How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Jessie J, Jake Bugg, Katy Perry, Rag’N’Bone Man, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber, Little Mix, Michael Bublé, MiC Lowry, Coldplay, Emeli Sandé, Selena Gomez
They are the performers of twelve “live” music videos that were ranked in various charts, this week (51/52) BUT … in the Tens 2010s.
1. Who originally wrote the song covered by Jessie J, “(Everybody’s Waitin’ for) The Man with the Bag”?
- A Dudley Brooks, Hal Stanley, and Irving Taylor
- B Irving Berlin and George Gershwin
- C Cole Porter and Oscar Hammerstein
2. What notable event featured Jake Bugg’s “Lightning Bolt” as a backing track?
- A Formula 1 Grand Prix
- B 2012 London Olympics
- C Super Bowl XLVI
3. Where did Katy Perry reportedly spend Christmas, inspiring her holiday song?
- A Copenhagen
- B New York
- C Paris
4. Which award did Rag’n’Bone Man’s “Human” win in 2018?
- A Grammy for Best New Artist
- B Brit Award for British Single of the Year
- C MTV Music Video Award
5. What is the runtime of the album version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Catch My Breath”?
- A 4:10
- B 3:56
- C 5:00
6. Which musical project was related to Justin Bieber’s “Mark My Words” release?
- A Purpose: The Movement
- B Believe Acoustic Sessions
- C Journals Revisited
7. What musical era inspired the holiday ballad released by Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s group?
- A 1920s
- B 1950s
- C 1980s
8. Who recorded the first version of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”?
- A Bing Crosby
- B Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters
- C Nat King Cole
9. MiC LOWRY’s “Oh Lord” samples which artist’s hit song?
- A Eric Clapton
- B Phil Collins
- C Elton John
10. Coldplay’s Christmas track hints at festivities on which London street?
- A Baker Street
- B Oxford Street
- C Portobello Road
11. What inspired the music video for Emeli Sandé’s “Clown”?
- A Marcel Marceau
- B Charlie Chaplin
- C “Joan of Arc” (1928 film)
12. Selena Gomez’s track featuring A$AP Rocky was the lead single for which album?
- A Revival
- B Stars Dance
- C A Year Without Rain
Tracklist
1 . Jessie J – Man With The Bag |
‘Oh Mr Kringle, I’m soon gonna jingle’
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| Jessie J’s “Man with the Bag” is a lively and spirited rendition of the classic Christmas song, bringing a fresh and modern take to the holiday staple. The lyrics of the song evoke the excitement and anticipation of the holiday season, centered around the arrival of Santa Claus, the “man with the bag” who brings joy and gifts. |
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2 . Jake Bugg – Lightning Bolt |
| Co-written with famous lyricist, Iain Archer, “Lightning Bolt” by 18-year-old Jake Bugg is a dynamic track that blends elements of folk and rock with lyrics often interpreted as a narrative on taking chances in life and love. The music video, directed by Michael Holyk and shot in Amsterdam, features Bugg as a busker. “Lightning Bolt” gained further recognition when it was used in the coverage of Usain Bolt’s 100m win at the 2012 London Olympics. |
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Featured on the 2012 album “Jake Bugg”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
3 . Katy Perry – Cozy Little Christmas |
‘So, Mr. Santa (Mr. Santa) Take the day off (take the day off)’
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| Co-written with Ferras Alqaisi and co-produced with Greg Wells, “Cozy Little Christmas” by Katy Perry is a charming and festive track that focuses on enjoying the simple pleasures of the season and spending time with loved ones as opposed to spending hard earned money in chic brands stores. Perry’s vocals, combined with the Motown-Supremes-inspired arrangement and backing vocals, create a nostalgic yet fresh holiday vibe. A vibrant homage to classic holiday films, particularly the 1964 stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the campy and kitsch video, directed by WATTS, features Perry in a festive and colorful attire and Santa relaxing by the pool or at a massage parlour. “Cozy Little Christmas” has been used in various media, including the 2020 television film “The Christmas House” and the 2021 Netflix Christmas romantic comedy film “The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star.” |
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4 . Rag’N’Bone Man – Human |
‘Don’t put your blame on me’
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| Soulful and powerful track “Human” by Rag’n’Bone Man, born Rory Graham in Brighton, UK, stands out for its poignant lyrics and the artist’s deep baritone voice against bass, various percussions and an acoustic piano. Co-written by Jamie Hartman and produced by Two Inch Punch, it resonates with themes of self-reflection and the intrinsic imperfections of being human. The accompanying music video, directed by Charlie Robins and featuring Rag’n’Bone Man himself, further amplifies the song’s introspective nature. |
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Featured on the 2017 album “Human”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
5 . Kelly Clarkson – Catch My Breath |
| Kelly Clarkson’s “Catch My Breath” is a midtempo electro-pop song with EDM builds and pop-rock arrangements. Co-written with longtime friend Jason Halbert and Eric Olson, the song and its uplifting first-person narrative reflect Clarkson’s journey and her commitment to living life on her own terms. Directed by Nadia Marquard Otzen and filmed in London, the music video features Clarkson in a high-waisted black gown amidst elements of air, water, and fire, symbolizing tranquility and transformation. |
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Featured on the 2012 album “Greatest Hits – Chapter One”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
6 . Justin Bieber – Mark My Words |
| Justin Bieber’s song “Mark My Words” is known for its minimalist production, showcasing Bieber’s vocal range and emotional depth. The lyrics of the song, believed to be influenced by his personal experiences and relationship with Selena Gomez, resonate with themes of regret, promise, and a desire for genuine connection. Directed by Parris Goebel, the music video adds a visual dimension to the song’s introspective and personal nature, focusing on Bieber lipsyncing and gesturing on the top of an antique piano in the middle of nowhere. |
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Featured on the 2015 album “Purpose”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
7 . Little Mix – One I’ve Been Missing |
‘I’ve waited all year to be near To the one I’ve been missing’
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| Being the group’s first official Christmas single, “One I’ve Been Missing” by Little Mix is a festive track, blending the group’s harmonious vocals with seasonal instrumentals. Written by Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock with Tre Jean-Marie, Jez Ashurst, Sinead Harnett and Rachel Furner, the lyrics focus on the anticipation and excitement of spending the holidays with a loved one, after a long absence, probably a life of the road side-effect. The music video, directed by Laurence Warder, features the ladies in various outfits: stage bodysuits or for Jesy Nelson, nothing but a towel. |
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Featured on the 2020 album “Confetti”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
8 . Michael Bublé – It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas |
‘Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again’
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| Originally written in 1951 by Meredith Willson, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” has become a staple of the Christmas season, covered by numerous artists over the years. Michael Bublé’s version stands out for his signature crooning style and its modern yet timeless arrangement and lush orchestration. The accompanying music video follows Bublé time-travelling through various households from a late-50s black-and-white family living room to a contemporary, color depiction of a Jewish family lighting candles for Hanukkah. |
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Featured on the 2012 album “Christmas”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
9 . MiC Lowry – Oh Lord |
‘When the rhythm hits, I’m not afraid to die’
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| Vocal harmony group MiC LOWRY’s debut single “Oh Lord” uniquely samples and adapts Phil Collins’ hit “In the Air Tonight” in both lyrics and music with a contemporary R&B twist. The music video, directed by Shaun James Grant, showcases the vocal talents of the group – comprising Delleile Ankrah, Akia Jones, Kaine Ofoeme, Ben Sharples, and Michael Welch – along with a guest dancer. |
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10 . Coldplay – Christmas Lights |
| Unlike traditional Christmas songs that focus solely on joy and celebration, “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay acknowledges the complex emotions and the touch of bittersweet melancholy that can accompany the festive season. The song is characterized by its mid-tempo, electro-pop sound, blending elements of traditional Christmas music with Coldplay’s signature style. The accompanying music video, directed by Mat Whitecross and filmed on the London South Bank, comes with the band performing on a stage against the backdrop of London’s night skyline, a lot of balloons and three Elvises playing violin. |
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11 . Emeli Sandé – Clown |
”Cause from over here I missed the joke’
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| Written by Sandé, Shahid Khan, and Grant Mitchell, and produced by Khan under his production name Naughty Boy, “Clown” by Emeli Sandé is a deeply moving and poignant song. Sandé’s voice, powerful yet filled with vulnerability, conveys a sense of dignity and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics are believed to be a reflection on Sandé’s own experiences in the music industry. The music video, directed by WIZ (Andrew John Whiston), showcases Sande being questioned by characters in military uniform (music execs?) who wants her to sign some document. |
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Featured on the 2012 album “Our Version Of Events”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
12 . Selena Gomez – Good For You (w/ A$AP Rocky) |
‘You look good, girl, bet it feel good, don’t it?’
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| Selena Gomez’s song “Good for You” features A$AP Rocky and comes with a minimalistic production, mature themes and the singer’s personal and artistic growth. The music video, directed by Sophie Muller, follows a low-key premise with a sensual Gomez in various outfits wriggling on a couch, on the floor and even taking a steamy shower, all that before Rocky delivers his lines against a fiery background. |
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Featured on the 2015 album “Revival”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Jessie J covered a song originally penned by Dudley Brooks, Hal Stanley, and Irving Taylor. The classic tune has had many iterations since its initial release.
2. Jake Bugg’s “Lightning Bolt” accompanied Usain Bolt as he claimed victory at the 2012 London Olympics. Ironically, the track wasn’t crafted with this event in mind.
3. Katy Perry’s Christmas track reflects her festive time spent in Copenhagen, not in the hustle of New York or the romance of Paris.
4. In 2018, Rag’n’Bone Man’s “Human” clinched the prestigious Brit Award for British Single of the Year, showcasing its appeal far beyond digital platforms.
5. The full-length album version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Catch My Breath” runs for an exact 4 minutes and 10 seconds, just enough time to hold one’s breath.
6. Justin Bieber’s “Mark My Words” was part of the Purpose: The Movement project. This venture involved a visual for each track on his album.
7. Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s group drew inspiration from the 1950s for their Christmas single, showing that what’s old can be festive again.
8. Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters first crooned “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Bublé just added a modern spin for new holiday playlists.
9. MiC LOWRY borrowed from Phil Collins’s iconic tune for “Oh Lord.” Collins’s influence transcends generations and genres.
10. In Coldplay’s melodic narrative, it’s Oxford Street’s glimmering lights that guide both protagonist and listener on a snowy quest for love.
11. The music video for Emeli Sandé’s “Clown” takes cues from the silent film “Joan of Arc” (1928). Sandé captures emotion without uttering a word.
12. Selena Gomez’s track, with guest vocals by A$AP Rocky, heralded her album “Revival.” This song marked a new era in her discography.
For THE FULL ‘ARE WE LIVE?’ COLLECTION click here
NB . You may wonder what are these “Quotes” attached to certain photos above. Well! For a specific song, we take a still from the video on one side and select a lyric from the song on the other. We then merge the two. Et voilà!
Live Quotes • Oh Mr Kringle, I’m soon gonna jingle (Jessie J) • So, Mr. Santa (Mr. Santa) Take the day off (take the day off) (Katy Perry) • Don’t put your blame on me (Rag’N’Bone Man) • I’ve waited all year to be near To the one I’ve been missing (Little Mix) • Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again (Michael Bublé) • When the rhythm hits, I’m not afraid to die (MiC Lowry) • ‘Cause from over here I missed the joke (Emeli Sandé) • You look good, girl, bet it feel good, don’t it? (Selena Gomez)
Music-wise : Post-Teen Pop, Rap, Viral Pop, Dance Pop, Rap, Pop