Hip-Hop & Soul N°108 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

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Tracks like Flo Rida's "Low" with its crunk-era vibe and T-Pain's iconic hook captured mid-2000s nightlife, while Usher’s "Yeah!" featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris blended R&B charm with crunk energy to dominate charts globally. Beyoncé’s "If I Were a Boy" stripped back flash for emotional depth, creating a poignant yet polished ballad, and 50 Cent's "P.I.M.P." paired steel drum loops with swagger, balancing mainstream appeal and gritty themes.

Meanwhile, Afroman’s "Because I Got High" turned stoner humor into a worldwide hit, contrasting with 2Pac’s reflective "Thugz Mansion," which sought peace amidst turmoil. Ne-Yo’s "Mad" delivered polished vulnerability, and Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige's emotive "911" leaned into melodramatic storytelling. Wu-Tang Clan’s "Gravel Pit" thrived on chaos, while Sisqó’s "Got to Get It" served as a stepping stone to his solo heights.

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‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°481 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

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From the heartfelt fusion of rock, folk, and soul in Hothouse Flowers' "An Emotional Time" to Tom Petty's tight and energetic "You Wreck Me," the text highlights tracks that balance craft and emotion. Adam Ant’s "Wonderful" adopts a reflective tone, moving away from his earlier flamboyance, while Amy Grant’s "Good For Me" radiates polished, radio-friendly early-'90s pop charm. The Mavericks bring understated elegance to "Here Comes the Rain," blending country with Tex-Mex flair. Meanwhile, Teenage Fanclub offers breezy sincerity in their jangly "What You Do to Me," and Claudia Brücken's atmospheric "Kiss Like Ether" thrives on introspection and subtle abstraction.

OTT’s smooth cover of "Let Me In" retools nostalgia for ’90s boy band appeal, and Jaki Graham’s "You Can Count On Me (For Love)" delivers warmth albeit within formulaic boundaries. Melanie Williams and Joe Roberts' cautious rendition of "You Are Everything" opts for precision over depth, while Meat Loaf’s theatrical "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through" contrasts with the understated clarity of Steinman’s original. Harry Connick Jr.'s jazzy "We Are in Love" exudes charm, though it forgoes spontaneity, and The Mavericks’ Grammy-winning performance reiterates their melodic consistency. These tracks, though varied in tone and success, carry distinct elements that resonate within their respective contexts.

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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°106 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

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Korn’s “A.D.I.D.A.S.” captures raw irreverence, blending juvenile cheekiness with nu-metal chaos, while The Prodigy’s “Smack My Bitch Up” hits with abrasive beats and a controversial narrative bolstered by its shocking video twist. Sinéad O'Connor’s “You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart” channels unfiltered grief, a standout vocal performance swirling within cinematic production. Pavement keeps it sardonic with “Cut Your Hair,” skewering music industry superficiality through infectious lo-fi charm.

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ funky “Give It Away” thrives on its unrelenting energy but teeters on chaotic, while Bad Religion’s “21st Century (Digital Boy)” critiques consumer detachment with punk sharpness. PJ Harvey’s haunting “Down by the Water” shifts into an unsettling experimental blues realm, as Elton John’s “Recover Your Soul” opts for polished yet restrained introspection. The Wonder Stuff’s “Welcome to the Cheap Seats” combines whimsy and rough-edged exuberance across formats, keeping their alt-rock energy intact.

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‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°110 – Vintage 80s Music Videos

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Taylor Dayne’s "Don’t Rush Me" pairs assertive patience with glossy production, landing it a No. 2 Billboard spot, just behind Phil Collins's "Two Hearts," while Pat Benatar’s "Love Is a Battlefield" redefined her sound with drum machines, topping U.S. and Australian charts. Meanwhile, The Bangles’ "Eternal Flame" captivated listeners with its sparse arrangement and vocal focus, claiming No. 1 spots worldwide.

Meat Loaf and Cher’s dynamic "Dead Ringer for Love" brought raw energy and theatrical flair, landing at No. 5 in the UK. Roy Orbison’s late-career gem "You Got It" blended timeless vocals with modern songwriting, peaking at No. 9 Billboard. Madness’s "It Must Be Love" balanced whimsy and sincerity for enduring charm, while T’Pau’s emotive "Valentine" showcased vocal intensity, reaching the UK top 10.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°611 – 2010s Music Videos

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"Run Up" by Major Lazer featuring PartyNextDoor and Nicki Minaj blends breezy Caribbean vibes with dancehall finesse, featuring PND's melodic charm and Nicki's confident swagger. Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" shines as a defiant pop anthem, driven by catchy drum loops and infectious sax riffs. Both tracks radiate chart-friendly appeal with polished production and hooks that linger.

Avicii & Nicky Romero's "I Could Be The One" offers a melodic EDM touch with Noonie Bao's emotive vocals, while Pitbull and Kesha's "Timber" fuses harmonicas and EDM beats into a global hit. Meanwhile, Bakermat's "Teach Me" updates gospel with modern house, aiming for vibe over depth, and Philip George's "Wish You Were Mine" reworks Stevie Wonder into house grooves.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In ’70s Throwback’ 07/52

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Elvis Presley's "Polk Salad Annie" thrives on theatrical stage energy with karate moves and Southern gothic tones, while Heart's "Magic Man" blends personal storytelling and polished rock sensibilities driven by Ann Wilson's commanding vocals. Kate Bush's "Moving" opens her debut with a haunting whale song and delicate piano, celebrating graceful physicality inspired by her mime teacher, Lindsay Kemp.

Deep Purple’s "Burn" combines medieval lyrics with fiery guitar work, showcasing their Mark III lineup, and Black Sabbath's "N.I.B." flips the usual doom narrative with its playful take on Lucifer falling in love. The Pretenders’ "Stop Your Sobbing" transforms a Kinks classic into a sharp, modern-retro track with Chrissie Hynde’s blend of vulnerability and bite. ELO's "Evil Woman" mixes orchestral lushness with sly lyrics, gliding effortlessly into mid-’70s charm.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°524 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

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From the Ying Yang Twins’ chaotic "Shake" featuring Pitbull to Chicane’s atmospheric "Saltwater," the selections cover a range of mid-2000s club essentials. "Shake" brings crunk energy but leans heavily on its George Kranz sampling, while Pitbull’s input adds flair without redefining the track. Meanwhile, Chicane’s "Saltwater," blending Máire Brennan’s vocals with trance beats, captures a striking blend of Celtic influences and dancefloor appeal, making it a highlight of the era.

Other notable entries include Dannii Minogue’s "You Won’t Forget About Me," pairing Ibiza-inspired instrumentals with dance-pop lyrics reflecting fleeting summer flings, and Nu Circles’ "What You Need (Tonight)," showcasing Emma B’s vocals in a polished but predictable production. Mauro Picotto and Mario Più’s "Arabian Pleasure" experiments with varying remixes, though only the extended formats carry significant weight. The Partyboys reimagine The Foundations’ "Build Me Up Buttercup," trading charm for sleek synths, while Reel Big Fish’s ska-punk cover of "Monkey Man" walks a line between respect and routine.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°653 – 2010s Music Videos

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Lizzo's funky "Juice" exudes self-love through retro grooves and a vibrant music video, while Martin Garrix's "Animals" thrives on a minimal yet powerful EDM drop that cemented his place in electronic music at just 17. Avicii's "Seek Bromance" blends emotional vocals with club-ready beats, shaping his early progressive house signature. will.i.am's "Bang Bang" juxtaposes 1920s jazz with modern synths for a bold if uneven experiment.

David Guetta's "Turn Me On" fuses Nicki Minaj's dynamic vocals with sleek EDM production, while Cheryl's "I Don’t Care" delivers carefree pop rebellion and chart dominance. Swedish House Mafia's "One [Your Name]" showcases polished big-room elegance, and Jonas Blue's "Polaroid" pairs Liam Payne's smooth vocals with an easygoing, nostalgic soundscape. Each track offers a mix of innovation and crowd-pleasing charm to varying degrees.

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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°331 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

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Morrissey's "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" channels unrequited love through an embrace of a cold, unresponsive city, blending poetic alienation with melodic simplicity. On the flip side, Papa Roach's "Last Resort" navigates raw emotions of suicide and despair, highlighted by aggressive guitars and a relentless hook, securing its place as a cultural touchstone of early 2000s metal. Meanwhile, Cold War Kids’ “Hang Me Up to Dry” leans into an eerie melodic pull, with Nathan Willett's vocals oscillating between desperation and resignation.

Sum 41’s "The Hell Song" distills anguish into a blazing pop-punk anthem, combining biting riffs with introspective lyrics, while Korn’s "Falling Away from Me" uses eerie melodies and crushing bass lines to address domestic abuse. The Beta Band's "Squares" crafts a layered exploration of unease through experimental use of samples and warped beats, contrasting sharply with My Chemical Romance's punk-charged rework of Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row," a rapid, distorted sprint rooted in raw energy. Finally, Mogwai’s "Friend of the Night" finds introspective balance with its piano-led arrangement, embracing a softer side of post-rock dynamics.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In Soul Artists 07/52

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Al Jarreau’s "Trouble in Paradise" from his 1983 album balances smooth production and heartfelt lyrics, though it leans into safe territory compared to dynamic tracks like "Mornin’." The Crusaders’ "Street Life," anchored by Randy Crawford’s striking vocals, blends jazz-funk with urban storytelling, celebrated for its timeless appeal yet sometimes criticized for being overly polished. Meanwhile, Irma Thomas's "It's Raining" showcases understated heartbreak with a laid-back R&B feel, emphasizing nuanced vulnerability over big crescendos.

Teddy Pendergrass’ emotionally charged "Joy" triumphs as a late-'80s R&B standout post-recovery, while Thelma Houston’s disco classic "Don’t Leave Me This Way" carries raw urgency and cultural resonance. The Gap Band’s "Outstanding" enchants with its smooth romantic groove, though it risks repetitiveness. Tracks like Maceo Parker’s live "Pass the Peas" highlight razor-sharp funk delivery, reflecting collaborative genius even when staying within known boundaries. Together, these songs reveal rich layers of artistry across eras and genres.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°118 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

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Norman Cook’s "Dub Be Good to Me" stands out with its mix of SOS Band’s original framework, Johnny Dynell’s bassline, and The Clash’s rebellious touch, creating a moody, genre-blending classic. Its global success, including four weeks at #1 in the UK, cemented its cross-cultural appeal, though its layered production sparked mixed reviews. Meanwhile, Wes's "Alane" fused African chants with dance-floor rhythms, leaving a cultural mark through its authenticity and long chart runs across Europe.

Other highlights include Vanilla Ice's "Play That Funky Music," a calculated hip-hop take on Wild Cherry's hit, and Cappella’s "Move On Baby," a Eurodance staple with Eileina Dennis’s distinctive yet uncredited vocals. Amen UK's "Passion [Running Through My Veins]" brought hard dance energy to the forefront, while Perfecto Allstarz revamped Pigbag’s iconic riff in "Reach Up." Sharon Redd’s disco classic "Can You Handle It" resurfaced through a ’90s remix, showcasing tracks that balance reinvention with nostalgia.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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Hip-Hop & Soul N°411 – 2010s Music Videos

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Tracks like Migos and Drake’s “Walk It Talk It” stick to hypnotic beats and catchy repetition, with a retro-themed music video adding light humor. AJ Tracey’s “Ladbroke Grove” blends UK garage vibes with slick production, marking its chart success as a radio favorite, despite questions about deeper resonance. Rae Sremmurd’s “No Type” thrives on minimal production and brash simplicity, making it a mood-driven chart staple.

Drake’s “The Motto” introduces YOLO to pop culture on a minimalist beat, while Pitbull and Ne-Yo’s “Time of Our Lives” fuses pop appeal with motivational themes. Kid Ink and Chris Brown’s “Show Me” modernizes nostalgic hooks into a radio-ready club hit. Flo Rida’s “My House” keeps the energy light and accessible, anchoring his pop-hip-hop style. D-Block Europe’s “Kitchen Kings” leans into melodic trap, cementing their UK rap influence without breaking new ground.

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This week In ’90s Throwback’ 07/52

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Jamiroquai’s "Cosmic Girl" blends disco-funk revival with '90s electronic flair, boasting syncopated rhythms and galactic-inspired lyrics, though its mechanical edge may feel rigid. Critics like Caroline Sullivan liken its harmonies to Earth, Wind & Fire, and David Morales' remixes add sleekness, though they lose some of the track’s quirky charm. Green Day’s "Longview" stands out as a slacker anthem, its iconic bassline wrapping themes of boredom and inertia in sharp humor, with Billie Joe Armstrong's delivery perfectly matching its restless energy.

Cher’s "Believe" marked a bold reinvention with its Auto-Tune effect, making it a defining pop track of the late '90s, earning Grammys and dominating charts globally. Nirvana’s "Lithium" encapsulates Cobain’s balance of spiritual tension and raw vulnerability, becoming a mainstay of "Nevermind" and a radio favorite. 2Pac’s "All About U" pairs a laid-back funk beat with biting commentary on fame, while Boyz II Men’s tearful "It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" showcases a cappella brilliance, though it leans into emotional over-polish.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Look Ma, No Mike!’ N°12 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

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Lilys' "A Nanny in Manhattan" packs retro ‘60s psychedelic vibes into a sharp, vibrant burst, blending intricate instrumentation with playful charm. Supergrass brings frenetic energy to Britpop with "Mansize Rooster," a swagger-filled track showing off loping basslines and Gaz Coombes’ elastic vocals. Meanwhile, Ride’s "Leave Them All Behind" cranks up hypnotic guitars and daring length, creating a noisy yet compelling shoegaze anthem.

Other highlights include The Cardigans’ reflective "Rise & Shine," a subtle precursor to their pop success, and Stereophonics’ heartfelt "Local Boy in the Photograph," weaving personal tragedy with Brit-rock melancholy. Wendy James’ Costello-penned "The Nameless One" leans on introspection, while Max Q’s "Sometimes" shows off Michael Hutchence’s evocative voice amid raw experimentation. The Wedding Present’s jangly "Brassneck" intros Bizarro with sharp emotion and Yorkshire wit.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°523 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

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Tracks like “Think About” by D.J. H. and Stefy tap into ’90s sampling with Aretha Franklin cuts creating a nostalgic-mechanical vibe, while Scooter’s “Back in the U.K.” pairs wild energy with quirky Miss Marple samples, delivering a playful burst to mid-'90s charts. Quench’s “Dreams” leans on trance’s hypnotic flow, blending atmospheric pads and sawtooth riffs that captured attention in early ’90s dance scenes.

Meanwhile, Charles & Eddie’s “N.Y.C.” offers a subdued ode to their city with smooth harmonies but leaves little impact in contrast to their hit “Would I Lie To You?” Meat Beat Manifesto’s “Mindstream” layers industrial breakbeats and techno energy, favoring texture over accessibility, and 808 State’s “In Yer Face” throws dense production into a raw high-energy anthem teetering between thrilling and bold chaos.

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‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°313 – Vintage 80s Music Videos

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V Capri's "Haunting Me" merges mid-'80s Australian new wave flair with emotive vocals and glossy production, peaking locally at No. 1 in Perth but struggling to make a broader impact. When in Rome’s "The Promise," born out of low-budget ingenuity, became an ’80s pop staple with its melancholic keyboard lines and mid-chart success on both Billboard and dance charts, later revitalized through covers and film appearances like *Napoleon Dynamite*.

The Smiths’ "What Difference Does It Make?" delivers biting lyrics alongside Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar, marking an early standout in their catalog with its philosophical edge and chart presence. Meanwhile, Prefab Sprout’s "Johnny Johnny" hints at the band’s lyrical finesse but lacks the commercial staying power of their bigger hits. Fra Lippo Lippi balances melancholy and pop accessibility in "Shouldn’t Have to Be Like That," showcasing an understated charm that resonated across parts of Europe.

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‘We Are Live’ N°126 – 2010s Music Videos

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Stereophonics’ "Indian Summer" blends nostalgia with arena-ready riffs but feels a bit predictable, while Foals’ "My Number" pulses with rhythmic precision and post-punk cool, earning notable chart success like No. 23 in the UK. Cover Drive’s catchy "Lick Ya Down" peaks at No. 9 in the UK, showcasing polished pop-reggae, and Bruno Mars’ heartfelt ballad "When I Was Your Man" tops the US Billboard Hot 100 with raw, stripped-back emotion.

Mr. Probz’s "Waves," enhanced by Robin Schulz’s remix, rides emotional metaphors to international chart-topping status, while Passenger’s "Let Her Go" captivates with its folk-pop simplicity, becoming a global hit. Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey’s "The Middle" perfects infectious pop but sacrifices edge for mainstream appeal. James Arthur’s "Safe Inside" brings tender familial reflections, gaining Platinum certification despite its safe musical choices.

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Hip-Hop & Soul N°109 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

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Brandy’s "Sittin' Up in My Room," crafted by Babyface, blends introspection with polished mid-'90s R&B, featuring a catchiness rooted in Brandy’s youthful sincerity. Meanwhile, Luniz’s "I Got 5 On It" delivers a laid-back yet poignant anthem about shared financial struggles, its enduring appeal amplified by Michael Marshall’s soulful hook and cultural moments like its eerie placement in *Us*.

TQ’s "Westside" pays homage to California legends with its smooth production and heartfelt vocals, while Busta Rhymes’ "Gimme Some More" pushes rapid-fire delivery over DJ Scratch’s chaotic beats. JAY-Z reimagines Rose Royce’s "Wishing on a Star" alongside Gwen Dickey, marrying lush production with nostalgic verses, and Byron Stingily’s "Get Up (Everybody)" channels Sylvester’s disco roots into a vibrant ’90s house anthem fueled by his soaring falsetto.

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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°545 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

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Coheed and Cambria’s "The Suffering" fuses progressive complexity with radio-ready hooks, driven by Claudio Sanchez’s piercing vocals and a sleek blend of metal crunch and melody. Matchbox Twenty’s "Disease," co-written with Mick Jagger, leans on polished angst and a slick rock arrangement, though it feels more comfortable than groundbreaking. Wheatus’s "Teenage Dirtbag" reverberates with timeless adolescent angst, carried by Brendan B. Brown’s youthful delivery and a buoyant guitar riff that’s still universally relatable.

Oasis’s "Go Let It Out" balances psychedelic layers with Noel Gallagher’s instrumental heavy-lifting, while Idlewild’s "A Modern Way of Letting Go" mixes melodic energy with punk grit. M83’s "Don’t Save Us From the Flames" packs electronic urgency into a feverish dreamscape, reflecting Anthony Gonzalez’s flair for cinematic soundscapes. Bullet for My Valentine’s "All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)" showcases the emotional tension between acoustic tenderness and heavy distortion, capturing their early heavy-metal edge.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In Jazz Legends (Special Pianists) 07/52

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Omar Sosa’s Moody Jazz Café performance fused Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern jazz, blending traditional influences with electronic effects. His use of piano, Fender Rhodes, and keyboards created textured, dynamic compositions that teetered between avant-garde dissonance and harmonic beauty. Similarly inventive, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea’s duet on “Maiden Voyage” stripped down the original’s oceanic essence into a minimalist piano conversation, showcasing their chemistry yet leaning toward cerebral abstraction.

Hank Jones reinterpreted Duke Ellington's “In a Sentimental Mood” at the 1977 Nice Jazz Festival, delivering a restrained yet elegant take alongside Vic Dickenson’s heartfelt trombone. Monty Alexander brought warmth to standards like “September Song,” infusing island rhythms without losing their melancholy core. Meanwhile, Return to Forever's “Sorceress” balanced jazz fusion’s complexity and raw energy, standing out on their iconic *Romantic Warrior* album as both intricate and challenging, though emotionally distant for some listeners.

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