Hip-Hop & Soul N°244 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Young Jeezy and Akon bring grit to the streets with “Soul Survivor,” blending raw lyricism and a haunting chorus, while Eminem’s “When I’m Gone” opts for introspection, balancing fame’s toll with personal struggles. D12 lightens the mood with the absurdly catchy “Purple Hills,” and Kardinal Offishall’s “Numba 1 (Tide Is High)” injects reggae flair into a dancefloor-ready anthem. Aaliyah’s poignant “Miss You” stands as a heartfelt tribute, and Lil Jon’s “What U Gon’ Do” delivers pure crunk energy, capturing early 2000s club chaos. Fierce’s “Sweet Love 2K” updates an R&B classic with polished vocals, and Genius Cru’s “Boom Selection” thrives on the raw, cheeky spirit of UK garage. These tracks reflect a range of sounds, from reflective to explosive, leaving their mark through standout hooks and genre-crossing vibes.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘We Are Live’ N°13 – Vintage 80s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of The Jam's "In the City" charges with punk urgency, critiquing authority in urban life, while The Damned’s gothic "Eloise" thrives on dramatic excess, reaching No. 3 on UK charts. Morrissey spins fame and infamy into the glam-tinged "The Last of the Famous International Playboys," and INXS balances rock balladry with polish in "This Time." AC/DC’s bawdy swagger comes alive in "Let’s Get It Up," while Peter Frampton blends sleek '80s production and emotive guitar work in "Lying." The Boomtown Rats experiment with reggae-rock on "A Hold of Me," offering a moody departure from their earlier hits.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°102 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Franz Ferdinand’s swagger-filled "Ulysses" pairs angular guitars with nocturnal chaos, while Arctic Monkeys’ "When the Sun Goes Down" delivers gritty realism through sharp, vivid storytelling. My Chemical Romance’s "Welcome to the Black Parade" channels emo grandeur with theatrical flair, and Eminem’s haunting "Stan" dissects obsession. Meanwhile, Coldplay’s "Life in Technicolor ii" balances global rhythms with polished pop-rock, and Benny Benassi’s "No Matter What You Do" loops hypnotic beats into early 2000s club vibes. Mint Royale’s quirky "Blue Song" fuses humor with pulsing electronica, while Thirty Seconds to Mars’ soaring "From Yesterday" indulges in cinematic ambition. Each track finds its unique place in a broad spectrum of storytelling and sound.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°310 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of George Michael brought precision to "I Can’t Make You Love Me," while Dina Carroll’s "The Perfect Year" balanced nostalgia and hope. Thunder’s "A Better Man" embraced introspection, and Kristin Hersh’s "Your Ghost" delivered haunting simplicity with Michael Stipe’s ethereal backing. Sheryl Crow’s "Strong Enough" stood out for its raw honesty, and Lenny Kravitz’s "I Build This Garden For Us" channeled ’60s idealism. Lisa Loeb’s "I Do" pushed back at industry demands, Shawn Colvin’s "Round of Blues" merged thoughtful folk-rock with collaboration, and Wendy & Lisa’s "Don’t Try to Tell Me" leaned into funky confidence. Each carved its place with depth and emotion.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°543 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of The text spans a range of standout tracks, from The Smashing Pumpkins’ reflective nostalgia in "1979" to Pavement’s offbeat charm in "Stereo." The Red Hot Chili Peppers electrify with their fiery spin on Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground," while Sarah Brightman blends operatic grandeur in "Eden." Songs like Geneva’s atmospheric "Into the Blue" and Idlewild's jagged "When I Argue I See Shapes" exude late ‘90s introspection, while Bryan Ferry’s “Mamouna” layers intricate arrangements with cinematic flair.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In One-Off Collaborations 06/52

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Angélique Kidjo and Buddy Guy's rendition of Hendrix's "Voodoo Child" blends Beninese vocal finesse with emotive guitar riffs, striking a balance between homage and cultural reinterpretation. Buddy's sharp solos and Angélique's intricate delivery occasionally clash, but the performance remains a bold cultural fusion. Meanwhile, Paul Simon's "Wristband" uses playful humor to dissect societal barriers, its live performances featuring acoustic flair merged with Clap Clap!'s electronic touches, adding depth to its restless energy.

Post Malone and the Red Hot Chili Peppers shook up genres at the Grammys, moving from intimate acoustic vibes of "Stay" to the funk-infused "Dark Necessities." Marianne Faithfull's 2013 live take on "Broken English" traded punk grit for melodic introspection, while Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, and Wynton Marsalis reimagined "You Are My Sunshine" with a jazz-country twist. Gregory Porter’s duet "Water Under Bridges" with Laura Mvula leaned into nostalgic elegance, though some spontaneity felt restrained in its polished delivery.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°330 – Vintage 80s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Shalamar’s "Right In The Socket" grooves through disco-funk vibes, powered by charismatic vocals and Leon Sylvers III's vibrant production, while Luther Vandross’s "She Won’t Talk to Me" showcases silky frustration over late-’80s R&B finesse. Sheryl Lee Ralph's "In the Evening" captures '80s dancefloor liberation, contrasting starkly with the apocalyptic satire of Nena's "99 Red Balloons." Billy Idol's "Dancing With Myself" blends punk grit with reflective defiance, and The Bangles’ electrifying "Hazy Shade of Winter" amplifies Simon & Garfunkel’s introspection into intense rock anthems. Meanwhile, AC/DC heats things up with the explosive energy of "Heatseeker," delivering riffs and theatrics that epitomize their hard rock swagger.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°100 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of David Bowie’s frenetic "Little Wonder" blends electronica and rock chaos, while Placebo’s edgy "Nancy Boy" critiques societal norms with biting humor. Skunk Anansie’s "Weak" delivers raw vulnerability, and Alice in Chains’ "Heaven Beside You" captures emotional turmoil through layered grunge tones. The Offspring’s "All I Want" races with punk energy, contrasting Duran Duran’s synthetic "Electric Barbarella."? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘We Are Live’ N°145 – 2010s Music Videos

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Sam Smith’s heartfelt "Lay Me Down," re-released with John Legend, turned solitary yearning into a poignant duet, hitting number one in the UK. Meanwhile, Jon Bellion’s "All Time Low" paired sleek pop production with breakup vulnerability, making waves internationally. Little Mix’s early empowerment ballad "Change Your Life" showcased polished vocals but leaned on safe universality, peaking at 12 in the UK.

John Newman’s "Love Me Again" blended raspy vocals and modern soul-pop energy, topping UK charts and gaining traction globally thanks to its dramatic flair. Saygrace’s update of "You Don’t Own Me" added a contemporary edge to a classic feminist anthem, lifted by Quincy Jones’ involvement. Kodaline’s "Honest" brought emotional tension but stayed in familiar sonic territory, marking another solid, if cautious, hit for the band.

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‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°105 – Vintage 80s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Ashford & Simpson’s "Solid" underscores resilience with its groove and chemistry, while Luther Vandross's "Never Too Much" delivers infectious joy and vocal brilliance. Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" blends '80s production with viral charm, and Simple Minds' "Don't You [Forget About Me]" captures teen angst via cinematic flair. Tina Turner’s "Let’s Stay Together" redefines a classic with raw energy, and Bryan Adams' "Run to You" pairs forbidden love with sharp riffs. Will to Power’s "Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley" smooths rock edges for mass appeal, and Earth, Wind & Fire’s "Fall in Love with Me" balances polished funk with heartfelt emotion.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In ’70s Throwback’ 06/52

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Carole King’s "You’ve Got a Friend" from *Tapestry* is a heartfelt expression of unwavering support, with an unadorned intimacy that earned her a Grammy, while James Taylor’s smoother take topped the Billboard charts. Diana Ross’s "Love Hangover" dazzles with its duality, shifting from a subdued soul ballad to a disco anthem, securing her a number-one hit and cementing its dancefloor appeal. Meanwhile, Johnny Cash’s rendition of "Ring of Fire" remains iconic, combining mariachi-inspired horns with raw passion, a hallmark of country music’s cinematic edge.

Chicago’s "Colour My World" charms with its flute solo and simplicity, contrasting their signature brass-heavy style, and the Bee Gees’ falsetto-driven "Too Much Heaven" strikes an ethereal yet polished chord. Jethro Tull’s "Songs from the Wood" blends vivid folklore with rock precision, while Seals and Crofts’ "Hummingbird" adds a spiritual layer to ’70s soft rock. Diana Ross’s playful "Love Hangover" and Al Kooper’s blues exchange in "Get Some Dollars" shine for their unique dynamics, and Skid Row’s "Unco-Up Showband Blues" showcases young Gary Moore’s edgy guitar work in a bold, unpolished fashion.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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Hip-Hop & Soul N°106 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Pharrell’s slick falsetto shines on "Angel," blending R&B charm with minimalism, landing at #15 in the UK. Kanye’s "Gold Digger" pairs witty lyrics with Jamie Foxx’s Ray Charles-inspired hook, dominating charts. Baha Men’s absurdly catchy "Who Let the Dogs Out" thrives on its chaotic energy, while Mary J. Blige’s emotive "Be Without You" balances vulnerability with modern R&B polish.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°326 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of The Hoosiers charm with "Worst Case Scenario," an indie-pop twist full of quirks and melodious energy, while Good Charlotte’s "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous" critiques celebrity culture with punchy humor and pop-punk flair. José González strips back The Knife’s "Heartbeats," offering raw acoustic intimacy, and Brand New’s "Sic Transit Gloria… Glory Fades" explores dark themes with haunting lyrical nuance. R.E.M.’s "The Great Beyond" blends shimmering alt-rock with Andy Kaufman’s eccentric essence, as David Bowie’s "Survive" reflects quietly on love and time with understated grace. Meanwhile, Liberty X lean into emotional depth with "Everybody Cries," and Emilíana Torrini’s "To Be Free" pairs ethereal vocals with textured trip-hop sounds.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In Soul Artists 06/52

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Whitney Houston’s "You Give Good Love" introduced her voice with a restrained elegance, aiming for niche resonance while hinting at her potential; charting high on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing love from black music audiences, it balanced strategy and intimacy. Similarly, "Love Hangover" by Diana Ross shifted between sultry balladry and disco dynamism, earning chart-topping success and decades-long adaptability but leaving some critics debating its cohesion.

Ray Charles’s "I Can’t Stop Loving You" reimagined a country classic with orchestral grandeur, winning Grammys and broad appeal, while Kanye West’s "All Falls Down" spun reflections on materialism into a polished hit, powered by Syleena Johnson’s warm vocals. D’Angelo’s "Lady" stood out for its understated neo-soul charm, and Luther Vandross’s "Take You Out" showcased his timeless delivery, balancing R&B tradition with contemporary flair.

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‘Look Ma, No Mike!’ N°11 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Lisa Stansfield's "Live Together" fuses late-’80s polish with house grooves, while Midnight Oil’s "Blue Sky Mine" pairs an upbeat melody with sharp activism. The Charlatans’ "Can’t Get Out of Bed" layers jangly urgency over morning musings, and Elastica’s "Waking Up" claws into Britpop with sharp riffs and playful rebellion. Simply Red’s "For Your Babies" delivers heartfelt sincerity, and Jah Wobble’s "Visions of You," with Sinéad O'Connor, explores hypnotic global sounds. Jimmy Nail’s "Big River" reflects industrial resilience, while Deana Carter’s "Angel Without A Prayer" keeps it country with tender simplicity.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In ’90s Throwback’ 06/52

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Amy Winehouse’s "Love Is a Losing Game" is a minimalist heartbreak ballad from *Back to Black*, where her smoky vocals shine against sparse production, earning it an Ivor Novello Award. Samantha Fish brings fiery blues-rock intensity to "I Put a Spell On You," revisiting the classic with sharp guitar work and raw emotion. Meanwhile, Valerie June’s "Somebody to Love" pairs her distinctive banjolele with tender vocals, blending her Tennessee roots with gospel and blues influences.

Rhiannon Giddens reimagines Patsy Cline’s "She’s Got You" with understated precision, while Suzanne Vega’s "Solitude Standing" captures introspective quietness with layered textures. P!nk’s "Try" balances resilience and theatrics, epitomized by a strikingly physical music video. Sheryl Crow’s "Strong Enough" offers a raw, confessional tone, its stripped-back production bolstering its emotional weight, staying as impactful decades after its release.

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Hip-Hop & Soul N°410 – 2010s Music Videos

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Nicki Minaj's "Stupid Hoe" shines with chaotic, stripped-down beats and divisive energy, featuring rapid-fire lyrics and a theatrical music video by Hype Williams. Its biting tone, speculated as a jab at Lil' Kim, polarized audiences, while the track peaked modestly at No. 59 on Billboard but broke Vevo’s 24-hour views record. Similarly, J. Cole's "Middle Child" balances introspection and industry critique, highlighting his role bridging hip-hop generations. Produced by T-Minus, it became his highest-charting single at No. 4 on Billboard and earned 3× Platinum certification, blending personal reflection with a polished yet familiar sound.

Chris Brown’s "Yeah 3x" injects club-ready energy with its electro dance-pop sound, charting globally and going quintuple platinum in Australia despite plagiarism disputes with Calvin Harris. Meanwhile, AJ Tracey’s "Psych Out!" trades gritty bars for melodic finesse, achieving a No. 18 peak in the UK charts but leaning towards polish over rawness. Migos’ "Walk It Talk It," featuring Drake, thrives on repetition, supported by a retro "Soul Train"-inspired video, peaking at No. 10 on Billboard and earning a 6× Platinum certification. Blueface’s "Thotiana," backed by viral remixes, ascended to No. 8 on Billboard, though its sparse production and offbeat flow rendered it more fleeting cultural moment than rap cornerstone.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°113 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Bart Simpson’s "Do the Bartman" brings animated swagger with Nancy Cartwright’s playful delivery and Michael Jackson’s uncredited touch, chart-topping globally. Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” blends hip-hop flair with a Sister Sledge sample, bursting with charm and charting high. Rednex’s "Cotton Eye Joe" remixes Appalachian folk with Eurodance absurdity, becoming a wedding staple. Underworld’s "Born Slippy (Nuxx)" thrives on its raw, euphoric chaos, while C+C Music Factory’s “Gonna Make You Sweat” pairs powerhouse vocals with energetic beats. SNAP’s “Exterminate!” delivers dark Eurodance vibes, and Take That’s “Could It Be Magic” reinvents a Manilow classic with boy-band bravado.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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Hip-Hop & Soul N°356 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Blu Cantrell's "Make Me Wanna Scream" blends R&B with reggae, driven by raw vocals and Ian Lewis's warm backing, though it falls short of "Breathe's" impact. Les Nubians' "Makeda" reintroduces French to American R&B, fusing neo-soul with Afrocentric rhythms. Handsome Boy Modeling School’s "Rock N’ Roll" defies genres, mixing turntablism with alternative rock. Roots Manuva's "Colossal Insight" offers introspection with a deep dub-inspired beat, while Obie Trice’s "The Set Up" delivers sharp rap storytelling amplified by Nate Dogg's haunting chorus. Noisettes' punk-tinged "Sister Rosetta" channels chaotic celebration, and Beyoncé’s "Me, Myself and I" shines as a minimalist ode to resilience. Akon's understated "Pot of Gold" exudes quiet ambition, while Chris Brown and Keri Hilson’s "Superhuman" leans on sentimental balladry for emotional elevation.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Look Ma, No Mike!’ N°133 – 2010s Music Videos

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N-Dubz’s "Girls," with its hedonistic themes and polished beats, sees Dappy's over-the-top theatrics paired with a glossy yet disjointed music video, peaking modestly at No. 18 in the UK. Troye Sivan’s "Youth" shines as millennial synth-pop, blending sparkling hooks and universal themes of first love, landing higher in charts like Australia (No. 17) and achieving multi-platinum accolades globally.

The Vamps and Matoma teamed up for "All Night," a streamlined EDM-pop crossover with childlike vocal production quirks, staying on UK charts for 26 weeks. Sophie Ellis-Bextor slowed the pace with "Young Blood," an introspective chamber pop piece that peaked at No. 34 in the UK, offering cinematic strings and tender vocals that departed from her dance-pop roots.

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