I pride myself on having such an expansive taste in music, not many youngsters can boast they were complimented in their Year 9 school music report on their love for everything from classical symphonies to BBC Radio 1. In contrast to most other things in life, in regards to music I am not fussy at all. In homage to my ever growing collection of CD's, Vinyls and 'streams' (whatever the kids say)- I have compiled a list of songs that, like a fine Tesco's own brand red wine, only get better with age.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood- The Power of Love
You teenyboppers may recognise this eighties classic from the 2012 John Lewis Christmas ad, before the days of pervy old men on the moon and trampolining dogs when things were much more simple. Covered by the softly toned Gabrielle Aplin this quaint version did what any good cover should do and reignited the spark in my cold heart for this belter of a song. At the expense of sounding typical however, the Frankie version does cut the mustard that bit more. It has that edge, that deep tone that just makes the song more well rounded. Johnson's vigor in the second verse sends chills down my spine. The entire song has that contrast that most songs in the modern era lack. This is some serious walking done the aisle shit.
Crowded House- Don't Dream It's Over
HEY NOW HEEEEEEEEEEY NOW- sing it with me folks! If there's one song I put on in the car for a bit of a hey ho sing song/performance then the classic hit from Crowded House 'Don't Dream It's Over' is certainly it. As me and my Mum say, we do a crackin' cover fuelled by boredom and good vibes when on a lengthy road trip or simply a short trip to the shops. Recently covered by Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande (for the kids) this is a timeless gem that truly is the gift that keeps on giving. It's just so feckin' good.
Etta James- At Last
TUNE. 'Nuff said. To describe how beautiful and melodic James' voice is to somebody who hasn't heard any of her work would be incredibly difficult. 'At Last' is a fantastic balance of softness and powerful belting. I can say, hand on heart, I have not heard anyone do this song better or with more integrity than Etta James. This wonderful classic remains as it should, back in the 60's, like a snapshot in time.
Tears For Fears- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Did I mention I have a signed copy of this? Yes? Sorry.
Pre Hunger Games/Lorde days there was a group called 'Tears For Fears' who wrote a little song called 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' that was feckin' brilliant. While the original doesn't have the anthem like quality of it's modern cover it does have that sweet 80's beat and some quality timeless vocals by bassist Curt Smith. Lyrically it's a beautiful ode to ambition and is definitely up there as on of my all time favourites.
Aretha Franklin- I Say A Little Prayer
If you don't sing all the ad-libs in this powerful classic then I can truly say you aren't human. We've all done the 'evers' and 'evers' with complete lack of vocal control and entirely off-key but loved every second of it nonetheless. 'I Say A Little Prayer' just has that. It's motivating and endearing all at once. And not to mention Aretha Franklin is an absolute legend. Sing it honey.
Rick Astley- Never Gonna Give You Up
Do I really need to explain the inclusion of this? No. It's Rick Astley and he's never going to give you up or let you down or run around and desert you and not many men will do that. So deal with it.
Elvis Presley- Can't Help Falling in Love
Almost any Elvis Presley could be easily included on this list. 'Can't Help Falling In Love' is just one of a string of well written and exceptionally performed classic hits from this legend. You can't not fall in love (geddit?) with Presley's smooth vocals. Lay back, grab a cuppa and pretend that he's singing to you. I guarantee happiness.
Queen- Fat Bottomed Girls
If this song was more fact than fiction then we need more nannies in the world like Big Fat Fanny (come on now, we're all grown ups) to inspire budding Freddie Mercury's to write fiesty little belters like this one. I'm still an enormous Queen fan, not as obsessed as circa 2010 Sophie but still a fan nonetheless, so like Elvis Presley I could've easily put any song on this list. But for variety's sake and with a lot of smooth ballads, I've selected the sassy 'Fat Bottomed Girls' to spice up this playlist.
The Beach Boys- God Only Knows
Endless covers, endless versions but initially done well by the Beach Boys. Back in the days of music where people would sing 'I will always love you' rather than 'I want to shag your brains out', 'God Only Knows' is sweet to the core and has a gentle realism or perhaps cynicism that is quite endearing. Frankly it's simply divine to listen to, pop the vinyl on and bathe in joy.
Elton John- I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
Fun fact- this song used to send me to sleep as a wee bairn. Thus meaning either I had no taste as a child and found it boring or Stevie Wonder's harmonica solo was able to hit the insomnia switch in my body with it's sheer brilliance and send me into a deep slumber. In comparison to John's up-tempo tracks 'I Guess That's Why...' is brilliantly honest and its message spans the decades. You could say it's just sheer brilliance.
Honorable mentions include 'When Doves Cry' and anything by 'A-ha.'
Link to the playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/sophielbubs/playlist/7AWAxBuCa4Q7Tex6d6UTCA
Frankie Goes To Hollywood- The Power of Love
You teenyboppers may recognise this eighties classic from the 2012 John Lewis Christmas ad, before the days of pervy old men on the moon and trampolining dogs when things were much more simple. Covered by the softly toned Gabrielle Aplin this quaint version did what any good cover should do and reignited the spark in my cold heart for this belter of a song. At the expense of sounding typical however, the Frankie version does cut the mustard that bit more. It has that edge, that deep tone that just makes the song more well rounded. Johnson's vigor in the second verse sends chills down my spine. The entire song has that contrast that most songs in the modern era lack. This is some serious walking done the aisle shit.
Crowded House- Don't Dream It's Over
HEY NOW HEEEEEEEEEEY NOW- sing it with me folks! If there's one song I put on in the car for a bit of a hey ho sing song/performance then the classic hit from Crowded House 'Don't Dream It's Over' is certainly it. As me and my Mum say, we do a crackin' cover fuelled by boredom and good vibes when on a lengthy road trip or simply a short trip to the shops. Recently covered by Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande (for the kids) this is a timeless gem that truly is the gift that keeps on giving. It's just so feckin' good.
Etta James- At Last
TUNE. 'Nuff said. To describe how beautiful and melodic James' voice is to somebody who hasn't heard any of her work would be incredibly difficult. 'At Last' is a fantastic balance of softness and powerful belting. I can say, hand on heart, I have not heard anyone do this song better or with more integrity than Etta James. This wonderful classic remains as it should, back in the 60's, like a snapshot in time.
Tears For Fears- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Did I mention I have a signed copy of this? Yes? Sorry.
Pre Hunger Games/Lorde days there was a group called 'Tears For Fears' who wrote a little song called 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' that was feckin' brilliant. While the original doesn't have the anthem like quality of it's modern cover it does have that sweet 80's beat and some quality timeless vocals by bassist Curt Smith. Lyrically it's a beautiful ode to ambition and is definitely up there as on of my all time favourites.
Aretha Franklin- I Say A Little Prayer
If you don't sing all the ad-libs in this powerful classic then I can truly say you aren't human. We've all done the 'evers' and 'evers' with complete lack of vocal control and entirely off-key but loved every second of it nonetheless. 'I Say A Little Prayer' just has that. It's motivating and endearing all at once. And not to mention Aretha Franklin is an absolute legend. Sing it honey.
Rick Astley- Never Gonna Give You Up
Do I really need to explain the inclusion of this? No. It's Rick Astley and he's never going to give you up or let you down or run around and desert you and not many men will do that. So deal with it.
Elvis Presley- Can't Help Falling in Love
Almost any Elvis Presley could be easily included on this list. 'Can't Help Falling In Love' is just one of a string of well written and exceptionally performed classic hits from this legend. You can't not fall in love (geddit?) with Presley's smooth vocals. Lay back, grab a cuppa and pretend that he's singing to you. I guarantee happiness.
Queen- Fat Bottomed Girls
If this song was more fact than fiction then we need more nannies in the world like Big Fat Fanny (come on now, we're all grown ups) to inspire budding Freddie Mercury's to write fiesty little belters like this one. I'm still an enormous Queen fan, not as obsessed as circa 2010 Sophie but still a fan nonetheless, so like Elvis Presley I could've easily put any song on this list. But for variety's sake and with a lot of smooth ballads, I've selected the sassy 'Fat Bottomed Girls' to spice up this playlist.
The Beach Boys- God Only Knows
Endless covers, endless versions but initially done well by the Beach Boys. Back in the days of music where people would sing 'I will always love you' rather than 'I want to shag your brains out', 'God Only Knows' is sweet to the core and has a gentle realism or perhaps cynicism that is quite endearing. Frankly it's simply divine to listen to, pop the vinyl on and bathe in joy.
Elton John- I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
Fun fact- this song used to send me to sleep as a wee bairn. Thus meaning either I had no taste as a child and found it boring or Stevie Wonder's harmonica solo was able to hit the insomnia switch in my body with it's sheer brilliance and send me into a deep slumber. In comparison to John's up-tempo tracks 'I Guess That's Why...' is brilliantly honest and its message spans the decades. You could say it's just sheer brilliance.
Honorable mentions include 'When Doves Cry' and anything by 'A-ha.'
Link to the playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/sophielbubs/playlist/7AWAxBuCa4Q7Tex6d6UTCA