Kidman – Something stupid
22. Talk Talk - No Doubt – It’s my life
23. Phil Collins - Brandy – Another day in paradise
24. The Bangles - Human Nature – Eternal flame
25. Celine Dion – Meatloaf ft. Marion Raven – It’s all coming back to me now
26. Tears for Fears - Adam Lambert – Mad world
27. Creedance Clearwater Revival - Rod Stewart – Have you ever seen the rain
28. The Drifters - Michael Buble – Save the last dance for me
29. Queen - Brittany Murphy – Somebody to love
30. Righteous Brothers - Gareth Gates – Unchained melody
31. Damien Rice - Little Mix – Cannonball
32. Ryan Adams - The Corrs ft. Bono – When the stars go blue
33. The Calling - Charlene Sorai – Wherever you will go
34. Eternal - Monica – Angel of mine
35. Billy Joel - Westlife – Uptown girl
36. Traci Chapman - Boyzone – Baby, can I hold you
37. Sarah Brightman ft. Antonio Banderas - Nightwish – Phantom of the opera
38. Bee Gees - Steps – Tragedy
39. Savage Garden - Cascada – Truly madly deeply
40. Hot Chocolate - Clocks – You sexy thing
41. Bryan Adams - DJ Sammy – Heaven
42. Elvis Presley - A*Teens – Can’t help falling in love
43. USA for Africa - Artists for Haiti – We are the world
44. Crowded House - Six Pence None the Richer – Don’t dream its over
45. Dean Martin – Pussycat Dolls – Sway
46. Foreigner - Mariah Carey – I wanna know what love is
47. Bananarama - Ace of Base – Cruel summer
48. 3^rd Party - Jennifer Lopez – Waiting for tonight
49. ABBA - Westlife – I have a dream
50. John Denver - Olivia Newton John – Take me home country roads
51. Blondie - Atomic Kitten – Tide is high
52. Joni Mitchell - Counting Crows ft. Vanessa Carlton – Big yellow taxi
53. Don Mclean - Madonna – American Pie
54. Gloria Jones - Soft Cell – Tainted love
55. The Left Banke - Vonda Shepard – Walk away Renee
56. Miley Cyrus - Joe McElderry – The climb
57. Madonna - We are the fallen – Like a prayer
58. ABBA - A*Teens – Mamma mia
59. Ben E. King - 4 the Cause – Stand by me
60. The Pretenders - Gina Glockson – I’ll stand by you
61. Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey - Leon Jackson – When you believe
62. The Beatles - Ferry Aid – Let it be
63. A.R. Rahman - Pussycat Dolls – Jai ho
64. Madonna - Kelly Osbourne – Papa don’t preach
65. Shontelle - James Arthur – Impossible
66. The Walkers - Vengaboys – Shalala la
67. Daughtry - Westlife – What about now
68. Redbone - Real McCoy – Come and get your love
69. R.E.M. - Helping Haiti – Everybody hurts
70. U2 - Lee Dewzye – Beautiful day
71. Weather Girls - Geri Halliwell – It’s raining men
72. Jim Henson - Dixie Chicks – Rainbow connection
73. Steve Miller Band – R.I.O. – Serenade
74. Westlife - Will Young – Evergreen
75. Rascal Flatts - Cascada – What hurts the most
76. Fleetwood Mac - Lissie – Go your own way
77. Westlife - Ruben Studdard – Flying without wings
78. Linkin Park - Lori Lee – Numb
79. Metallica - Lissie – Nothing else matters
80. Robert Knight - Cast of Casualty – Everlasting love
81. Journey - Mariah Carey – Open Arms
82. The Moody Blues - Il Divo – Nights in white satin
83. Heidi Montag - Lady Gaga – Fashion
84. Ke$ha - Girls’ Generation – Run devil run
85. Jonathan King - Vonda Shepard – Hooked on a feeling
86. Duran Duran - Aurora – Ordinary world
87. K’Naan - Young Artists for Haiti – Wavin’ flag
88. Heart - Celine Dion – Alone
89. Steve Miller Band - Sugar Ray – Abracadabra
90. Duffy - OneRepublic – Mercy
91. Exile - No Mercy – Kiss you all over
92. Lolly - B*Witched – Mickey
93. Guns N’ Roses - Sheryl Crow – Sweet child of mine
94. Bon Jovi - Blake Lewis – You give love a bad name
95. Madonna - Hilary Duff & Haylie Duff – Material girls  
96. Elton John & Kiki Dee - Anne Hathaway & Jesse McCartney – Don’t go breaking my heart
97. Gypsy Kings - Vitamin C – Volare
98. Belinda Carlisle - Otherview – La luna
99. Christina Aguilera - Speedway – Genie in a bottle
100. Donna Summer  - Pussycat Dolls – Hot stuff

Till the next ensemble…

At Ease!!!

Most Inspirational Songs of All Time

Attention!!!

Inspiration is derived from various things, among which is music. Most of these songs are upbeat and the lyrical content and the beat are also uplifting as well as inspirational speaking to the heart and soul of the listener. Inspirational songs are not a new concept and most often than not they are commercially and critically successful, which goes to show that we as human beings are drawn to positive things. Therefore, this is a list I compiled, which I believe are the most inspirational songs of all time. 

1. 25 for Haiti – We are the world (Original by USA for Africa)
2. John Lennon – Imagine
3. Kelly Clarkson – A moment like this
4. Journey – Don’t stop believing
5. R. Kelly – I believe I can fly
6. Bon Jovi – It’s my life
7. Queen – We are the champions
8. Gloria Estefan – Reach
9. David Guetta ft. Sia – Titanium
10. Michael Jackson – Heal the world
11. Rachel Platten – Fight song 
12. ABBA – I have a dream
13. Michael Bolton – Go the distance
14. Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey – When you believe
15. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Parcel – Ain’t no mountain high enough
16. Miley Cyrus – The climb
17. Kris Allen – No boundaries
18. Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What doesn’t kill you)
19. Taylor Swift – Shake it off
20. Eminem ft. Sia – Guts over fear 
21. Creedance Clearwater Revival – Have you ever seen the rain
22. Israel Kimakawiwo – Somewhere over the rainbow (Original by Judy Garland)
23. Josh Groban – You raise me up (Original by Secret Garden)
24. U2 – Beautiful Day
25. Natasha Bedingfield – Pocketful of sunshine 
26. Idina Menzel – Let it go 
27. Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway
28. Kevin Rudolf ft. Birdman, Jay Sean & Lil Wayne – I made it
29. Eminem – Til’ I collapse
30. David Cook – The time of my life
31. Spice Girls – Never give up on the good times
32. Script ft. Will.I.Am – Hall of fame
33. Imagine Dragons – On top of the world 
34. Vonda Shepard – Searchin' my soul
35. Avril Lavigne – Keep holding on
36. S Club 7 – Bring it all back
37. Aria Clemente – Climb every mountain (Original from The Sound of Music)
38. Pink – Try
39. Sara Bareilles – Brave 
40. Vangelis – Chariots of fire
41. Il Divo ft. Tony Braxton – Time of our lives
42. Måns Zelmerlöw – Heroes 
43. Sia – Chandelier 
44. Celine Dion – The power of the dream
45. Mariah Carey ft. Westlife – Against all odds (Original by Phil Collins)
46. Glee Cast – Light up the world
47. Westlife – I’ll be there (Original by Jackson 5)
48. The Pretenders – I’ll stand by you
49. Demi Lovato – Skyscraper
50. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Three little birds 
51. Tinie Tempah ft. Eric Turner – Written in the stars
52. Katrina and the Waves – Walking on sunshine 
53. Nelly – Heart of a Champion
54. Jordin Sparks – This is my now
55. OneRepublic – Counting stars
56. Ellie Goulding – Burn  
57. Shawn Colvin – Hold on to the good things
58. Ryan Star – Brand new day
59. Katy Perry – Roar 
60. Ben Haenow – Something I need (Original by OneRepublic) 
61. Cyndi Lauper – True colors 
62. Rachel Platten – Stand by you 
63. Celine Dion – I’m alive
64. Nickelback – If today was your last day
65. Vanessa Williams – Colours of the wind
66. The Script – Superheroes 
67. Fleetwood Mac – Go your own way
68. Peter Cetera – Glory of love
69. Christian Aguilera – Beautiful
70. Michael Bolton – Lean on me (Original by Bill Withers)
71. Avicii ft. Aloe Blocc – Wake me up 
72. Jess Glynne – Hold my hand 
73. Chipmunk ft. Chris Brown – Champion
74. Kendrick Lamar – Alright 
75. Hilary Duff – Someone’s watching over me
76. Miley Cyrus – We can't stop 
77. Michael Jackson – You are not alone
78. Survivor – Eye of the tiger
79. Little Mix – Cannonball (Original by Damien Rice)
80. Il Divo ft. Celine Dion – I believe in you
81. Westlife – Flying without wings
82. Fall Out Boy – Immortals 
83. Take That – Rule the world
84. Mariah Carey – Hero
85. Shayne Ward – That’s my goal
86. Bond – Victory
87. Coldplay – Viva la vida
88. K’Naan – Wavin’ flag
89. Demi Lovato – Confident 
90. Myra – Miracles happen
91. Jessie J – Flashlight 
92. Hanson – I will come to you
93. Whitney Houston – Greatest love of all
94. Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin – Don't you worry child 
95. Katy Perry – Fireworks
96. Louis Armstrong – What a wonderful world
97. Yolanda Adams – I believe
98. Celine Dion – A new day has come
99. Clay Aiken – This is the night
100. S Club 7 – Reach
101. fun. – Carry on 
102. Fantasia – I believe
103. Donna Summer – The power of one
104. Raven – This is my time
105. Ella Henderson – Glow 
106. Rascal Flatts – Unstoppable
107. Carrie Underwood – Jesus take the wheel
108. Eminem – Not afraid
109. Kris Allen – Live like you were dying
110. Glee Cast – Loser like me
111. One Direction – Drag me down 
112. Yves Larock – Rise up
113. Hilary Duff – What dreams are made of
114. Eminem ft. Gwen Stefani – Kings never die 
115. Martin Garrix ft. Usher – Don't look down 
116. New Radicals – You get what you give
117. Chumbawumba – Tubthumping
118. Kelly Clarkson – People like us 
119. Mandy Moore – Only hope
120. Celine Dion – Taking chances
121. Jess Glynne – Don't be so hard on yourself 
122. Foxes – Let go for tonight 
123. Alesso ft. Tove Lo – Heroes (we could be) 
124. Shaggy – Hope
125. Big Sean ft. Kanye West & John Legend – One man can change the world 
126. England United – (How does it feel to be) On top of the world?
127. Mike Candys ft. Sandra Wild – Sunshine (Fly so high)
128. Rascal Flatts – Stand
129. Des’Ree – You gotta be
130. Christina Aguilera – We’re a miracle
131. Havanna Brown – Warrior 
132. Leann Rimes – Life goes on
133. ABBA – Winner takes it all
134. Meghan Trainor – Better when I'm dancin' 
135. Sarah Brightman – Shall be done
136. Imagine Dragons – Warriors 
137. Hailee Steinfeld – Love myself 
138. American Authors – Best day of my life 
139. Jessie J – Masterpiece 
140. Avicii – The days 
141. Jennifer Lopez – Feel the light 
142. Krewella – Live for the night 
143. The Wanted – We own the night 
144. Clean Bandit – Stronger
145. Kelly Clarkson – Invincible 
146. Tinie Tempah ft. Ella Eyre – Someday (a place in the sun)
147. Fall Out Boy – Centuries 
148. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton – Can't hold us
149. Colbie Caillat – Try 
150. Pharrell Williams – Happy 

Til the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Best Breakup Songs of All Time

Attention!!!

Breakups can be hard. They can also be extremely depressing, infuriating and tedious. Therefore, be it rock, pop or hip-hop some artists and bands have come up with some awesome hits to deal with these varying emotions. You have the best of the best like Adele, Boys II Men, Linkin Park and Evanescence singing such songs and you get some not so great artists and bands as well. Some are petty, some are bitter and some express a significant proportion of misery. The queens of breakup such as Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift and Adele have several entries on the list but however it is the modern rock anthem I Hate Everything About You by Three Days Grace followed by Puddle of Mudd's She Hates Me. All in all, this list is composed of the 100 of the all time best breakup songs. Hope you enjoy these songs depending on which stage you are in after you're breakup. 

1. Three Days Grace – I hate everything about you
2. Puddle of Mudd – She hates me
3. Kelly Clarkson – Since u been gone
4. Ugly Kid Joe – Everything about you
5. All American Rejects – Gives you hell
6. Taylor Swift – I knew you were trouble
7. Adele – Rolling in the deep
8. Linkin Park – In the end
9. Cee Lo Green – Fuck you
10. Gloria Gaynor – I will survive
11. Lily Allen – Fuck you
12. Fleetwood Mac – Go your own way
13. Anastacia – I'm outta love 
14. Justin Timberlake – Cry me a river
15. Alanis Morissette – You oughta know 
16. Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea – Problem 
17. Dolly Parton – I will always love you
18. Gotye ft. Kimbra – Somebody that I used to know
19. Cher – Believe 
20. Shontelle – Impossible
21. Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What doesn't kill you)
22. Adele – Someone like you
23. 3 Doors Down – Here without you
24. Evanescence – Going under
25. Hoobastank – The reason
26. Miley Cyrus – Wrecking ball
27. Toni Braxton – Un-break my heart
28. No Doubt – Don’t speak
29. Willie Nelson – Always on my mind
30. Britney Spears – Stronger
31. Bon Jovi – You give love a bad name
32. Lily Allen – Smile
33. Avril Lavigne ft. Chad Kroeger – Let me go
34. Daughtry – Over you
35. Natalie Imbruglia – Torn
36. Boys II Men – End of the road
37. Katy Perry – Part of me
38. Pink – So what
39. Ace of Base – Don’t turn around
40. Paramore – Ignorance
41. The Corrs – I never really loved you anyway
42. Justin Timberlake – What goes around… comes around
43. Nicole Scherzinger – Don’t hold your breath
44. Ariana Grande ft. Zedd – Break free 
45. Soft Cell – Tainted love
46. Fergie – Big girls don’t cry
47. N*SYNC – Bye, bye, bye
48. Evanescence – Call me when you’re sober
49. Taylor Swift – We are never ever getting back together
50. Nick Lachey – What’s left of me
51. JoJo – Too little too late
52. Destiny’s Child – Survivor
53. Sinead O’ Connor – Nothing compares 2 U
54. Michael Bolton – How am I supposed to live without you
55. La Roux – Bulletproof
56. Avril Lavigne – When you’re gone
57. Kelly Clarkson – Never again
58. Human League – Don’t you want me
59. Toby Keith – How do you like me now
60. Carrie Underwood – Before he cheats
61. Cher – Strong Enough
62. Maroon 5 ft. Wiz Khalifa – Payphone
63. Everything But The Girl – Missing
64. Bob Dylan – Don’t think twice, it’s all right
65. Enrique Iglesias ft. Ciara – Takin’ back my love
66. Pussycat Dolls – I don’t need a man
67. Alicia Keys – Karma
68. Backstreet Boys – Incomplete
69. Joss Stone – You had me
70. Plain White Ts – Hate (I really don’t like you)
71. Rihanna – Russian roulette
72. Eamon – Fuck it
73. Michelle Branch – Goodbye to you
74. Roy Orbison – In dreams
75. Beyonce – Best thing I never had
76. Christina Aguilera – Fighter
77. Kanye West – Heartless
78. Bon Jovi – Always
79. Ashley Tisdale – It’s alright, It’s OK
80. Blink 182 – Damnit
81. Roxette – It must have been love
82. Jojo – Leave (Get out)
83. September – Cry for you
84. Harry Nilsson – Without you
85. Selena Gomez – The heart wants what it wants
86. Lindsay Lohan – Over
87. Austin Mahone – What about love
88. Carly Rae Jepsen – Tonight I’m getting over you
89. Taylor Swift – Last kiss
90. Kristinia DeBarge – Goodbye
91. Avril Lavigne – Everything back but you
92. Gavin de Graw – Not over you
93. Natalie Imbruglia – Big mistake
94. Jazmine Sullivan – Bust your windows
95. Jessie James – I look so good (without you)
96. Bonnie Tyler – Total eclipse of the heart
97. Atomic Kitten – See ya
98. Beyonce – Irreplaceable
99. 2Gether – The hardest part of breaking up
100. Taylor Swift – Picture to burn

Til the next beat…

At Ease!!!

Xposition - October 2013

Attention!!!

October was also not such an eventful month. But still the hype was building up to the much anticipated 2013 YouTube Awards and 2013 American Music Awards. The nominations were announced for the the YouTube Awards and the hip-hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were nominated for 4 while PSY were nominated for 3 and Rihanna and Taylow Swift each nominated for 2. 

The nominees for the American Music Awards 2013 were also announced by Will.I.Am and Kelly Clarkson and once again Macklemore and Ryan Lewis lead the nominations with 6 while Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake each have been nominated for 5. Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, One Direction, Imagine Dragons and Florida Georgia Line are all to perform at the show. 

It was announced that Jonas Brothers the immensely successful US boy band is splitting up. The band cancelled their tour and announced that the members are going their separate ways due to creative differences. The band was to release their fifth studio album this year. 

Lou Reed, the guitarist, vocalist and principal songwriter of Velvet Underground and then as a solo artiste known for his hit Walk on the Wild Side died on 27th October 2013 aged 71. Many artists including Lenny Kravitz, Iggy Pop, David Bowie and Patti Smith paid tribute to Reed.

In a surprising turn of events for all Kanye West proposed to Kim Kardashian in San Francisco and an orchestra played while the center field scoreboard of the AT&T Park displayed the proposal "Please Marry Me". American sweetheart and the first winner of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson married music manager Brandon Blackstock at Blackberry Farms in Tennessee. 

The top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 is pretty much unsurprising as Miley Cyrus' Wrecking Ball was dethroned after the first week as Lorde's Royals climbed to No.1 as predicted and remained there for the rest of the month. The only new song into the top ten was Ylvis's The Fox which entered the top 10 and peaked at No.6. 

In the UK there has been major activity. OneRepublic's Counting Stars finally peaked in the first week of October after many weeks of spending in the top 3. However, Miley Cyrus' Wrecking Ball smashed its way through as both her single and her album Bangerz debuted at No.1 in the UK, which is no easy feat. Counting Stars did manage to reclaim the top spot but this was short-lived as Lorde's Royals too debuted at No.1 in the last week. Eminem's Berzerk debuted at No.2 but it failed to match up against the giants that kept debuting at No.1. 

In the US Albums chart Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience (2 of 2) and Pearl Jam's Lightning Bolt all peaked while John Newman's Tribute and Haim's Days are Gone peaked in the UK while Katy Perry's Prism and Miley Cyrus' Bangerz peaked both in the US and UK.

Some of the other songs worth checking out which came out in October are:

1. The Vamps - Can we dance
2. The Saturdays - Disco love
3. James Blunt - Bonfire heart
4. John Newman - Cheating
5. Lawson - Juliet
6. Eminem - Rap God
7. Iggy Azalea ft. T.I. - Change your life
8. James Arthur - You're nobody 'til somebody loves you

Till the next chord…

At Ease!!!

Psy vs. Brown Eyed Girls - Gentleman/Abracadabra

Attention!!!

I just thought homage should be paid to the girls that inspired the arrogant dance on the video of Gentleman. For your information, the lead singer of the Brown Eyed Girls is the girl in the video of Gentleman. Enjoy. 

At Ease!!!

Most Upbeat Songs of All Time

Attention!!!

We all like to be cheerful and feel good and what better way to do that than uplift your spirits by listening to music. Music is definitely a window to your soul. The genre of music one listens to speaks volumes of what type of a person he/she is. Although sometimes there are those like me who listen to particular genres depending on what mood they are in. This is a list of 100 of the most upbeat songs which gets you going, although some of them I have to admit are down right pukishly peppy and annoying:

1. Katrina & The Waves – Walkin' on Sunshine
2. Counting Crows – Accidentally in love
3. Glee Cast – Don’t stop believing (Original by Journey)
4. Fleetwood Mac – Go your own way
5. Spice Girls – Never give up on the good times
6. Savage Garden – Animal Song
7. Black Eyed Peas – I gotta feeling
8. S Club 7 – Bring it all back
9. Natasha Bedingfield – Pocketful of sunshine
10. The Chiffons – One fine day
11. Ellie Goulding – Lights
12. Johnny Nash – I can see clearly now
13. Rembrandts – I’ll be there for you
14. Smash Mouth – All star
15. Colbie Caillat – Brighter than the sun
16. U2 – Beautiful day
17. Daniel Powter – Bad day
18. Celine Dion – I’m alive
19. Miley Cyrus & John Travolta – I thought I’d lost you
20. Smash Mouth – I’m a believer
21. Sheryl Crow – Soak up the sun
22. Hanson – MMMbop
23. The Lion King Original Soundtrack – Hakuna Matata
24. Michael Buble – It’s a beautiful day
25. Rascall Flatts – Life is a highway
26. Glee Cast – Light up the world
27. Avril Lavigne – Things I’ll never say
28. New Radicals – You get what you give
29. Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway
30. Bruno Mars – The lazy song
31. S Club 7 – Reach
32. Hilary Duff – What dreams are made of
33. The Wonders – That thing you do
34. Vonda Shepard – Searchin’ my soul
35. Eternal – I wanna be the only one
36. Westlife – World of our own
37. LMNT – You’re the one
38. The Corrs – Breathless
39. One Direction – Live while we’re young
40. BWitched – C’est la vie
41. Third Eye Blind – Semi Charmed Life
42. Ace of Base – Life is a flower
43. 98 Degrees – True to your heart
44. Pink – Raise your glass
45. Spin Doctors – Two princes
46. Owl City ft. Carly Rae Jepsen – Good time
47. Bruce Springsteen – Sherry Darling
48. Boyzone – Picture of you
49. Myra – Miracles happen
50. Elton John – Crocodile rock
51. Bobby McFerrin – Don’t worry be happy
52. Eddy Grant – Gimme hope Joanna
53. Michael Franti – Say Hey! I love you
54. The Little Mermaid Original Soundtrack – Under the sea
55. Will Young – Try Again
56. Billy Joel – Uptown girl
57. The Corrs – So young
58. Westlife – Bop Bop Baby
59. Smash Mouth – Walkin’ in the sun
60. KT Tunstall – Suddenly I see
61. Wes – Alane
62. Carly Rae Jepsen – Call me maybe
63. Shawn Colvin – Hold onto the good things
64. Michael Buble – Haven’t met you yet
65. Shaggy – Summertime
66. James Brown – I got you (I feel good)
67. Elvis Presley – Burning love
    
68. Train – Hey! Soul sister
69. Randy Newman – There’s a party at my house
70. Sheryl Crow – All I wanna do
71. Emma Bunton – What took you so long
72. Glee Cast – Loser like me
73. Pink – Get the party started
74.  Lutricia McNeal – Someone loves you
75.  All American Rejects – Move along
76. Kool & the Gang – Celebration
77. M2M – Everything you do
78. Bond – Shine
79. Kid Rock – All summer long
80. The Carpenters – Top of the world
81. Lou Bega – Sweet like cola
82. Michael Learns To Rock  – Someday
83. Whitney Houston – I wanna dance with somebody
84. Des’Ree – Life
85. Luminate – Let my love open the door
86. Katy Perry – Teenage dream
87. Westlife – When you’re looking like that
88.  Chental Kreviazuk – This year
89. Elton John & Kiki Dee – Don’t go breaking my heart
90. Spice Girls – Do it
91. Avril Lavigne – Here’s to never growing up
92. Pink ft. Lily Allen – True love
93. Vanessa Amorossi – Absolutely Everybody
94. Billy Joel – The River of Dreams
95. Blink 182 – All the small things
96. Jessie J – Domino
97. Mika – Grace Kelly
98. Barry White – You’re my first, my last, my everything
99. One Direction – One way or another (Teenage Kicks)
100.       Snoop Dogg – Young, Wild and Free

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Utlimate Hits of the 80s

Attention!!!

Well, we all love the 80s, some consider it as their favorite decade of songs, although for me I prefer the 90s as I grew up to the likes of pop and alternative rock. The 80s were an awesome decade with the King and Queen of Pop - Michael Jackson and Madonna reigning supreme in the charts throughout the decade. We see alternative rock gaining momentum but only a few bands actually had success. Disco was dying and paving the way for the era of eurodance which gained immense popularity in the early 90s. Some of the greatest artistes and bands of all time came out with their best songs during this time. Dance music was clearly the favorites on the charts, together with major collaborations done by Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Kylie Minogue, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder and even Sir Paul McCartney. 

This list is a compilation of the greatest hits released between 1980-1989 by different artistes and bands with the exception of certain artistes who collaborated on duets during this period. I have deliberately excluded other double entries for the sole reason that if that is done then artistes like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston will receive many entries and the same will go for bands such as the Culture Club and Queen which would lead to other major artistes and bands who were popular at the time or a particular famous song at the time to be excluded. Therefore, painstakingly I have had to research and find out the best song released by these artistes and bands who were popular at the time. 

Thus, these are the Ultimate Hits of the 80s based on chart performance worldwide as well as accolades received.

1. Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
2. Madonna – Like a prayer
3. Culture Club – Karma chameleon
4. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes
5. Stevie Wonder – I just called to say I love you
6. Whitney Houston – I wanna dance with somebody
7. George Michael – Careless whisper
8. Survivor – Eye of the Tiger
9. Berlin – Take my breath away
10. Lionel Richie – Hello
11. Belinda Carlisle – Heaven is a place on earth
12. Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a prayer
13. Olivia Newton John - Physical
14. Human League – Don’t you want me
15. Bonnie Tyler – Total eclipse of the heart
16. Wham! – Wake me up before you go-go
17. USA for Africa – We are the world
18. Irene Cara – Flashdance…What a Feeling
19. A-ha – Take on me
20. Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax
21. The Police – Every breath you take
22. Barbra Streisand – Woman in love
23. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts – I love rock n’ roll
24. Foreigner – I want to know what love is
25. Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – Endless love
26. Los Lobos – La Bamba
27. Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls
28. Men at Work – Down under
29. Lipps Inc. – Funkytown
30. Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton – Islands in the stream
31. Kylie Minogue – Locomotion
32. Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – Ebony and Ivory
33. Falco – Rock me Amadeus
34. Tina Turner – What’s love got to do with it
35. Prince – Kiss
36. Queen – Another one bites the dust
37. Guns N’ Roses – Sweet child of mine
38. Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes – Up where we belong
39. Heart – Alone
40. Steve Miller Band – Abracadabra
41. Aretha Franklin & George Michael – I knew you were waiting (for me)
42. Musical Youth – Pass the Dutchie
43. Elton John – Nikita
44. Soft Cell – Tainted love
45. Kenny Rogers – Lady
46. Billy Joel – Uptown Girl
47. New Order – Blue Monday
48. Cyndi Lauper – Girls just want to have fun
49. The J. Geils Band – Centerfold
50. Ray Parker Jr. – Ghostbusters
51. Europe – The final countdown
52. Jennifer Rush – The power of love
53. Blondie – Tide is high
54. Spandau Ballet – True
55. Dione Warwick – That’s what friends are for
56. Rick Astley – Never gonna give you up
57. Peter Gabriel – Sledgehammer
58. Bananarama – Venus
59. Roxette – It must have been love
60. Toto – Africa
61. REO Speedwagon – Keep on loving you
62. Dexys Midnight Runner – Come on Eileen
63. Black Box – Ride on time
64. Bryan Adams – Heaven
65. Bette Midler – Wind beneath my wings
66. Kim Wilde – Cambodia
67. Kool & the Gang – Celebration
68. Phil Collins – Against the odds
69. Lisa Stansfield – All around the world
70. Kenny Loggins – Footloose
71. Chris de Burgh – Lady in Red
72. David Bowie – Let’s dance
73. Electric Light Orchestra & Olivia Newton John – Xanadu
74. Air Supply – All out of love
75. Kaoma – Lambada
76. Journey – Don’t stop believing
77. Billy Ocean – When the going gets tough
78. Bruce Springsteen – Dancing in the dark
79. Bob Marley – Could you be loved
80. Adam Ant – Stand and deliver
81. Baltimora – Tarzan boy
82. Modern Talking – You’re my heart, you’re my soul
83. Shakin’ Stevens – Oh Julie
84. Paula Abdul – Opposites attract
85. Tiffany – I think we’re alone now
86. Starship – Nothing’s gonna stop us
87. The Beach Boys – Kokomo
88. Milli Vanilli – Girl you know it’s true
89. Katrina and the Waves – Walkin on sunshine
90. Bobby McFerrin – Don’t worry be happy
91. Steve Winwood – Higher love
92. Chicago – Hard to say I’m sorry
93. Mr.Mister – Broken Wings
94. The Jam – Town called malice
95. Linda Ronstadt ft. Aaron Neville – Don’t know much
96. Soul II Soul – Back to life (However do you want me)
97. Salt N’ Pepa – Push it
98. Laura Branigan – Gloria
99. Bee Gees – You win again
100. ABBA – Super Trouper
101. Simple Minds – Don’t you forget about me
102. Jan Hammer – Miami Vice Theme
103. Tight Fit – The Lions sleeps tonight
104. John Lennon – Just like starting over
105. Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers – Swing the mood
106. The Bangles – Eternal Flame
107. Cher – If I could turn back time
108. Technotronic – Pump up the jam
109. Paul Hardcastle – 19
110. Samantha Fox – Touch me (I want your body)
111. UB40 – Red red wine
112. Dead or Alive – You spin me around
113. Whitesnake – Here I go again 87
114. Fine Young Cannibals – She’s drives me crazy
115. Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan – Especially for you
116. Dolly Parton – 9 to 5
117. Richard Marx – Right here waiting
118. The Smiths – How soon is now
119. Peter Cetera – Glory of love
120. Neil Diamond – Love on the rocks
121. Styx – Mr. Roboto
122. Wet Wet Wet – Angel Eyes
123. U2 – Desire
124. Jason Donovan – Sealed with a kiss
125. Bobby Brown – My prerogative
126. Pretenders – Brass in pocket
127. Miami Sound Machine – Anything for you
128. Aerosmith – Love in an elevator
129. Daryl Hall & John Oates – Maneater
130. Madness – Our House
131. New Kids on the Block – Hangin’ tough
132. Anita Baker – Sweet love
133. Eurythmics – Sweet dreams
134. Glenn Medeiros – Nothing’s gonna change my love
135. Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack – Tonight, I celebrate my love
136. Van Halen – Jump
137. Marvin Gaye – Sexual Healing
138. Duran Duran – The Reflex
139. Taylor Dayne – Tell it to my heart
140. Joy Division – Love will tear us apart
141. Run DMC – Walk this way
142. Level 42 – Lessons in love
143. Boston – Amanda
144. Janet Jackson – What have you done for me lately
145. Donna Summer – This time I know its for real
146. Enya – Orinoco flow
147. Robin Beck – First time
148. Traci Chapman – Fast car
149. Gypsy Kings – Volare
150. Earth, Wind and Fire – Let’s groove
151. The Cure – Lovesong
152. INXS – Need you tonight
153. Fleetwood Mac – Little lies
154. Tears for Fears – Shout
155. Michael Bolton – How am I supposed to live without you
156. Pat Benatar – Love is a battlefield
157. Ottawan – D.I.S.C.O
158. Rod Stewart – Baby Jane
159. Nena – 99 Luft balloons
160. Don Henley – The boys of summer
161. The Weather Girls – It’s raining men
162. Sister Sledge – Frankie
163. Chaka Khan – I feel for you
164. Christopher Cross – Arthur’s Theme (Best that you can do)
165. Poison – Every rose has its thorn
166. Paul Young – Everytime you go away
167. Debbie Gibson – Foolish beat
168. The Rolling Stones – Start me up
169. Kajagoogoo – Too shy
170. Slade – My oh my
171. KC and the Sunshine Band – Give it up
172. Gloria Estefan – Don’t wanna lose you
173. Depeche Mode – People are people
174. Commodores – Nightshift
175. The Communards – Don’t leave me this way
176. Paul Simon – Late in the evening
177. James Ingram & Linda Ronstadt – Somewhere out there
178. Philip Bailey and Phil Collins – Easy lover
179. Dire Straits – Money for nothing
180. Captain & Tennille – Do that to me one more time
181. R.E.M – The one I love
182. Roy Orbison – You got it
183. Billy Idol – Eyes without a face
184. Elaine Page and Barbara Dickson – I know him so well
185. John Cougar – Jack and Diane
186. Renne and Renato – Save your love
187. Kelly Marie – Feels like I’m in love
188. Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up
189. Goombay Dance Band – Seven tears
190. The Flying Pickets – Only you
191. Smokey Robinson – Being with you
192. Doctor and the Medics – Spirit in the sky
193. Boris Gardiner – I want to wake up with you
194. T’Pau – China in your hand
195. Yazz and the Plastic Population – The only way is up
196. Marc Almond ft. Gene Pitney – Something’s gotten hold of my heart
197. Mike and the Mechanics – The living years
198. Sade – Smooth operator
199. Alphaville – Big in Japan
200. The Specials – Ghost town

Til the next beat…

At Ease!!!

Xposition - September 2013

Attention!!!

September although not as eventful as August did witness the inauguration of the much anticipated TomorrowWorld which is an American spin-off of Tomorrowland and its sister festival held from 27-29 September in Atalanta. It was an immense success with a strong lineup of renowned DJs including Armin Van Buuren, David Guetta, Tiesto, Axwell and Afrojack. 

Miley Cyrus stunned everybody at the VMAs in August when her twerking with Robin Thicke went viral, but this was nothing compared to the shocks and heart attacks her fans and critics received when the video of her new song Wrecking Ball premiered. The video depicts her swinging stark naked on a wrecking ball and even licking sledgehammers and what not. However, she broke the record for the highest number of views of a video on YouTube in 24 hours. 

As predicted Katy Perry's Roar dethroned Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines and held on for two weeks before being overthrown by Miley Cyrus' Wrecking Ball. She too held on for two weeks. Lorde's Royals has been at No. 3 for over two weeks struggling behind Cyrus and Perry, the popularity of the single may yet surprise everyone if it proves to dethrone these giants. In the UK Roar debuted at No.1 and it was Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz that managed to surpass it. OneRepublic's Counting Stars continue to struggle at No.2 and has been in the top 3 for the whole month. Other than that there has been no significant movement on either charts except for maybe Drake's Hold On We're Going Home which has also been in the top 10 for the whole month. 

Eminem's new song Berzerk takes us back to why we loved the white rapper in the first place. The song although failed to peak in the US debuted at No.3 and garnered critical acclaim. Britney Spears' Work Bitch with its provocative video entered the US charts at No.12. The song reminisces a combination of her hits Hold It Against Me and I'm A Slave 4 U. It will probably enter the Top 10 in October but there is doubt as to its potential as a No.1. While Berzerk and Wrecking Ball are to be released in the UK in October Work Bitch is to be released in the UK in November. 

Other songs that were released that are of any significance in the UK or the US in the past month are: 

1. Jessie J - It's My Party

2. Avicii - You Make Me

3. Rizzle Kicks - Lost Generation

4. The Fox - Ylvis

5. Mike WiLL Made-It ft. Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa & Juicy J - 23

6. Robin Thicke ft. Kendrick Lamar - Give It 2 U

Drake's third studio album Nothing Was the Same debuted at No.1 on the US Billboard 200 and debuted at No.2 on the UK Albums Chart on the last week of September making it the highest first week sales for a hip hop album since Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV in 2011. However, October will prove fatal for those attempting to go up against the debut of what many are calling the album of the year - Bangerz by Miley Cyrus.

At Ease!!!

Greatest Eurodance Hits of All Time

Attention!!!

Eurodance is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the late 80s, primarily in Europe. With the decline of Disco, dance music leaned more towards Eurodance since Rock music was also entering the mainstream. Eurodance reached its peak in the early 90s but gradually faded away due to the more advanced Techno and House music which gained ground. This genre is heavily influenced by the utilization of rich melodic vocals either exclusively by itself or sometimes with rapped verses. The songs and beats are usually very positive and upbeat and almost always in English regardless of the artiste's nationalities, although sometimes words and phrases from other languages have been used. Even though the genre of Eurodance has virtually ceased to exist, its elements can be seen in Dance-pop and its sub-genres, Europop and Romanian Pop. Although artistes no longer produce under the genre the Eurodance hits are sampled in order to cater to the prevalent taste. Painstakingly, I have compiled this list of the 100 Greatest Eurodance Songs. If you are a 90s fan you will definitely know most of these songs, but if you don't I urge you to check out and listen to the rest and update yourself on the Eurodance era.

1. Snap! – Rhythm is a dancer
2. Real McCoy – Another night
3. Haddaway – What is love
4. Eiffel 65 – Blue (Da, Ba, Dee)
5. Technotronic – Pump up the jam
6. Aqua – Barbie girl
7. No Mercy – Where do you go
8. Gala – Freed from desire
9. Scatman John – Scatman
10. Cascada – Everytime we touch
11. Basshunter – Now you’re gone
12. Corona – The rhythm of the night
13. Snap! – The Power
14. Real McCoy – Runaway
15. Culture Beat – Mr. Vain
16. Whigfield – Saturday night
17. Mr. President – Coco jamboo
18. 2 Unlimited – No limit
19. Dr. Alban – It’s my life
20. Vengaboys – Boom, boom, boom, boom
21. Aqua – Doctor Jones
22. Ace of Base – Cruel Summer
23. Cappella – U got 2 let the music
24. Eiffel 65 – Move your body
25. La Bouche – Be my lover
26. ATC – Around the world (La, La, La, La, La)
27. 2 Unlimited – Get ready for this
28. Gina G – Ooh Aah… Just a little bit
29. Sash! – Ecuador
30. Alice Deejay – Better off alone
31. O-Zone – Dragostea din tei
32. DJ Bobi – Somebody dance with me
33. Rozella – Everybody’s free (to feel good)
34. Vengaboys – We like to party
35. Alexia – Uh la la la
36. Ace of Base – Beautiful life
37. Maxx – Get-a-way
38. Aqua – My oh my
39. Chilli ft. Carrapicho – Tic tic tac
40. T-Spoon – Sex on the beach
41. Amber – This is your night
42. Haddaway – Life
43. Sash! – Encore en fois
44. E-Rotic – Max don’t have sex with your ex
45. 2 Unlimited – Twilight zone
46. Twenty 4 Seven – Slave to the music
47. Gala – Let a boy cry
48. Corona – Baby baby
49. Aqua – Roses are red
50. E-Type – This is the way
51. Magic Affair – Omen III
52. Real McCoy – One more time
53. La Bouche – Sweet dreams
54. Double You – Please don’t go
55. Whigfield – Another day
56. Scatman John – Scatman’s world
57. DJ Bobo – Let the dream come true
58. Haddaway – Rock my heart
59. Captain Hollywood Project – More and more
60. 2 Unlimited – Tribal dance
61. Paradisio – Bailando
62. No Mercy – Please don’t go
63. Culture Beat – Got to get it
64. Corona – Try me out
65. Culture Beat – Anything
66. Dr. Alban – Sing hallelujah
67. E-Type – Campione 2000
68. Pandora – Don’t you know
69. Cappella – Move on baby
70. Alexia – Summer is crazy
71. E-Rotic – Fred come to the bed
72. DJ Bobo – Love is all around
73. Fun Factory – Take your chance
74. Le Click – Tonight is the night
75. ATC – My heart beats like a drum
76. Ice MC – Think about the way
77. Captain Jack – Captain Jack
78. Fun Factory – Close to you
79. E-Type – Here I go again
80. Koko – Open your eyes
81. Aqua – Lollipop
82. Vengaboys – Kiss (When the sun don’t shine)
83. Sash! – Mysterious times
84. 2 Brothers on the 4^th Floor – Never alone
85. Alice Deejay – Back in my life
86. DJ Bobo – Freedom
87. Le Click – Call me
88. 2 Unlimited – Let the beat control your body
89. Alexia – Me and you
90. Maxx – No more
91. Ice MC – Take away the colour
92. Mr. President – Up n’ away
93. T-Spoon – Tom’s party
94. Dr. Bombay – Calcutta (Taxi, taxi, taxi)
95. Masterboy – Feel the heat of the night
96. Gina G – Gimme some love
97. E-Type – Angels crying
98. E-Rotic – Sex on the phone
99. Pharao – I show you secrets
100. Centory – Point of no return

Til the next beat...

At Ease!!!