Welcome back to "Song Selectors" Last week, five songs were chosen by readers to be featured, and this week five new songs will be showcased. The genres we will be dipping into this week are rock, country, pop, hip-hop, and alternative. Without further adieu, here is the first song:
"Far Behind" - Candlebox
Recommended by: Mentalcow
Genre: Alternative Rock
Similar Artists: Stone Temple Pilots, Godsmack
When I think of a passionate song, I instantly think of "Far Behind". The pattern of the song's gradual incline to a loud, angry chorus from softer, less intense music remind me of what the song's lyrics speak of, which is, in a nutshell, regret of hurting someone. If you love hearing a story through the lyrics of a song or simply admire flawless guitar work, check this song out as soon as possible!
"It's a great song and always makes me want to cry," said Mentalcow. "It means a lot to me; I can relate to it and the song really hits home. I love everything about it from the angry vocals to the instruments; this song is packed with meaning."
"Blown Away" - Carrie Underwood
Recommended by: Lolmmk
Genre: Country
Similar Artists: Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert
Even from the start, "Blown Away" does not sound like your typical country song. A band consisting of a piano, guitar, drums, and chimes begins playing while Underwood adds in with her strong vocals. Impressive octave harmonies lead into each loud chorus, but the song becomes quieter once the harmonies and softer music return. The song ends on a strong note, however, when Underwood resumes singing and "blows everyone away" with her passionate voice and lyrics about a struggling family.
"I enjoy the instruments," said Lolmmk. "The lyrics also mean a lot and have a deep meaning."
"Late Night in Zion" - Matisyau
Recommended by: Maxim61
Genre: Alternative/Reggae
Similar Artists: Illegal Settlers
You do not need to be Jewish to enjoy Matisyau, a Jewish-Reggae artist's, work. The song has a relaxing reggae-like beat that plays throughout the song, and the climax of the song can be felt strongly if you listen to the words of the song, which describe a person's feelings of being just a man. The song is bound to make any listener feel relaxed, and is a great selection for lovers of Alternative music.
"I love everything about the song," said Maxim61. "From the lyrics to the beat, the song just gives off a good vibe."
"Where We Left Off" - Hunter Hayes
Recommended by: Rexyp1
Genre: Pop
Similar Artists: Lonestar
Though this song has a country flavor, "Where We Left Off" is mostly a pop song with strong vocals and continuous piano and drums. A guitar is also played for the majority of the song, and lovers of both country and pop will more than likely to enjoy this song and admire the artistic style of Hayes.
"I think the lyrics are just beautiful and I am in love with his voice," said Rexyp1. "I like Hunter's vocals, but I love the lyrics the most. When I first listened to the song, I thought of me and my best friend. I would do anything for him and whenever one of us is gone for a long period of time, the next time we get together, it is like that person who was gone never left. But once I watched the edited version of Act of Valor (great movie by the way-watch the edited version!), it made me think of all the soldiers leaving their loved ones behind to fight for our freedom."
"We Gonna Win" - Miri Ben Ari
Recommended by: Me
Genre: Hip-Hop
Similar Artists: Nuttin' But Stringz
I am not a huge fan of hip-hop, but "We Gonna Win" captured my attention the first time I heard it. At first, I thought it was a rap song because several minutes of the song consist of rapping (which, by the way, does not have questionable lyrics for younger audiences.) Then, as I was about to turn off the song, a long violin solo to the hip-hop beat began and pleasantly surprised me.
Ben Ari is an Israeli-born violin player who began performing classical music, but later teamed up with hip-hop artists around the world and played alongside them. If you are a lover of hip-hop, classical, or are simply intrigued by the odd blend of styles, I would recommend this song to you.
That's all for this week! If you are interested in sharing a song of your own, I welcome you to y-mail me your selection; I will use it in weeks to come! Hopefully you will be inspired to check out a few of these featured songs, and I invite you to join me next week when "Song Selectors" returns.
