It's been a long time since I did a full rotation! It's not a very big one, only ten songs, but still. I know the site hasn't been as active recently - it's not a matter of me losing interest, it's just becoming harder and harder to find the time. Hopefully I'll be able to update more frequently in the summer.
I was originally theming the rotation around lyrics, but there were some other English-language songs that I wanted to share just for the music itself and not necessarily lyrical content, so I sort of broadened the theme. Hopefully you'll find something you like. :)
Also, we have two new affiliates, Random.Shuffle.Play and YuMeMi Light. Be sure to check them out!
Please comment if taking!
- Haruhi
Nine in the Afternoon - Panic at the Disco
Pop Rock
Even if you're not familiar with Panic at the Disco (apparently they've re-added the exclamation mark to their name, but at the time this song was released they'd taken it out) you may recognize this song from Rockband. It's definitely more pop-oriented than some of their songs, but still holds their signature sound. It's catchy and sweet, and I love the full-bodied guitar, bright piano, and backdrop of warm brass instruments. It's definitely a lot more instrumentally developed than your typical pop track.
In Between The Lines - Tyrone Wells
Pop Rock/Soft Rock
This song was one that I just fell in love with on the first listen. I love the melody in the intro, especially how isolated it is with only a light piano accompaniment. The slow buildup of strings, then guitar and percussion is well-executed. While the verses have a melancholic tone, the chorus is hopeful - "Maybe one more chance and we'll get it right/I won't believe that all these days and all these dreams were only meant to fade". This is the only song I've heard from him (so far) but I'm impressed!
Between The Lines - Sara Bareilles
Pop
I love Sara Bareilles. She's one of my favourite female artists ever, any language. Opening with a simple but pretty piano arrangement that is consistent throughout most of the song, and later incorporating drums, bass and guitar, the accompaniment is lovely but always allows her strong, rich voice to shine through. The lyrics are sad, about being left for someone else, but as the song progresses, it seems that she starts to come to terms with the way things are. I especially love the lines, "Memory is cruel, queen of attention to details, defending intentions if he fails."
Look At Those Eyes - Alexz Johnson
Pop
Alexz Johnson was an actress in the show Instant Star, but don't think she's just another actress-turned-singer. She grew up in a musical family and has been taking singing lessons since she was nine, so she's been a musician from before her acting career kicked off. I really like her crisp but rich voice, it's almost like a jazz singer's. Although I find the guitar in the song a bit too twangy and Western-sounding, other than that, this song has really grown on me. Something about the beat and flow of the melody is just attention-catching, although I can't quite place what it is.
Shadow - Josh Hoge
Pop Rock
This is another artist I only recently discovered - and so far, this is the only song I have of his - but I love it. It's backed with simple guitar and echoey strings, with touches of percussion. The song is about being unable to forget someone - Try to run, I try to hide. I leave your memory behind - like a shadow, you won't leave. I take you everywhere with me. Josh Hoge delivers a vocal performance that is highly expressive, yet subtle.
Walking On A Dream - Empire of the Sun
Electronica/Pop-Rock
An endearing, catchy song with a charmingly dated sound (although it was released in 2008) and lots of warm, light synths. It's light-hearted and enjoyable.
Decode - Paramore
Rock
This song is actually from the Twilight soundtrack. While I absolutely hate the Twilight saga and pretty much anything affiliated with it (sorry to any fans out there) and I've never really been a huge Paramore fan either, bits of the lyrics just stood out to me, especially the chorus - "How did we get here, when I used to know you so well?" but compositionally, Decode isn't really anything special. It's a bit too repetitive and doesn't have much direction, but makes for a nice occasional listen. It's starting to grow on me, after a few listens.
Airplanes - B.o.B. ft. Hayley Williams of Paramore
Pop
A lot of people have probably heard this song already, but it's another song that I just fell in love with on the first listen and I wanted to share it anyways. I love the warm accompaniment - everything sort of blends together nicely, but every now and then a piano line or guitar riff will stand out. B.o.B.'s rapping is a surprisingly good fit with Hayley William's vocals, which I really love in this song - more so than in some of her songs with Paramore. The lyrics are a bit deeper in the rap segments, but what stays in your head is really the chorus - Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars, I could really use a wish right now, wish right now, wish right now.
Fearless - Colbie Caillat
Pop
I started listening to her after hearing her collaboration with Jason Mraz in the song Lucky, her warm, rich voice really stood out to me. Piano-based Fearless is one of my favourite songs by her. I really love the emotional strength expressed in this song, especially through its lyrics.
Swan In the Water - Justin Nozuka
Acoustic Pop
I got this as a free single off of iTunes, and what a gem. I love how well this song flows, and the light yet powerful accompaniment - it takes its fair time to establish itself, with percussion only kicking in well into the track which opens with just some piano and acoustic guitar, and of course, Justin Nozuka's warm, expressive vocals, which suit the song perfectly. All the transitions are done extremely well, and although it's not a song you'd call "catchy", the melody always gets stuck in my head, especially where he sings "Swan in the water, how come you can't be with me?"
Labels: Alexz Johnson, Colbie Caillat, Empire of the Sun, Josh Hoge, Justin Nozuka, Panic At The Disco, Paramore, Sara Bareilles, Tyrone Wells
Rotation 21 is unthemed. The next rotation I do will probably be winter/Christmas themed. A few songs are recent releases, a few are just old favourites. I tried to get a nice mix of genres as well as languages. Songs are organized in alphabetical order by artist name. It was hard for me to pick recommendations, I liked many of the songs in this rotation.
A few requested songs are also included in a separate section at the bottom.
I stand free - ACIDMAN
Japanese | Rock Ballad
Ah, it’s been a while since I heard a good rock ballad. I stand free doesn’t disappoint. Mature, slightly husky vocals, a unique and lovely bass line, and a soaring yet controlled chorus made this song stand out to me.
Ni6etalk (Heart Beat) - Apls
Korean | Electronica
This group has definitely changed a lot. Their previous album showed a fun, upbeat sound while their latest mini-album, which Ni6etalk is from, is much more downtempo. The atmosphere of the song is just amazing - mysterious, pulsing. The vocals are minimal. It might be too experimental for some, but I loved it.
All the Way - Craig David ft. Bonnie Pink
English/Japanese | R&B/Pop
This was definitely not a collab I would have expected, but their light, smooth voices compliment each other well. The lyrics of the song seem to suggest a stronger beat, Get up, now everybody, get up, move your body, cause we’re going all the way the song seems quite relaxed to me. Although I actually didn’t like this song much upon initially hearing it, it’s starting to grow on me.
Passion Fruit - Fuji Fabric
Japanese | Rock/Electronica
An extremely catchy, addictive song from Fuji Fabric - in my opinion, they’re under appreciated. The opening verse is just so fun, popping out throughout the song. It will get stuck in your head. I would call them more rock, but this song definitely has traces of electronica/disco.
愛NEED - Kimaguren (AiNEED)
Japanese | Reggae/Hip Pop/Rock
I absolutely love their unique style of island-influenced rock. A breath of fresh air. Traces of Latin influence linger in the rhythms and beats. It’s lively yet relaxing at the same time, if that makes any sense. Recommended.
Apologize - One Republic
English | Rock
I was reluctant to upload this song since I’m pretty sure most of you have already heard it, but I really couldn’t think of a better song to upload. I’ve been listening to this song a lot lately, I don’t know why. The chorus is just beautiful and will stay in your head. There’s a version of this song that was remixed by Timbaland, I believe this is the original. The lyrics are bittersweet: I’d take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for you/I need you like a heart needs a beat, it’s nothing new
But It’s Better If You Do - Panic! At The Disco
English | Pop/Rock
I’m went through a stage of loving this band, a longer stage of hating them, and now I think they’re all right. But It’s Better If You Do is confident, and pulsing with energy. This track is from their debut album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out.
The Piano Knows Something I Don’t Know - Panic At The Disco
English | Pop/Rock
From their latest album, Pretty. Odd., The Piano Knows Something I Don’t Know shows the transformation in their sound, replacing synthesizers and electric guitar with trumpets and classical guitar. Brendon Urie’s vocals have also matured a lot. Laid-back, still sure of itself but no longer brazen, The Piano Knows Something I Don’t Know is a good reflection of their new image.
心里的狮子 - Peter Pan (Xin Li De Shi Zi/Heart Of A Lion)
Mandarin | Pop/Ballad
Although the most common English translation for this song is Heart Of A Lion, it is actually closer to The Lion Within Your Heart, which is backed by the lyrics, which speak of doing something you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the courage to. The song has a certain regretful tone to it, but builds more and more to a soaring and hopeful chorus.
Namida (Sleepless Night MANABOON MIX) - Tanaka Roma
Japanese | R&B/Ballad
My favourite Tanaka Roma song, by far. Although I’m quite fond of most of his songs, this one just stands out to me. I heard this mix before hearing the original. This version of Namida is heartbreakingly genuine and raw with emotion. The accompaniment is kept light, mainly just piano. The title of the remix, Sleepless Night, fits it perfectly. Tanaka’s voice has the perfect balance of vulnerability and power that just doesn’t shine through as much in the original, which has a stronger accompaniment and more of a poppy, R&B influence.
r e q u e s t s
Maiden Voyage - Missing Island
Korean | Easy Listening/Bossa Nova
If you liked the Coffee Prince OST, you’ll probably like this song. It does have a certain adventurous feel that fits its name, but is laid-back and makes for a nice, light listen.
THE BUNGY - NICO Touches the Walls
SIMON SAID - NICO Touches the Walls
Japanese | Rock
THE BUNGY is fresh and has an infectious beat. It has a bit of a Western/country feel to it, yet keeps the distinct vibe of Japanese rock. SIMON SAID has an aggressive sound, contrasting a dark, rumbling bass with melodic guitar riffs.
Koi wo Shiteru - ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
Symphony - ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
Takaramono (Homemade Demo Version) - ROUND TABLE feat. Nino (Treasures)
Japanese | Pop
Koi wo Shiteru is a sweet pop song, but the vocals were a tad too little-girl-ish for my liking. Symphony is laid-back and downtempo. I found it a bit repetitive, but I liked it. Takaramono (Homemade Demo Version) has an unpolished, acoustic feel to it, as the name suggests. I’m a sucker for acoustic songs, so it won’t surprise you to hear that out of these three songs Takaramono was my favourite.
Labels: ACIDMAN, Apls, Bonnie Pink, Craig David, Fuji Fabric, Kimaguren, Missing Island, NICO Touches the Walls, One Republic, Panic At The Disco, Peter Pan, ROUND TABLE feat. Nino, Tanaka Roma
