So, these are some songs from my workout playlist that I pretty much blast while I'm running or jump roping. I hope they give you all some motivation to join me on this journey, or just give you a few awesome songs for your iTunes or Spotify playlists!
By the way, I made a Spotify playlist of all the music I've ever mentioned on this blog (well, all the music that it'd let me put on a playlist in Spotify) . Here it is, if you'd like to just listen to the music I was able to put in a playlist! https://play.spotify.com/user/126077568/playlist/6EV7gcF4S0O2MIjEUQynxV
1. "Cannonball" by Lea Michele
I've got this new beginning and I will fly like a cannonball. Pretty much the summary of the past 55 days of my life. Plus, I got some very encouraging words from my friend, Amy, describing this year of growth for me as a 'cannonball being shot out of a cannon'. So, you can definitely say that this song has become my anthem for 2014. And you can't deny that Lea Michele looks and sounds absolutely gorgeous.
2. "Unpretty" by TLC
TLC was one of my favorite groups when I was a little girl, and "Unpretty" was one of my favorite songs. I never realized what this song was about until I got older, though. It's a song about self confidence and loving yourself! Before you change something about yourself, learn to love it! And if you want to change it, think of it as enhancing something that is already beautiful!
3. "Video" by India.Arie
India.Arie is officially my queen. "Video" is pretty much the "Hey I love myself and I don't give a damn what you have to say about it" anthem of my life. She's so beautiful as it is, and having her admit in such an intimate way that she loves herself, even in those times where she doesn't shave her legs, brush her hair, or wear fancy clothes, is extremely powerful to me, and she is such a body peace inspiration of mine. You are all queens in your own right!
Okay, I know I'm gonna get a ton of crap for posting this genre this week, but I really don't care. K-pop has been a genre I've loved since I graduated high school, and I've grown to become totally okay with embracing and expressing that to the public. Besides, 90% of the talent in Korea are probably more hard working than many of the musicians in America's entertainment industry today. These guys have long days and nights, sometimes hardly eat, 14 hour training days, and award shows practically every day. I'm gonna post some of the groups I've grown to love in the past three years, and I would love to know what you guys think. And no, none of these are "Gangnam Style". There's way more to K-pop than "Gangnam Style" and Girls' Generation. This is actually good music, I promise.
1. "Growl" by EXO
I'm a sucker for fantastic choreography. I'm also a sucker for a guy with great vocals. Put those two together and you have EXO, a group of 12 fine, talented young lads that put a whole new meaning to a one-shot music video. These boys are rookies, only in their second year in the business, but they're surely going to go places in the future. This is the Korean version of the song, but if you wanna check out the Chinese version (cuz the group is supposed to be split up in Korean and Chinese speaking members), click here.
2. "Please Don't..." by K.Will
It's been over a year since this video has been released and it still makes me want to cry/throw things/rip my hair out. It just makes me really emotional and equally pisses me off. K.Will's vocals are absolutely smooth, like chocolate, because DAMN I could listen to him all day. And though you can't see his face throughout the entire thing and the song is driven by a story-heavy video, it's definitely one of the most beautifully shot videos in Korean media.
3. "Heaven's Door" by Eric Nam
Okay, we're getting into the cute segment of "What Carly Likes in K-Pop". And no, I'm not talking about the boys (maybe). But I'm talking about Atlanta born and raised Eric Nam, discovered by a few talent agencies by a cover he posted on Youtube. After appearing on "Birth of a Great Star 2" and releasing his album last year, this guy has blown up. And though he's not a star in America, I'm so proud of him for getting recognized for the talent that he is.
4. "The Chaser" by INFINITE
Again with the fantastic choreography and perfect harmonies. INFINITE is one of those groups that likes to play with different sounds, not wanting to sound like the normal group, and actually do it well. Plus, these guys are all so talented, their company made two sub-groups: a rap duo and a solo act with the leader of the group, Sunggyu (I will say that his album was extremely underrated and it's one of the greatest albums in my collection at the moment). "The Chaser" reminds me of some 80's electro soundtrack, and the choreography is on POINT. Like, so technical and complicated and precise... my inner dancer is screaming with how much I love this choreography. Now if only someday I can dance as well as these guys.
5. "Something" by TVXQ!
Oh, the veterans of K-pop. TVXQ! has been around since 2004, and with all the turmoil their group has been through, from losing three members to legal lawsuits, Yunho and Changmin have risen above it and have released such great music the past few years. Their recent single, celebrating their 10 year anniversary together, kind of has a 50's swing vibe to it, and the technical footwork in this is absolutely phenomenal.
Honorable Mentions:
These are still groups that I absolutely LOVE, but I'd rather show you my top 5 then my top 20. :)
I know I'm late with Music Monday this week, but forgive me! Here are my three picks of the week!
1. Get Out - Casey Abrams
I don't know if anyone remembers Casey Abrams from American Idol. He was the underdog contestant that pretty much played every single instrument in the history of the planet and swept a lot of ladies off their feet with his raspy, soulful voice. And yes, I was one of the many swept off their feet. I didn't know that Casey made an album outside of Idol until recently, but when I found it, I was pretty shocked by how awesome it was! Not that I would expect anything less of Casey, but HOLY CRAP! It has this positive, Jack Johnson-esque vibe to it while keeping light of Casey's quirky, vibrant personality. Take a listen to one of the singles on Casey's album, then run over to Spotify or iTunes and listen to the whole thing. I promise it's a great listen... take my word for it!
2. Ash - Andrew Huang
For those of you who have been following my Music Monday section for a while, you know that I have a soft spot for independent artists. Andrew is one of the most versatile artists I've had the privilege of listening to and interacting with on social media. He's done almost every single genre I can think of: acoustic, rap, dubstep, ska, comedy... he's done a rap in five languages and a song in twenty-six different genres! Holy talent, huh?! But anyways, this particular song is part of his newest album, "The Coldest Darkness", and it's a more serious piece. I've been in love with it since he released it, and I thought I would share the magic of this piece with you guys.
3. Falling Down - Oasis
I'm a huge fan of 90's music. Especially Oasis. If I could place a group of bands in a numerical ordered list of bands that have influenced my adolescent years, Oasis would be number one, then Matchbox 20, then Goo Goo Dolls, then... well, I don't know. But Oasis is number one. The funny part about this particular song is the fact that I found it on a title sequence of an anime. It's pretty crazy what songs they use as title sequence songs for dubbed animes, but I'm glad they chose Oasis. It just made my viewing of this particular one ten times more enjoyable.
And here's another edition of Music Monday! This week is about boys, because I've been single for way too long and found three groups of boys that you might like, musically. Don't worry, no Justin Bieber or 1D this week!
1. Try Hard - 5 Seconds of Summer
If you don't know 5 Seconds of Summer, where have you been?! These four Aussie cuties headlined for One Direction's "Take Me Home" tour and are preparing a full-length album, scheduled to be released this year. And listening to their few singles online, I can surely say that Luke, Michael, Ashton, and Calum are going to be going places! And for those of you coming around and are a part of the 5SOSFam, I'm definitely an Ashton girl. I guess you could say that though they all play guitar, I'm into drummers. ;)
2. Make Out - Rixton
So, I shamelessly watch "Wild n' Out" on some nights. And a few nights ago, this real catchy song came on during the credits and it was from this particular band, Rixton. I searched them up online and they've done a few covers, but their first single is what has got me hooked. These four Brits, Jake, Charley, Danny, and Lewi, have made a upbeat and summery tune that has been put on repeat since I discovered it. And the parodies of all the music videos add a special touch (videos stretching from Rihanna's 'Stay' to Miley's iconic 'Wrecking Ball'... it's seriously worth a watch). They've really deserved their title of MTV's Artist to Watch. These boys are gonna go places!
3. Story of my Life - Charlie Puth
Yes, I know it's a cover. Yes, I know it's really unoriginal to review covers. But it's my blog and I don't really care. Now, if you've been keeping up with my Music Monday segment, you know that Charlie is probably one of my favorite independent artists online. I really like this song on it's own, but the fact that Charlie can strip a song and make it a beautiful piece blows me away every time. As always, an amazing job from Charlie and definitely go check out his other music!
Ayy I'm back for another music Monday! I know not a lot of people read these or are concerned with what I'm listening to, but I really like doing these! Here's three songs I'm really into this week!
1. RVRB - Lost in the Wild
So, because I've been cooped up in my house for almost a month, I thought I'd check on some of the artists I used to listen to in high school and see if they were still producing music. My journey got me to my high school crush, Cameron Mitchell. And damn, he's better than ever. He and his BFF, Jake Morrison, put this song out about four months ago and I'm so sad I found it so late because it's been my jam for the past 48 hours. If you haven't heard of RVRB or even Cameron (have you been living under a rock?), then this is a great place to start. I promise you'll be hooked.
2. Koopa Fields - Heaven on Earth
I've been watching Koopa Fields on YouNow for a while, and recently he won a Folger's contest, won a ton of money, and locked himself away for a while to make music. And what's come out of that hiatus has been remarkable. Koop has done a fantastic job with his new single, which was released on New Year's Day, and I'm excited to see what else he has in store. (It wouldn't let me post his video, so hey, get his classic Stones... here's the link to HonE though! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk-QA0qsePg)
3. Joey Gatto - Let Me Touch Your Butt
Wow. Just... what a masterpiece. And that dancing was on point. Bravo, Joey Gatto. Bravo.
Oh by the way you guys owe me dates lil nig get that going okay?
Oops! Realized I haven't done one of these in a while, so I thought I'd update y'all on some of the music I've been listening to!
1. Childish Gambino - 3005
If y'all don't know Childish Gambino, you'd better get acquainted. A past writer for 30 Rock, a talented comedian, ex-quarterback Troy Barnes on "Community", and rapper with the moniker Childish Gambino, formed by using a Wu Tang Clan name generator. This kid is talented... remember the name. He'll be big.
2. Michaelf Buble's entire Christmas album
Have you heard this thing? Like, Michael could sing the McDonald's menu and I'd be dead.
I've been behind on my blogging game, but I'm here for Music Monday! It'll be a quick one, since I've been listening to the same few bands this week. This week, we're going a little more on the mainstream side.
1. "Girls/Girls/Boys" by Panic! at the Disco
Mmm... Brendon Urie. Even more mmm? Naked Brendon Urie. I'm really liking the new sound P!ATD is playing with on this new album. This is honestly more of my music taste, and I love it. Check out his homage to D'Angelo's classic 'stripped' video.
2. "Kiss Me Slowly" by Parachute
Parachute is probably one of my favorite bands out there... ever. And this song is probably one of their most popular songs, right below their debut single, "She is Love". Even though the song is co-written by Lady Antebellum (and I hate Lady Antebellum), this song is probably one of the best songs they've written on all three albums. Check it out, and maybe they'll become your favorite band, too.
3. "Heartbreaker" by Justin Bieber
"WOAH CARLY WHAT IS THIS CRAP YOU HATE JUSTIN BIEBER." Yes, but...
a. This song is absolutely beautiful.
b. I still don't like Justin Bieber. Just this song.
c. If you don't like that I like this song, you can swerve to another blog.
But hey, if you don't wanna be judgmental and not judge this douchebag for all the idiotic things he does and actually check out this song, go for it.
I think I'm gonna start sharing some of my favorite songs on Mondays. I listen to a lot of different music, and sometimes, a person's playlist can show you who they are. So here are three songs I've been loving the past week.
1. "No Name" by Ryan O'Shaughnessy
This guy was on "Britain's Got Talent" and auditioned with this song... and it's been one of those songs I've put on repeat. A boy with his guitar and some sweet words is all I need to be reeled in.
2. "Better When You're Gone" by Luke Conard
Oh, Luke Conard. I've been watching this guy on YouTube for a pretty long time. Though this 32-year-old has a baby face worthy for a teenager, this guy can bolt out an amazing song full of angst and I love it.
3. "Look at me Now" and "Seventeen" by Charlie Puth
You can probably tell by now that I like independent artist. But anyways, Charlie is probably one of the most hardworking artists I've ever seen. A full-time college student at Berkeley, talented musician, and after losing his cousin last year, used his tragedy as a creative element to make some of the best content he's had in a while. Check him out... you won't regret it.
