‘If we all liked the same artists, the Music Industry would be pretty bleak’
Well… it’s been a while. Since the current ‘lockdown’ in the UK I have found myself with quite a lot of spare time and spending everyday powering through university deadlines is driving me slightly insane. Everybody needs an escape from the drooling (but needed) isolation we are all facing.
I have found myself losing motivation to do my university work, but it has given me extra motivation to procrastinate; not that I needed much motivation for that. However, I am finally getting through some of the many books I’ve bought recently which is helping!
For any of you that may be interested, I am currently reading ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides, it is harrowing but most definitely, addictive. I highly recommend it to anyone, who like myself, needs something to occupy their mind. On top of reading, researching and drinking cheap wine from Lidl, I’ve been listening to my favourite tracks on repeat to get me through so I thought – ‘Why not write a blog about them?’. And that’s what I’m here to do.
Let there be no judgement on my taste in music.. If we all liked the same artists, the Music Industry would be pretty bleak.
- Viola Beach – Call You Up
Honestly, I couldn’t love this track anymore. It’s beautifully emotional, I will admit it does tug on my heart strings; alongside the bands tragic ending. Unfortunately, I didn’t discover Viola Beach until after their untimely deaths and it somehow makes their music more powerful. ‘Call You Up’ has been my favourite song since the first day I heard it and it’s the first song I made my boyfriend listen to when we met – he now loves it as much as I do. If you haven’t heard it, please do give it a listen.
- Tom Misch – South of the River
Oh what a delight (yes, he’s pretty to look at), this song would put anyone in a good mood. It’s just the kind of upbeat music we need right now. I was lucky enough to see Tom Misch a couple of years ago and he certainly did not disappoint, if anything it ignited my love for him even more. Forever thankful to my lovely welsh friend for the ticket – what a legend!
- Catfish and the Bottlemen – Hourglass
When they first hit it big, I was engrossed by their music and cool exterior. They are very pop rock but ‘Hourglass’ just stands out to me. Van Mccann’s voice is graceful and soothing, which makes a change from their usual tracks (not a negative, there’s not one I don’t like). If you like ‘Hourglass’, give ‘Glasgow’ a listen. Oh, before I forget, I went to see Catfish in Hull a few years back and nabbed a place right in front of the stage – lucky right? Well no, the crowd went wild when they came on which is of course expected, but little old me was being trampled on so my ex-boyfriend had to carry me to the back of the arena! Embarrassing but I enjoyed the rest of the gig even more without being constantly elbowed in the face.
- Billie Eilish – ocean eyes
Basic, I know. When she first rose from the ashes I wasn’t interested and desperately tried to stray from the hype. But I caved and now I understand her quick rise to fame. Billie’s lyrics are captivating and majestic, it’s incredible to think it was released when she was just 15 years old. Her creativity is endless and luckily for us, she’s only just getting started.
- Sean Paul – Temperature
Ok stop the judgement. I know I am BASIC. Come on, who doesn’t bop to any Sean Paul song when they’re on a night out? If you say no, you’re lying (sorry not sorry). I know if my boyfriend is reading this, he is rolling his eyes because he knows what I’m like. That’s all I have to say, it’s a tune and I’ll hear no more about it.
- Daniel Caesar feat H.E.R – Best Part
It’s going to be my wedding song and that pretty much sums it up.
- Ini Kamoze – Here Comes the Hotstepper
Yup, another cracker. I love this song because any time it is played in front of my mum or dad, they go wild, so it’s treasured. A classic 90’s track, the perfect mix of genres and the perfect pick me up.
- Jorja Smith – Something in the Way
Basically, anything Jorja Smith. My all time girl crush. Jorja’s voice is deep and passionate and I will never not adore every track she is on. Her debut album, ‘Lost & Found’ will place on my top 10 albums forever – she is timeless.
‘Her talent is undeniable and I’m sure I speak for many when I say that she will always be a treasured artist.’
- Amy Winehouse – Stronger Than Me
Talking of timeless.. Amy Winehouse. Wow. How can you not be hypnotised by her voice? I grew up with my mum who adored Amy and of course, when I grew old enough I could totally understand why. Her talent is undeniable and I’m sure I speak for many when I say that she will always be a treasured artist.
- The Beatles – Come Together
I really struggled with whether I should include The Beatles in this list. However, they are icons and I am a fan. Maybe not to the extent of the fangirls in the 60’s but I’m a lover not a hater. I don’t know what it is about ‘Come Together’ that I’m drawn to, I just unashamedly am.
That’s it! My list of 10 lockdown songs. Some you may love, some you may hate. If any of you have any groovy recommendations please send them over, I have all the time in the world. I hope lockdown is treating you well, it’ll be over soon and the summer sun will be upon us.
Music Talks UK 