Archive for kings of leon

Only Love

Posted in Breakthrough Artist, Dead at 27, HeartSONGS For the Soul, Off The Beaten Track with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 12, 2012 by midnightradiostar

I love those songs that make life seem suddenly calmer and slower paced, songs that just chase away your fears and pain, if only for 4 minutes. These kind of songs really make me feel clear-headed and calm and give me a fresh perspective on the things going on around me. Sometimes I just feel like running away from this life and becoming someone else and I guess these pretty little songs give me that chance. For a few moments I imagine I am flying over oceans or driving through hills in Switzerland or maybe walking down a beautiful deserted beach, and it’s a little reboot for the brain.

An example of a song like this is ‘Only Love’ by Ben Howard. I have to say this song is a piece of heaven.

There is a warmth in the song, and the repetition of the word ‘love’ just creates a sense of reassurance and happiness within me. Ben Howard’s voice is soft and mellifluous, not something that you can easily forget. Relatively new in the music scene, Howard’s music is a wonderful example of folk rock, or rather a contemporary take on folk music. I find myself enamoured by artists like Ben who have voices that need to be heard but are often overshadowed by bigger and [some] overrated names.

Mostly consisting of just bass, drums and acoustic guitar, ‘Only Love’ is a simplistic yet pleasurable listen. It is utterly addictive and has a ‘feel good’ tone to it which is impossible to ignore as Howard’s voice drifts into you. I highly recommend listening to this song if you’re going out for a drive or a walk, or simply sitting down to Sunday brunch with your family.

The lyrics are repetitive but are designed to be so, which make them more powerful like a mantra.

Darling you’re with me, always around me.

Only love, only love.

Darling I feel you, under my body.

Only love, only love.

Give me shelter, or show me heart

Come on love, come on love.

Watch me fall apart, watch me fall apart.
I absolutely adore everything about this song, including the music video which perfectly portrays my perception of the song. Check the song out and let me know what you guys think. :)

Here is a quick list of a few other songs that really calm me down when I’m angry, or give me that little escape from reality once in a while:

1. Litost by the Ambassadors

2. Alone Together by Daley feat Marsha Ambrosius

3. Valerie by Amy Winehouse 

4. Use Somebody by Kings of Leon

5. White Blank Page by Mumford and Sons

There are of course way more but I guess I need to stop typing at some point and go to bed. xD

Hope you enjoy some of the songs listed here. Each one of them is incredible in its own right, one sung by a fallen star and others by rising ones. Life is all about the little things, you guys. :)

Do comment and let me know about your favourite little heavenly songs.

Don’t forget to ‘Like’ me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midnightheartbeat

Take care <3

‘Use Somebody’ by Kings Of Leon: The Reason To Love

Posted in Family And Other Complications, HeartSONGS For the Soul, Lotsa Love and a Bit of Tears, The Joy Ride Ends with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 29, 2009 by midnightradiostar
Heyyy,
I’m just posting my old notes and reviews before making new ones; I want to get it all sorted into my lunatic of a mind, so here goes…

Kings Of Leon

Today, we’ll start with ‘Use Somebody’ by Kings Of Leon. Heard it yet? Its as different as Jimi Hendrix’s guitar playing style and is perfectly signature to KOL…  Here’s some info on it:
On Sunday, December 7, 2008, Caleb from Kings of Leon said that at about the same time in 2007 when they were touring, they had a fall out, while in Glasgow before their concert on Monday, December 3, 2007. This is when he said “Use Somebody” was written, he credited the writing of the song to the City of Glasgow. The song is actually an apology from Caleb to his brothers and a request for forgiveness and to begin playing as a band again.

*DID YOU KNOW?*- All four members of the band are brothers:
Caleb Followil [Lead Vocals] and Nathan Followil [Drums] are bros, when Matthew Followil [Guitar] and Jared Followil[Bass] are bros. The pairs are cousins.. :D Way to live up to ‘Family Business’… O_o

What other critics said:
Gavin Haynes of NME praised the song as “easily the best 80s power ballad of 2008″.

*My Review*:

I personally think the song has the best chorus I’ve heard in a long time. You need something so raw yet gentle sometimes. And with the hip-hop scene today[which I love] let’s face it; We are losing touch of soft rock power ballads!  I love the raspy tone of Caleb’s voice… I prefer it to Chad Kroegar’s [of Nickelback]. Give it a listen to appreciate the person you love, because it makes you think about who you want as your soulmate, you know? I rate the song 4 out of five, with three <3 <3 <3… Pretty good coming from me. I’m a stingy-ass critic!

Even cooler:: —>

Paramore have covered the song on BBC Radio 1′s Live Lounge. XD

Parmore performing 'Use Somebody'

On their ‘Dark Horse’ Tour, Nickelback performed a cover of the song live, and guitarist Ryan Peake sang lead vocals instead of Chad Kroeger.  [YAY! No Chad!! ^^]

Pixie Lott has performed a cover version of the song, which peaked at number 52 in the UK Singles Chart.

Former American Idol contestant, Brooke White, covered the song for her sophomore album, High Hopes & Heartbreak with a more folk sound.

Kelly Clarkson covered the song, mashing it with an Alanis Morissette song ‘That I Would Be Good’ on her 2009 tour.

A hip-hop version was crafted, featuring Houston rapper Trae. ;)

Cool eh? That’s a lot of artists paying their bit of tribute to the song….  :D Listen to it on Billboard! —>

http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200#/charts/pop-songs?begin=11&order=position

Have fun!!!! Luvya guys… Check out the next song, ‘Bad Romance’ by Lady Gaga. BTW, Here’s my Poker Face–> -_-

Like it? :P I got some COOL things to tell you… ;)

Peace. X] <3

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