Eminem + 2Pac + Elton John?? : Evanescence, Tupac with Elton John, and Alabama,

"MY LAST BREATH"  EVANESCENCE

Amy Lee, Ben Moody, and Evanescence exploded on the scene with their Nu Metal classic "Bring Me To Life" featuring Paul McCoy of 12 Stones.   The CD "Fallen" sold 17 million copies and a highlight was this song inspired by the pain of leaving someone you love.   The sound is so powerful on this song, you imagine it's backed with a full orchestra.  Mystical lyrics, expressive vocals, masterpiece of modern rock.   I'm seeing them tonight in Tampa with the 98 Rockfest (Shinedown, Halestorm, P.O.D.) so pumped!!

"GHETTO GOSPEL"   TUPAC with ELTON JOHN

Genre busting in full effect, the King of West Coast rap mixed with the timeless melody of Sir Elton John.   "Ghetto Gospel" combines Elton's song "Indian Sunset" with freestyle verses from 2Pac about social injustice, belief in God, and a message similar to "Changes".  The song was released posthumously and produced by Eminem.

"FEELS SO RIGHT"   ALABAMA

Alabama was the first country music act that really grabbed my attention.   My dad listened to the classics (Johnny Cash, Waylon, Willie, Merle...) and I grew up loving Southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd for their rebelous attitude.   Then came Alabama that crossed over.   The Academy of Country Music named them Entertainer of the Year 5 years in a row ('81-'85).   "Feels So Right" is SO beautiful, relaxing, reassuring, and intimate.   The song was the perfect follow up single to the party record, "Mountain Music".