Tag: Soldier
Wait…WHAT?’s Five Favorite Songs of 2011
As someone who listens to music and reviews various acts throughout the year, you can imagine trying to narrow the list down to just five songs was a bit of a task. I basically went with the songs that immediately came to mind. All five tracks are songs that I still listen to on a regular basis and that’s what truly makes them a favorite. Throughout this past year, these are songs that have been there for me, allowed me to let go of stress, or just simply put a smile on my face. Or in one particular case, got me up and movin’ like Jagger. So without further ado, allow me to present to you my Five Favorite Songs of 2011!
RECAP: Gavin DeGraw & David Cook LIVE in Santa Rosa, CA
[Note from Kirsten: Yes, this is a recap of my show from last month…better late than never, right? Enjoy!]
If you follow me on Twitter (and if you’re not, get on that), then you know that as soon as it was rumored that Gavin DeGraw and David Cook would be hitting the road together, I was legit excited.
October 20 finally rolled around, and my friend Sarah and I trekked out to Santa Rosa all in the name of seeing what was sure to be an amazing show. And was it ever!
The night kicked off with Carolina Liar, whom I was feeling pretty enamored with at the end of their set. Admittedly, I only knew the songs off their first album, but I’ve already rectified that issue with some Spotify listening sessions. The band did a great job of getting the crowd going and ready for music from the night’s headliners. I truly look forward to seeing them play again; they brought a lot of excitement to the stage.
Next up was the performer that I was probably most looking forward to seeing that evening, being Mr. Gavin DeGraw. I’ve seen Gavin a couple times before, but I was so looking forward to hearing the new material from Sweeter. I have a lot of love for his latest album. When an artist can take their sound and build on it, to me, that’ s exciting. Plus, I couldn’t wait to see how the new material would be showcased onstage. And, oh man, did he and his band ever deliver!
From the moment Gavin kicked off his set with “Candy,” a song off his new record, I was up and on my feet singing-a-long with the rest of the people in my section that were there to have a good time that night. Continue reading RECAP: Gavin DeGraw & David Cook LIVE in Santa Rosa, CA
Music Review >> Gavin DeGraw – ‘Sweeter’
Proving to be at the top of his game, Gavin DeGraw returns this week with his fourth studio album, Sweeter.
On this new album, DeGraw worked with esteemed producers Eric Rosse (Sara Bareilles), Ron Aniello (Matt Nathanson), and Butch Walker (Weezer). The singer-songwriter sought to expand and experiment with his sound this time around. He decided to change it up by working with co-writers for the first time.
“I was happy with the way the writing was going. I just felt like I needed someone to rattle my cage and try different things,” DeGraw told me last week during our interview.
He reached out to fellow songwriters that he had wanted to work with, Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic) and Andrew Frampton (The Script). DeGraw’s latest hit, “Not Over You,” is the result of his collaboration with Tedder.
“I really felt strongly that it was a nice blend of what both of us kind of do musically,” DeGraw said of his lead single from Sweeter.
Tedder also contributed to the title track, “Sweeter,” which has a pop-funk kind of vibe, which I thought was a great way to kick off the album. The guitar in the beginning gets in your head to the point that you cannot help, but groove along to it throughout the song. There’s a confident, yet sexy swagger to the track, as DeGraw sings about wanting to get with another guy’s girl.
Gavin DeGraw Discusses His New Album, ‘Sweeter’
Gavin DeGraw on his new album: “I really feel that it’s the best piece of art that I’ve ever been affiliated with.”
Continue reading Gavin DeGraw Discusses His New Album, ‘Sweeter’
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