Tuesday, February 14, 2012

I Believe in You and Me: R.I.P. Whitney Houston

When you think "great singer of our time," Whitney Houston is sure to be high up on your list.    Hits like, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "I Will Always Love You," are sure to come to your mind first.  While these songs are prime examples of Whitney's wonderful gift, my favorite memory of Whitney is singing "I Believe in You and Me" in the movie The Preacher's Wife.  I've included the video below.  Enjoy!


The music world will never be quite the same without you, Whitney.  You've inspired us all!

XOXO,
Kristin

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Stronger

Kelly Clarkson's fifth studio album, "Stronger," was just released and given her stellar performance at the Super Bowl, I had to check it out.  I've always been a Kelly fan, not necessarily because I have loved every song she has released, but more because she is an incredible talent and I respect her attempt to create music that reflects her as a person and that she believes in.

The first video is Kelly singing a cover of "Up To The Mountain" at an Idol Gives Back show.  Jeff Beck plays guitar so you know this has to be good! This is when Kelly cemented her place in my mind as a great talent!


The next video is her new single of her album "Stronger." The song is called "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)." Yes, it's poppy, and yes, the video is silly, but it is such a fun and uplifting song and I have found myself listening to it all week long!  Also...I just have to say I think this would make a great flash mob...anyone else agree?



This last video is a live performance of "Dark Side," my favorite song from the album so far. This performance also highlights Kelly's ability to perform extremely well live!


I hope this post will at least make you take another look at Miss Clarkson and maybe give her some good PR out there in this big, bad music world...at the end of the day...girl's got pipes :)

XOXO,
Kristin

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Kelly Does The Nation Proud

Word on the web is that Kelly Clarkson blew the national anthem out of the water at Super Bowl XLVI.  I am proud to say I agree completely! 


I was blown away by her performance.  Not only was her pitch near perfect, but she added her own personal spin to the rendition that was both tasteful and interesting. For the first time, I actually LIKED the national anthem.  The kids choir in the back was a fantastic touch as well.  Wow...I'm just so blown away by her performance. Way to go girl!


I've always been a fan of Kelly, but for all of those haters out there, you can't come close to arguing that this chick doesn't belong in the spotlight. She has some major pipes and deserves much more recognition that she is currently getting.



In light of this stellar performance, I immediately downloaded her latest album, "Stronger."  Keep an eye out for a review...I just have to finish listening to it first. :)

XOXO,
Kristin

Monday, February 6, 2012

R.I.P. Etta James

 Last week on January 20, 2012, the world said goodbye to a beautiful woman of music, the lovely Etta James, at the young age of 73.  Etta was most known for her hit, "At Last," but gave the world so much more than that.

I'll never forget the first time I started listening to Etta James.  To be honest, I can't for the life of me remember how I got the CD or why, but whatever the reason, I decided to take it with me on a summer trip to Thailand following my senior year of high school!  I listened to that CD the majority of the trip and for that reason, I will always have an extra soft spot in my heart for the music of Etta James.  It could not have stood more in contrast to my surroundings at the time, but something about her vocals fit perfectly with my experience. There was something so timeless and magical about her voice.  She reached into my soul and gripped it, in the best possible way of course. Every time I hear Etta James, I remember the countless hours spent driving through back roads of Thailand in a tiny van and just looking out the window feeling so at peace. For that few weeks alone, I am so glad to have known Miss Etta James.

Below is a video of Etta James' hit "Stormy Weather," my personal favorite of her songs. Enjoy!


XOXO,
Kristin