After all the time that went into building my music taste, here are my uncovered groups and musicians, ranging from doo-wop groups to solo golden jazz.
As the leaves start to change color and begin to fall, I know it’s time to play The Fleetwoods. The harmonies from the background vocals connecting with the lead singer make a calming feeling. Whether it’s a rainy or a sunny day, the Fleetwoods always fit my expectations. I love uncovering songs from them I have never heard of because they never fail to give me that wave of nostalgia. My favorite album from them has to be the “Come Softly To Me: The Very Best Of The Fleetwoods” because of the abundance of songs that album has. I would pick my favorite song, but a few are tied in first place such as: “My Special Lover”, “Mr. Blue” and “You Mean Everything to Me.”
The Harptones is another group I love so much, now the album “Love Needs” isn’t exactly an old album, but they still stuck with the doo-wop genre. The song that started my infatuation with this group was “It’s You” from the same album. The lyric that stuck out to me the most was “I have never given love a chance, never had a taste of real romance, until you came into view;” I feel like it tells a story deep within the heart. One song in particular that was notable from the same album was “If I Give You My Heart To You.” I just recently discovered this song, but the way the group sings is like a peaceful river flowing down the way.
Throughout history, Elvis Presley has always been a major icon for his unique style. Personally, I don’t like his pop music, I like the songs where it’s more of a weary concept. A few of my favorites from him are “Lets Forget About the Stars”, “Loving You”, “Love Me” and “Crying in the Chapel.” I think the reason I gravitate towards these songs is because they are more mellow than his typical rock-and-roll style. Yes, his other songs are iconic, but his voice pairs perfectly with the longing lyrics and the soft melody.
Recently, I got into Marvin Gaye, and I have been loving the song “I Love You Secretly.” The soft tune of the song makes me want to have a day where I bake and it’s miraculously raining. One of my favorite lines from this song is “That you and I were meant to be, but I was not free to confess my desires”. It just goes with the song so well. Another song I like is “Why Did I Choose You”; the flow of the song is simple yet tells a story.
Similar to Marvin Gaye, Chet Baker is another artist I just recently have gotten into. The type of music he made was cool jazz, a soft approach and perfect for the era of time he was popular in. The song “I Fall In Love Too Easily” has been by far my top favorite. His voice just sets the mood, with his signature trumpet. I can’t wait to uncover more of his songs.
Inspired by Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra is a jazz musician who was introduced to me by my brother. Since then, I have explored more of his music. The song I love the most is “It Had To Be You”, the tone portrays the message softly. The instrumental and his voice makes a serenading appeal. His very popular song “Fly Me to the Moon” is another one I have to mention; it’s the perfect vibe to study or relax to.
I could not go without mentioning these artists, but I just had so many favorites. To start off, Etta James has to be just after the ones I have mentioned. Her organic voice sparks something different. Next, Ella Fitzgerald pairs so well in the song “In A Sentimental Mood” light instrumental. Finally, Billie Holiday, a jazz singer, with my favorite song of hers being “I’ll Be Seeing You” where I first heard it in the movie “The Notebook.”
To see my full playlist click here.
