This week In Singing Ladies 02/52
Shirley Bassey, Lizz Wright, Katie Melua, Julie Andrews, Céline Dion, Joan Baez, Laura Marling, Kandace Springs, Mary J. Blige, Carly Simon, Pat Benatar, Nina Hagen
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Shirley Bassey, Lizz Wright, Katie Melua, Julie Andrews, Céline Dion, Joan Baez, Laura Marling, Kandace Springs, Mary J. Blige, Carly Simon, Pat Benatar, Nina Hagen
Goldie Lookin Chain’s cheeky “Your Mother’s Got a Penis” mixes crude humor with satire, while Panic! at the Disco’s theatrical “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” dives into chaotic relationships. The Killers fire up timeless energy with “Mr. Brightside,” and Kings of Leon’s sultry “Sex on Fire” burns with intensity. Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” delivers grit and drive, while Coldplay’s “The Scientist” pairs emotional vulnerability with a haunting melody. Mario Più’s “Communication” bends techno rules with its skipping-CD hook, and Elbow’s “One Day Like This” encapsulates euphoric grandeur.
The page highlights standout early-2000s tracks, including the Honeyz’s smooth “Not Even Gonna Trip” from *Nutty Professor II,* Destiny’s Child’s empowering “Independent Women Pt. 1,” and Mystikal’s energetic “Shake Ya Ass,” shaped by The Neptunes. Samantha Mumba’s heartfelt “Lately” pairs longing with sleek production, while Alesha Dixon’s “Breathe Slow” offers introspection. Jay-Z’s “Show Me What You Got” merges swagger with orchestral flair, and Beyoncé’s “Partition” boldly intertwines sensuality and empowerment. DMX’s intense “Get It On the Floor” doubles down on raw energy, while Lethal Bizzle’s gritty “Pow!” amplifies grime’s untamed edge. Tracks like Erick Sermon’s Bollywood-sampling “React” and the Beastie Boys’ heartfelt “An Open Letter to NYC” reflect creative risks and cultural reflections.
Madonna’s “American Life” critiques consumerism with folktronica flair, blending acoustic guitars and electronic beats, while Basshunter’s “Angel in the Night” spices Eurodance with rock hints. Alice Deejay’s “Better Off Alone” juxtaposes melancholy with hypnotic trance, and Cher’s “The Music’s No Good Without You” layers heartbreak over glossy Europop. Emma Bunton’s bubbly “Downtown” revives 1960s charm for charity, and Warp Brothers’ “Blast the Speakers” channels raw rave-era energy into hard trance chaos. Each track captures unique moments of ambition or nostalgia in their respective genres.
Amy Lee, Glasxs, Hayley Richman, Priscila Fuentes, Ola Olenkowa, Radiohead, Lia Hide, Lisa Hannigan, Larceny Chamber Orchestra, The Deer, The Civil Wars, Stringspace
Janet Jackson’s “Together Again” blends grief and celebration with its disco-infused beats, while Madonna’s “Deeper and Deeper” mixes disco nostalgia and house vibes with emotional depth. The Prodigy’s “Everybody in the Place” channels frenetic UK rave culture, while 2 Unlimited’s “No Limit” became a Eurodance anthem. Corona’s “The Rhythm of the Night” dominates with its infectious pulse, and Taylor Dayne’s “Tell It to My Heart” brings high-energy ’80s pop with powerhouse vocals. Whitney Houston’s “Step by Step” showcases resilience through gospel-tinged pop, and Five’s “Everybody Get Up” reworks Joan Jett’s classic into a bold, late-’90s hit.
Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna…” set the ’90s R&B standard with its minimalist sound and emotional weight, while Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” captured heartbreak with soaring harmonies and cinematic production. Biggie’s “One More Chance” blended smooth R&B with gritty swagger, and Snoop Dogg’s “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” brought playful funk grooves to West Coast rap dominance. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s “1st of Tha Month” painted a raw picture of survival, and Warren G & Nate Dogg’s “Regulate” stood out for its vivid storytelling and lush G-Funk sound. Oleta Adams’s “Get Here” delivered timeless longing, while Des’ree’s “Feel So High” balanced reflection and optimism with its stripped-back allure. Each track carried its era’s essence, leaving distinct imprints.
Diddy’s “Come to Me” blended hip-hop swagger with R&B polish, climbing to Billboard’s top 10 with Nicole Scherzinger’s sultry presence. Kylie Minogue’s “Slow” wowed with its pared-back electro-pop pulse, while Sugababes brought breakup sass in “Hole in the Head.” StoneBridge’s “Put ‘Em High,” featuring Therese, struck a balance of sleek beats and remix appeal, while Darude’s “Feel the Beat” rode trance waves post-“Sandstorm.” Zombie Nation’s “Kernkraft 400” became a sports anthem thanks to its C64-inspired hook. Emma Bunton’s “We’re Not Gonna Sleep Tonight” offered Latin-infused fun, and DHT’s *Listen to Your Heart* turned Roxette’s classic into dual dance and acoustic hits. Lastly, Herd & Fitz’s “I Just Can’t Get Enough” stood out for Abigail Bailey’s infectious vocals and its enduring club presence.