Friday Jam Session Vol. 17

I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE.
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1.Favorite New(ish) Album
Sundown Heaven Town – Tim McGraw

So this album will actually be a year old next week but there have been a number of singles throughout the year that I’ve continued to come back with it. Sometimes it’s hard to wrap my around the fact that Tim is now considered one of the old guys in country music. And with the infusion of new and “bro” country, I know sometimes people blame some of the other guys for “selling out” their sound for what’s popular. I always roll my eyes because I think that is somewhat that natural ebb and flow of music and looking back I think people would find many past examples of that. I love this album because it still has that signature Tim McGraw sound, but tries out a few new things. It’s hard to choose but I think the song above is my favorite, but I also love “Shotgun Rider”, “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s”  and “Overrated.”

2.Favorite New(ish) Collaboration
Verge – Owl City ft. Aloe Blacc

This is a fun song and an interesting collaboration. I am kind of surprised that I like it though. Back when Owl City first came out with his first single “Fireflies” I was NOT fan. Talk about an overplayed song. I just didn’t get the appeal. One the flip side I loved Aloe Blacc’s first big song “Wake Me Up” that was he featured on with Avicii. I understand though that a lot of people got sick of it.

3.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/Band
Jess Glynne

Her YouTube channel featured this acoustic version, but I think I prefer the original in this case. Anyway, I was planning on using the song as my “Jam I Have on Repeat”, but considering I have also had her song “Hold My Hand” on repeat all summer and I was immediately obsessed with “Rather Be” where she offers guest vocals when it came out late 2013, it is pretty safe to say that she fits better in this category. I love her energy and raspy voice, not to mention she has AWESOME curly red hair.
#Holla
I’m also loving “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” and “My Love” from her debut album.

4. Jam I Have on Repeat
Move On – Clare Dunn

I have no idea who this chick is and to be honest the music video is a bit too much, but I’m not waiting for this song to annoy me because I’ve played it so much. It’s a fun one to get into and I appreciate a solid girl jam.

5. Favorite Cover, Remix or Mashup
Wildfire – Aaron Watson
Listen HERE

It’s not often that I like a cover more than the original, and even though I really like John Mayer’s original version, I think really think it was meant to be a simple country song.

6.Favorite Spotify List
“Wild Country” by Spotify

It just felt like a summer country music week and this playlist was just the ticket.

7. #SoulMusic I’m Obsessing Over
Wings – Birdy
Listen HERE

Apparently, this song is a few years old, but I only recently discovered because of the artist’s work on a soundtrack and her cover of Skinny Love (at age 15!). This girl’s voice and this song in particular both have a beautiful, haunting sound that I love.

8.”Oldie, But a Goodie” I Heard This Week
Kings and Queens – 30 Seconds to Mars

I LOVE when you entirely forget about a song and rediscover it on accident. 30 Seconds to Mars has never been a band that I listened to a lot from and 6 years old probably isn’t considered and “oldie,” but obviously it was long for me to forget how much I loved this song when it first came out. It’s definitely going back on my workout and car playlists. Also, I can’t believe I’m saying this considering I am outspoken about how much I don’t like long hair on guys… but I think I prefer Jared Leto with long hair, at least over the do he has in the video.

9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down
Pumpin Blood – NONONO

This song is kind of random and trippy, but it is a blast to dance and jam to in the car.

10.Taking Me Down Memory Lane
Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson

Can you believe this song is 11 years old?! I had this album and knew every single world to every track. My Dad may or may not have been a Kelly fan too. We’ll go ahead and let him blame it on having two teenage daughters.

11. Work, Work it Out
In My Head – Galantis
Listen HERE

Solid beat for a good run.

12.Making Me Want to Fall in Love
Stuck With Me – Timeflies
Listen HERE

I know they’ve been around for a few years and are one of those success stories of artists/bands who “made it” after working hard to build a following on YouTube, but I’ve never really been a fan. So I was a bit surprised that I kept coming back to this song. It’s simple and sweet.

13. Guilty Listen of the Week
Levels – Nick Jonas
Listen HERE

I’m sorry, but I really couldn’t help it. I have no shame #JoBros4Ever

14.Song That I Originally Loved, But Is Now Overplayed
Worth It – Fifth Harmony
Listen HERE

I DO NOT love this song at all…it actually make my ears bleed, but I know its catchy and its been really popular this summer. But seriously though, when can people be over this song soon please. I also just really wanted to feature this song so I could share this hysterical video of this girl jamming to the song in the car….

15.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears Bleed
What Do You Mean – Justin Bieber
Listen HERE

I wanted to give the Biebs a chance, but no, just no. Not sure if was him or the freaking metronome sound throughout the whole song that drove me more crazy… and don’t get me started on the music video that I should not have wasted my time on.

16.Country Pick of the Week
Nights on Fire – David Nail
Listen HERE

I’ve continued to wonder over the years why David Nail isn’t more popular. It amazed me when his single “Whatever She’s Got” came out in 2013 and there were still people who thought he was a new act. Country acts tend to be a be dime a dozen from time to time but I’ve always liked this guy’s sound and think more people should check him out!

BONUS: People, it is officially college football season!

It is well known among Kansas State fans and many of our Big 12 opponents that Coach Snyder is very traditional and has been using the same pre-game playlist throughout most of his tenure, with only a few changes. I did Friday Jam Session way back in my old format that I thought I would resurrect. See the original post HERE.

So, what have you been listening to this week?

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 Linking up with these blogs today!
Here, Here, Here, Here and HERE.

Cheers!