I got introduced to Ziggy Alberts by a friend who normally is not into the acoustic rock genre. The fact that he was a fan definitely made me take more notice of this Aussie songwriter. Since that first experience I’ve only grown to enjoy Ziggy more and more each time I listen. His lyrics, vocal style, and sometimes issue driven songs definitely separate him from the acoustic rock singer songwriters you’ve heard before.
Category: POP/ROCK
Kita Alexander – Between You & I
A great pop tune from an up-and-coming Aussie singer/songwriter. A nice summer jam.
Ziggy Alberts – Runaway
This certainly isn’t a new release (2016), but after playing something similar for a friend, he recommended Ziggy to me. This is his most well known song, and it sure is a beaut. There is too much music in the world to find every good thing when it is first released and starts to resonate with listeners but as long as you’re always open to discovering new artists through any means you can still hopefully find great songs like the one below. Better late than never…
The Middle East – Blood (Gang of Youths Cover)
I first heard this track on Triple J’s Hot 100 countdown but I’m glad I did because while I enjoyed the Middle East’s track originally, this version adds a whole other dynamic and reinvents the enjoyment of the song for me. I encourage a listen. There is nothing like a good band nailing a song live.
Dekleyn – Ghost
This new Aussie group has a really solid track on their hands. Slowly building, mellow, but at the same time upbeat it’s a great mix of emotions and feelings evoked simultaneously. It’s been on repeat for me lately.
HAIM – I Want You Back
After years of touring, HAIM have released what amazingly is just their second album. The rawness and uniqueness of their debut album is offset by the obvious advancement of their craft in the followup. This is a really solid album. I highly recommend you listen to the whole thing, but their first single is certainly a standout in its own right.
Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill
I held off for awhile before posting this as it seems almost pointless. I’d be amazed if someone hasn’t heard this song yet as it’s been #1 or #2 in the UK and USA for quite some time, but I have to admit that it gave me a real respect for this songwriter for the first time. I’d of course heard a few solid songs off his last couple albums, but none of them spoke to me like this track did and I think he’s really reached another level of songwriting on this latest album. Forgo the fact that he delayed release to consult Rick Rubin (of countless masterpiece albums fame, seriously, if you don’t know who he is, google his name and prepare to be impressed), I’m giving Ed Sheeran a lot of credit for his new direction. I also love that there is no snare drum. Seriously, name the last popular rock/pop track with no snare drum anywhere in the track…
Maggie Rogers – Dog Years
The last Maggie Rogers song I posted I enjoy, but I think I like the process in which I found it and how it became known to the public through Pharrell than I actually enjoy the song on it’s own merits. This track is different. I really enjoy this song standing on it’s own. The track ebs and flows, its incredible to really listen for the builds and breaks as they come and go like clockwork through the four and a half minutes of this track. I also love the fact that she filmed it at the camp she attended and subsequently counseled at for 6+ years of her life. There is a nostalgia element to the video that I can appreciate.
One Ok Rock – We Are
While this is a great song off their newest album, the live version of the song performed below really surprised me. I’ve never seen a band integrate their fans into a live performance like these guys did for this song. It’s really incredible to watch. I hope more artists try similar things as I think the result is quite powerful. Enjoy the video!
Adam Levine – Go Now (Sing Street Soundtrack)
I’ve loved every film John Carney has written and directed. His forte is writing and directing independent films based around relationships built on music and musicians. If you’ve not heard of him, check out “Once” and “Begin Again.” His latest, “Sing Street,” is no exception to his style and my favorite song off the soundtrack is the last one you’ll hear in the film. It sums up the storyline and captures the emotional ending beautifully. Enjoy!