The XFactor Underdog: Chris Rene, Beth Hart, Joe Bonamassa, Goldfinger

"I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU"      BETH HART & JOE BONAMASSA

Interesting pairing of two artists who consistently have put out high quality, consistent CD's but haven't hit it big time.    Beth Hart has a Janis Joplin-style of blues, rock, jazz, and probably got her most exposure for "Learning To Live" a motivational workout song used by Jillian of NBC's Biggest Loser.   Guitarist Joe Bonamassa has been putting out decent blues CDs for years.    This new CD also features a great version of "I'd Rather Go Blind"

"LITTLE HOMIE"                       CHRIS RENE

From Wednesday night's finale of Fox's X-Factor, Chris reprised his self-written song to his son about his promise to stay sober.   You had to get goosebumps watching Chris talk about how much his son means to him and wanting to make his son proud.   The song brought Nicole and Paula to tears.


That's how it's supposed to be,
Living life with loved ones close to me,
Shh, ahh, this is the remedy,
And I got the recipe, I don't need no Hennessy,
Yeah, it's been three years now,
Haven't had a drink and I'm starting to see clear now,
I'm putting all my fears down,
I can hear the cheers now,
Seeing peace signs when I look around,
Hey, young homie what you tripping on
Looking at life, like how did I get it wrong,
Life's too short, gotta live it long, 

"99 LUFTBALLOONS"               GOLDFINGER

An awesome punk cover of the 80's smash by Nene.     Just like the original, they throw in some of the lyrics in German!   Goldfinger are a L.A. punk/ska band who also do a great cover of Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him".     Did a little research on the band and they're big advocates for animal rights, which makes me like them even more!    99 Luftballoons was recorded in English and German in the 80's but surprisingly the German version is the one that did the best on the charts.   Goldfinger's cover also appeared on the video game, Gran Turismo 3.

I Want To Do Bad Things To You (True Blood) : Melanie Amaru, Jace Everett, Gian Marco

"BAD THINGS"                     JACE EVERETT

The theme song to HBO's True Blood oozes sex appeal.    Jace captures the mood of a sweltering hot night in New Orleans.  This song reminds me of Chris Isaac's "Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing".   At 1:23, the spoken word builds up the passion of the song before coming back to the chorus, "I want to DO bad things with you!"   Brilliant and creative song!

"DIAS NUEVOS"                 GIAN MARCO

The 2011 Latin Grammy Award winner from Peru.   Gian Marco has become the pride of Peru after a 15 year history of making great music.    His career initially got a boost by Emilio Estefan (husband of Gloria) early on.   This song translates to "New Days Ahead" with lyrics about taking risks, ending every night with a kiss so deep, and promises of new days with the one you love"

"LISTEN"                               MELANIE AMARO

This song hasn't even been released by Melanie.   She's only 18 years old out of Miami.    But this audition for the TV show, X Factor in the fall of 2011, was AMAZING!     Melanie's version of a Beyonce original takes it to a new level.     Watch as the judges are moved by her breath-taking performance and even better, watch the pride in her family after her audition.