Matching Artists

Singing With Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel’s “Washing of the Water” gets an understated touch from Coldplay’s Chris Martin, merging emotional restraint with spiritual depth. Kate Bush and Gabriel’s duet “Another Day” channels post-breakup longing, while “Blood of Eden,” featuring Sinéad O’Connor, blends textured instrumentals with themes of human connection. Johnny Clegg’s “Asimbonanga” delivers a rhythmic tribute to Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid, uniting history and melody.

Youssou N’Dour and Neneh Cherry’s “7 Seconds” pairs multilingual vocals with minimalism, crafting a poignant take on prejudice, while Yusuf Islam’s “Wild World” quietly reflects human fragility. “The Feeling Begins” centers Jivan Gasparyan’s duduk, evoking timeless emotion. Papa Wemba’s contribution to “In Your Eyes” shifts Peter Gabriel’s live performance into something vivid and communal. Tracks like “Signal to Noise” highlight collaborations that balance tradition and modernity with varying results.

Continue Reading Singing With Peter Gabriel

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.

Continue Reading This week In Singing Ladies 07/52

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

How well do you know the music of

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.

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

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

How well do you know the music of

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.

? Take our 12-track quiz.

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

‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°669 – 2010s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of

Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” carries raw emotion, evolving from a modest 2013 release to gaining wider notice with a 2015 reissue and a remix featuring John Legend that hit No. 1 in the UK. Similarly, James Blake’s haunting “Retrograde” highlights sparse production, delicately blending post-dubstep and soul. Rihanna’s “Needed Me” pairs cool detachment with DJ Mustard’s grinding beats, sticking to a slow-burn electro-R&B vibe, while Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” leans on emotional heft paired with over-the-top visuals for cultural impact.

Bombay Bicycle Club’s “Luna” layers vibrant harmonies and tabla rhythms, balancing exotic textures with indie sensibility, whereas Rag’n’Bone Man’s “Skin” delivers cinematic emotionality rooted in TV-inspired drama. Tracks like One Direction’s “Steal My Girl” and Imagine Dragons’ “I Bet My Life” favor polished production over innovation, while Tinie Tempah and Labrinth’s “Lover Not a Fighter” leans into radio-ready pop-rap charm. Elbow’s “Magnificent (She Says)” and Example’s “Perfect Replacement” round out the list, offering tracks that feel precise yet miss risks that could truly resonate.? Take our 12-track quiz.

Continue Reading ‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°669 – 2010s Music Videos

‘We Are Live’ N°15 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of

The Kills’ “The Good Ones” thrives on raw minimalism, with Alison Mosshart’s snarl paired against Jamie Hince’s taut guitar, creating electrifying tension. Its success on the UK Singles Chart (#23) and sharp Rojo-directed video amplify its gritty outsider aesthetic. Elsewhere, The Strokes’ “Reptilia” blends Julian Casablancas’ detached vocals with tightly wound guitar interplay and gained long-term appeal through its presence in games like *Guitar Hero III*.

U2’s “All Because of You” aims for anthemic energy but lacks depth, performing better live during their Vertigo Tour. Meanwhile, The Duke Spirit’s “Lion Rip” offers moody rawness tied to their early ambitions, showcasing Liela Moss’s mesmerizing vocals. Nada Surf’s “Hi-Speed Soul” delivers vibrant alt-rock dynamics, balancing melody and propulsion, while The Datsuns’ “Harmonic Generator” captures rowdy garage rock urgency with brash intensity.

? Take our 12-track quiz.

Continue Reading ‘We Are Live’ N°15 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°106 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of

Annie Lennox’s haunting “Love Song for a Vampire” stands out with its gothic atmosphere and evocative grief, tying perfectly to Coppola’s *Dracula*. Another highlight, Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” channels theatrical heartbreak with his dramatic delivery, earning commercial and Grammy success. Meanwhile, Boyzone adds a polished touch to Tracy Chapman’s “Baby Can I Hold You,” crafting a tender, chart-climbing ballad.

Thunder’s “Dirty Love” captures late ’80s hard rock energy without overindulgence, while Lalah Hathaway’s “Baby Don’t Cry,” with Angela Winbush’s production, delivers smooth R&B polish. Right Said Fred’s fun “Don’t Talk Just Kiss,” featuring Jocelyn Brown, blends cheeky energy with early ’90s dance vibes. King’s X’s “It’s Love” leans into melodic clarity, exploring lighter sonic textures while retaining a touch of the band’s rock roots.? Take our 12-track quiz.

Continue Reading ‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°106 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

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

How well do you know the music of

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.

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