(Finished July 7th, 2019) Great Songwriter Songs, Part 2

Hello,

21) Vanessa Williams "Save The Best For Last"":



22) Survivor "Eye Of The Tiger":



23) Ben E King "Stand By Me":



24) The Platters "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes":



Every one of the 584 million YouTube views is well earned. 25) Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of the Heart":



26) Elton John "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues":



27) Peter, Paul and Mary "Puff The Magic Dragon":



28) Led Zeppelin "Rock and Roll":



29) Dave Loggins "Please Come To Boston":



30) Crosby, Stills and Nash "Southern Cross":



31) Counting Crows "A Long December":



32) Billy Joel "Piano Man":



33) Chris LeDoux "Riding For A Fall":



34) Bruce Hornsby and the Range "The Way It Is":



35) The Temptations "My Girl":



In honor of the great Ashley Hess being sent home last night on "American Idol", this is 36) Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke", just a magnificent song:



"She don't remember the Queen of Soul". 37) Steely Dan "Hey 19":



38) Starship "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now":



39) Natalie Cole "Miss You Like Crazy":



40) Klymaxx "I Miss You":



41) Bon Jovi "Wanted Dead or Alive":

themusicaddict

(Finished April 15th, 2019) Top 20 Season 14 American Idols Following Solo Performances

Hello,

I'm writing this before finding out who the Top Ten Idols for Season 17 will be.

Last week 20, this week 14) Alejandro Aranda sang "One Dance" by Drake ft. Wiz Kid and Kyla. To me this is a boring song and was a boring performance. Points for trying something different, but it just didn't work. I'll admit it I just don't get the whole Alejandro thing. Status: down

Last week 3, this week 13) Wade Cota sang Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble". There's not a whole lot to that song and it's sorta boring. He probably peeked on this countdown last week by soaring to # 3. His "Broken" last week was pretty darn good, but it was back to his uninspiring level with his LaMontagne cover. Lionel called him "the hammer", what does that even mean? Luke said it was a "spiritual" moment, um, no it wasn't. Status: down

Last week 19, this week 12) Uche sang Bruno Mars "Finesse". He admits he's not the "best singer", he's so right about that. Also his story is he got picked on in high school? Um, really? Uche has some nice dance moves, I'll give him that. Unfortunately he's incredibly annoying. Status: down

Last week 11, this week 11) Laci Kaye Booth sang a tortured version of Blink-182's "I Miss You", ick. I wish she would sang another of Blink's songs. I gave this a whole lot of meh. Status: =

 Last week 9, this week 10) Ashley Hess sang one of Coldplay's best songs "Fix You". I continue to expect a break out performance, I'm starting to think it's not going to come. If she makes to next week perhaps she should sing a rocker. She needs to bring some spice to her performances. I'll say I loved her dress and she was looking pretty good. She also has amazing eyes and I love her voice. 

Status: down

Last week 6, this week 9) Walker Burroughs "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" from "The Sound Of Music". I admit I don't know this song. After this show I listened to the original and I think Walker's version is the best version. But I still think it's a boring song. Although Walker indeed was looking snazzy, as Lionel said he was "dressed for GQ". Status: =

Last week 8, this week 8) Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon singing Elton John's "We All Fall In Love". Really we have to endure his story again, yawn. Hey did you know that Ryan Hammond lost a lot of weight? I know he was eliminated last week, I just didn't want you to forget that important fact. Status: =

Last week 4, this week 7) Laine Hardy sang Elvis's "That's All Right". Forgive the pun, but he's staying in his lane. I like the rasp in his voice. Maybe next week he can break out of his lane a bit more. Again it was a good performance, but couldn't he have sang a rockin' version of "Don't Be Cruel". I think that song would have better shown his personality. Status: =

Last week 7, this week 6) Dimitrius Graham sang Ed Sheeran's "Perfect". I didn't like his look, he was wearing an ugly ear ring and an ugly outfit. His performance was okay and got better as the song went on. That's just a great song and honestly that helped his overall rating. Status: =

Last week 17, this week 5) Alyssa Raghu sang Sara Bareilles' "She Used To Be Mine". Honestly I'm not a big fan of the song but I love Alyssa's performance. She also looks great in that very pretty dress. She looks like a star. Status: up, way up.

Last week 5, this week 4) Eddie Island sang Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets". I thought his performance was good, but could have been better. I didn't love the arrangement. But he continues to remain one of my favorite contestants and hope to see him for a few more weeks. I don't think he's going to win, he's just too quirky. That outfit fit perfectly with his personality. Status: up

Last week 2, this week 3) Evelyn Cormier sang Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle". Another solid performance by the alumnus of "90 Day Fiance". She's looking and sounding good and she's starting to grow on me. Status: up

Last week 18, this week 2) Madison Vandenburg sang Alicia Keys amazing "Fallin'" and she nailed it. I'm glad she finally broke out and came close to her potential. Now if she could only sit down and give Ashley some tips. And with the hair and her outfit, she for some reason reminded me of Meat Loaf. But again a great performance and it was an inspired song choice. Status: up.

Last week 10, this week 1) Riley Thompson sang Sara Evans "Suds In The Bucket". Wow! Honestly I think she and Laci Kaye are interchangeable. If I had to pick I would have thought that Laci Kaye was the better of the two. However this was the best performance of the night by a comfortable margin. Like Evelyn, Riley is growing on me. She looks great and has the hottest Mom on the show. Status: up.

themusicaddict

(Finished April 14th, 2019) Top 20 Season 17 American Idols Following All-Star Duet Shows

Hello,

The = means staying at the same level, neither going up or down. Although Kate Barnette, Shawn Robinson, Bumbly, Ryan Hammond, Logan Johnson and Raquel Trinidad were all eliminated I've included them in this countdown.

Last week 14, this week 20) Alejandro Aranda, I read a review of him that called his performance "pleasantly dull". I agree 100%, I think seeing him in concert would be so terribly boring. Status =

Last week 13, this week 19) Uche, if he actually was as talented as he thinks he is, he would be the second coming of Prince. Unfortunately he's the first coming of Uche. Status =

Last week 7, this week 18) Madison Vandenburg, although "We Belong" is a great song it wasn't a good song for this performance. This was by far Madison's most disappointing performance so far. I'm so glad you advanced Madison, it's now time to considerably up your game. As the judges say every week, it's all about song choice. Status =

Last week 12, this week 17) Alyssa Raghu, "Issues" has some issues as a song. See above. Status =

Last week 12, this week 16) Shawn Robinson, being paired up with Elle King wasn't a good thing for either contestant who sang with her. I love a lot of her songs, but I would never want to see her perform. Status =

Last week 3, this week 15) Kate Barnette was okay, but she was clearly out shined by the still amazing Pat Benatar. I'm sad to see her go home as she was one of my favs. She really brought a different kind of vibe to the show, she reminds me a lot of the amazing Crystal Bowersox. Status =

Last week 4, this week 14) Bumbly, Shaggy wasn't one of my favorite all-stars. Pairing him with Bumbly did Bumbly no favors. Status =

Last week 19, this week 13) Ryan Hammond. I had never heard of Cynthia Ervio, but I immediately loved her. She's super talented!!! As for Ryan, not the weight loss story yet again. Dude good job keeping off the weight. He was okay on "Hold On I'm Coming", but he bores me. I'm so glad he got sent packing. Status: although he went up six notches, which says more about the other performances than his, down.

Last week 18, this week 12) Logan Johnson, "What A Time" is a better song and it was a better performance than "Issues". But I can't remember this performance at all now, which is probably part of the reason Logan was eliminated. Status =

Last week 9, this week 11) Laci Kaye Booth, obviously one of the judges favorites, but it's time for her to deliver a knock out performance. This is kind of a boring song, although Brett Young was one of the better All Stars. Status down, but I still think she has a chance to win this season.

Last week 10, this week 10) Riley Thompson, again she's another performer that's an obvious judges favorite. I mean she's aight, but she also needs to deliver a knock out performance. Her "Jolene" was not a good song choice and "Like I Loved You" was only a bit better. Status =

Last week 6, this week 9) Ashley Hess, the third performer in a row that needs to have a knock out performance. She's one of themusicaddict's favorites, but each week is just more meh. I keep on expecting more and I keep on getting disappointed. She doesn't have great stage presence and I'm starting to think she was at her best with her audition. Bobby Bones help the girl out. Status: down.

Last week 17, this week 8) Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, again not my favorite contestant, especially if we have to hear his story over and over again. But I have to admit I liked his "Time After Time". He was helped tremendously by being paired up with Cynthia Ervio. She was one of the best mentors by far. Status: up.

Last week 16, this week 7) Demetrius Graham, this ranking is mostly to do with Lukas Graham's part of the performance. He's another one that I will be glad to be sent packing. Status =

Last week 15, this week 6) Walker Burroughs is very likable, but it feels like he's about as good as he's going to be. If he proves me wrong, I will gladly admit it. Status =

Last week 3, this week 5) Eddie Island is one of my favorite contestants. He and Lukas Graham did a good performance of one of my favorite songs the last several years "7 Years". Status =

Last week 1, this week 4) Laine Hardy got the best out of Elle King, and "The Weight" is right in Laine's wheel house. Not as good as the previous week's "Bring It On Home", but he's still one of the best contestants. Status =

Last week 20, this week 3) Wade Cota is one of my least favorite candidates, but he was great with "Broken". This was his best performance since his audition. Status: up.

Last week 11, this week 2) Evelyn Cormier really knocked it out of the park this week with her "Wicked Game". She and Chris Isaak did a great performance of this song. Status: up

Last week 9, this week 1) Raquel Trinidad was amazing this week with Lovely The Band on Elton John's "Tiny Dancer". I loved their performance, they really knocked it out of the park. In my opinion this was by far the best performance of the All-Star Duets week. Her voice sounded so good on that song. Despite of that, she was sent packing way too early. Status: up.

Time to go home: the first coming of Uche, either Riley or Laci Kaye, the overhyped Alejandro and Demitrius Graham. People that need to bring their A game tonight: Madison Vandenberg and Ashley Hess. 

themusicaddict

(Finished April 14th, 2019) Great Songwriter Songs, Part 1

Hello,

This blog is inspired by watching "Juliet, Naked" tonight, about one obsessed fan's love of a musician and the effect that man's music has on his life. While watching this movie I was reminded of the powerful impact a well written song can have on one's life. Many times that feeling lasts the rest of our lives. Then every time we hear that song we remember that feeling and memory attached to that song. I've never loved any musician as much as Duncan loves Tucker Crowe, but a lot of great songwriters and their work have had a positive lasting impression on me. Here's a selection of some of those great songs that still hold me in their power. Not all of these songs are attached to a memory for me, but I will note those times it does.

This song was a big hit when I was going through my divorce and the song was literally unavoidable. The worst thing about this song then was how much I loved it. The video matches the song perfectly as well. 1) Lady Antebellum "Need You Now":

I don't really have a memory attached to this song as of yet. I hadn't really heard it until a contestant on "American Idol" song it. 2) Grace Potter and the Nocturnals "Stars":

In my opinion, one of the most powerful songs of all-time. 3) James Taylor "Fire & Rain":



"Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain. I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end.
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend,
but I always thought that I'd see you baby, one more time again, now."

I'll never forget the girl I danced with in the Woods Cross High School gym to this song. She took pity on me and agreed to the dance, but her in my arms was amazing. 

4) Dan Folgeberg "Same Auld Lang Syne":

This is the Diane Warren section of my blog, three of her best written songs:

5) LeAnn Rimes "How Do I Live":

6) Celine Dion "If You Asked Me To":

7) People pretending they are Milli Vanilli "Blame It On The Rain":

Not a big Lennon fan, but I can't deny the power of this song. 8) John Lennon "Imagine":

Which makes me think of this other powerful Lennon song 9) "Woman":

10) Carole King "Tapestry":

11) Oasis "Wonderwall":

12) Led Zeppelin "Going To California":

13) Bob Marley and the Wailers "Get Up and Stand Up":

The Andrew Lloyd Webber section:

14) "I Don't Know How To Love Him":

15) "Buenos Aires":

16) "All I Ask of You":

17) "Angel of Music":

An incredibly well written song. 18) Third Eyed Blind "Semi Charmed Life":



19) Hinder "Lips of an Angel":



20) Don McLean "American Pie":

themusicaddict

(Started April 13th, 2019) Complicated Love Songs, Part 2

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17) The Cardigans "Lovefool":

I admit that this is a bit of a stretch. 18) George Jones "He Stopped Loving Her Today":

And by the way can I just say Pat Benatar still sounds great. Her "Heartbreaker" with Kate Barnette was outstanding. Sadly Kate couldn't compare to the vocal power of Miss Benatar.
19) Pat Benatar "Love Is A Battlefield":

20) Bread "Diary":

21) Simon & Garfunkel "Scarborough Fair":

22) Whitney Houston "Saving All of My Love For You":

23) Bob Marley "Waiting In Vain":

I love the funk of this song. 24) Stevie Wonder "Superstition":



25) U2 "With or Without You":
26) Dire Straits "":
27) John Anderson "Down In Tennessee":
28) John Anderson "1959":
29) Destiny's Child "Say My Name":



26) Alanis Morrissette "Uninvited":



27) TLC "Creep":



28) U2 "One":
29 The Cranberries "Linger":



30) Mr. Mister "Broken Wings":



31) Meredith Brooks "Bitch":



32) Sheryl Crow "My Favorite Mistake";



33) Fiona Apple "Criminal";



34) Deep Blue Something "Breakfast At Tiffanys":

themusicaddict

(Started April 11th, 2019) Complicated Love Songs, Part 1

Hello,

This blog is inspired by Evelyn Cormier and Chris Isaak's duet on "American Idol" of his classic "Wicked Game.

1) Chris Isaak "Wicked Game":

2) Biz Markie "Just A Friend":

3) Echo and the Bunnymen "The Killing Moon":

4) Prince "When Doves Cry":

5) The Smiths "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want":

5) Avril Lavigne "Complicated":

6) Norah Jones "Don't Know Why":

7) Natalie Imbruglia "Torn":

8) Lauryn Hill "Ex-Factor":

Not a surprise that the Smiths are the king of this kind of song. 9) The Smiths "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out":

10) Morrissey "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get":

11) Sinead O'Connor "Nothing Compares 2U":

12) Fountains of Wayne "Stacy's Mom":

13) The Police "Don't Stand So Close To Me":

14) Gary Puckett and the Union Gap "Young Girl":

15) Atlantic Starr "Secret Lovers":

16) Billy Paul "Me and Mrs. Jones":

(Started April 9th, 2019) themusicaddict's 1743 Best Songs of the 80s, Part 37 Songs 665-678

Hello,

665) Kate Bush "Running Up That Hill":

666) Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel "Don't Give Up":

Several great songs from Peter Gabriel":

667) "Games Without Frontiers":

668) "I Have The Touch":

669) "Big Time":

670) "In Your Eyes":

671) The Producers "She Sheila":

672) The Producers "What's He Got":

A bunch of great songs by Ho Jo, Howard Jones:

673) "What Is Love":

674) "Like To Get To Know You Well":

675) "Things Can Only Get Better":

676) "Life In One":

677) "No One Is To Blame":

678) "New Song":

themusicaddict