My 5 Favorite Ellie Goulding Songs

Hello everyone and welcome to today's post. It's been a while since I wrote a post on music so for today I wanted to share with you all my top 5 Ellie Goulding songs. Before we get started can I just say that I think Ellie Goulding is one of the most talented singers in the music business. I mean, seriously, the notes she can hit is unbelievable. Plus her songs won't only make you dance, they'll make you think. I'm definitely a fan of hers and if you're reading this post I'm assuming you are too. She's got the kind of voice I could listen to all day.

So . . . grab a comfy seat, a cup of your favorite drink, and let's jump into Ellie's music >>>>

5. How Long Will I Love You - Halcyon Days

This will be the slowest song on the list but don't let that put you off. This song is beautiful, genuine, and heart-touching. Yes, it's your quintessential love song but who doesn't love them? When I heard this song for the first time all I could think was I wish I'd heard it before I gotten married because Denis and I would have definitely danced to it. Yeah, it's that kind of song - the kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

There's a vulnerability to Goulding's voice that I really like in this song and it's such a simple melody that you can't help but remember it.

Favorite Lyrics: "How long will I love you
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I may"

4. Burn - Halcyon Days

If you need a song to work out to this is definitely the song for you. For me, this song is my go-to when I need some motivation. The beat is fast-paced and the lyrics are so catchy I find myself singing them in my car. And yes, other drivers do look at me like I've lost my mind. But I just wave and keep on singing because this song is that good.

If you don't get pumped while listening to this song then you need to call it a day.

Favorite Lyrics: "Light it up, like we're the stars of the human race, human race"

3. We Can't Move to This - Delirium

To be honest, I'm not much of a dancer - meaning I'm not good at it. But even me, with my stiff moves and lack of rhythm can't help but get up and move when this song comes on. This song has such an awesome beat (especially the chorus) that you have to get up when you hear it. The first time I heard I pictured a party on the beach. This song would be perfect for something like that. Plus, it's got this independent woman message that a girl just can't deny.

Favorite Lyric:s "We can't move to this
We can't even talk, boy
We don't even kiss
You're not in love"

2. Army - Delirium

I read online that Ellie wrote this song for her best friend, Hannah, and her fans and I think it's a beautiful testament of their friendship. I like the simplicity of the song in the beginning and how it builds as the song continues. Ellie's vocal power shines through as the song progresses and by the end of it you feel like you can grab your best friend's hand and go take on the world.


Favorite Lyrics: "And yet you understand
Yeah like no one can
We both know what they say about us
But they don't stand a chance because"

1. On My Mind - Delirium

Where do I begin with this song? This is by far my favorite Ellie Goulding song so far and honestly, it's one of my favorite songs in general. I find everything about this song to be perfect - from the lyrics to the beat to the production of the song. It was produced by pop music geniuses, Max Martin and Ilya, and I that's one of the reason it's so catchy.

I love how Ellie repeats the lyrics over and over again and how certain phrases layer over the other ones. And while I know this song is about a one night stand that really messes with your head I can't help but sing along to it when I hear it. You can bet your last dollar that this song is on repeat on my phone.  

Favorite Lyrics: "Why I got you on my mind (you think you know somebody)"

So now that you know my favorite Ellie Goulding songs what's yours? Let me know in the comments and thanks for reading.

Until next time . . .

XOXO,

Nellie

Music Discovery: Gabrielle Aplin

If you like soft-hearted vocals and meaningful lyrics then you'll love Gabrielle Aplin. She's a British singer/songwriter with a lot to say. Her debut album's called "English Rain" and is available now on iTunes. She's got a coffeehouse sort of thing going on - laidback and mello. But her lyrics are clever and genuine. You can really tell the girl's writing and singing from the heart.

Her first single is called "Please Don't Say You Love Me" and let me just say I loved it. Here's a little sample:

"Just please don't say you love me,
'cause I might not say it back,
doesn't mean my heart stops skipping when you look at me like that.
There's no need to worry when you see just where we're at.
Just please don't say you love me, 'cause I might not say it back"

Cheeky, huh?

Well, even though she's been on the music scene a while in the UK and US, I'm just now discovering her and I recommend her to fans of Birdy and Christina Perri. So check her out. The link to her Youtube channel is below:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Gaberrz

Hope you enjoy!

Peace & Love,

Nellie

5 Best Albums of 2017

In 2017 the music world was flooded with a bunch of new music. From Willie Nelson to Taylor Swift it seemed everyone was releasing a new album last year. But from all the albums that hit the shelves and iTunes there were 5 that really stood out to me.

These are (in my opinion) the 5 Best Albums of 2017

"Harry Styles" by Harry Styles Released May 12, 2017

2017 was definitely the year of the One Direction boys. I mean, Harry, Liam, and Niall released singles last year - Harry and Niall even released albums. And I must say I was very impressed with Harry's album.

I felt like he was trying to channel a little bit of the early Beatles' sound with a dash of the rhythmic sound of 70s rock. You can hear this really well in songs like "Kiwi" and "Only Angel." To me, this album would be perfect to listen to while you're relaxing on the beach or going on a long drive. The song "Woman" has a young Elton John feel to it. The songs have a mello beat to them and at times I felt like I was listening to a Neil Young CD instead of the album of a former One Direction member. All in all, this is not an album to be overlooked.

My Favorite Songs: "Sweet Creature" and "Ever Since New York"

"Divide" Ed Sheeran Released March 3, 2017 

The next album on my list was a BIG surprise me - primarily because I'm not a Ed Sheeran fan - but the more I listened to it the more I found myself appreciating the phenomenon that is Ed Sheeran. There's something undeniably sweet about a guy singing a simple love song. Never underestimate a man with a guitar.

But don't get me wrong. This album is so much more than lovey-dovey guitar songs. Songs like "Galway Girl" and "Eraser" are perfect if you're looking for something upbeat but I personally love slow, breakup songs. I don't know why but I do and if you're like me and tend to gravitate toward sad songs definitely check out "Happier."

I find that Ed Sheeran has an appreciation for every day love and he's talented enough to write songs don't just sound good but are made of real substance. Plus, he can actually rap pretty decently for a British guy. Long story short - this is an album worth buying and worth listening to.

My Favorite Songs: "Perfect" and "Hearts Don't Break Around Here"

"Tell Me You Love Me" Demi Lovato Released September 29, 2017
Demi Lovato has always had an incredible voice. Even when she was on the Disney Channel I was impressed whenever she opened her mouth. But on her latest album she took her singing range to a whole new level.

On this album Demi showcased not only her ability to do amazing vocal runs and hit high notes - she showcased that she's no longer that little girl on Barney and the Disney Channel. She's a woman with something to say. The songs on this album had a little more soul and gospel influence to them than her previous work. And I found that even her dance numbers had more substance than what she's released before.

I guess I found her more believable this time when I heard her singing about heartbreak and lost love. Plus she hit some notes that were out of this world on "You Don't Do It For My Anymore." You can definitely tell that she's grown up and her music has transitioned with her. To me, the songs on this album were more about her life and less bubble gum pop - from dating in today's cell phone society ("Games") to falling for the wrong guy ("Daddy Issues", "Cry Baby"). Well done, Demi.

My Favorite Songs: "Daddy Issues" and "You Don't Do It For Me Anymore"

"Flicker" Niall Horan Released October 20, 2017

As I said earlier 2017 was definitely the year of the One Direction boys. Like Harry, Niall proved last year that he's so much more than just a boy band member - he's a true musician with something to say. And trust me, he's worth listening to.

When I first heard this album all I could think was "Coffee Shop." Each song gives us a little sneak peak in what kind of guy Niall really is. And it sounds like to me he's a simple guy who's experienced heartbreak and moving on in his life. Songs like "Is It Too Much to Ask" confirm this as well as "Paper Hearts." But he gives us a more hopeful side of love in songs like "Seeing Blind" and "Since We're Alone."

There were times Niall reminded me a young John Mayer with his guitar style and simple way of saying something really deep (just give "Flicker" a listen). All in all, I really enjoyed this album and I think it's perfect for you if you're looking for something easy-listening.

My Favorite Songs: "Seeing Blind" and "Is It Too Much to Ask"

"The Thrill of It All" Sam Smith Released November 3, 2017 

Ok, fso or me the best album of 2017 was by far Sam Smith's "The Thrill of It All." Truthfully, I think I could be a bit biased because I'm a major Sam Smith fan (I mean, come on, he could sing names out of the phonebook and I'd love every minute of it) but I found this album to be not only stocked full with talent but heartfelt songs with sincere lyrics. There's an honesty to Sam's voice (just listen to "Pray") and an openness that I really admire. The soul influence shines through in songs like "Burning" and "Too Good at Goodbye.

With Sam's first album I felt like we got a glimpse into who he is and what he's trying to say but with this one I feel like he let us into his heart. No one can sing a breakup song quite like Sam, whether he's the one getting dumped or doing the dumping. Either way it's music magic and worth every minute of listening to. Hands down, an awesome album.

My Favorite Songs: "Too Good at Goodbye" and "One Last Song"

So now that you know my favorite albums of 2017 it's time to share yours. Let me know in the comments what your favorites were >>>>>

Until next time,

XOXO,

Nellie

5 Christmas Songs that Always Get Me in the Season

So I was driving home the other day and one of my favorite Christmas songs came on the radio, "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" by the Jackson 5. And so for the 30 minute drive to our house I ceased the opportunity to sing the words at the top of my lungs. By the time I made it home I was in the Christmas mood, ready to put up the tree, and bake some cookies. Now, did I actually do any of that - nope - but I was definitely feeling the Christmas spirit.

That got me thinking: what other Christmas songs put me in the Christmas mood? And that's how this little list was born.

So, in honor of the Christmas festivities ahead here's the 5 Christmas Songs that Always Get Me in the Season >>>>>

Enjoy >>>>>>

 

5. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer

 

This song is one of my all time favorites. Every time it comes on the radio Denis and I sing it word for word. We both just love the cat and mouse playfulness Margaret and Johnny bring to it. And on top of that it gets stuck in my head. Definitely a Christmas classic.

4. "Winter Wonderland" Darlene Love

There a hundreds of renditions of this song but Darlene Love's cover is my absolute favorite. She adds a little Motown beat to it and really gets it moving. By the time she gets to the chorus you'll be dancing, trust me.

 

3. "Please Come Home for Christmas" the Eagles

Ok, so this song is actually kind of sad and should bring me down, but it hasn't yet. To me the best line of this song is the first one: "Bells will be ringing this sad, sad New Year's . . ." Yes, it's definitely the saddest song on this list but every time I hear it I think of my Uncle Terry. He loves this song and every Christmas when it comes on the radio he sings along to it.

2.  "All I Want for Christmas" Mariah Carey

This song is the only one on my list that was written and performed by the same artist. I don't know if it's Mariah's voice or the lyrics of the song but every time I hear it I can't help but sing along. Mariah's on point with every note and it's just so darn catchy you can't help but like it, unless you're a complete Grinch.

 

1. "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" Jackson

If this song doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit then nothing will. Michael Jackson's pre-pubescent voice is so contagious and cute that I can't help but smile when I hear it. Thanks to Motown the Jackson 5 took a Christmas classic, sped it up a little, and put a soulful spin on it. When this song comes in - in the car or in a store - I got to sing along to it. Because hey, it's Christmas time and it's Michael Jackson. Put those two together and you've got a Christmas hit for sure.

So now you know the 5 Christmas songs that get me ready for the holiday season ahead. Now what about you? What Christmas song gets you in the spirit? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time . . .

XOXO,


Nellie

Christmas Lyrics I Never Really Got

With all the Christmas music in the air I came across certain song lyrics that totally tripped me up. When it comes to Christmas songs I know at least half of the words to most of them but every once and a while I'll hear a lyric and think, "That can't possibly be right."

Exhibit A

"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

Yes, I get that to many people Christmas time is the most wonderful time of the year but there's this one verse of this song that never made sense to me:

There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snowThere'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of the
Christmases long, long ago

I guess it was the "scary ghost stories" part that always got me. I mean, who's telling scary ghost stories at a Christmas party? Total buzz kill. I always thought the song writer got Christmas and Halloween mixed up or something. But this song is just the beginning of my Christmas song lyric confusion.



Exhibit B

"Grandma Got Ran Over by Reindeer"

Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas eveYou can say there's no such thing as Santa
But as for me and grandpa we believe

While this song may be a classic I always found it a tad bit morbid. I mean, come on, Grandma got killed by a Santa's sleigh. So does that make Santa a murderer? And if so why wasn't he arrested? We all know he lives in the North Pole and he only works one day a year so it's not like he's that hard to find.

And to make matters worst Grandpa didn't even feel bad about the fact that his wife was murdered by the big man in red. See >>>>>

Now we're all so proud of grandpa
He's been taking this so wellSee him in there watching football
Drinking beer and playing cards with cousin Mel

And last but not least Exhibit C

"Winter Wonderland"

In the meadow we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are you married?"
We'll say, "No man"
But you can do the job, when you're in town

Ok, so I love this song but ever since I was little kid this verse didn't make sense completely until a years later. For years I didn't have a clue who Parson Brown was - turns out, he's a preacher. And to make matters even weirder the snowman starts asking this couple about their love lives. How weird is that?

So question time: is there a lyric in a Christmas song that you never really got? If so feel free to leave a comment below.

Until next time . . . .

XOXO,

Nellie







My Top 12 Christmas Songs

It's finally December! Gone away is the blue bird, here to stay is the new bird. And since I've been hearing Christmas music everywhere I decided to write a list of the 20 Christmas songs that always put me in the Christmas spirit.



Enjoy!


1. "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole
I don't know if it's the smooth way Nat King Cole sings this song or the violins in the background, but every time I hear this song I think of Christmas. I relax and fall into a sort of dreamlike state. My favorite part is the last line: "Though it's been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you . . . "

2. "All I Want For Christmas" by Mariah Carey
Whenever I hear the first few notes of this song I know Christmas is on the way. Not only does Mariah sing the heck out of it, she wrote it too. How cool is that? Just thinking about it now is making me want to sing it.

3. "Do You Hear What I Hear" by Destiny's Child
Out of all of the Christmas songs out there "Do You Hear What I Hear" is my favorite and I really liked the way Destiny's Child arranged it in their version. Usually, I'm not much on remixes of Christmas songs but with this one I made an exception.

4. "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" by the Jackson 5
Can I just say no one can sing a song like Michael? He could take the most simplest lyric and infuse with soul and he does just that with this holiday classic.

5. "Please Come Home For Christmas" by Charles Brown
Bells will be ringing . . . that's the first line of this song and the line that stole my heart. This song is great is because it's like a Christmas-Blues-y mash up. It's got soul and it puts you in the holiday mood. In fact, I think I'm going to sing it to myself now. . . Bells will be ringing.

6. "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee
You know it's Christmas time when you hear Brenda Lee holler out this song. It puts me in the holiday party mood and it's got one of the best saxophone solos I've ever heard. So kudos for that.

7. "It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas" by Michael Buble
If this song is playing then you know it's Christmas time. There's no doubt about it. I know some people think Michael Buble is really lame, but I love him and I love his voice. For me, he sings this song beautifully.

8. "Mary, Did You Know" by Mark Lowry
Mary, Did You Know is probably one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written. The Bible says Mary pondered all these things in her heart and I've often wondered if she considered just how extraordinary Jesus was and still is. I love it and my favorite line is When you've kissed your little baby, you've kissed the face of God. So pretty!

9. "Little St. Nick" by the Beach Boys
This song has a quintessential 1960s sound which I love. Every time I hear it I can't help but picture Santa surfing in a flowery Hawaiian shirt and some shades. It's catchy and in my opinion a holiday classic.

 10. "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano
Every time I hear this song I think of my dad singing it around the house as we decorated the tree. It's kind of like a piece of my childhood and every time I sing it I feel bilingual for about a second.

11. "White Christmas"  by Bing Crosby
No one can do this song like Bing. It's another Christmas classic and while I like some of the other versions out there I really like this one. But since I live in Louisiana, having a white Christmas is kind of rare of me. But hey, stranger things have happened.

12. "Last Christmas" by Wham
Ok, for me this song is a strange 80s pop/Christmas hybrid thing. I mean, it's George Michael singing about how he gave his heart to someone last Christmas and then this Christmas the person doesn't even seem to remember him. Yes, it's kind of sad but the tune and chorus is so catchy that I couldn't help but include it as one of my favorites.

So now that you know my top 12 Christmas songs what's yours? Feel free to leave it in the comments.

Until next time . . .


XOXO,


Nellie

Top 5 Carpool Karaoke Picks

Hello everyone and welcome to today's post. I have this habit of going on these "YouTube" kicks - meaning I'll start watching a type of video and then I'll have to watch every video related to it. Well, my latest obsession is the Carpool Karaoke series with James Corden. First off, let me just say James Corden is hilarious and in these videos he'll have you actually laughing out loud.

And while this series is part of his TV show, the Late Late Show with James Corden, I would totally watch this as a stand alone series. It's music artists trapped in a car with James Corden singing along to their biggest hits. What can get better than that?

So, in honor of my new obsession I've taken the time to come up with a list of my top 5 Carpool Karaoke picks.

Let's jump in and start with #5, shall we >>>>>>>

5. Adele

Adele is an amazing singer, this is true, but did you know she's a pretty good rapper. On her Carpool ride we learned that she was an avid Spice Girls fan, was heartbroken when Ginger Spice left the group, and can actually hold her on in a rap off. So not only does she have killer pipes she's got a decent flow. Who knew?

4. Jennifer Lopez

J. Lo is known for a lot of things: hit singles, being a serial dater and awesome dancer, and of course the toosh. But did you know she's friends with almost all of Hollywood and apparently has all of their cell numbers. James took the opportunity to text one of her famous friends, Leonardo Dicaprio. Let's just say Leo was all for going to the club with J. Lo.

3. Selena Gomez

I had no idea that Selena Gomez was as fun as she is until I watched this video. I mean she made James Corden sing on a rollercoaster, 'nough said, folks. She was really down to earth and what made her even more relatable - she ate some McDonald's. That alone gave her major points with me.

2. Pink

I love Pink so when I saw that she was latest celeb to do the Carpool I couldn't wait to watch it. And trust me, I wasn't disappointed. I learned some stuff about Pink. She went on a date with Joey Fatone from N*Sync and had a major crush on Jon Bon Jovi when she was a kid. He broke her heart by getting married. And to top it off she taught James Corden that she actually can sing better upside down.

Last but definitely not least my favorite Carpool Karaoke has to be - hands down -

1. Sam Smith and Fifth Harmony

Oh my gosh! I've watched this video 2x and I love it so much. Sam Smith is one of my favorite singers of all time and to see him fangirling over Fifth Harmony made me laugh out loud. If you haven't seen this video I highly have to recommend it.

So, now you know my top 5 Carpool Karaoke picks, so the question is: What's yours?

XOXO,

Nellie

Awesome Duets & 2 Singers You Want to Collab

Hello everybody and welcome to today's post. If the eyes are the windows to the soul then music is the front door. The right song at the right time can do wonders. It can make you smile, make you cry, even get you pumped up to work out. But honestly, nothing's better than when two artists come together and record a duet.

That's where the real music magic happens.

There are just certain duet songs that will always stand out to me.

Like .... "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell.

 

Can we all agree that this song will put you in a good mood no matter what you're going through?

Or....

"Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. These two sung up on a country music classic when they recorded this. It's an oldie but definitely a goodie.

And last not but not least ....

"I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher. The lyrics to this song transcend time and every time I hear it I can't help but smile. :-)

And while all of these collaborations have stood the test of time I think the music world still has room for another great singer collaboration - Adele and Sam Smith.

If these two vocal powerhouses came together and recorded a song the music world would rejoice. Just think how awesome it would be if they teamed up. I'm throwing this idea out to the internet universe, just hoping that it would come true, which leaves me with one question:

Which artists do you wish would team up? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

XOXO, Nellie

21 Songs I Wished I'd Written

It's a given - I love music - all kinds of music. Pop, Jazz, Rock, Gospel, Reggae, Country, Blues, Motown, and on and on and on . . . .

But some songs stand out to me. You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones that make you wish you'd written them because they capture exactly how you're feeling or what you wish you could've said.

In honor of songs like that, here's a list of the 21 songs I wished I'd written.

Enjoy

1. Taylor Swift "All Too Well"
The emotion Tay-Tay was able to capture in this song is close to genius. She managed to convey the highs and lows of a relationship in just a few verses and choruses.

2. Sam Smith "Not the Only One"
Whoever broke Sam Smith's heart is a total jerk and you can practically feel Sam's pain when you hear this song. He puts his heart and soul in each lyric.

3. Miranda Lambert "The House That Built Me"
This song hits really close to home for me (no pun intended) because it reminds me of my family. You never really notice how much a place shapes who you are until you leave it.

4. Charles Johnson & the Revivers "I Believe He Died for Me"
Some people may ask: Why do people believe in Jesus Christ when they haven't seen Him in the flesh and have only heard about the extraordinary things He did? The answer is simple. Just listen to this song. It basically says that even though I didn't see Jesus crucified or heard the people who mocked and rejected Him, I believe He died for me. Simple as that.

5. Tori Kelly "Dear No One"
Can I just say Tori Kelly is the bomb.com. Not only does she have a killer voice, but she writes the most honest lyrics I've heard in a while. This song introduced me to her music and I've been a fan ever since because it's sincere.

6. Adele "Somebody Like You"
Adele had been on the music scene for a while before this song was released, but I'd never paid her much attention until I heard her sing this song. The way she sang it and the lyrics touched me. There's so much longing and going back and forth in it. It captured the feeling of loving someone but knowing that you've gotta let them go and that's what makes it relatable.

7. Sugarland "Already Gone"
Sugarland is known for their high-energy fast tunes but every once and a while they release something really heartfelt. This song is about growing up and moving on, but keeping in mind that no matter how far you go you've gotta remember where you came from.

8. The Cure "Love Song"
I don't know how a goth-punk band did it, but they managed to write one of the most beautiful love songs ever. The lyrics describe how loving someone changes you and how not only do you become a different person but you kind of become a better one.

9. Michael Jackson "Man in the Mirror"
What I love about this song is that it makes you think. It's inspirational and honest and right to the point - situations change when individuals change.

10. Nick Jonas "Critical"
This one's another song about how love changes you but it goes a step further and describes just how drastic the change can be. Nick croons that he can't eat, he can't sleep, he can't do anything now because of the change this girl's made in his life - and it's critical.

11. OneRepublic "I Lived"
Ryan Tedder said in a interview that he actually wrote this song for his son and never intended to record it, but once his family and friends heard it they persuaded him to share it with the world and it certainly paid off. People go through the motions of life every day but how many actually live? This song reminds me that I should appreciate every experience that comes my way.

12. Brad Paisley & Allison Kraus "Whiskey Lullaby"
I was in middle school the first time I heard this song and it still gives me chills when I think about it. Allison Kraus has the voice of an angel and in this song she and Brad deliver the performance of a lifetime.  

13. The Temptations "I Wish It Would Rain"
This is probably the most depressing song on my list but I absolutely love it. It's a break up song so you know it's sad from the start but the lyrics capture that feeling of loss so perfectly that I had to include it.

14. Smokie Robinson & the Miracles "Tracks of My Tears"
Sometimes you come across songwriters who are good at their craft and other times you come across Smokie Robinson. He was - and still is - a songwriting master and "Tracks of My Tears" is no exception. It's sad because it's a break up song but it's mid-tempo rhythm keeps it from being depressing.

15. Louis Armstrong "What A Wonderful World"
I don't know what it is about Louis Armstrong but his music captured my heart and has yet to let it go. The simplicity of this song always makes me want to close my eyes and picture Mayberry (and for those of you who don't know what Mayberry is watch an Andy Griffith Show rerun).

16. Coldplay "Clocks"
For as long as I can remember this song has made me think of the ocean. Weird, huh? But it's one of my all-time favorite songs so I had to include it on this list. I wish I'd have written the chord progression more than the lyrics because it's just so hauntingly beautiful.

17. Paramore "The Only Exception"
Ever feel like you can make it on your own; that you don't need anyone's help? Well, apparently Hayley Williams felt the same way - that is, until she met New Found Glory's Chad Gilbert. They fell in love and she wrote this song.

18. The Crabb Family "Through the Fire"
How many of us have ever felt overwhelmed with life? Show of hands. Yup, I have too. But this song always reminds me that I serve a God who loves me and who'll get me through my struggles.

19. Blake Shelton "Ol' Red"
Whoever wrote this song is a songwriting/story-telling master. They took three minutes of song and painted a story worthy of a movie script. It's cheeky, it's clever, and it's one of the quirkiest song I've ever heard.

20. One Direction "Little Things"
This is the song that made me a One Direction fan. It's romantic, it's sweet, and it comes from the heart. The songwriter(s) was - or still is - madly in love with someone and he channeled his feelings beautifully in this song. For me, love isn't about a dozen roses or cards on Valentine's Day, it's about the feel of their hand in yours, the way they look at you like you're the only person in the room, the little things.

21. Tracey Chapman "Give Me One Reason To Stay Here"
I love this song simply because of the sassiness in Tracey Chapman's voice as she sings it. She sounds like a woman who knows her own mind and she's not afraid to speak it. The lyrics are very blunt and to the point -  a message of empowerment that basically gives a guy an ultimatum: love me or I'm gone.

So that's my 21 songs. Now it's your turn.

What song did you wish you would've written?

AMAs Rewind



The American Music Awards (AMAs) were last night and I can honestly say everything was pretty awesome: the red carpet fashion, the celebrity interviews, and (of course) the performances. Here's some highlights that really caught my eye:

  

One Direction on red carpet

 The handsome gents of 1D were present and fashionably rocking black. They performed a song from their new album, Four, called "Night Change" and I must say they did an exceptional job. They also picked up a few awards and thanked their fans for all the love and support.

As for my favorite fashion look of the night, Selena Gomez took the cake. She looked absolutely beautiful in a sleek black gown with gold jewelry. Her hair and makeup was flawless and she was even rocking a dark lip, which I currently love. But she didn't just look great, she also performed great. She sang "The Heart Wants What It Wants" and got a little emotional at the end.

Selena Gomez on the red carpet

As for one of the most exciting performances of the night it belonged the opening act - Miss Taylor Swift 

Tay-Tay wore a gorgeous coppery dress and a classic red lip and channeled her inner Glenn Close from Fatal Attractions. She went a little cray-cray with a wild eyes and even played with fire, but that didn't stop her from winning the Dick Clark Award for Excellence, which Diana Ross (yes, THE Diana Ross) presented her with. I never thought I'd see those two paired together, but in the world of the AMAs almost anything's possible I guess.

Diana Ross & Taylor Swift

I also really enjoyed Sam Smith's performance of "Not the Only One" and Ariana Grande's melody of her latest hits. That little girl can saaaaang. Her dress and hair was gorgeous and she had everyone nodding their heads and singing along to her current single "Love Me Harder".

Ariana Grande singing "Love Me Harder"

.  

But the strangest performance of the night definitely belonged to Lorde. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Lorde fan but even I had trouble following this performance. It started out with her in a box (literally, in a huge box) and then she came out and did some of the most spaz-tastic dance moves I've seen in a while.

Lorde's performing

So all in all the AMAs went off without a hitch - well if you don't count that minute when the teleprompter obviously went out and two of the presenters had to read their intros on pieces of paper - and I'm sure the winners are still grinning from ear-to-ear this morning. A list of a few of them is below.

Dick Clark Award for Excellence - Taylor Swift
Artist of the Year - One Direction
Best Pop/Rock Band - One Direction
Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album - The New Classic, Iggy Azalea
Best Pop/Rock Album - Midnight Memories, One Direction
Best Pop/Rock Male Artist - Sam Smith
Best Pop/Rock Female Artist - Katy Perry
Best Country Male Artist - Luke Bryan
Best Alternative Rock Artist - Imagine Dragons
Best New Artist of the Year - 5 Seconds of Summer
Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist - Iggy Azalea
Best Country Album - Just As I Am, Brantley Gilbert
Best Latin Artist - Enrique Iglesias
Single of the Year - Dark Horse , Katy Perry feat. Juicy J
Best Country Female Artist - Carrie Underwood
Best Country Band - Florida Georgia Line
Best Soul/R&B Male Artist - John Legend
Best Soul/R&B Female Artist - Beyonce
Best Soul/R&B Album - BEYONCE , Beyonce
Best Electronic Dance Music (EDM) Artist - Calvin Harris
Best Soundtrack - Frozen

So what was your favorite part of the AMAs?