New Music: Kelly Clarkson's Positivity, Nas' Dedication to His Daughter, Juanes Unplugged

"DARK SIDE"    KELLY CLARKSON

Following Kelly's #1 motivating smash, "What Makes You Stronger" comes her inspiring follow-up single, "Dark Side".   Kelly hasn't "gone Hollywood"  She's so sincere,  maintaining her small town girl image, you want to root for Kelly!   Her message here reminds us that no one is perfect, everyone has their faults and weaknesses, but true love sees past that and everyone is worthy of love.   The imagery in the video is so uplifting, should be another big hit!  

     

"DAUGHTERS"     NAS

The original leaked version of Daughters was explicit and didn't fit the beautiful theme of Nas' song dedicated to his 17 year old daughter.   The video is shot from her point of view from birth to her high school years.   Nas consistently has written some of the deepest, most intelligent rhymes.  While I'm not 100% sold on this song, I like seeing such a positive themed rap video promoting fathers taking responsibility for their children. 

"LA PAGA"     JUANES  (MTV Unplugged)

Juanes has been one of the most prolific Spanish artists since 2000.   Given the spotlight of an MTV Unplugged session, the Columbian superstar, Juanes, is back playing some of his biggest hits.  The beat of  "La Paga" with a horn section accompaniment feels like a fiesta but the translated lyrics carry a completely different emotion.  The theme of lies and deceitful emotions is conveyed in Juanes' passionate delivery and guitar playing.

Trayvon Martin, 41 Shots Revisted By The Boss: Bruce Springsteen, Lit, and Nas

"41 SHOTS (AMERICAN SKIN)"   BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

In 2000, Bruce recorded a song about racial profiling and told the story of Amadou Diallo who was shot by 4 policemen a total of 41 times.   Amadou was an immigrant, unarmed, and matched the description of a rape suspect.  When he was asked to raise his hands, he lifted up his wallet, the police reacted as if it was a gun.    Bruce's indictment in his lyrics, "you get killed just for living in your American Skin".    Bruce has added "41 Shots" to his current setlist as the Trayvon Martin case is making headlines, the lyrics ring out as dramatically today as they did 12 years ago.

"MY OWN WORST ENEMY"  LIT

The biggest selling rock song of 1999, yet I haven't heard it in forever!   Lit had their fifteen minutes of fame with this song and "Miserable"'s video with Pamela Anderson.    The song's opening lyrics... "Can we forget about the things I said when I was drunk" and the raucous chorus always brings a smile!

"DANCE"      NAS  

When you list the greatest lyricists and MC's of all-time, Nas has to deserve serious consideration.   From the 5 Mic Debut, the critically acclaimed masterpiece, Illmatic in 1994 until now, Nas exemplifies the power of an MC who is the master of his craft.  His flow, cadence, and intelligent lyrics speak of social commentary, storytelling, biting jabs at injustice, or messages of hope and inspiration.  "Dance" is dedicated  to his mother who died in 2002.   It's soft, sensitive, and among the highlights of his music catalog.

Sexiest Song Ever? : Nas, Barry White, Quincy Jones, James Ingram, Bobby Caldwell

"SECRET GARDEN"       QUINCY JONES Featuring  JAMES INGRAM, BARRY WHITE, EL DEBARGE, & AL B. SURE

If you made a mix CD of the sexiest songs ever, this slow jam would have to be on it.  Barry White's deep voice saying "Tell Me A Secret, not just any secret, I want that One Special Secret"...... the classic R&B voice of James Ingram on the chorus, the falsettos of Debarge and Al B. Sure, just a perfect mix of voices blended with the smooth backing track orchestrated by Quincy Jones.   It's from the 1989 release, "Back On The Block".

"LET THERE BE LIGHT"                     NAS

Nas is a poet and one of the most intelligent MC's ever.   From his debut masterpiece, Illmatic, until now, Nas has written some of the best rhymes in rap history.    This song from 2006 samples "Take The Money And Run" from the Steve Miller Band and was released on the classic Def Jam label.


As I walk through the shadow of death
I know that I ain't got much time left
And they don't really wanna see the good in me
Ain't satisfied until they see the fool in me
(And I) I know my business, so my sins great
(And I) I thank the hood for all the love they gave
(And I) Forgive 'em all, they did they best to hate
Oh, let there be light

"WHAT YOU WON'T DO FOR LOVE"       BOBBY CALDWELL

Blue eyed soul from 1978.    One of the smoothest, timeless slow jams ever.  Bobby owns the title, "The white guy most often mistaken for an African American vocalist." : )  The song was also featured in the brilliant Mafia film, Donnie Brasco starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp.