Top 5 Title Tracks

So I wrote this blog about a month ago. Then it got erased from my computer, so I'm writing it again. I am on my second of my music Top 5 blog entries. This one is fun, because I love title tracks, but they're getting more and more rare as of late. Also, we're watching Christmas Vacation while I'm doing this, making it even more fun :-) So, without further ado, here are my Top 5 Favorite Title Tracks (in no particular order):

“Viva La Vida” – Coldplay from Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends

I know that technically this isn't a “title track” in it's purest form, as the title of the song isn't EXACTLY the same as the album, but it's such a great song and it's mostly a title track. One of the more brilliantly written Coldplay songs, it's so good and it's so emotionally charged. I love the strings, the percussion, and just how easily the song seems to flow from verse to chorus.

“How To Save A Life” - The Fray from How To Save A Life

I love Isaac Slade and The Fray, and this is by far one of their best songs. Even though it got VERY overplayed and Grey's Anatomy-ized, I love the lyrics and the piano playing. I usually hate songs that get overplayed but this one goes against that sentiment because it's actually good. By the way, is this not one of the best albums ever? It somehow seems to miss my “Top 5 Album” list, but you can't listen to it and not think it to be amazing.

“Never Take Friendship Personal” - Anberlin from Never Take Friendship Personal

My token Anberlin pick, but this one is a great song. From their Sophomore album that didn't disappoint, this title track has great writing (always present with Stephen Christian), has great riffs from the guitars and brilliant all around play from my favorite band. I don't have to go into too much detail because, with Anberlin, I don't need to say much.

“Bleed American” - Jimmy Eat World from Bleed American (which was changed to simply Jimmy Eat World after 9/11)

This album is one of my “Top 5 Albums” and the opening and title track is BRILLIANT. I love the energy of the song, and it really captures the band's sound and writing style in one song. I think Jimmy Eat World kinda peaked with this album though, and the writing went downhill after this album, but this song is one of the best songs on this great album, and is definitely a “Top 5 Title Track.”

“Popularity” - Jonezetta from Popularity

The opening guitar riff of this song hooks you right in, and makes you want to dance your ass off. I love it, it was one of the songs I heard at their concert that made me buy the CD. The debut album of this Mississippi band is great, and the title track is just as good as the rest of the album. Robert Chisolm sounds brilliant as he sings “Popularity/do you think it's scary/everybody's dying with their own opinions/Popularity/it's a lot to carry/I'll wake up to you screamin'”

Mucho apologies to: “Finally Woken” by Jem, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” by The Flaming Lips and “Youth” by Matisyahu

My First Official Blog

I love listening to music. I can't meet someone without asking them what kind of music they like, and then in turn listing some of my favorite bands. I feel like music does a lot to make you who you are, how you feel about life, and many other aspects of just everyday life. I wish I could write good music, or be in a band as like, the lead singer or drummer or something. Music just makes me feel so joyful and alive when I listen to it and sing along with it as well. It really gets at my emotions. I was talking with Shannon about artists who's singing voices we'd like to have. I have lots of bands and artists I love, as seen on my Facebook page, but only a few of the bands/artists have singing voices that are absolutely killer. My top 5 singing voices are (in no particular order):

Stephen Christian – Anberlin and Anchor & Braille

Amazing range and control of his voice. It's very mature, and has a great tone to it. I know I'm a little biased, since Anberlin is my favorite band, but his voice is one of the reasons I started liking them. Listen to “The Unwinding Cable Car” from the album Cities.

Ben Gibbard – Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service

While he doesn't have the range of Stephen Christian, his voice is so unique and perfect for the style of music he writes. I love his tone and and style of singing, and would easily put him as one of my favorite musicians around. Listen to “Soul Meets Body” from the album Plans

Chris Martin – Coldplay

I feel like putting him on this list is cliché, because any guy out there who has ever heard a Coldplay song would say his voice is in their top 5. He's got such good range, and his control of voice is incomparable. Listen to “In My Place” from the album Rush of Blood to the Head

Isaac Slade – The Fray

He's got pretty good range, and great control of his voice. It's just so natural sounding when it comes out. I love singing his songs, although I cannot match his tonal quality and maturity of voice. I know I say those words a lot, but I just mean it's not scratchy, doesn't waver, and the maturity just means it sounds practiced and natural. Listen to “Look After You” from the album How To Save A Life

Robert Chisolm – Jonezetta

I'm sure a lot of you haven't heard of/listened to this band, but you should. His voice has a raspy rock and roll side to it, while being naturally controlled and mature. He has incredible range and a natural singing ability that I am jealous of. Listen to “Welcome Home” from the album Popularity

This concludes my first “TOP 5” list for my blog. Feel free to comment on my list, or leave your own list of singing voices that you would kill for. I did consider solo artists as well, not just lead singers of bands, but felt like these were my top 5. Also, if you have more ideas for “TOP 5” lists, let me know. I'm leaning towards somewhat obscure ones, not like “Top 5 Albums” or “Top 5 Movies.”

Stay tuned: next blog's topic will be “Top 5 Title Tracks.”

Setting Up

This blog is in the process of being set up. It will contain my random thoughts on sports, music, movies, art, current events, whatever I damn well please. Hope it can enlighten you, fulfill you and satisfy your need for intelligent, thoughtful reading :-) The first official post is complete, and I will hopefully be able to update this frequently enough for you.