Songs You Probably Haven't Heard, But Should

I feel like a hipster if I mention an artist or a song and realize that the person to whom I'm talking has probably never heard the song. But there's a major difference: I want you to know the song. I want these songs to be popular, to be loved by all, to be possibly overplayed on the radio. These songs are so good it's a shame that more people haven't heard them.
So, in no particular order, I decided to list some songs that you maybe should hear, but likely have not heard yet. (Some are so unknown that there was no youtube version of the song to be found, and I had to make my own.) They are of all different varieties of sound, so give them each a try. You may find you like one or two - if not all!

Start listening here:

Tim Urban - "Someday"

If you don't know this song, I'm a little embarrassed. I made a lyric video for this song and broadcasted that thing everywhere, so I hope you saw it. But still, an unfortunate amount of people have not heard it.

This is a cute love song. I feel it accurately portrays the nervous anticipation of declarations of love, and the excitement of a future full of romance. It is sweet, hopeful, and optimistic. The only reason I can think of why you might not like this song is if you've had a recent break up.

It seems this song is no longer available for purchase. Shame. 

Beecake - "The Clown"

This song is very different from the previous song. The one preceding this was sweet in nature and light-hearted in spirit. The kind of song fit for summer and spring. Not so with this one. This song is ominous. There's a hint of fear and hope, and something being a little bit...off...  It's very haunting, and very good.

You can purchase it on iTunes here. 

Tom Felton - "If You Could Be Anywhere"

Back for a contrast, this song is just simple fun. There's little discernible meaning in most of the lyrics*, but this song is still catchy and pleasant. I love this song, and it remains I have a hard time skipping when my iPod's on shuffle. In particular, it's a perfect summer song.  

Please download it on iTunes here. 

Will Makar & the Red Line - "Love Cliché"

Another adorably romantic song, "Love Cliche" also has the benefit of being catchy. It's easy to find yourself humming this song's melodic chorus after one listen. 

Fortunately, this song is available on iTunes. 

Ryan Gosling - "Put Me In a Car"

This little tune is surprisingly pleasant. It's almost half-talking, and yet still remains wonderful to hear. Not really sure exactly what it's saying, but that's not really the point of this song. If you can imagine by its title, it's a perfect song to listen to whilst on a relaxed car ride.
It's not available to purchase. :(

Bidwell - "Hold Up (Make You Move)"

I had the privilege of seeing them live at the CD release for a different amazing artist. I thought they had an enjoyable live presence, though this song did not stick out. Afterwards, they gave me (for free!) their EP.
I gave it a listen and fell in love with this song. It's not one to which I listen lyrically to much, but it is musically fun. The line, "this is a promise to make you move," most accurately depicts this song.  It is just an all-out good jam.
Currently, I'm not sure where you can buy it.

Blake Lewis - "Heartbreak on Vinyl"

This is a song I feel you are more likely to have heard. This is one of my favorite artists pretty much ever. He's got a wonderful dance pop sound is both reminiscent of the past while remaining extremely modern. I listen to this song quite often and it never tires. It's fun for dancing, but has more depth than most dance songs as well. 

Available on itunes. 

Lisa Tucker - "Love Is"

Simply put, this is an incredibly adorable love song. In some ways, the love described is childlike and incredibly innocent. Yet, the sentiments behind the statements feel real. There's a sweetness to it that makes this song, in its own, adorably romantic. 

It's a shame that it's not available to purchase anywhere.

Matt Morris - "Live Forever"

Matt Morris is best known for singing "Hallelujah" with Justin Timberlake, but I feel like he should be known for this masterpiece. What to say about this song? It's beautiful. This is another one that contains a lot of emotion and a feeling of contemplation. It's not too complex musically or lyrically, but this simplicity helps carry all of its feelings.  

Buy it from iTunes, from his album, When Everything Breaks Open.

Emma Wallace - "A Reason To Stay Up All Night"

You need a particular taste in music to enjoy this song, but if you have that taste, this is a gem. It has a simplistic but very pleasant melody. However, most of its weight is carried by the clever lyrics. It has creative ideas and scenarios while still conveying a strong feeling and meaning of longing to not be alone.
You can buy this one on iTunes.

For a little bit sillier songs... 

Rob Cantor - "Shia Labeouf"

This song is hilarious. It's basically a scary movie in song form - starring Shia Labeouf as the villain. There's no sense to the song at all, but that's what makes it beautiful. (Note: Probably not the best to hear if you're not a fan of descriptions of grim violence)

It's available at Rob Cantor's website.

The Guild - "I'm the One That's Cool"

This is the nerd/geek** anthem. It's not quite as silly as the songs surrounding it, but it's got some humor that leaves you giggling. It is fun, it is proud, and it is too good to ever skip. It's got a bit of language (but nothing that you don't hear on TV), but still - it's an anthem. 

It's available on itunes!



"Call Me Loki"

This is by far my favorite parody song in existence. I feel like it accurately depicts Loki's mindset, while being incredibly hilarious at the same time. I did not like "Call Me Maybe," but this song parody has made me enjoy its unfortunate level of catchiness. This has turned what was otherwise a "meh" song into one of my favorites of the year. Seriously, you are missing out if you do not give this song a listen. 

Unfortunately, you can't buy it. 

*I absolutely love the ambiguity of the lines, "If you could be anywhere, then where would you be?/If you could be anywhere, would you be there with me?
** I personally feel like the terms can be used interchangeably, since each person I talk to has a different definition of each, and sometimes they just switch roles. 

Good Music: The Real Grimmie

So, one time, I was watching the "Can't Hug Every Cat" song. I decided to look at covers, and see if any of them were any good. Then I stumbled upon this:

I realized, "hey, she's trying a bit hard, but her voice itself isn't that bad." So, naturally, I decided to looked her up on google.

Turns out she's one of those people who is ridiculously popular simply from youtube covers. In other words: I'm jealous. Since becoming popular, she also has released an album, and has some sort of association with Disney. (She was even in a weirdly long commercial with Selena Gomez.)

I watched some of her videos on her youtube account, and discover that she can actually be pretty good! She has a really nice voice with a bit of soul to it. I'm really impressed, considering she's only 17. (Ask Randy Jackson: He knows that makes good vocals even more impressive!)

Instead of telling you that she's got a great voice, why not here it for yourself?

For the holidays, "O Holy Night"

For other times of year, "Who Says" by Selena Gomez

Or, "We Found Love" by Rihanna

Having listened to several of her covers (probably too many), I decided that I like her voice. She tries a little too hard sometimes, and also sometimes, I feel like her youth comes through. But, dominantly, I like her. So I decided to check out her album, Find Me. 

Her original music is not what I expected. The youth of her voice is exposed in the album recording, though her vocals still sound good - just, young. A lot of the album is more pop than I expected, and a little more dance. I don't even feel like most of it entirely matches her vocals. Some of the songs are still good, though - I already downloaded her single, "Liar Liar." And even though I didn't expect it as her style, I kind of like "Fragile." Her song "Ugly" is also pretty good, but it somehow missing the right element to maintain my interest. 

I still say she's one to watch. I think as she gets older and more experienced, her style will grow and have the depth her vocals require. Her voice may continue to mature as well. If that does happen, then she undoubtedly deserves success.