Matching Artists

This week In Singing Ladies 07/52

Sarah Vaughan’s “Send In The Clowns,” from her 1981 album, highlights her vocal depth, turning Sondheim’s poignant lyrics into an intimate experience. Katie Melua’s “Spider’s Web” blends subtle guitar work and orchestral flourishes to examine moral ambiguity, while Brandi Carlile’s “Before It Breaks” presents a raw, restrained emotional journey with contributions from Rick Rubin and the Hanseroth brothers.

Jennifer Rush’s “The Power of Love” stands as a power ballad classic, marked by its global chart-topping success, whereas Heart’s “Magic Man” fuses personal storytelling with 1970s rock drama. The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “Signs, High Times” opens their 2019 album on a groove-filled, bluesy note, showcasing Derek Trucks’ slide guitar and Susan Tedeschi’s commanding vocals. Each track brings its unique stamp to their respective albums.

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‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°692 – 2010s Music Videos

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Paramore’s “The Only Exception” showcases a softer, stripped-down ballad in 6/8 time, veering from their usual energy. Hayley Williams’ heartfelt delivery anchors the track, which gained commercial traction, hitting No. 17 in Australia and earning a Grammy nod. Its quiet introspection marked a shift, resonating on the UK Rock Chart but drawing mixed feelings about its restrained predictability. Similarly, Marina’s “How to Be a Heartbreaker” paired cheeky breakup rules with a polished pop backdrop. Produced by Benny Blanco and Dr. Luke, the track aimed for mainstream success, achieving platinum status but peaking modestly on UK and US charts, balancing humor with a team-driven sound.

Jack Savoretti’s “Candlelight” leans into cinematic elegance with lush, atmospheric instrumentation, hinting at James Bond vibes but sanding down emotional edges for mass appeal. Meanwhile, Ne-Yo’s Disney piece, “Never Knew I Needed,” oozes romance with polished R&B stylings but feels like a chapter in a broader narrative rather than a standout. Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue” blends country and reggae, delivering an earworm that polarized fans with its quirky energy, while Alyssa Reid’s “Alone Again” borrowed Heart’s ’80s hit, blending nostalgia with crisp pop charm to climb European charts. These tracks highlight diverse approaches to balancing emotional weight and commercial appeal.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°328 – Vintage 80s Music Videos

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Slade’s “Run Runaway” combined glam rock energy with Scottish folk vibes, reaching No. 7 in the UK and breaking into the US top 20. Its electric fiddle and infectious rhythm gave it an arena-rock edge. The Police’s “So Lonely,” with its punk-reggae fusion, went from initial chart failure to a UK top 10 hit upon re-release in 1980, featuring Sting’s angsty yet self-aware vocals that became a fan favorite.

Chas & Dave’s “London Girls” celebrated Cockney charm but struggled to stand out, peaking at No. 63 on the charts. Meanwhile, David Bowie and Pat Metheny’s “This Is Not America” blended jazz textures with introspective lyrics, hitting No. 32 in the US. Madness’s “Michael Caine” pushed narrative boundaries with its noir vibe and reached No. 11 in the UK, while The Style Council’s slick, brassy “My Ever Changing Moods” became Paul Weller’s highest US charting single.

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This week In ’80s Throwback’ Videos 07/52

Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” stands out with its minimalist lyrics on mortality, becoming a timeless, adaptable classic reinterpreted by over 150 artists, including Guns N’ Roses and Eric Clapton. Similarly, U2’s “11 O’Clock Tick Tock” reflects the band’s early ambition, blending raw energy and atmospheric production, further solidified by its powerful live performances.

Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” dazzles with its funk-driven brass and groundbreaking visuals, while Laurie Anderson’s “Sharkey’s Day” layers experimental instrumentation with surrealist spoken-word delivery. Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’” expertly melds R&B groove with smooth studio precision, and Joe Jackson’s “Steppin’ Out” captures the electric allure of NYC nightlife with finely crafted sophistication.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°333 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

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Garbage’s “Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go)” mixes quirky glam-pop with retro-futuristic vibes, featuring Steve Marker’s tuba through a wah-wah pedal and Daniel Shulman’s groovy bassline. Its playful energy earned solid global chart positions, peaking at No. 7 in Australia and No. 8 in Italy, thanks partly to a clever ad campaign. The eccentric Dawn Shadforth-directed video amplifies its quirky charm, nodding to pop-art and manga influences.

Meanwhile, Dirty Vegas’ “Days Go By” pairs wistful acoustic roots with polished house beats, gaining major traction through a Mitsubishi commercial and earning a Grammy in 2003. On the other end, Safri Duo’s percussion-heavy anthem “Played-A-Live (The Bongo Song)” electrified dance floors worldwide, selling 1.5 million copies. Standouts like Hi Tack’s “Say Say Say [Waiting 4 U]” reimagine classic hooks with modern house production flair, while Ice MC’s 1994 Eurodance hit “Think About the Way” wraps rapid raps and Alexia’s soaring vocals in iconic ’90s club energy.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘We Are Live’ N°14 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Michael Bolton and Bob Dylan’s “Steel Bars” channels raw ’90s melodrama with vivid metaphors of emotional captivity, while Throwing Muses’ “Counting Backwards” offers disjointed rhythms and visceral lyrics that echo tension. The Lemon Trees’ “Let It Loose” delivers breezy, psych-tinged charm, contrasting with the art-rock complexity of The Blue Aeroplanes’ “Jacket Hangs.” Weezer’s “Undone – The Sweater Song” mixes self-aware melancholy with alt-rock simplicity, and Sick of It All’s “Scratch the Surface” burns with hardcore energy and biting defiance. Gravity Kills’ “Enough” blends industrial grit with melodic hooks, and The Supernaturals’ “The Day Before Yesterday’s Man” pairs Britpop wit with reflective musings. Poison’s bluesy “Stand” diverges from their glam roots, while Energy Orchard’s “Belfast” bridges rich folk-rock with urban grit. Heavy Stereo’s “Chinese Burn” oozes attitude with glam-inspired riffs, and Manic Street Preachers’ “Life Becoming a Landslide” unpacks raw vulnerability through anthemic swells and harsh truths.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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Moving Kimonos

Regional whispers echo through the air, from Edo’s vibrant rush to Kansai’s introspective lyricism, showcasing the diverse musical styles that morph to fit their locale. As the Ensemble Nipponia keeps the tradition alive with their solemn yet dynamic performances, the collective of musicians behind Kabuki music, like Kineya Rokuro and Yoshida Naramichi, contribute their parts to the harmonic whole. Geisha performers add cultural continuity to Kabuki’s fabric while casting fleeting shadows on stages, aligning with ancient traditions that are forever whispered in tale and tune.

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