By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
If you missed part one, click here.
The countdown continues! Read on to find out which music legends, rising stars, bands and Reality TV alums made it part two of my countdown.
30. Don Henley: “Take A Picture of This”
Earlier this year, music icon Don Henley released his first solo album in 15 years. One of the gems of his album was “Take A Picture of This.” This country folk tune reminded listeners of how precious life is, as he showcased his fans the memories he accumulated throughout his 45 years in the music industry.
(Artwork property of PMR & Island Records)
29. Disclosure featuring Sam Smith: “Omen”
Brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence continued to flex their muscles in the EDM world with their reunion with Sam Smith. “Omen’s” sweet beats combined with Sam Smith’s superb voice made fans dance, as the collaboration landed at the top of Billboard’s US Dance Club Songs chart.
28. Emily West: “Bitter”
America’s favorite chanteuse dropped her first post-America’s Got Talent album during the past summer. “Bitter,” her first single off of All for You, was an incredible track that Emily co-wrote with the fantastic Julian Emery and Jodi Marr. Both Mr. Emery and Ms. Marr brilliantly showcased Ms. West’s skills as an impeccable storyteller complete with a fantastic vocal performance and an amazing arrangement.
(Album cover property of Rhythm Nation Records & BMG)
27. Janet Jackson: “No Sleeep”
Music aficionados jumped for joy when pop icon Janet Jackson dropped her first piece of new material in five years. The quiet storm-R&B hybrid reunited the Queen of Pop with her celebrated and legendary collaborators: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis! Ms. Jackson’s seductive voice and hypnotic beats foreshadowed the impeccable album that was coming: Unbreakable.
26. The Mowgli’s: “I’m Good”
My friends, The Mowgli’s, continued to spread their California happiness with their follow-up to their 2013 Photo Finish Records/Island Records debut: Waiting for the Dawn. “I’m Good” showcased the band’s signature inspirational lyrics and positive reinforcement that made them one of the best bands of their generation.
25. Reba McEntire: “Going Out Like That”
Country music legend Reba’s first single off of her 27th studio album marked a new chapter in her professional career. “Going Out Like That” was the first single off of her new label, Nash Icon, a spin-off of Big Machine Records. Ms. McEntire beautifully interpreted Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip and Jason Sellers’ lyrics about a newly single gal ready to get her act together.
(Album cover property of Warner Bros. Records)
24. Adam Lambert: “Ghost Town”
Adam Lambert continued to introduce his audience to Eurodance and house music with his first single off of his first album for new record label: Warner Bros. Records. The Queen front man co-wrote the catchy track with rising music makers Sterling Fox, Ali Payami, Tobias Erik Karlsson and pop music master Max Martin. “Ghost Town” weaved a Wild West theme with splendid guitar licks and a mesmerizing EDM beat.
(Album cover property of RCA Records)
23. Giorgio Moroder feat. Britney Spears: “Tom’s Diner”
EDM godfather Giorgio Moroder rejuvenated Suzanne Vega’s 1987 a cappella hit by adding two modern elements: the one and only Ms. Britney Spears and a magnetic production of beats. The Déjà vu standout track invited everyone to the dance floor and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Songs chart.
22. Harry Connick, Jr: “(I Like It When You) Smile”
Future talk show host Harry Connick, Jr. fused Jazz and pop music together for a fantastic piece of ear candy. Between the rapid-fire scatting and power piano moments, “(I Like It When You) Smile” instantly represents the positive power of music and how it can change a rotten day into a glimmer of hope.
(Album cover property of the Atlantic Recording Corporation)
21. CeeLo Green: “Sign of the Times”
“Sign of the Times” closes out part two of our countdown. The second single off of CeeLo Green’s fifth studio album, Heart Blanche, makes its listeners think about their lives and how they can improve as a person during these challenging times in today’s society.
I do not own the clips that are sprinkled throughout the album, they belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
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