Musical Moment: Zayn Malik ('PILLOWTALK')

‘PILLOWTALK,’ Zayn Malik’s raunch fest of a debut solo single shot to number one in the charts in 60 countries the day it was released, racked up over 24 million YouTube views, and became number one on the iTunes chart.  After watching the provocative and moody video (around 42 times...) I can see why.  With artistic graphics, holy-moly-me-oh-my lyrics and a steamy make out sesh between the former One Direction singer and his new, mega-hot girlfriend, model of the moment, Gigi Hadid, there’s quite a lot to like.

Gigi obviously looks incredible in the video, and she is seen throughtout it wearing a super sexy Bordelle silk and satin Bondage Wrap Bra with 18k gold plated hardwear (RRP. £225.00).  Bordelle has become the go-to for lots of celebs and fashionistas wishing to wear their underwear as outtawear and  I can imagine this bra might be a sell out come this Valentine’s Day…

"It's our paradise and it's our war zone..".

Musical Moment: Jamie Lawson ('Wasn't Expecting That')

Earlier this year, British singer-songwriter Jamie Lawson was the first artist asked to sign to Ed Sheeran’s aptly named label, Gingerbread Man Records.  Equally talented and heart-meltingly soulful, it was a match made in singer-songwriter heaven.  Jamie’s first single, ‘Wasn’t Expecting That,’ which has skyrocketed to number one on U.K iTunes, tells the story of a couple, going back through their lives together.  It will LITERALLY have you all kinds of choked up.  Honestly, I’ve just watched it three times and I need a hug.  Perhaps I’m overtired, possibly hungover (don’t judge) or maybe, just maybe, I’m a sentimental ol’marshmallow, but weeping at my desk?... I wasn’t expecting THAT! Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

"Oh and isn't it strange
How a life can be changed
In the flicker of the sweetest smile..."

Musical Moment: Walk The Moon ('Shut Up And Dance')

I still cannot help but jump for 1980’s joy when I hear this crazily catchy song by Walk The Moon.  It has definitely been one of my most played tracks of this summer.  

Inspired by when the band’s frontman, Nicholas Petricca, feeling creatively frustrated and having waited faaaar too long standing in a Los Angeles bar queue, was asked to ‘shut up and dance’ by a girl in a backless dress and beaten up red sneakers.  In an interview the singer has summarised the song's theme as "encouraging people to let go of whatever it is that’s bothering you and get into your body and out of your head."  Mission accomplished! Now, shut up and... 

"This woman is my destiny
She said, "Ooh-ooh-hoo,
Shut up and dance with me..."

Musical Moment: George Ezra ('Budapest' and 'Blame It On Me')

I have recently become a huge fan of George Ezra, the 21-year-old British troubadour who burst onto the music scene earlier this year.   With a number one album, and a recent tour that sold out within a mere 10 minutes (!!!) you will also, no doubt, fall for his soulful, bluesy voice.

Here are my two current favourites from George; ‘Budapest’ and ‘Blame It On Me.’

"Ooh, for you... Ooh, you... Ooh, I'd lose it all..."

"We counted all our reasons, excuses that we made,
We found ourselves some treasure, and threw it all away...
What you're waiting for?"

 


Musical Moment: Daft Punk ft. Pharrell and Nile Rogers ('Get Lucky')

French veteran electronic duo Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter ofDaft Punk have teamed up with Pharrell and Nile Rogers to deliver THE song of my Summer.  Currently at number one in the British charts, it doesn't get any better than this... 

Musical Moment: Hozier ('From Eden')

Following the success of the blues rock-inspired debut EP, ‘Take Me To Church' last year, Irish singer-songer writer Hozier recently released the captivating ‘From Eden.’  The combination of 23 year old Andrew Hozier-Byrne’s sentimental and weathered, soulful voice alongside a heavenly acoustic arrangement makes this song irresistible.  ‘From Eden’ is available on iTunes HERE and for Hozier’s upcoming UK tour dates see HERE. 

"Babe, there's something tragic about you
Something so magic about you
Don't you agree?
Babe, there's something lonesome about you
Something so wholesome about you
Get closer to me...'

Musical Moment: Lorde ('Royals')

From obscurity to stardom in a matter of months, 2013’s break-through artist is without a doubt 17 year old, curly-haired New ZealanderElla Yelich-O’Connor – or Lorde, as she is now known around the world. Lorde’s first single, 'Royals', reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013, making her the first New Zealand solo artist to have a number one song in the United States.  For the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, Lorde is nominated for a total of four Grammys, which include Record of the Year and Song of the Year for 'Royals' and Best Pop Vocal Album for 'Pure Heroine.'

I love this song (yes, it's on repeat... repeat... repeat...) and luckily there is much more where that came from… Lorde’s debut album, ‘Pure Heroine,’ was released in September 2013 to critical acclaim and it’s definitely worth the download (HERE).

Musical Moment: Gabrielle Alpin ('The Power of Love')

Below: John Lewis has once again produced a brrrrr...illiant Christmas commercial (watch 2011's advert here) showing a snowman’s journey to buy his snowlady the perfect gift.

Following in the footsteps of Ellie Goulding and Slow Moving Millie, this year’s advert features the voice of Gabrielle Aplin, a twenty year old singer/songwriter from Bath, whose haunting cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s ‘Power of Love’ is played during the commercial.  The single, which was co-produced by David Kosten and Mike Spencer, coincidentally was released 28 years to the day since ‘The Power of Love’ was originally released.  In a recent interview, Gabrielle said "I was worried people might hate me because they were so attached to the original single, but I've since been in touch with Holly Johnson, and he said some lovely things about my take on his song." Beautiful.  I cannot wait to hear more of her songs in 2013.