Ears Like a Hawke
Let's Connect!! --->>>
  • Home
  • Song of the Day
  • Album Reviews
  • Artist Studies
    • Steely Dan
  • Industry Happenings
  • Friends of the Hawke

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - "Fresh Start"

1/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Well this seems appropriate for the new year, huh? 

How have I never heard this song before? I mean, I truly thought I had heard all the Joan Jett music there ever was to hear, but somehow this feels so new to me!

Any resolutions out there for this fresh start of a new year? I vote for a new move, a refreshed outlook, and a focus in on self care so we can better take care of others. At least, those are the thing on my list.

Happy New Years everyone. :)

Sometimes I feel like I've been here before
It's like the past knocking on my door
Sometimes I feel like I'm standing still
Or better yet I'm running up a hill

Sometimes I feel like I need a crutch
Sometimes I feel like it's all too much
Sometimes I wonder what are we here for
And if I wanna do it anymore

I need a fresh start, let's go back to the top
Rewind the tape and reset the clock
This time, there's no turning back
0 Comments

2018 Songs of the Year - SPECIAL EDITION POST

12/31/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
At the end of every year, instead of making big NYE plans with friends, I typically find myself enjoying some quiet, solitary days at home along with Iris, cleaning and prepping for the coming year. It's nice to be alone, I guess. It leaves me ready for people and fresh starts in the new year though. 

Anywhos, you didn't come here to hear about what drives me to do this list at the last minute. You came here for music!

I've found myself thinking about this all during the year, trying to keep up with new songs mentally for this list. In the end, thank god for Spotify and their wrapped lists, because I can't tell you how much that helped.

So, usual disclaimer, as always - these are all songs that have had some sort of mainstream release; no b-sides or non-single tracks from albums. These are the ones that the labels and artists saw fit to push the most, and that I personally saw fit to invade my ears on repeat throughout the year. Now, granted, this is getting harder and harder to figure out, since everything seems to be a single release these days, but we'll do our best here.

Want to listen to the whole thing in order? No prob! I've got you! Check out the Spotify playlist I created (first fifteen in artist name order, last 10 in countdown style).

As per tradition, on this New Years Eve, let's kick things off with 15 Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order by artist):
​Alien Weaponry - "Kai Tangata"
Anne Marie - "2002"
Brett Young feat. Gavin DeGraw - "Chapters"
Camilla Cabello - "Never Be the Same"
Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris - "The Champion"
​CFO$ - "Best of Both Worlds"
Daughtry - "Backbone"
Fall Out Boy - "Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)"
Jess Glynn - "I’ll Be There"
Kesha - "Here Comes the Change"
One Republic - "Connection"
Panic! At the Disco - "The Greatest Show"
P!nk - "A Million Dreams"
Rascal Flatts - "Back to Life"
Sam Hunt - "Downtown's Dead"

10. ​The Struts feat. Kesha - "Body Talks (Remix)"

You can be cool, you can be shy
Say what you want, say what you like
'Cause ooh, your body talks, your body talks
I loved this song before the added female voice, and it became an addiction when Kesha got added to the mix. It becomes this awesome back and forth conversation that could rock any LES back-bar show room. 

9. ​Keith Urban feat. Julia Michaels - "Coming Home"

I'm longing for the real thing
People who know the real me
And all the ways to love me back to life
So "no shit there I was" on my way to the airport on my first trip to Nashville in a while, and this song is the first one I hear. This is a great part of Keith's gentle pop-country line he's been treading, with a collaboration with this incredible songwriter in Julia. I don't know how they managed to make these effects sound like they worked so well, but there's nothing that called me back to the sweet southern highways quite as much as this song this year.

8. Hunter Hayes - "Dear God"

You make me love so hard
When everything I love just leaves
Are you sure that there's nothing wrong with me?
Talk about the one that'll hit you hard. I literally had a walk in the rain listening to this on repeat. For still such a young man, Hunter takes on the feelings I think a lot of us are afraid to vocalize. He and Andy Grammer teamed up on this, and I think they nailed it for sure. It'll make you question everything all at once.

7. David Cook - "Death of Me"

I fall apart at the very thought of me and you
We're running through each other ’til we’re black and blue
David Cook created some of the sexiest music his smooth voice has ever created this year (it's about now I'll remind you I'm a single 30-year-old girl). "Death of Me" came out around Halloween this year, with David himself calling it his own holiday song. 

Also, I met the guy this year, so hey, I'm a little biased towards him and his great music.

6. Avril Lavigne - "Head Above Water"

God, keep my head above water
I lose my breath at the bottom
Come rescue me, I'll be waiting
I'm too young to fall asleep
Avril re-emerged this year after a life long battle with Lymes Disease drove her to deliver the most epic anthem of the year. This is an incredibly powerful song from someone who's proven her power for years in so many different ways. It's hard to see, I guess, if you haven't grown up with her along the way, but her truths mean so much for all of us that did.

5. Sara Bareilles - "Armor"

I see
The unforgettable, incredible ones who came before me
Brought poetry, brought science
Sowed quiet seeds of self-reliance
Bloomed in me, so here I am
You think I am high and mighty, mister?
Wait 'til you meet my little sister
All my, my, my, my armor comes from you
You make me try, try, try, try harder
Oh, that's all I ever do, ever do
Oh, no no, my, my, my, my armor comes from you
You make me stronger, stronger
Now, hand me my armor
#MeToo

4. Imagine Dragons - "Natural"

That's the price you pay
Leave behind your heartache, cast away
What an incredibly hard hitting, powerful, awesome song! I mean, these guys really nails it in every respect. This is for the workouts, the powerful walks, and the encouragement. It's dark enough with a burst of light to push you. Damn this is a good one.

3. Dan + Shay - "Tequila"

I can drink whiskey and red wine
Champagne all night
Little Scotch on the rocks and I'm fine, I'm fine
But when I taste tequila, baby I still see ya
Good country music tells you a story, and great modern country music puts smooth voices on the track to tell it. Day and Shay may have just had their most incredible year to date, and it's thanks to songs like this, even if it does bring a tear to the eye every single damn time.

2. ​Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey - "The Middle"

I'm losing my mind just a little
So why don't you just meet me in the middle?
Maren is a queen as it is, but then she turns around and belts out this killer tune that crosses all lines. It's got an incredible rhythm with a great beat to keep your hips going. It's the addiction of love that pulls people together, and this song just grabs it all at once.

1. Dierks Bentley feat. Brothers Osborne - "Burning Man"

I still go wherever the wind blows me, but I always find my way back
I still don't get it right sometimes, I just don't get it as wrong
I still go a little bit crazy sometimes, yeah, but now I don't stay near as long
I'm a little bit steady but still little bit rollin' stone
I'm a little bit heaven but still a little bit flesh-and-bone
Little found, little don't-know-where-I-am
I'm a little bit holy water but still a little bit burning man
In what is possibly one of the most beautifully written lyrical pieces of the year, Dierks Bentley encompasses everything it is to be an adult these days. I remember driving down the Parkway at some point this year and hearing this, and everything made so much sense along with the words. It's the acceptance that nothing has to make sense at all and that's fine. It's the growing up and figuring it out and not knowing in any way. It's all... okay.

And with that, I accept it too. Bring on 2019.

​
As always, love y'all and Happy New Year! Cheers to you and more music and great things ahead!

<3 J-Hawke

0 Comments

Aimee Mann - "Goose Snow Cone"

3/18/2018

0 Comments

 

​As I sift through the many, many nominees from this year's list, the Grammys once again bring on some different sounds. Aimee Mann has a long-standing reputation, and this album's mood for its nomination (and win!) for Best Folk Album is set right from the start with this opening track. 

It's a light track to ease you in, with lyrical content to confuse you just enough to draw self-conclusions. Personally, I think this is the epitome of what folk is, but I have my own biased opinions on these things. Welcome to my personal blog. :)


​Gotta keep it together when your friends come by

Always checking the weather but they wanna know why
Even birds of a feather find it hard to fly

Thought I saw at my feet an origami crow
It was only the street hidden under the snow
Always snatching defeat, it's the devil I know
0 Comments

Maroon 5 - "Leaving California"

3/13/2018

0 Comments

 
I miss Songs About Jane so badly. Maroon 5 came at us with this incredibly unique jazz technique to their pop music, and we all fell for Adam Levine and his falsetto for life.

In rising success, the band seemed to go this odd pop route where the falsetto became less attractive and the sound less unique. I couldn't tell you is this was because the band chose the direction, or everyone else came in to mimic it. 

V brought along a few good tracks again. While not quite what it had been, the band's experimentaiton seemed to pay off a little more. This song has this great steady marching beat in the background and Adam's voice is enjoyable. I love when there are silver linings that remind you how good music can be.


​
​Pack your things and go, oh
But if you run away
I won't be alright

Even if the sun crashes into us
I won't let go, I won't let go
And I can be your light
Stay with me tonight



0 Comments

Aida Cuevas - "Nuestro Gran Amor"

2/11/2018

0 Comments

 

​One of the reasons I've always loved exploring the complete Grammy nominations, beyond the ones that get televised, is that you get to discover some truly incredible music in a variety of genres you may never get to hear on a regular basis. That's the case here with this really lovely acoustic piece from her full album that was nominated for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano). 

Worth a listen just for the guitar playing along, the entire song has a beautiful tone. Then you read the lyrics (translation below just to give you a taste), and it's all perfect.



Como el sol le hace falta a la luna pues sin el no podría darnos luz como el aire hace falta en el mundo así me haces falta tú

Translation:
As the sun lacks the moon because without it it could not give us light as the air is needed in the world so you need me



​

0 Comments

Ariana Grande - "Break Free"

1/30/2018

0 Comments

 


What a great belting feel-good song. I mean it, really, this is power in a loud way. No matter how you feel about Ariana and her music, this is a track that would have us all up and yelling out the words on the dance floor. 

Not a bad one to randomly come on the catch-all play list before a pivotal birthday.

​
You were better, deeper
I was under your spell
Like a deadly fever, yeah, babe
On the highway to hell, yeah

This is the part when I say I don't want ya
I'm stronger than I've been before
This is the part when I break free
'Cause I can't resist it no more


0 Comments

Jordan Fisher, Angie Keilhauer - "Happily Ever After"

1/29/2018

0 Comments

 


Yes, it's a sappy, sweet, Disney love song, and yes, I love it. Come on - the inner princess in us all can't help but still get swept up in the magic that imagination can bring. This is apparently the new theme song for Disney's new fireworks show too!

Plus, there's Jordan Fisher, and if he didn't win your heart during last season's "Dancing With The Stars," then you are ice my friends. 

The battles, the stories, the losses and all the glories
We're changed by the way we live every day
Just look up and reach to the sky
We all have the courage to fly

The story comes alive, when we look inside
A new adventure there in your life
There in your eyes It's just beginning
Feel your heart beat faster
Reach out and find your happily ever after
​

0 Comments

Luke Bryan - "Roller Coaster"

1/16/2018

0 Comments

 


​I don't love the Bro Country trend that seemed to attack us in the past few years, but Luke Bryan holds a special place in my heart. I've met him a few times, and once he accidentally kissed me on the cheek. It was magic, y'all.

And anywhos, it doesn't suck thinking of warm summer fun on these cold, bitter winter days.



The rest of those days
Turned into long crazy nights
When the music got loud
We'd sneak away from the crowd under the boardwalk lights
And with all the things we said
What I just can't get past
Is the way we let it end
Now I'm wonderin' where she is
Knowin' I can't get that goodbye back

​

0 Comments

Billy Redfield - "Die For You"

1/15/2018

0 Comments

 

​

It's kind of lovely when your Discovery Playlist starts off with guitar strumming and sweet love songs. I'm an unashamed hopeless romantic who's a sucker for them, so you can bet they're (a) always a win for me, and thus (b) always heading up by Discovery list each week because Spotify knows me too well.

​



March the earth 'til I fell through
Yeah I would die for you
Pass this life onto a new I would die for you
But I hope it ain't soon



0 Comments

6LACK - "PRBLMS"

1/14/2018

0 Comments

 
Look, I can't say this is one of my favorites, but we've got to start Grammy Sundays somewhere, so why not the first artist alphabetically? The style is, granted, unique (we'll elaborate more when I get to the full album review), and for sure shows a shift in musical mentality when it comes to awards. 

Nominations:
  • Best Rap/Sung Performance
  • Best Urban Contemporary Album (for Free 6lack)


​
And she said
You a God damn lie
I ain't mean to say that shit girl I was God damn high
So we left the crib now we in the God damn ride
She lookin' God damn fine
I wanted a bitch who was down to Earth
But she want the God damn skies



0 Comments
<<Previous
    Google
    Custom Search

    Author

    Because songs define our moments.

    Archives

    January 2019
    December 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    Categories

    All
    1776
    1997
    2014 Olympics
    2016
    3 Doors Down
    98 Degrees
    9 To 5
    Abba
    Abc Project
    Ace Of Base
    Across The Universe
    Addams Family
    A Great Big World
    Alabama 3
    Aladdin
    Alexander Jean
    Alternative Country
    Andrew Allen
    Angels And Airwaves
    Annie Get Your Gun
    Augustana
    Avicii
    B-52s
    Barenaked Ladies
    Bastille
    Beat Connection
    Beyonce
    Billy Currington
    Billy Ray Cyrus
    Bindi Irwin
    Blondie
    Bob Marley
    Bon Jovi
    Boy Band Week
    Boyz Ii Men
    Brandi Carlile
    Bruce Springsteen
    Bruno Mars
    Bryan Adams
    Buck 22
    Buffalo Springfield
    Cage The Elephant
    Captain Lou Albano
    Carrie Underwood
    Celine Dion
    Cfo$
    Charles Jones
    Charlie Puth
    Cher
    Chicago
    Childish Gambino
    Clay Finnesand
    Coldplay
    Cole Swindell
    Coolio
    Country Friday
    Covers
    Cover Songs
    Daft Punk
    Dance Pop
    Dancing With The Stars
    Danny Gokey
    Darius Rucker
    Daughtry
    David Cook
    Dean Ambrose
    Derek Hough
    Destiny's Child
    Dionne Warwick
    Discovery
    Dolly Parton
    Drake
    Dylan Connor
    Ed Sheeran
    Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros
    Ella Fitzgerald
    Ellie Goulding
    Elton John
    Elvis Presley
    Emeli Sande
    Emerson Drive
    Enter The Haggis
    Eric Church
    Erin Mclendon
    First Date
    Fitz And The Tantrums
    Fleetwood Mac
    Florence And The Machine
    Foo Fighters
    Forgetify
    Fortress Of Attitude
    Foxes
    Fozzy
    Frank Sinatra
    Friends-day
    Frozen
    Fun.
    Gary Allen
    Gavin Degraw
    George Michael
    Gin Wigmore
    Gladys Knight
    Glee
    Goo Goo Dolls
    Gorillaz
    Grey Gardens
    Hall & Oates
    Hanson
    Heather Cole
    Hedwig And The Angry Itch
    Help Me Help You
    High Fidelity
    High Valley
    Hilary Duff
    Holidays
    Hugo
    Icona Pop
    Idina Menzel
    Imagine Dragons
    Indielectronic
    Jacob Martin Band
    Janet Jackson
    Jason-aldean
    Jay Z
    Jennifer Nettles
    Jeri-southern
    Jhene Aiko
    Jimmy-eat-world
    Jj Jackson
    Joan Jett
    Joan Jett And The Blackhearts
    John Mayer
    Jonathan-richman-and-the-modern-lovers
    Josh Turner
    Justin Timberlake
    Kanye West
    Kathleen Edwards
    Katy Perry
    Keha
    Keith Urban
    Kelly Clarkson
    Kenny Chesney
    Kim Carnes
    Kinky-boots
    Lady Antebellum
    La Roux
    Leann Rimes
    Leaving Richmond
    Lee Ann Womack
    Lee Brice
    Lee Greenwood
    Leonard Cohen
    Les Miserables
    Lifehouse
    Lisa Fischer
    List
    Living Color
    Lonestar
    Lorde
    Los-del-rio
    Lostprophets
    Lou Reed
    Lowhency Pierre
    Luke Bryan
    Macklemore
    Maddie And Tae
    Maggie Chapman
    Majid Jordan
    Marillion
    Maroon 5
    Martina Mcbride
    Mary-lambert
    Mastodon
    Matilda
    Matt Moberg
    Maurico
    Miranda Lambert
    Moon Taxi
    Morrissey
    Musical Mondays
    Nas
    Nastasha Bedingfield
    Natalie Imbruglia
    Neil Patrick Harris
    Neutral Milk Hotel
    New Kids On The Block
    New Music Friday
    New Music Tuesday
    New Years
    Next
    Next To Normal
    Nickelback
    Nirvana
    Of Monsters And Men
    Ok Go
    Oklahoma
    Olivia Newton John
    Olly Murs
    Omnia Hegazy
    Onerepublic
    Orianthi
    Oscars
    Our Lady Peace
    Outkast
    Panic! At The Disco
    Papa Roach
    Parachute
    Parade
    Passenger
    Paul Simon
    Peroxwhy?gen
    Personal
    Peter Frampton
    Pharell Williams
    Phil Collins
    Pippin
    Pitbull
    P!nk
    Prince
    Puddle Of Mudd
    Queen
    RAC
    Rachele Lynae
    Radiohead
    Rascal Flatts
    Release Radar
    Relient K
    Rent
    Rod Stewart
    Ryan Lewis
    Sami Zayn
    Sara Bareilles
    Saves The Day
    Seussical
    Shinedown
    Simon And Garfunel
    Simple Minds
    SKATERS
    Smash
    Songs Of The Year
    Spice Girls
    Station
    Stevie Wonder
    Sugarcult
    Sunshine And The Rain
    Switchfoot
    Syria
    Taking Back Sunday
    T.a.T.u.
    Taylor Swift
    Tegan And Sara
    The Bangles
    The Beatles
    The Black Hollies
    The Decemberists
    The Foundations
    The Hooters
    The Jayhawks
    The Last 5 Years
    The Maine
    The New Electric
    The Police
    The Script
    The Sound Of Music
    The Veronicas
    The Verve
    The War On Drugs
    The Xx
    They Might Be Giants
    Thoroughly Modern Millie
    Throwback Thursday
    Tim Mcgraw
    [title Of Show]
    Tony's
    Tribute
    U2
    Ultimate Warrior
    Uncle Kracker
    Vacationer
    Vanessa Carlton
    Violet
    Vivien Richman
    Wakey Wakey
    We The Kings
    Wham
    White Stripes
    Whitney Houston
    Will.i.am
    Wilson Phillips
    Wings
    Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown
    Wonderful Town
    Wrestlemania
    Wwe
    Wwebrooklyn
    Yellowcard
    You're A Good Man Charlie Brown
    Yvlis
    Zac Brown Band
    Zedd

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.