#kylie martin is my baby | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

chaotic-toasters · 1 month

Text

Dumb Ref

Kate Martin x Reader (I write soccer fics... don't come at me if it sucks please🙏)

--------------------

"REF!" you yelled, tossing your hands up from your spot on the ground. "ARE YOU GONNA CALL THE FOUL OR NAH?"

The ref turned her head back in annoyance as play continued on. "Just because you keep falling over doesn't mean it's a foul, Y/L/N!"

A growl rumbled in the back of your throat. You shot to your feet, smacking the ball away as it left the LSU player's hand. "RAAHHH!"

You chucked the ball to Caitlin who made an easy layup, rolling your eyes at the way the Iowa bench was unsuccessfully trying to stifle their laughter.

As you ran back, the player you were defending mistakenly stuck out her foot ever-so-slightly, and, to your aggravation, you tripped.

"REEEEEF!" you yelled, practically shattering everyone's eardrums to the point all the courtside microphones picked it up. "SHE FLIPPIN' TRIPPED ME! CALL THE FOUL, GODDAMNIT!"

The ref blew her whistle, glaring at you before touching her right hand to her right shoulder and letting her arm fall to her side.

Your jaw dropped as you scrambled to your feet. "HOW IS THAT A FLOP?! ARE YOU DUMB?"

You were tackled to the floor before you could even take a step. "SYDNEY! GET OFFA ME YOU FU—"

A hand was slapped over your mouth.

"Don't!" Kate scolded, your girlfriend's hand remaining strong. "Don't say it."

Sydney only let you up once you stopped squirming, a look of utter annoyance on your face. "I hate all of you. Literally every single one of you."

As play started up again, you became more aggressive, throwing more shoulder into it than you had earlier on in the game, getting more steals, blocking more shots. And of course, that was when the ref started paying attention.

You had slightly knocked Angel Reese with your shoulder, successfully stealing the ball after a double team with Caitlin, when the ref had decided she didn't like that and blown the whistle.

You backflipped, chucking the ball to Narnia, fists clenched as you stalked over to the dumb woman wearing black and white stripes. "ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING M— YOU CAN'T EJECT ME FOR THAT YOU BI—" you stopped short when you spotted Kate giving you the I'm-not-mad,-just-disappointed girlfriend look. "YOU BIIIIII... you biii... YOU BIRD! THIS IS ONLY MY FOURTH PERSONAL! LEARN TO COUNT!"

You could hear Coach Bluder facepalm behind you.

"No," the ref scoffed. "One on Reese in the first quarter, one on Johnson in the second, and two on Poa and another one on Reese this quarter."

"Yeah! That's four!" You snapped, counting on your fingers. "Reese, Johnson, Poa, Ree—"

You stopped short. "Reese, Reese, Johnson, Poa, Poa—wait—"

Kate held in a laugh, grabbing you by the shoulders and pushing you gently off the court since you were still busy trying to count. "Come on, baby, off you go."

You blinked rapidly as Coach Bluder took Kate's place, guiding you to the bench with an amused but equally unamused sigh. "Sit down, Y/N."

As soon as she returned to her previous spot on the sidelines, you snapped out of it. "Dumb ref!"

Her head snapped back like a slingshot. "What did you say?"

You jumped to your feet, ready to deck her, only for Molly to deck you, lightly but effectively kicking you in the back of the knee with her foot. You practically crumpled, nearly hitting your head on the back of your seat had it not been for one of your other teammates sticking their hand out. "Ow!"

"Sit your ass down," Molly scolded. "Stop antagonizing her!"

"She's antagonizing me!" You whined, holding the back of your knee as you hauled yourself up onto your chair. "She's the one being a—"

"HEY!" Kate shouted from half court, hands in her hips as LSU prepared to dribble down the court. "NOT ANOTHER WORD, MISSY, OR YOU CAN COOK YOUR OWN DINNER FOR THE NEXT WEEK!"

You jolted, sitting up ramrod straight, frantically shaking your head at the threat.

Kylie snorted. "Really? That's all it took for you to shut up? Your girlfriend yelling at you?"

You scowled, but said nothing.

"You're so whipped."

"I am not whipped!" You screeched, shoving her off her seat before standing on yours and preparing to perform an elbow drop.

"HEY! STOP THAT!" Kate's voice was so commanding that everybody on the court froze momentarily. "KYLIE! Y/N! BEHAVE!"

You both scrambled to return to your seats, staring straight ahead with matching looks of terror on your faces.

Kate shook her head as everyone on the court snapped back into action. "LITERAL CHILDREN!"

You stuck out your tongue.

"SEE?"

I should stick to soccer fics

#kate martin x reader #kate martin #iowa wcbb #caitlin clark #sydney affolter #molly davis #lisa bluder #angel reese #lsu wbb

188 notes · View notes

thisisyourdriverspeaking · 1 year

Text

Inspired by my post about what the UK number one songs were when each 2023 F1 driver was born... I thought I would do the same for the F2 drivers (and make myself feel old in the process 😂)

Roy Nissany - (30th November 1994) - Baby D - Let Me Be Your Fantasy

Ralph Boschung - (23rd September 1997) - Elton John - Candle In The Wind 97

Jehan Daruvala - (1st October 1998) - B*witched - Rollercoaster

Juan Manuel Correa - (9th August 1999) - Ronan Keating - When You Say Nothing At All

Kush Maini - (22nd September 2000) - Modjo - (Lady Hear Me Tonight)

Arthur Leclerc - (14th October 2000) - U2 - Beautiful Day

Richard Verschoor - (16th December 2000) & Clement Novalak - (23rd December 2000) - Bob The Builder - Can We Fix It

Victor Martins - (16th June 2001) - Shaggy & Rayvon - Angel

Enzo Fittipaldi - (18th July 2001) & Brad Benavides - (20th July 2001) - Robbie Williams - Eternity

Ayumu Iwasa - (22nd September 2001) - Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out Of My Head

Frederik Vesti - (13th January 2002) - Aaliyah - More Than A Woman

Amaury Cordeel - (9th July 2002) - Elvis vs JXL - A Little Less Conversation

Jack Doohan - (20th January 2003) - David Sneddon - Stop Living The Lie

Dennis Hauger (17th March 2003) - Gareth Gates & The Kumars - Spirit In The Sky

Theo Pourchaire - (20th August 2003) - Blu Cantrell & Sean Paul - Breathe

Zane Maloney - (2nd October 2003) - Black Eyed Peas - Where Is The Love

Roman Stanek - (25th February 2004) - Busted - Who's David

Isack Hadjar - (28th September 2004) - Eric Prydz - Call On Me

Jak Crawford - (2nd May 2005) - Tony Christie & Peter Kay - (Is This The Way To) Amarillo

Ollie Bearman - (8th May 2005) - Akon - Lonely

All added to this playlist 😊😊

38 notes · View notes

nocturna-iv · 2 years

Text

Winter Symphony 2022

[December Prompts]

Royalty

Fuck up the Friendship

Love me Less

Kill your Darling

I bet

Don't go yet

Circus

I'd Rather Die

Sweet Talk

Dancing with the Devil

Dry Spell

Lover & a Fighter

War of Hearts

When you say my Name

Not Dead Yet

Ayo Technology

Inside of You

Tantrum

Must be Love

What's love got to do with it

I've got my love to keep me warm

You make it feel like Christmas

Run Rudolph Run

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

What Christmas means to me

Santa Baby

Winter Wonderland

Let it snow!

Wintertime

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch

Real Mate

⬇⬇⬇⬇ Level up in difficulty: Prompt List with songs ⬇⬇⬇⬇

Royalty by Conor Maynard

Fuck up the Friendship by Leah Kate

Love me Less by MAX

Kill your Darling by Cloudy June

I bet by Shuba

Don't go yet by Camila Cabello

Circus by Britney Spears

I'd Rather Die by TRAMP STAMPS

Sweet Talk by Poe the Passenger

Dancing with the Devil by Kitty Antix

Dry Spell by JORDY

Lover & a Fighter by Devil Doll

War of Hearts by Ruelle

When you say my Name by Chandler Leighton

Not Dead Yet by DEVORA

Ayo Technology by Milow

Inside of You by Hoobastank

Tantrum by Ashnikko

Must be Love by Christina Grimmie

What's love got to do with it by DNCE

I've got my love to keep me warm by Dean Martin

You make it feel like Christmas by Gwen Stefani

Run Rudolph Run by Chuck Berry

Rockin' around the Christmas tree by Brenda Lee

What Christmas means to me by Stevie Wonder

Santa Baby by Kylie Minogue

Winter Wonderland by Michael Bublé

Let it snow! by Frank Sinatra

Wintertime by Norah Jones

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch by Pentatonix

Real Boy by Lola Blanc

#Winter Symphony 2022 #december prompts #monthly prompts list #winter prompts #prompt list #writing prompts #creative prompts #creative writing #christmas prompts #lyric prompts #song prompt #prompts #Spotify #December prompts 2022

42 notes · View notes

deadcactuswalking · 5 months

Text

REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 30/12/2023 (Christmas Garbage)

Content warning: Brief references to murder, racism and unlawful sex acts. Merry Christmas!

Yawn, it’s a Christmas episode. It’s not even Christmas anymore - the tracking week included Christmas Day. “Last Christmas” is #1, of course it is. Skip this one is my personal advice. Christmas Christmas Christmas. REVIEWING THE CHARTS.

Rundown

So, there are a few new arrivals today, but it’s also a week of mostly just festive music the week after festive music mattered so I’ll have a bit of a different approach, one I’m sure will be made up for with next week’s: Less than a fifth of this week’s chart are non-Christmas songs, I’m going to be mostly in chart nerd form rather than expressing much of my opinion, which is kind of how this series has been moving towards lately? Next episode will be the rush of new and old songs thanks to the end-of-year gains and Christmas collapse, so that will be more of a classic episode when it comes to dishing out intros and opinions on different genres and artists, the usual. For now, well, let’s just run down what we have here. Rounding out the top five are Brenda at #5, Ed and Elton at #4, Mariah at #3 and Sam bloody Ryder still hogging up #2.

Let’s continue with rounding up the Christmas songs. The songs entering the UK Top 75 for the first time this year in this week, but have already entered the top 75 previously, are “Cozy Little Christmas” by Katy Perry at #70, “Mistletoe and Wine” by Cliff Richard at #69, “Please Come Home for Christmas” by the Eagles at #68, “Santa’s Coming for Us” by Sia at #66, “Santa Baby” by Kylie Minogue at #64, “Christmas Wrapping” by the Waitresses at #62 (one of my personal favourites) and “My Only Wish (This Year)” by Britney Spears at a new peak of #59, “Come on Home for Christmas” by George Ezra at #56, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” by Perry Como at #54, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen at another new peak of #47, and “Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift at #46… and speaking of new peaks, “What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder at #76, “Jingle Bells” by Meghan Trainor at #48, “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt at #44, “Little Saint Nick” by the Beach Boys at #43, “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives at #40, “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole at #34, “Winter Wonderland” by Laufey at #26, “Sleigh Ride” by the Ronettes at #20 and “DJ Play a Christmas Song” by Cher at #18, as well as Jorja Smith’s cover of “Stay Another Day” at #16 and “Let it Snow” (three times) by Dean Martin at #13 and finally, it took a while but “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande reached the top 10 at #8.

I questioned the point in listing the notable dropouts - songs exiting the UK Top 75, which is what I cover, after five weeks in the region or a peak in the top 40 - since they’ll all be back next week but hey, if I can list a bunch of Christmas songs by dead people in succession, why not secular songs by those very much still with us? With that said, we bid adieu to that terrible cover of “I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday” by “Creator Universe”, and then bid a probably temporary farewell to “Stop Giving Me Advice” by Lyrical Lemonade, Jack Harlow and Dave, “You’re Losing Me” (From the Vault) by Taylor Swift, “Surround Sound” by JID featuring 21 Savage and Baby Tate, “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims, “exes” by Tate McRae, “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan with Hozier on the duet version, “Runaway” by Ye featuring Pusha T, “Can’t Catch Me Now” and “vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo, “On My Love” by Zara Larsson and David Guetta, “Water” by Tyla, “Strangers” by Kenya Grace, “I Remember Everything” by Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves, “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift and finally, “Sprinter” by Dave and Central Cee. So, yeah, big bloodbath this week but one that involves a revival for the next.

So, time to “review”, isn’t it? We have some new arrivals, most of which are Christmas songs, let’s trodge through them.

NEW ARRIVALS

#74 - “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” - Dean Martin

Produced by Lee Gillette

So, firstly: I’m going to be getting the vast majority of my info from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, the Official Charts Company’s archive: it may sometimes be inaccurate or awkward in its formatting but I know charts well enough to notice when something doesn’t seem right - for the most part - or when it contradicts with Wikipedia or other sources. You can find the vast majority of this info elsewhere, I’m not doing intense research, but hey, it’s good to have a little backstory and that’s what most of this episode will be: stories. We start with a fictional one, that of Rudolph’s.

Now he may be a tradition now but he’s more recent than you think, pitched in 1939 by a retailer in New York known as Robert L. May. He’s a newly-created Christmas character that is a bit of wholesome children’s content with a good message, insanely basic character design and therefore incredibly intuitive marketing strategy. The song came 10 years after the character, and whilst Gene Autry probably recorded the most well-known version, it’s never charted in the UK. In fact, Dean Martin’s version, which debuts this year at #74 - it’s its first week in the top 100 even - is the first version to chart, despite American success of versions by Autry, Bing Crosby and even the Chipmunks and the Temptations, both inspiring 60s vocal groups. This 1959 cover from A Winter Romance, the same album with “Let it Snow” on it, is a completely fine, very cliché Christmas-sounding tune with a weird German accent for Santa’s dialogue. Whilst it may be somewhat surprising the song’s not charted, I do understand. I sang “Rudolph” as a child in assemblies at school, sure, but I’m a much later generation than a lot of the people listening to Christmas music this time of year in this country, and it’s always felt like a specifically American export, especially that stop-motion TV special that may have re-popularised the tune. The only other “Rudolph” song to chart is Chuck Berry’s 1958 classic, “Run Rudolph Run”, which peaked at #36 in 1964 and is currently at #49. When it peaked, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles, another rock-and-roll classic, was #1. Mr. Berry of course would later go on to film women peeing, so maybe someone should make a festive rock and roll remix to “Ignition”.

#72 - “Carol of the Bells” - John Williams

Produced by John Williams

Spotify actually credits more than OCC does here: John Williams is listed here as he’s the only performer listed on the chart itself but on streaming services, the lead artist is actually Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych, the Ukrainian composer for the song, originally arranged as a very non-Christmas piece “Shchedryk”, which I guess is still about Winter as when translated, one can read lyrics about how a swallow flies into a home promising wealth for the upcoming spring. It’s connected to a folk holiday in Ukraine celebrated on New Year’s Eve known as “Malanka”, somewhat similar to Christmas in its festivities but with a depth of its own traditions unique to eastern Europe, and it wasn’t even the intended holiday of Leontovych’s original composition, first performed in Kyiv in 1916. An American composer, importantly one descending from the Rusyns of modern-day Ukraine, heard the composition, which made its way to New York in the 1920s, and wrote English lyrics relating to Christmas though, interestingly, Peter J. Wilhousky is nowhere to be seen in the artist credits for this version, being relegated to a writing credit on Spotify.

There are many versions of this song but by far the most popular is the rendition by John Williams, an icon in film scoring who arranged the song alongside a children’s choir performance for the 1990 film Home Alone, which has aged pretty well - mostly because it’s practically just slapstick of a kid torturing these two idiots - and has become a Christmas classic, particularly in eastern Europe, where its release lined up pretty nicely with more lenient restrictions on western films, so it became one of the first western family films seen by many children beyond the Iron Curtain just as it fell, which does make the use of Leontovych’s composition come full circle in a way. Personally, I’ve always found this song a tad eerie and intense, but Williams’ version of “Carol of the Bells” is the only one to have charted in the UK, and it first reached the top 100 in 2018. Additionally, the main theme from Home Alone, “Somewhere in My Memory”, spent one week at #69 in 2019. The #1 that week was “Sweet but Psycho” by Ava Max, and John Williams has charted a few times with singles and many, many other times on the albums chart, for his work in film scoring. Last year, the Home Alone soundtrack made its very first appearance there at #100, and this year, probably assisting with the new peak of this song, the actor who played the boy Kevin McCallister, Macaulay Culkin, received a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the film itself was inducted into the Library of US Congress’ National Film Registry.

#71 - “Entrapreneur” - Central Cee

Produced by Chris Rich and Caleb Bryant

Alright, let’s cut the Christmas crap for a second as we do have a new song from Cench charting, and whilst Jeezy has made that awkward pun before, this is still a completely fine, maybe even pretty good, drill track with a very energetic performance from Cench here and despite some very odd mixing that makes the percussion feel stiff and the bass less present than it should be, I still think it hits hard amidst the soaring strings and keys at the back of the mix that is surprisingly dynamic at times, it almost feels like it’s going for a cloud rap vibe but instead of fully submerging the listener, Cench submerges any need for the instrumental by bringing a lot of charisma, some funny lines and a whole lot of triumphant flexing that given the motivation in his voice here and some genuinely likeable lyrics, actually feels pretty deserved. Sure, he sticks to the same flow, but it’s one that works and seems to serve his best interests lyrically as he can fit all of his wordy bars into it, so I’d say this is ultimately a success.

#67 - “Deck the Halls” - Nat King Cole

Produced by Lee Gillette

Another Lee Gillette production in the same week, huh, I guess the guy was the go-to for soulful Christmas tracks. I’m never going to complain about hearing Nat King Cole’s rich voice… except for this song, misspelled as “Deck the Hall” on Spotify, where it feels like everything’s a bit too fast for the guy, I almost feel bad. It’s a very spritzy and string-heavy song that just ends up too chintzy to give Nat King Cole any time. Hell, I’ll be honest - this one sucks, it’s way too busy and barely anyone could pull off this dead-on-arrival fa-la-la-la song anyway unless you’re a cartoon character but I haven’t seen the Animaniacs chart in my lifetime so this is a carol I’ve never preferred. As for this song’s chart history, this is its second week on the chart, and only this version has ever charted to my knowledge, debuting at #84 last year. That’s not to say people haven’t recorded and performed this song that aren’t named Nat King Cole because by God, they have, though not nearly as much as a song we’ll be talking about in a few paragraphs’ time. As for the original composition, it dates back to the traditional Welsh carol “Nos Galan”, which is actually about New Year’s Eve and both its tune and lyrics were written around the 1700s, but English lyrics by Scotsman Thomas Oliphant in 1862 brought us the carol we know today, so this one is a bit more historied than Rudolph, especially with popularising the now universal phrase of “’tis the season”. I don’t even like the slower, original Welsh version of this, it’s just a pestering little song to me. Never done well to my knowledge. Next.

#63 - “This Christmas” - Donny Hathaway

Produced by Ric Powell and Donny Hathaway

This is a pretty weird one because yes, this version of the song has never charted in the UK’s top 100 before. That much is true… but I have reviewed it, and in 2020 in fact, so dig up that old episode, right? Well, maybe not, because the only reason I reviewed it is because a Jess Glynne version charted that year, and it was an Amazon original version, that I ended up comparing to the original, one of my favourite ever Christmas songs, in complete despair and almost disgust. Hathaway has a buttery but unabashedly joyful voice, he came up with that iconic gleeful horn line and that clever, sleek title-drop in the verses, and like I said in 2020, lest we forget the bongos. It’s a detailed, beautiful song that was first released in 1970, with the B-side “Be There”, which is probably why OCC questionably lists this song as “This Christmas Be There”. Said B-side is the other holiday single tacked onto his self-titled album and whilst not as catchy or canonical, it is more of a melodramatic tune with just as many intricacies, it’s really an underrated gem to be honest. It took a while for “This Christmas” to latch on, only really resurging in 1991 when included on a reissued Christmas compilation record. It didn’t chart on the US Billboard Hot 100 until 2020 and has finally made it to the UK’s singles chart in its original form. The malformed Jess Glynne butchering made it to #3 in 2021, and “Last Christmas” was #1 that week too. It briefly returned in 2021 but only peaked at #52 that year and has not appeared again so I’m assuming the UK has come to their senses and made the correct decision about which one to enjoy from this year onward.

#60 - “Jingle Bells” - Frank Sinatra

Produced by Voyle Gilmore

It is a disgrace that Meghan Trainor’s version outcharts Frankie, but there is some solace in knowing Trainor’s version may be like Jess Glynne’s “This Christmas” and end up as a one-year-only success. It’s not like it matters though, “Jingle Bells” may be the most-recorded song in human history, and is definitely at least one of them, even though it was never explicitly about Christmas… though the song was originally titled “This One Horse Open Sleigh” so part of me thinks that James Lord Pierpoint, the song’s writer and Confederate soldier - yikes - had at least Father Christmas in mind when composing the jingle. Pierpoint even wrote music for the losing side in the Civil War and ended up on the opposing side of his father in the Union Army - Jesus, the less we know about the guy who wrote the song, the better, what a loser. Anyway, like 70,000 Goddamn people have dashed through the snow to get to the studio and record this track, so it’s safe to say the song has reached beyond its obscure writer at this point. It’s been broadcast from space, for God’s sake.

Sinatra, or more accurately Gilmore, extends the song with an unnecessary spelling section from a choir, but otherwise the 1948 recording is a lot of fun with a classic, swingin’ performance from Frankie as one would expect, especially when he has some fun with the cadence of the track, even if he doesn’t do it all too much. The song is such a staple that it’s been implemented into other Christmas standards for years, and not just “Jingle Bell Rock”, which I consider so separate to be its own song so I’ll wait for another cover of that next year before I get into that chart history, but also it’s a motif heard in Bing Crosby’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas”, the guitar… solo(?) in Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” and even Joni Mitchell’s “River”. As for the original, I mean, it’s been covered by everybody from Herb Alpert to the Beatles to the Barenaked Ladies to Barney the Dinosaur to Eric Clapton to Gladys Knight to Pearl Jam to the Wiggles to CBeebies’ Goddamn Alphablocks but the versions that charted are as follows.

The first version of the original “Jingle Bells” to chart in the modern chart was… a reggae version by Judge Dread, who if you know anything about him, is not exactly a wholesome Christmas artist, and of course, it’s actually a vulgar, laddish version using the melody to talk about having sex on Christmas with some girl. I’ve talked about Judge Dread on this blog before in my special episode from 2021 about songs banned by the BBC, in which I included a lot more of his story. To be completely honest, his version is a lot of fun, especially with how carelessly he delivers it all, and it peaked at #64 for two weeks in 1978, during which “Mary’s Boy Child / Oh My Lord” by Boney M. was #1. It’s currently at #51. In 1981, a novelty version by the Hysterics that lasts for only less than a minute and a half, peaked at #44 for three weeks. Subtitled “(Laughing All the Way)”, it is simply a guy laughing obnoxiously to the tune of the song as a cartoon-sounding pop-rock version plays under him. It is profoundly stupid. “Don’t You Want Me” by the Human League was #1 during these three very cursed weeks in British history. In 2005, whoever the Hell was behind the Crazy Frog mashed up the song with “U Can’t Touch This”, which apparently warrants it a separate Wikipedia page, and it peaked at #5 whilst Nizlopi’s “JCB”, a personal nostalgic song for me, was #1. Another EDM version by Basshunter peaked at #35 in 2008, when Alexandra Burke’s cover of “Hallelujah” was #1. It’s safe to say that both 2000s Eurodance versions of “Jingle Bells” are cheap and ridiculous. Last year, Sam Ryder’s Amazon-exclusive version from an Amazon-exclusive Christmas film charted at #41 - “Last Christmas” was of course at #1 that week - and this week, we see both versions by Meghan Trainor and Frank Sinatra charting. He originally recorded it in 1948 but it only started charting two weeks ago. Oh, and of course, Batman smells and Robin laid an egg.

#58 - “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” - Mariah Carey

Produced by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey

Mr. President, a second - okay, more accurately, third - Mariah Carey Christmas song has hit the canon… and I have no idea why you’d listen to this slightly-oversung, dull 1994 rendition over the Darlene Love original, which has a slightly similar story to “This Christmas” though arguably more organic. It wasn’t a single when added to Phil Spector’s Christmas compilation album - he would later murder a woman, of course - but the track, released in 1963 and featuring Cher on backing vocals, who would later cover the song as a duet with the surprisingly-still-alive (especially if she knew Spector, sheesh) Ms. Love, 60 years later - yes, that’s this year - on her own Christmas album. Sadly, that one didn’t chart but Carey’s instead. Love’s version gained popularity simply because in the late 80s, talk-show host David Letterman just liked the song and continued to invite her year upon year to perform it on his show, which is adorable.

In the UK, the original version didn’t chart until after Bublé’s - sigh - which didn’t last, peaking at #47 for two weeks in 2011 and briefly coming back in the bottom-feeder region in 2015. When it peaked, the #1 was “Cannonball” by Little Mix, and then “Wherever You Are” by the Military Wives and Gareth Malone, that year’s Christmas #1. Love’s version first charted here in 2017, though her other Christmas song, “All Alone on Christmas”, featured on the Home Alone 2 soundtrack - starring a man who I’m pretty sure James Lord Pierpoint would have voted for - peaked at #31 in 1992, during which the #1 was predictably Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” would eventually peak at #22 in 2018 and is currently charting at #31, whilst Carey’s version reaches a new peak this year after first charting in 2021, and with that, we are done with 2023’s Christmas episodes of REVIEWING THE CHARTS. Also, did you know U2 had a version of this? …Why?

Conclusion

This wasn’t really a conventional episode, was it? I can’t really fairly give Best of the Week out, or the worst for that matter, because these are songs I hold very few notable opinions on and spent most of the time just talking about their origins and their chart success. With that said, screw “Deck the Halls”, thank you for reading and I’ll see you next… year!

#uk singles chart #pop music #song review #christmas music #frank sinatra #mariah carey #dean martin #central cee #nat king cole #donny hathaway

3 notes · View notes

dedicatedtodance · 12 days

Text

National Dance Radio Airplay

Top 50 for the week ending May 11, 2024 by All Access/Mediabase

Lovers In A Past Life --Calvin Harris, Rag'N"Bone Man -3

Lighter --Galantis, David Guetta, 5 Seconds of Summer -4

Make You Mine -Madison Beer -1

Shiver --John Summit & HAYLA I Just Need --Daniel Allan feat/Lyrah -7

I Just Need --Daniel Allan feat/Lyrah -2

Addicted --Zerb, The Chainsmokers feat/INK -6

Whatever --KYGO feat/Ava Max -8

Heaven Or Not --Diplo & Riva Starr -11

Dance Alone --SIA feat/Kylie Minogue -9

The Way It Is --Cheat Codes X Two Friends -18

Never Be Alone --Becky Hill & Sonny Fodera -5

Not Even Love --Seven Lions, ILLENIUM feat/ASDIS -15

Carry You --Martin Garrix & Third-Party feat/Oaks, Declan J. Donovan -17

Thinking 'Bout Us --Dannii Minogue & Autone -10

Last Of Us --Gryffin feat/Rita Ora -12

Everything You Do --AFROKI, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Aviella -14

I Don't Wanna Wait --David Guetta & OneRepublic -19

Tell Me Who You Are --Morgin Madison, Ryan Lucian, JAS. -13

Happier --The Blessed Madonna feat/Clementine Douglas -16

Complicated --Luca Schreiner -21

Thank You) Not So Bad) --Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, Tiesto, Dido, W&W -20

Lift You Up --LF System -30

Forever (Stay Like This) --Armin Van Buuren -25

Rizz --AYYBO -24

Weight Of The World --Bonnie X Clyde -23

Why Should I --Z3LLA -26

Last Night --LOOFY -33

Cutting Loose --Disco Lines, J. Worra, Anabel Englund -22

Take So Long (Find You) --ARTY feat/XIRA -31

Saving Up --Dom Dolla -27

Illusion --Dua Lipa -34

Da Da Dum --Baby Jane -29

End Of Time --Lucas & Steve X LAWRENT feat/Jordan Shaw -39

Drums --James Hype, Kim Petras -28

Blue Monday --Above & Beyond -32

These Words --Badger & Natasha Bedingfield -49

Murder On The Dancefloor --Sophie Ellis-Bextor -37

Glad I Found You --Elderbrook & George Fitzgerald -41

We Ain't Here For Long --Nathan Dawe -42

We Can't Be Friends (Wait for your Love) --Ariana Grande -45

Houdini -Dua Lipa -48

Give Me --Will Clarke, BURNS -43

***On Again --MAU P -257

***Mind Still --Sonny Fodera feat/blythe -61

Not My Fault --Renee Rapp - >>>

Weak --Vintage Culture, Maverick Sabre, Tom Breu -44 >>>

Off Switch --VASSY -4 >>>

Buscando Money --Twenty Six, Tayson Kryss -47

***Fortnight --Taylor Swift feat/ Post Malone -177

***I Go Dance --KIESZA -58

***new on the chart this week >>> off the chart next week*

#dedicatedtodance

0 notes

muznew · 2 months

Text

Apple Music Dance danceXL March 2024

DATE CREATED: 2024-03-12 Tracklist : 42 - Diplo & Maren Morris.mp3 All For You - Dombresky & Jaded.mp3 All For You (Westend Remix) - Dombresky & Jaded.mp3 All I've Got - LF SYSTEM.mp3 All My Life - Tiësto & FAST BOY.mp3 All Night Long - Kungs, David Guetta & Izzy Bizu.mp3 Another - Camden Cox.mp3 Anthem (feat. Pony) - Diplo & Sharam.mp3 Baby I'm Bad - Rain Radio, shugz & Caitlyn Scarlett.mp3 Beautiful Drug (Remix) - Zac Brown Band.mp3 Blame You - Nero.mp3 BOTH (David Guetta & Seth Hills Remix) - Tiësto.mp3 Carry You (feat. Declan J Donovan) - Martin Garrix, Third ≡ Party & Oaks.mp3 Crazy Love (feat. Zoë Johnston) - Above & Beyond.mp3 Crowded Roomz - Nia Archives.mp3 Cutting Loose - Disco Lines, J. Worra & Anabel Englund.mp3 Dance Alone (Kito Remix) - Sia & Kylie Minogue.mp3 Deep In Your Love - Alok & Bebe Rexha.mp3 DESCEND - Dezko.mp3 DOPAMINE HIT - SAYMYNAME.mp3 Easy Baby - Ferreck Dawn & Mo Selleck.mp3 Empty - Martin Garrix, DubVision & Jaimes.mp3 Fall Read the full article

0 notes

djmusicbest · 2 months

Text

Apple Music Dance danceXL March 2024

0 notes

dan6085 · 3 months

Text

Swedish composers and producers have been behind some of the biggest hits in pop music since the 1990s. This list highlights 50 notable songs that showcase the influence of Swedish talent in the global music industry. Due to the sheer volume of hits, this list cannot cover all of them but aims to represent some of the most impactful tracks:

1. **"The Sign"** - Ace of Base (1993)

2. **"…Baby One More Time"** - Britney Spears (1998, written and produced by Max Martin)

3. **"It's My Life"** - Bon Jovi (2000, produced by Max Martin)

4. **"I Want It That Way"** - Backstreet Boys (1999, produced by Max Martin)

5. **"Since U Been Gone"** - Kelly Clarkson (2004, produced by Max Martin)

6. **"Hung Up"** - Madonna (2005, co-written by Madonna and Swedish songwriter/producers including Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA)

7. **"Can't Get You Out of My Head"** - Kylie Minogue (2001, co-written and produced by Swedish producers)

8. **"Shake It Off"** - Taylor Swift (2014, produced by Max Martin)

9. **"Firework"** - Katy Perry (2010, produced by Stargate and Sandy Vee, co-written by Ester Dean, a frequent collaborator with Stargate)

10. **"Rolling in the Deep"** - Adele (2010, co-written by Paul Epworth, but Shellback, a Swedish producer, has worked extensively with Adele)

11. **"Moves Like Jagger"** - Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera (2011, produced by Shellback)

12. **"One More Night"** - Maroon 5 (2012, produced by Max Martin and Shellback)

13. **"Roar"** - Katy Perry (2013, produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke)

14. **"Wake Me Up"** - Avicii (2013)

15. **"Diamonds"** - Rihanna (2012, produced by Stargate)

16. **"I Knew You Were Trouble"** - Taylor Swift (2012, produced by Max Martin and Shellback)

17. **"We Found Love"** - Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris (2011, produced by StarGate)

18. **"Cheap Thrills"** - Sia (2016, co-produced by Greg Kurstin, but has notable Swedish influence in other works)

19. **"What Do You Mean?"** - Justin Bieber (2015, produced by MdL, co-written by Justin Bieber, Jason Boyd, and Mason Levy)

20. **"Can't Stop the Feeling!"** - Justin Timberlake (2016, produced by Max Martin)

21. **"Dark Horse"** - Katy Perry feat. Juicy J (2013, produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke)

22. **"No Tears Left to Cry"** - Ariana Grande (2018, produced by Max Martin and ILYA)

23. **"Blank Space"** - Taylor Swift (2014, produced by Max Martin and Shellback)

24. **"The Middle"** - Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey (2018, co-written by Sarah Aarons, Zedd, Grey, and The Monsters and the Strangerz, showcasing the global collaborative nature of hits)

25. **"Dancing On My Own"** - Robyn (2010)

26. **"Levels"** - Avicii (2011)

27. **"Call Me Maybe"** - Carly Rae Jepsen (2012, produced by Josh Ramsay, but Swedish writers and producers have significantly influenced pop production styles)

28. **"Hotline Bling"** - Drake (2015, co-produced by Nineteen85, showcasing the global influence of Swedish music production techniques)

29. **"Shape of You"** - Ed Sheeran (2017, co-produced by Steve Mac, but Ed Sheeran has collaborated with Swedish producers like Max Martin on other tracks)

30. **"Let Me Love You"** - DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber (2016, co-written and co-produced by Andrew Watt, Brian Lee, Ali Tamposi alongside DJ Snake, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the industry)

31. **"Closer"** - The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey (2016, co-written by Shaun Frank, The Chainsmokers, and Freddy Kennett, indicative of the collaborative nature of hits, with Swedish influence in electronic music)

32. **"Lean On"** - Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft. MØ (2015, co-produced by Major Lazer and DJ Snake, a testament to the global influence of dance music)

33. **"Sorry"** - Justin Bieber (2015, produced by BloodPop®, showcasing the global influence of pop production)

34. **"Starboy"** - The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk (2016, co-produced by Doc McKinney, Cirkut, and Daft Punk, highlighting the collaborative nature of modern music production)

35. **"Faded"** - Alan Walker (2015, showcasing the global appeal of electronic and dance music influenced by the Nordic electronic scene)

36. **"Love Me Like You Do"** - Ellie Goulding (2015, produced by Max Martin and Ali Payami)

37. **"Don't Let Me Down"** - The Chainsmokers ft. Daya (2016, co-produced by The Chainsmokers, illustrating the influence of electronic music production)

38. **"Stay"** - Zedd & Alessia Cara (2017, co-produced by Zedd, a reflection of the collaborative nature and global influence of pop and electronic music)

39. **"New Rules"** - Dua Lipa (2017, co-written by Caroline Ailin and Emily Warren, showcasing the international collaboration in pop music)

40. **"Without You"** - Avicii ft. Sandro Cavazza (2017)

41. **"Señorita"** - Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello (2019, co-written by Charli XCX, Ali Tamposi, Jack Patterson, and others, reflecting the global collaboration in the music industry)

42. **"Bad Guy"** - Billie Eilish (2019, co-written and produced by Finneas O'Connell, though not directly Swedish, the minimalist production style is influenced by global pop trends)

43. **"Dance Monkey"** - Tones and I (2019, written by Toni Watson, highlighting the global influence of pop music trends)

44. **"Roses"** - Saint Jhn (Imanbek Remix) (2019, remixed by Imanbek, showcasing the global reach and influence of remix culture)

45. **"Blinding Lights"** - The Weeknd (2020, co-written and co-produced by Max Martin)

46. **"Rain On Me"** - Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande (2020, produced by BloodPop® and Burns, with Tchami, showcasing the collaborative nature of modern pop

47. **"Mood"** - 24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior (2020, co-produced by Omer Fedi, KBeaZy, and 1Mind, showcasing a blend of pop and hip-hop elements that have been influenced by global production styles, including the streamlined, catchy aesthetics often found in Swedish pop production.)

48. **"Levitating"** - Dua Lipa (2020, produced by Stuart Price and Koz, with significant input from songwriters that have been part of the Swedish pop music writing camps, demonstrating the broad influence of Swedish pop sensibilities on global hits.)

49. **"Peaches"** - Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon (2021, co-written and co-produced by Harv, Shndo, and others, reflecting a blend of R&B and pop that, while not directly Swedish, is part of a global pop landscape heavily influenced by Swedish songwriting and production practices.)

50. **"Save Your Tears"** - The Weeknd (2020, co-written and co-produced by Max Martin, a testament to the enduring influence of Swedish pop music production on the global stage, combining synth-pop with a heartfelt performance.)

Swedish composers, producers, and songwriters have played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of contemporary pop, influencing artists and hits worldwide. Their knack for catchy melodies, engaging narratives, and polished production has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

1 note · View note

wqbytop150 · 4 months

Text

WQBY (the world of Q)

Top 150 for the week ending January 28, 2024

Never Be Friends --Jost, Mingue -3 [H] .6sec

Heart Still Beating ---Nathan Dawe, Bebe Rexha -2 [EDM] .4sec

It's Love (If We Get It Right)--Anthony Russo -4 [P] .9sec

You're Hired, NEIKED, Ayra Starr -1 (starts w/vocals)

One On One ---The Knocks, Sofi Tukker -5 [H] [EDM] .12sec

Feels Like Us ---GT_OFICE, ALWZ SNNY, Robbie Rosen -6 [EDM] .7sec

Anyone --Morgan Page -22 [EDM] (starts w/vocals)

She's On My Mind ---Romy -9 [P] .15sec

All Fckd Up---Kapuzen -14 [H] [EDM] (starts vocals w/half a sec)

Good In Goodbye---Frank Walker, Trivecta -12 .10sec

Kill Anyone --Two Feet, Ari Abdul -13 [M][SD] .10sec

Both---Tiesto, 21 Savage, BIA -10 .06sec

Diamond Therapy ---Diplo, Walker & Royce, Channel Tres -8 [EDM] (Starts vocals)

Dark Skies --A R I Z O N A -7 .11sec

***Jet Plane --R3HAB, VIZE, JP Cooper -(new) [House, Pop, EDM, Dance] .1sec

Other Boys --Marshmello, Dove Cameron -15 (starts vocals)

You---Svidden, Seeb -11 .7sec

Bad Blood--Theresa Rex -25 [P] .5sec

***Weak -Vintage Culture --Vintage Culture, Maverick Sabre, Tom Breu -(new) [N,H] [EDM] .9sec

***Close Your Eyes -Lucas Estrada, Tribbs, Stephen Puth -(new) [H] [EDM] .7sec

I Don't Wanna Worry -NEEDTOBREATHE -27 (starts vocals)

U Miss Me--Vicetone -16 [EDM] .7sec

***Dirty Desire---Vicetone -(new) [H] .21sec

Next Year's Light ---Elliot Moss -21 [M] .6sec

Flex---Tony Dark Eyes -20 [N,H] .3sec

Graveyard--- A R I Z O N A -19 .6sec

***Rhythm Machine ---Westend, Max Styler -(new) [N,H] .12sec

Lift Off ---Dombresky -18 [N,H] [EDM] .03sec

Spend The Night ---BJ the Chicago Kid, Coco Jones -29 [M] .10sec

Dizzy--Sick Individuals, LOUI LANE -32 [H] [EDM] .03ec

I'll Be There--Robin Schulz, Rita Ora, Tiago PZK -17

More Baby ---Chris Lake, Luna -26 [N]

Go Off --Mike Candys -23 [N,EDM]

Jaguar ---Yaeger -31

Easy--3LAU, XIRA -24

Mirrors ---Caravan Palace -57 [EDM]

Save My Love --Destiny Rogers -34[M,SD]

Lullaby --Britti -33 [M] [SD]

Good Morning--Timmy Trumpet, Alle Farben, YOU -30

Strangers--Kenya Grace -28 [M]

Cutting Loose --Disco Lines, J. Worra, Anabel Englund -126 [H] [EDM]

Run Free (Countdown) --Tiesto, R3HAB -54

Body Moving ---Eliza Rose, Calvin Harris -56 [EDM]

See You Again --Vicetone, Anna Clendenning -35 [EDM]

***No Reason--- The Chemical Brothers, Chris Lake remix -(new) [H] [EDM]

AEIOU--PNAU, Empire of the Sun -37

Sorry Now ---A R I Z O N A -36 [M] [SD]

Dreamteam --Galantis, Neon Trees -42 [EDM]

Nevada --Vicetone, Cuzi Zuehisdorff -39 [EDM]

Run --ATB, Nu Aspect, Orem -64 [H] [EDM]

Stop The Time --Zombic -41 [EDM]

Rebel --TVXQ -77

***ADHD --Mae Stephens -(new) [P]

Yard Sale --Alex Warren -70

Stress You ---Lucas Estrada, SUPER Hi -38

OhLA LA --Idris Elba, Sasha GiGi -40 [N]

Pull You Closer --Sistek, Sadie Rose Van -43

Drums---James Hype, Kim Petras -51 [EDM]

Years ---Just_Us -58

Who I Am --Alan Walker, Putri Ariani, Peder Elias -60 [M]

Killing Me --Conan Gray -58

She Got It Bad --Martin Jensen, MATTN -44

Dreaming ---Marshmello, Pink Sting -46

***I Got Time --Brittney Spencer - (new)

Mas Que Nada --Oliver Heldens, Ian Asher, Sergio Mendez -127 [H] [EDM]

Summertime Friends---The Chainsmokers -45

Jungle ---Alok, The Chainsmokers, Mae Stephens -47

Saving Up -Dom Dolla -48 [H]

Hungry Heart --Declan J. Donavan -49

The Tower --Future Island -50

The Greatest Thing Alive --Mark Knight, Green Velvet, James Hurr -52

Lil Boo Thing--Paul Russell (Galantis remix) -53 [H] [EDM]

Tension --Kylie Minogue -55

Proud --Victoria Nadine -78 [M]

Rusty ---Layto -84

I Can't Be The Only One --SIRA, YouNotUs -92 [H]

You Can Have It --Kungs, Victor Flash -62 [H]

Living In A Haze---Milky Chance -61

Stay The Night --Just Kiddin, Camden Cox -98

***Sorry Ain't Enough --Michael Gerow -(new) [SD]

Untouchable --ITZY -130

Waking Up --Felix Jaehn, Leony -131 [H] [EDM]

***Lie To Me --Jubel, KIDDO -(new)

***Dance Is The Answer --Dubdogs, RUBACK, Ticon f/Raja Ram -(new) [N] [House] [EDM]

What Are We Waiting For -- for King & Country -97

***Biggest Regret---Gorgon City, Bbyafricka -(new) [H] [EDM]

***Do You Feel It --VAMERO, Cyril M. Mougleta -(new) [EDM]

Hangin' On --A R I Z O N A -63

All My Life --Tiesto, FAST BOY -102

Maybe In The Summere--Foinix, Chris Ruo, Geoff Duncan -94 [EDM]

***One By One---Robin Schulz, Topic, Oaks -(new) [H] [EDM]

***No Strings ---X Ambassadors -(new)

***Me ---Steve Angello -(new) [EDM]

***Missing You --Frank Walker, Nate Smith -(new) [H] [EDM]

***I Don't Remember --Walker & Royce, VNSSA -(new)[N] [H] [EDM]

One Last Dance --Imanbek, Ali Gatie -65

Running In A Dream --Nils Hoffmann, Kasbo, Vancouver Sleep Clinic -66

Hall Of Forever --Henrik -108 [SD]

***Face To Face ---Kenzie -(new) [P]

Holding Pattern --Nihil Young, Artiflex Mundi, Adam Nazar -104 [H] [EDM]

Head Down ---Lost Frequencies, Bastille -101 [H] [EDM]

<>Us ---Steve Aoki f/ ERNEST -[last on @#137 12.10.23]

Wanna Dance --Alle Farben, James Carter, VARGEN -87 [EDM]

Losing You --Gabry Pointe, bshp, Joe Cleere -67 [H]

Twisted --Laura Davidson -68

Wanna ---Paul Dally -70

Daydream --Will Swinton -71

Jealous --Pascal Letoublon, IZKO, Jordan Rys -72

Get Dirty ---Return Of The Jaded, Tommie Sunshine -73

Waiting --LP Giobbi, Redfield, DJ Rae, -74

At Your Worst --Calum Scott -75 [M]

Tears On The Dancefloor --Icona Pop -76 [EDM]

Fire --Alan Walker, YUQI, JVKE, (G)I-DLE -79

Bite Marks --Ari Abdul -80

Heat Rising --Pete Tong, Jem Cooke, Jules Buckley -81

Disco En Egypte --Bon Entendeur -82

On My Way --Kaskade -83 >>>

Boyfriend ---USHER -85

Champagne Shit ---Janelle Monae, Latto, Quavo -86

Phone --MEDUZA, Em Beihold, Sam Thompkins (Lil Chan Remix) -88

DJ Play A Christmas Song ---CHER, (Robin Schulz remix) -89 [S]

Superhero ---AUDIEN -90 [EDM]

The Way ---Miller Blue -91 [M]

Blur ---KREAM, Marlo Rex -93

(Trust Me Now) I'm Fine --ROZES -95

Young & Foolish ---Loud Luxury, Charlieonafriday -96 [H]

Lights On Noboby's Home --Graham Barham -99

Coulda Been Love --Randal King -100

How Do I Say Goodbye--Adventure Club, Delaney Jane -124 [H]

Behind --Myles Smith -110

J Christ --Lil Nas -128

<>Give It To Me --Lucky Luke -(re-entry)

I'm Only Here For The Beat --Madelline (Evil Mix) -114 ]H]

Mean Girls --Caleigh -113

Funny Bunny -Elliot Lee -115 [N]

***Lighthouse ---Calum Scott -(new)

Memory ---Bonnie & Clyde, SUM SUN -117

<>Overdrive --Ofenbach, Norma Jean Martine -(re-entry) [last on 12.10.23 @#101]

<>I'm In Love With You --Fred Falke, Zen Freeman, Ampersounds -(re-entry) [H]

<>Rush --Troye Sivan -(re-entry)

***Alibi --Ella Henderson, Rudimental -(new)

Let Go --Connor Price, Nic D -133 [M]

Kiss Like This ---FETISH -132

i'm Just Ken --Ryan Gosling, Mark Ronson, Purple Disco Machine -105 [N,H] [EDM]

Holding Me Back---Nils Hoffmann, The Kite String Tangle -107 [H]

Walk It Like I Talk It --Saucy Santana -112

Front To Back --Deorro, Electric Polar Bears -116 [H] [EDM]

Thank You (Not So Bad) --Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, Tiesto, Dido -118

Hungover --John Summit, Mathame, Camden Cox -120 [H] [EDM]

Falling Behind -Sultan + Shepard, Panana -122 [H]

[N] =Novelty Song [S]= Christmas (Seasonal) [H=House] [P=Pop] [I =Indie] [C=Country] [SD=SlowDance] [HH=HipHop] [D=Dance] [R=Rock] [P=Spirtual] [E=Emotional] [M=Smooth] [EDM=Electronic Dance Music] [SP=Synthpop]

#alwayshappymusic

0 notes

pli1999 · 4 months

Text

Party Like It's 1999 1/13/24

Britney’s Time is 25 Edition

Indigo Girls – “Galileo”

Sheryl Crow – “My Favorite Mistake”

Bonnie Raitt – “Something to Talk About”

Alanis Morissette – “Ironic”

Santana featuring Michelle Branch – “The Game of Love”

Lisa Stansfield – “All Around the World”

Amy Grant – “Baby Baby”

Britney Spears – “Sometimes”

Britney Spears – “Lucky”

Shakira – “She Wolf”

Selena – “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”

Christina Aguilera – “Genie in a Bottle”

Aaliyah – “Are You That Somebody?”

Montell Jordan – “This Is How We Do It”

Ricky Martin – “Living La Vida Loca”

Britney Spears – “I’m a Slave 4U”

Britney Spears – “Break the Ice”

Britney Spears – “Piece of Me”

Spice Girls – “Stop”

Backstreet Boys – “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”

NSYNC – “Bye Bye Bye”

B*witched – “C’est La Vie”

Michael Jackson – “Remember the Time”

OMC – “How Bizarre”

Jennifer Lopez – “Waiting for Tonight”

Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris – “Yeah”

DMX – “Party Up (Up in Here)”

Britney Spears – “If U Seek Amy”

Britney Spears – “Circus”

Britney Spears – “Toxic”

Sisqo – “Thong Song”

Ginuwine – “Pony”

Juvenile – “Back that Azz Up”

House of Pain – “Jump Around”

Third Eye Blind – “Semi-Charmed Life”

Lit – “My Own Worst Enemy”

Hanson – “Mmmbop”

Divinyls – “I Touch Myself”

Britney Spears – “Oops! I Did It Again”

Britney Spears – “(You Drive Me) Crazy”

Britney Spears – “…Baby One More Time”

Daft Punk – “One More Time”

Kylie Minogue – “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”

Vengaboys – “Boom Boom Boom Boom”

Whitney Houston – “It’s Not Right (But It’s Okay)”

Tevin Campbell – “I2I”

Britney Spears – “Gimme More”

Britney Spears – “Overprotected”

Britney Spears – “Womanizer”

Shania Twain – “Man! I Feel Like a Woman”

Beyoncé featuring Sean Paul – “Baby Boy”

Monica and Brandy – “The Boy Is Mine”

Toni Braxton – “He Wasn’t Man Enough”

Salt-n-Pepa and En Vogue – “Whatta Man”

50 Cent featuring Olivia – “Candy Shop”

Mandy Moore – “Candy”

Britney Spears – “Stronger”

Britney Spears featuring Madonna – “Me Against the Music”

Natasha Bedingfield – “Unwritten”

Chumbawamba – “Tubthumping”

Semisonic – “Closing Time”

INXS – “Not Enough Time”

Blink-182 – “I Miss You”

Rod Stewart – “Rhythm of My Heart”

Damn Yankees – “High Enough”

Seal – “Kiss from a Rose”

#90snight #partylikeits1999 #aughts

1 note · View note

newmusicradionetwork · 1 year

Text

Paige King Johnson’s Christmas Single “Santa Train” Is Available Now

Country music singer-songwriter Paige King Johnson is proud to announce the release of her new Christmas single “Santa Train,” just in time for the holidays! Johnson’s roaring version of this bluegrass classic paints a portrait of small-town America during the Christmas season that brings excitement to the festivities during this special time of year. “Santa Train” was premiered by RFD-TV and is available on all digital platforms now! To view Paige King Johnson’s premiere with RFD-TV, visit HERE. “Patty Loveless’ voice has always been a favorite of mine & “Santa Train” has always been at the top of my Christmas playlist,” shares Johnson. “I’m so glad to be releasing my own rendition. This version of the great bluegrass “Santa Train” has all the energy & joy that Christmas brings for me, and I hope it brings that to everyone who listens!” Paige King Johnson’s Famous Enough was recently named the #1 Independent Female Record and #5 Independent Record on Music Row Radio Charts. Famous Enough was the first single from her long-anticipated album, Honky Tonk Heart, which is available now from PCG Records/BFD/Audium Nashville. The music video was directed by Grand Ole Opry member and country music legend, Pam Tillis, which showcases her God-given vocals with every note, painting a portrait of contentment that most of us strive for and never achieve. “Famous Enough” was premiered by CMT.com and Heartland TV and is the top 5 streamed song on Play MPE this week. Johnson has also partnered with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture as their Musical Ambassador for the Got to Be NC campaign. She recently performed at 2022 Got To Be NC Festival, playing her popular songs and crowd favorites including “Homes in The Hometowns,” a recent single serving as the anthem for Got to Be NC campaign. Paige is also in the midst of carrying out the first-ever NC Ag Star Talent Competition in connection with Got to Be NC. The North Carolina Ag Star Homegrown Voice Talent Search semi-final auditions will take place this weekend in North Carolina, and everyone between the ages of 13-22 years is encouraged to register by visiting NCAgStar.com. Semi-final audition dates & locations are as follows: Friday, November 4 – Martin Community College (Williamston, NC) Sunday, November 6 – University of Mount Olive (Mount Olive, NC) For more information on AgStar, visit HERE. To view the AgStar feature on Fox News Digital, visit HERE. To view Johnson’s feature on Newsmax visit HERE. Paige King Johnson On Tour: NOV 11 Kicking Camel Grill / Coats, N.C. NOV 12 And The Beat Goes On / Sparta, N.C. NOV 17 Harnett County Farm City Week Banquet / Coats, N.C. NOV 18 Trali Irish Pub & Restaurant / Raleigh, N.C. DEC 02 Country Christmas Yard Party / Angier, N.C. DEC 09 Wine Therapy / North Myrtle Beach, N.C. DEC 10 Abbey Road Tavern & Grill / Fuquay – varina, N.C. DEC 11 Crossroads Bar & Grill / Seven Springs, N.C. DEC 18 – QDR Acoustic Christmas for the Kids of UNC Children’s / Raleigh, N.C. (w/ Scotty McCreery, Kylie Morgan, Cooper Greer, Jason Adamo, and George Birge) To keep up with everything Paige King Johnson, visit HERE and follow the socials linked below. Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Website About Paige King Johnson: Born in a quiet North Carolina town just 22 miles south of Raleigh, as a young 9-year-old girl, Paige King Johnson spent her summers under the crepe myrtles imitating the styles of Loretta, Patsy, Waylon, and Merle. Having a grandpa as her biggest fan also meant receiving the gift of her first guitar – a baby Taylor – and enrolling in lessons. As she grew older, Johnson added “opening act” to her resume, supporting chart-topping artists like Scotty McCreery, Neal McCoy, and James Otto. Upon starting school at Belmont University for Music Business, Johnson honed in on the magic that had heavily influenced her as a child: the art of storytelling through songwriting. The famous Bluebird Café was just one of many writers’ circuits around Nashville that provided a safe space for Johnson to meet other writers. In the last four years, Johnson has traveled back and forth between Nashville and the Carolinas, playing shows like the North Carolina State Fair and running her dinner theater, Country on the Outskirts of Town, that she founded in high school. Johnson’s quarterly show provides an atmosphere for locals to enjoy Southern cooking, fellowship with friends, and the sounds of classic and current country music with some gospel thrown in. A three-time Carolina Country Music Awards Winner for Female Vocalist of the Year, Country Emerging New Artist, and Tour of the Year, Johnson’s devoted homegrown fan base continues to expand farther than just her backyard. For more information, visit paigekingjohnson.com. About PCG Records: PCG Records is an independent record label in partnership with the Artist. PCG records will be distributed by Bob Frank Distribution (BFD) and Sony Orchard (The Orchard). The Orchard is the top music distribution company in the industry which reaches digital and physical retailers worldwide. PCG Records offers label services including digital experts who specialize in best practices for social media marketing, advertising, sync license, video monetization, music streaming, performance rights, and much, much more. Collectively, PCG Records and the Orchard industry pros, empower artists to connect with fans across the globe. About Bob Frank Distribution (BFD): Bob Frank Distribution (BFD) was formed in 2013 as a boutique independent music distributor with a global sub-distribution arrangement with The Orchard. BFD currently represents over 50 companies and artists with thousands of masters including Righteous Babe, Blue Hat, DPTV, Astor Place Recordings, Big Deal Records, Once Upon A Time, Node Music, Silva Screen, Woodward Avenue Records, The Atlantic Screen Group (Filmtrax), REMT, Pra/Bad Dog, UFO, as well as artist-owned labels and catalogs including Crystal Gayle, Dale Watson, Dave Davies, Mark Collie, Darryl Worley, Lee Roy Parnell, Trini Lopez, and Charlie Daniels. About the Got to be NC Agriculture Program: Got to Be NC is an initiative on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to promote North Carolina agricultural products and goods. From its beginning in 1985, the brand has always supported North Carolina’s diverse agriculture economy through education, engagement, and promotions. Our initiatives are designed to increase consumer awareness of local products, leading to increased sales and continued growth for North Carolina’s food, fiber and forestry industries. The program has adapted and evolved along with the global agriculture market and provides support to an industry that serves the world and touches all lives. For more information, visit gottobenc.com. Suggested post: .@paigekjohnson releases new #Christmas single #SantaTrain premiered by @OfficialRFDTV. Read the full article

0 notes

cleocatra33 · 5 years

Text

SHE SAID YES!!!!

#girls like girls #girls are amazing #girls who like girls #girlfriend #girls love girls #lgbtq #babygirl #mine #my baby #kylie martin is my baby

9 notes · View notes

mermaidsirennikita · 2 years

Note

Can you recommend any contemporary romance novels? Thank you!

For sure!

One of my favorite contemporary series I read this year was Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series, which I recommend reading in full and in order. It's about a rock band and the women who fall in love with the members of the band, basically.

Lick--hero is the guitarist/songwriter, heroine wakes up with no memory of the previous night in Vegas and oops they're married

Play--hero is the wacky drummer, begins fake dating the level-headed heroine For Reasons

Lead--hero is the lead singer, had biiig addiction issues and is the older brother of the hero of Lick; heroine is his sober companion/assistant, and the professional lines are.... blurred, to say the least

Deep--hero is the bass player, has been tempted by the little sister of book 2's heroine for a while even though there's an 8-year age gap and he's been instructed to... not touch her; one night later and whoops, she's pregnant

American Royalty by Tracey Livesay--pitched as "what if Prince Harry fell for Megan Thee Stallion", and it is, delightfully, hilariously, very heatedly that

The Brown Sisters Trilogy by Talia Hibbert--Very fun, very soft, very hot. Book 1 has chronic pain rep with the heroine and book 3 both leads on the spectrum. I believe the hero of book 2 has anxiety.

Heated Rivalry and The Long Game by Rachel Reid--Must be read in order, TLG is the direct sequel to HR and about the same couple. Ilya and Shane are super-hyped up arch rival hockey players, the best of the best. What nobody knows is that they've been hooking up in secret since their rookie season. It's basically charting their relationship going from pure sex to love. Heated Rivalry is easily one of my favorite reads this year, and TLG is a great followup. Super hot, super romantic, Shane and Ilya are PERFECT leads--very uptight meets wild, very carefree slutty one has a secret emotional side and reserved one has a secret risky side.

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone--A porn star is brought in last minute to star in a Christmas Hallmark-type movie, with the knowledge that her porn career must stay a secret. But oops, the male lead of the movie is a former boy bander she used to have a crush on, and he's been subscribed to her OnlyFans for YEARS. Very fun, hot, and Christmassy.

Kiss An Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips--A wild 90s-era contemporary. The heroine (spoiled little rich girl) and hero (surly alpha) are pushed into an arranged marriage by the heroine's father, and plan on getting it annulled in six months. But lol turns out he is part of a TRAVELING CIRCUS and she has to spend those six months working the circus with him. Truly wacky and fun, great grovel.

Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips--Another insane 90s contemporary. Heroine is extremely smart (graduated college at 14 smart) and always felt alienated due to her brain and lack of social skills. She wants a baby, but she wants the baby to be kinda mid intelligence-wise, and figures she should get knocked up by a stupid man in order to have an average baby. She targets a dumbass NFL quarterback, and after some maneuvering, ends up pregnant with no intention of ever telling him. Except, oops, turns out he is actually VERY smart, and he finds out and forces her to marry him because no kid of his will be a bastard!!! Truly insane, and TW because she does poke holes in the condom the first go (which doesn't take). The second go, he's just like "what the fuck ever let's just do this" and foregoes the condom by choice.

The Billionaire's Wake-up-call Girl by Annika Martin--Heroine is desperate to make it through a trial period at her new job because she needs the signing bonus to pay off a loan shark her ex got into trouble with (yes). Her boss instructs her to arrange a wake-up-call service for the company's billionaire CEO, but she puts it off and fucks up, which leads her to pretend to be the service and call him herself. He loves her abrasive attitude, and eventually they start talking... and phone sex happens... And it goes on from there.

The Roommate by Rosie Danan--Uptight heroine moves to take a chance on living with the guy she's always been into, but he flakes out and goes on tour with his band, leaving her with a replacement roommate. Except, whoops, turns out the new roommate is a rather successful porn star, and she can't quite look away from his work.

Priest by Sierra Simone--Tyler Bell is a Catholic priest, and is happy with his lot in life until Poppy shows up at confession. She begins confessing her rather interesting past, leading to him getting hot and bothered and the two of them eventually connecting emotionally. This is an erotic romance, with unique uses of holy oil and altars. Also, it does discuss the sexual abuse of a character off-page--not either of the leads, but it's plot important.

Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan--Heroine and hero were childhood sweethearts until conflict between their parents drove them apart. Years later, heroine is a successful political consultant, and hero is a father getting out of a messy relationship. They swing back into each other's lives and begin to discover the secrets in their families' pasts together.

The Kiss Quotient Trilogy by Helen Hoang--Kicks off with The Kiss Quotient, which is about a heroine on the spectrum hiring a male escort to teach her how to be good at sex, as she feels her stiffness in bed is keeping her from getting a lasting relationship (which is what she feels her family wants for her). Each book features a hero or heroine on the spectrum, and a hero or heroine (or both) of Vietnamese descent. The author is both, to be clear.

From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata--Hero and heroine are figure skaters who hate each other. Heroine's career is on a downward trajectory, and she's given a surprising opportunity to team up with the hero.

#romance novel blogging

4 notes · View notes

uglypastels · 2 years

Text

SPOTIFY WRAPPED Prompts (2021 edition)

Hi everyone!! I know I've been a bit MIA with my writing lately, but since Spotify Wrapped finally came out, and I know I had so much fun last year, I thought this would be a great way to get back into it :)

Rules are simple as always and song list is below cut.

You don’t have to be following me, but it would be nice of course haha

Please reblog this post to spread the word. I don’t want it to flop

Send in an ask with the song (from the list) and person you want me to write about

be as specific in your request as you like

can be just (person x reader + song) or you can send in an entire plot that you want me to include.

it can be smut (18+!!), angst or fluff

any au goes i think

amount of asks per person is unlimited

I will use my right of denying to write something if it makes me uncomfortable <3

Don't judge me for my music taste <3

MASTERLIST - INBOX + GUIDELINES

disclaimer, Red (Taylor's Version) came out a few weeks ago and chances are the data is not accounted in the wrap up- but it is probably the only thing I've listened to since it came out, so I will also allow requests for any Red (tv) songs + Folklore and Evermore songs that aren't on this list cause I've also been listening to that a lot the past few days :)

Suzie by Jojo Macari

ZITTI E BUONI by Måneskin

I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE by Måneskin

Chosen by Måneskin

Murder on the Dancefloor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Back It Up by Caro Emerald

no body, no crime by Taylor Swift

Weapon of Choice by Fatboy Slim

The One Who Cares by Jojo Macari

4 Minutes by Madonna ft. Justin Timberlake

The Wrong Place by Hooverphonic

The Chain by Fleetwood Mac

good 4 u by Olivia Rodrigo

Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift, HAIM

Rise_dive by Jojo Macari

Can't Get You out of My Head by Kylie Minogue

Dark Side by Blind Channel

I Think We're Alone Now by Tiffany

Internet Friends Jojo Macari

Cold Cold Cold by Cage the Elephant

The Walker by Fitz and The Tantrums

Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac

Space and Time and Halloween and Paracetamol by Jojo Macari

Everybody Talks by Neon Trees

Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers

Think About Things by Daði Freyr

Kiss You by One Direction

Womanizer by Britney Spears

Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader

Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus

Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado, Timbaland

Waterloo by ABBA

Do It All The Time by I DONT KNOW HOW BUT...

Echoes by The Rapture

brutal by Olivia Rodrigo

HUMUHUMUNUKUAPUA'A from High School Musical 2

10 Years by Daði Freyr

Kiss My (Uh Oh) by Anne-Marie, Little Mix

Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz

We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy Joel

exile by Taylor Swift, Bon Iver

Escape (the Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes

Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry

Love Story (Taylor's Version)

Pumped up Kicks by Foster The People

Rock the Boat by Hues Corporation

One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks) by One Direction

These Boots Are Made For Walkin' by Nancy Sinatra

Die Young by Kesha

Ain't No Rest for the Wicked by Cage the Elephant

Sign of the Times by Harry Styles

Paper Rings by Taylor Swift

Rock DJ by Robbie Williams

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Flashdance... What a Feeling by Irene Cara

Jump Around by House Of Pain

Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice

Sound of The Underground by Girls Aloud

How You Like Me Now by The Heavy

Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles

august by Taylor Swift

traitor by Olivia Rodrigo

She Wolf by Shakira

You're The One That I Want from Grease

Me Too by Meghan Trainor

Jump by Girls Aloud

Runaway Baby by Bruno Mars

Believe by Cher

Mama Do The Hump by Rizzle Kicks

What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction

You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift

The Shoop Shoop Song by Cher

Left Hand Free by alt-J

Ready or Not by Bridgit Mendler

Year 3000 by Busted

Stolen Dance by Milky Chance

Who Do You Think You Are by Spice Girls

Love Shack by The B-52's

Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

Kiss From a Rose by Seal

Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds

Livin' La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin

Torn by Natalie Imbruglia

invisible string by Taylor Swift

Golden Brown by The Stranglers

Mrs. Robinson from The Graduate

Call My Name by Cheryl

Poker Face by Lady Gaga

Love Runs Out by OneRepublic

Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations

Gold by Spandau Ballet

Mamma Mia from Mamma Mia!

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by the Beatles

Kiwi by harry Styles

Killer Queen by Queen

Nice To Meet Ya by Niall Horan

WandaVision! from WandaVision (episode 2)

Feel by Robbie Williams

Juice by Lizzo

Bills by LunchMoney Lewis

tagging: @duskholland @spiderrrling @tomhollanders2013 @justasmisunderstoodasloki @hotforharrison @saintlavrents @peeterparkr @ethereal-beauty-p @gen-tlehoe @lilbeatlebear @angellissy @worldoftom @wazzupmrstark @spidey-sophie @tomhollandsgirlfriend @farfromharry @greenorangevioletgrass @loverholland @venomsilk @lonelyavenger @sinisterspidey @hollandbaby @evermoreholland @spideyspeaches

#fanfiction #fanfic #fic #imagines #fluff #smut #angst #stpotify wrapped blurbs

47 notes · View notes

deadcactuswalking · 1 year

Text

REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 31/12/2022 (Christmas Garbage. Just Christmas Garbage)

This week included Christmas Day and surrounding days into its tracking – as cool as it would be to send off 2022 with a week of returns and new arrivals, it’s still holiday season on the charts so before we usher in the new year... let’s talk about Christmas music. Because of course. “Last Christmas” by Wham! is #1 once again and welcome back to REVIEWING THE CHARTS!

Rundown

The sheer amount of holiday streaming this year meant that this week is home to many a new peak for a Christmas song. The only non-Christmas song in the top 10 barely counts because it had a Christmas-adjacent Amazon Original remix which is pushing it here. Talking about that top 10, since it’s this week, I may as well crib the format from the last. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams is at #10, “Fairytale of New York” by the Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl is at #9, “Someday at Christmas” by Lizzo is at #8, “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms is at #7, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé is at #6, “Firebabe” by Stormzy is at #5 thanks to the aforementioned Amazon version, “Rockin’ Around by the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee is at #4, “Merry Christmas” by Ed Sheeran and Elton John is at #3, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey is at #2 and of course “Last Christmas” takes the top spot.

Now, pretty much all of this chart is related to Christmas one way or the other because ACR rules don’t mean squat with the sheer amount of streams they get. It’s probably more interesting talking about the holiday songs that didn’t make the top 75, which is what I cover: The Darkness, Sam Smith, George Ezra and even Queen couldn’t really breach the canon this year, not that those songs aren’t valid holiday celebrations. The Darkness’ “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” should get a bit more play, especially if we’re going for wacky and melodramatic Christmas songs, which aren’t really my favourite. In earnest, I prefer the miserable ones. Not only are there eight new Christmas songs on this chart, but many of the old ones hit brand new peaks. Joy. Just to humour this nonsense, I’m actually going to try my best to list them here. Outside of the top 10, those reaching new peaks include “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson at #12, “Let it Snow” (three times) by Dean Martin at #20, “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano at #21, “Sleigh Ride” by the Ronettes at #22, “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Michael Bublé at #23, “Snowman” by Sia at #28, “Let it Snow” (three times) by Frank Sinatra at #33, “Santa Can’t You Hear Me” by Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande at #34, “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole at #35 (that’s a classic), “Jingle Bells” by Sam Ryder at #41 (that’s not), “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives at #42, “Christmas Without You” by Ava Max at #43, “Let it Snow” (one time) by Michael Bublé at #44, “Together this Christmas” by Maisie Peters at #47, “Oh Santa!” by Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson at #50, “Cuddle Up Cozy Down Christmas” by Dolly Parton and Michael Bublé at #57 and “Run Rudolph Run” by Chuck Berry at #62. Got all that? There’s more.

Several of those were songs that returned to the top 75 for this week and pretty much this week only until next year. Other songs first returning to the top 75 this year – and therefore gone the next week – include “Christmas Wrapping” by the Waitresses at #73 (which has always been one of my favourites), “Mistletoe and Wine” by Cliff Richard at #71 (which hasn’t), “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” by Perry Como at #69, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen at #58, “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley at #56, “Santa Baby” by Kylie Minogue at #54 and probably my personal favourite Christmas song of all time, “2000 Miles” by the Pretenders at #51, reaching its highest chart placement since 1984. Finally, they see the vision.

Now finally, I suppose we should cover our notable dropouts, right? Songs exiting the UK Top 75 – which, again, is what I cover – after five weeks in the region or a peak in the top 40 are considered “notable” and oh my God, it was a bloodbath. And there’ll be another one next week. For now though, both of our Christmas #1 novelty debuts from last week, “F the Tories” and “Food Aid” are gone, but the rest... well, we say farewell – for pretty much this week only I imagine – to “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” by Metro Boomin, Future and Chris Brown, “Rocket Science” by Clavish and D-Block Europe, “10:35” by Tiesto and Tate McRae, “Nobody Gets Me” and “Shirt” by SZA, “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna, “golden hour” by JVKE, “Lionheart (Fearless)” by Joel Corry and Tom Grennan, “Hide & Seek” by Stormzy, “How Do I Say Goodbye” by Dean Lewis, “PSYCHO” by Anne-Marie and Aitch, “Forget Me” by Lewis Capaldi, “I’m Good (Blue)” by David Guetta and Bebe Rexha and “Mockingbird” by Eminem – because of course it was on the chart last week, it’s still 2022 after all.

Of course there aren’t any non-holiday gains. What a stupid question for you to definitely be asking. Now, we have a grand list of eight new arrivals, all of which are holiday singles. I’m writing this on the 30th. All festivity has been sucked out by this point, but for now, I suppose it’s Christmastime for another hour or two.

NEW ARRIVALS

#72 – “What Christmas Means to Me” – Stevie Wonder

Produced by Johnny Bristol and Harvey Fuqua

I’d say that the gloves are off for this episode – I have no room to be nice on a post-Christmas Christmas week – but that’s after this one because I’ve always considered this in the upper echelon of Christmas songs, even if it’s a bit of a sleeper. Plus, it’s Stevie Wonder – when do I get to talk about Stevie Wonder on this show? I’m not going to waste this chance being mean. I will try and keep this one and the next few very short though. Again, I’m not putting in the time or effort for this week of all weeks. Whilst this song may fall into the overly festive crop, the bombast is somewhat limited by the not-so-great mixing you can expect of 1967 that gives it an almost lo-fi feel when it comes to the choir. It helps that Stevie’s belting his heart out too, he’s never not been a convincing performer, and he’s selling very genuine content. Sure, it’s littered with clichés but they’re well written and cute, co-written by Marvin Gaye himself so it’s unlikely they could ever go wrong. What surprises me is that this wasn’t a single and didn’t actually chart until 2021 where it debuted at #97. I have no idea why this one didn’t catch on sooner.

#70 – “Last Christmas” – Lauren Spencer-Smith

Produced by who cares?

You know the deal by now. It’s an Amazon original, it doesn’t get reviewed – and Lauren Spencer-Smith, really? Your pop career is a year old. You’ve yet to put out a good song let alone an album. Who in their right mind would try and listen to any other version of this song other than George Michael’s original? He wrote those lyrics perfectly to fit his voice and cadence: anything else is a poor imitation. Naturally, Piran suggested “Take me home” by PinkPantheress. I’ll keep it short but I don’t like this all that much, which is disappointing, since PinkPantheress tends to hit more than miss. I really don’t like the awkward chorus on this one and whilst I like the lyrics about maturing, they come off a bit on-the-nose when she delivers them this way and without a true emotional climax to the song, which may have a second verse at least but lacks a real bridge apart from an instrumental section which repeats much of the same warping synthwave-drum and bass combination which does feels a bit stock. Sorry, not a fan, and especially not a fan of the cheap slowed-down trap beat in the outro, why is that even there? They also suggested “DESPECHÁ” by ROSALÍA, a song I much prefer, even if through the obnoxious Auto-Tune, some of the personality is lost, but for a song with such a stiff feeling rhythm, I don’t really mind. The minimalism of it all doesn’t come off as a surprise from ROSALÍA considering her recent work, and it leads to a song that feels very laser-focused on its aim in making a simple dance song, to the point where there isn’t even a build up as much as there are just synth passages and for whatever reason, it clicks with me.

#68 – “My Only Wish (This Year)” – Britney Spears

Produced by Joshua Schwartz and Brian Kierulf

Jive Records released a Christmas compilation in 2000 and since Britney was on that label, we get her addition to the Christmas canon, which was recently re-released in 2020, charting first below the top 75 in 2021. Let me be clear: these are the dregs. These are songs that nobody actually wants to listen to – they have their fans but these are radio filler songs and streaming playlist fodder added by some kind of label bribe. Spears’ slippery voice does not work on such a peppy sleigh-bells instrumental that feels very much in the fashion of Mariah Carey, and she is completely unequipped for organic production, really, and I’ve pretty much always felt that way. The more electronic and alien she gets, the better she is, and this is about as far from that as you can get, so unless you really like Disney cheese and pointless vocal riffing with sickly sweet writing, this probably will be on the low ranks of your December playlist turnaround.

#67 – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Frank Sinatra

Produced by ???

There are many versions of this song, originally sang by Judy Garland, but Sinatra’s 1957 version gets some attention nowadays and whilst the man could sell any content with his voice and charisma, the choir tends to sound a bit ghostly nowadays, and it’s not really as warm-sounding as it should be. I’m not surprised this one took until 2019 to even chart at #100 because with the choir, the echo on Sinatra’s vocals and the oddly tense strings, it seems a bit... creepy if anything. It’s not a bad rendition, but sometimes songs aren’t released as singles on release for reasons not unknown to the audience. Doesn’t Phoebe Bridgers have a version of this? With no disrespect to the classics, can’t we make that chart instead?

#64 – “All I Want (for Christmas)” – Zoe Wees

Produced by who cares?

Zoe Wees is a German singer mostly known for her 2018 song “Control” which was a sleeper hit in Europe. It never charted here, so her chart debut is an Amazon original. How embarrassing. Callum suggested “Heal” by Jason Allan, which apart from an awkward synth line and a pretty cool guitar solo, is your absolute standard pop punk song and is just completely serviceable. It gave me nothing to say, so Jade suggested “Rely on Me” by Sigala, Gabry Ponte and Alex Gaudino, which is... just a house song. It has your typical diva vocal, your typical 90s pianos and is completely serviceable other than a slightly unique and catchy vocal refrain but not much else. An anonymous suggestion from Basildon gives me “Werewolf” by Absurd, a Nazi black metal song. I may need to find better suggestions.

#61 – “Under the Mistletoe” – Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge

Produced by Jesse Shatkin and Aben Eubanks

Brett Eldredge? At this time of day? At this time of year? In this country, localised entirely within #61? Apart from the novelty of a B-list country singer even getting close to the UK charts, this is one of your typical bombastic, fake-sounding modern Christmas songs, and that melody in the chorus is particularly grating, as Kelly sells it all without much emotion as much as there is just volume, which leads to a really tough listen when that chorus comes around with the standard swell and horns that sound genuinely terrible, kind of like they came from Pokémon Emerald. Brett Eldredge goes for a low-key delivery for the most part... you’re singing with Kelly Clarkson, man, what are you thinking? I like both of these artists fine most of the time but Christmas music is not their lane. At least it’s an original track so they’re not butchering anything, I suppose. Also for some reason, I thought that these two were married, but turns out that they are not and I was mistaking them for Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton... who somehow have even less musical chemistry.

#57 – “Little Saint Nick” – The Beach Boys

Produced by Brian Wilson

Oh, come on, I can’t complain about the Beach Boys in the 1960s. This 1963 tune is in the canon in the US but has only just found its way across the Atlantic, and I’m pretty happy that it has, since whilst it’s definitely not essential: it’s 1960s Beach Boys. The harmonies are great, the vocal inflections are youthful and charming, the jingle bells didn’t yet feel like a cliché, and it’s incessantly catchy with hooks coming out of the wazoo, in a surprisingly subtle way also, in a way that the Beach Boys weren’t yet at this point in their career. They spend half the time gushing about how cool Santa’s sleigh is and describing it as if it were a sports car, how can you not at least take kindly to this?

#49 – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Priya Ragu

Produced by who cares?

Priya Ragu is a Sri Lankan singer based in Switzerland who is making her chart debut, though she has charted on the UK Asian chart before, with yet another Amazon original. Again, how embarrassing. Listen, it’s the end of the year: I’m not ending with a bang but the most pathetic of whimpers and you’ll have to live with it, damn it. Callum suggested “Bloodline” by Sam Tompkins and that may just be the most least impactful song I have ever heard in terms of production and a grossly possessive one lyrically... and it’s from the less important of the two guys on that “To the Moon!” song because... sure. It even goes for an intense drum crash at the end but it just sounds so stagnant because there are no stakes. He then suggested that I write Spider-Man vore so I’m blacklisting him from suggestions. Dillon suggested “Righteous” by Mo Beats, an instrumental rage cut with a really sprawling drizzle of video game-esque synths. It sounds like a SNES and whilst it may have the fuzzy mixing of a rage beat and is a bit too unchanging to work perfectly, I’d love to hear someone rap over it and it’s definitely a lot more unique than anything Yeat has ever touched. He also suggested “Da Rant” by Morray, an expectedly earnest cut from Morray who brings all of his passion into a freestyle over a slick enough soul loop and trap beat, wherein even his off-the-cuff freestyles end up sounding like they have all these soulful, calculated melodies and backing riffs. The delivery is great, the rhyme schemes are nice, and whilst the content is nothing new for Morray, it’s an honest rags-to-riches story. It may feel a bit too off-the-cuff though, as Morray tends to switch the topic back to flexing too much than he should given that he sometimes starts off a conscious idea and just... never comes back to it. Also, “the world is cold, Russians” is just... stupid. Regardless, for inspirational trap-rap in the Rod Wave lane, Morray pretty much clears anyone I’ve heard, and I’m excited for that next project. Thanks to everyone who suggested a song this Christmas season to help with my boycott against Jeff Bezos.

Conclusion

Well, three of these songs are Amazon originals and therefore not real songs, so that leaves the other five. Best of the Week is going to the Beach Boys for “Little Saint Nick” – it’s far from my favourite in their catalogue, but they were a once in a lifetime group in terms of talent. The Honourable Mention goes to Stevie Wonder for “What Christmas Means to Me” for many of the same reasons: a legend making a damn good festive track just a bit before their prime era. I said all the soppy end-of-year crap last week so I’ll cut it straight: Worst of the Week goes to “Under the Mistletoe” by Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge, with a close Dishonourable Mention to Britney Spears for “My Only Wish (This Year)”. As I said, these are mostly the dregs, and the purge next week where we start anew with 2023’s pop music will be refreshing. For now, thank you for reading and I’ll see you – literally – next year!

2 notes · View notes