Justin James’s commitment to cherish life’s second chance is vivid in “Perfect Sometimes.” Here he makes it easy to relate as his lyrics talk of paradise, the sparkle in his eyes, and the sunset in somebody else’s eyes. According to ww.justinjamesmusic.com, James survived a nearly fatal encounter with a tiger shark. Thanks to his grandma’s present, an acoustic guitar, which injected in him the energy to endure a yearlong recovery, and he has since then been sharing his good vibes around. “Perfect Sometimes” is like a gush of wind that brings the same.
The bubbly “Sweet like Cola” shows how Lou Bega puts himself and his experiences in his music. As if being born to a Sicilian mother, a Ugandan father, and raised in Germany weren’t amalgamation, and ingredients enough for inspiration, Bega inserts in the song, as Mark Emge reports, his teenage memories of inspiration derived from his first touch with the Mambo Kings of the 1930s and 40s. A reminiscent of “those good old days, Sweet Like Cola is pepped up and stands true to its title, something that breaks the monotony from the similar productions in most of present-day music.
Joshua Radin with his “Brand New Day” ushers a mood as refreshing as the first cup of morning coffee. This release precedes another of his mesmerizer, “I’d Rather Be With You” from his album “Simple Times.” The breezy tone, which is his trademark, forms the prime element of this song and makes him ahead of the curve. The track should not only attract soft music listeners but anyone who likes good music.
Scott Grimes has brought “Hide.” With its beat and careful packaging, Grimes carves a niche for one more “love song.” Despite having racks of “lovey-dovey” numbers, listening to this one makes one feel as if those heaps aren’t enough. Although it’s not hyped and therefore not likely to be aiming the number one position, it should fulfill its mission anytime it conquers anyone stumbling upon it.
“Already Taken” by Trey Songz is about love at first sight. The song forms part of his latest album “Passion, Pain and Pleasure” which Treyz expresses in his official website as “somewhat of a personal mantra,” The song doesn’t bother to force to pump the adrenaline rush, yet while maintaining its mid-tempo sets the stage for some groove. Though the lyrics aren’t the best part, more of Songz’s “passion” mingled with “lust” spills out of this creation. The overall music on the other hand is a pleasure to the senses.
With “Why Wait,” Rascal Flats dive into the country music pool that should harness a good response. Here, he sings of a boy persuading a girl to run away with him with reasons as “love don’t need no reason.” While others would call it reckless, cupid-arrow casualties would have it as sensible. It can’t be predicted if this performance is enough to secure Flats a cozy spot high up in the charts. However, anyone looking for fresh attempts should find it appealing.
The Finnish rock band Apocalyptica’s “End of Me” should be good news for rock audience. The song features Gavin Rossdale on vocals and has heartache as its theme. It is the first track off the band’s seventh studio album “7th Symphony.” Not just metal maniacs but everyone with a taste for music will find the track magnetic. The song has every chance of nabbing a seat in the rock charts.
The pick of this week are those ones that have retained music for music, rather than giving into the flashiness eating up most of the efforts for commercial success. Give these songs a chance, and they promise you good times.
Pauline is an RJ and program producer at Hits FM 91.2
Related story
While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be th...
