It'll be hard to describe every single thing I love about this song: the smooth poetry of the verses, the simple-yet-brilliant guitar melody, and the hook that begs to ring in your head for days. With Carl's milky interlay of riffs and Brett's sultry and moving voice, "Shimmer" is a pure display of one out of many aspects of this versatile band. This is the song that brought Fuel into the spotlight, and showed off their undeniable musical talent and ability to capture the hearts of their audience.
Carl, the main song-writer and guitarist, never reveals the motives behind his writing, nor what he feels the songs are about, encouraging listeners to interpret the lyrics and vibes themselves. Even Brett, the lead singer, must come up with his own interpretation of the song's meaning. But the whole band dismisses the idea that "Shimmer" is merely "just another chick song". To me, this song not only demands freedom from generic labelling, but also reminds me that even mainstream alternative rock can still possess the lyrical beauty to make me sigh with delight and enough passion and vulnerability to curl my toes.
killer lyrics: she dreams a champagne dream/ strawberry surprise/ pink linen on white paper/ lavender and cream/ fields of butterflies/ reality escapes her

sing along play it on guitar 'sunburn' (track #3) more about fuel
note: this album was fuel's first major-label release. their previous releases, porcelain and hazleton, are extremely rare. "shimmer" was chosen as the first single off sunburn, but it's impossible to only hear one song from fuel and know what they're all about. their follow-up singles - "bittersweet", "sunburn", and "walk the sky" from the godzilla soundtrack - and those on their follow-up record, something like human - "hemmorhage (in my hands)" and "innocent" - paint a much larger and better picture of all that is fuel.

"Tell Me" by Groove Theory

Although this song is quite old-skool, dating back to the early 1990's (pre-Jill Scott but post-Mary J.), I'd only just discovered the sweet sounds of Groove Theory last year. Thanks to Tame, "Tell Me" managed to land itself a spot on my favorites list. It's just so good, I could listen to it on repeat for days and still be enraptured by Amel's crystal-clear voice and the irresistible beats.
From the bass-heavy opening to the scatalicious fill-in harmonies, "Tell Me" immediately pulls you into its jazzy soul sound and forces you to move your body accordingly. It sets the stage for soul/R&B acts to follow, from Erykah Badu to Mya to Destiny's Child. But no song out of these three can come close to the infectious groove that makes this song one of the chillest in urban music history. So sit back, push play, and groove to this.
killer lyrics: i can love you/ can you help me grow/ give me a new beginning/ and i'll give you a happy ending

sing along 'groove theory' (track #6) more about groove theory
note: unfortunately, this self-titled album was the first and last from the groove duo of amel larrieux and bryce wilson. but fellow groovers need not despair. amel has gone on to bigger and better things with the release of her solo album, infinite possibilities. producer bryce has reborn groove theory with a new female vocalist by the name of mekada davis. the new album, entitled the answer, already boasts a stellar single "4 shure", but varies dramatically in flavor from the original groove theory. whosever path you choose to follow, between amel and bryce, be prepared to get your groove on.

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder

When it comes to Stevie Wonder, where does one begin? From classic motown soul to pop-rock ballads, from the piano to the harmonica, Stevie has conquered it all. He's gone from covering The Beatles to being covered by everyone from the likes of Jodeci, Coolio, George Michael, and Will Smith. His talent is remarkable, and his influence on music even greater. No words can do justice to perhaps one of the greatest musicians ever to grace the industry's history with his presence.
If all you ever knew about Stevie Wonder was "I Just Called To Say I Love You", shame on you. Though "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours" is hardly deemed his greatest song (there are ongoing debates as to what that number-one song IS), it was the one that broke the ice as I gradually opened my eyes to Stevie's incomparable career. With its signature motown "ooh baby"s, fill-ins to keep you on the edge of your seat, and the hook that practically forces you to sing it outloud, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" never fails to put a smile on my face. If you're not singing, clapping, snapping your fingers, tapping your foot, bobbing your head, or all-out dancing while you listen to this song, there is something seriously wrong with you. Pick an album, any album, and you will have full-on proof that a Stevie Wonder record just refuses to leave your stereo. I can honestly say that Stevie is truly a wonder to behold.
killer lyrics: i've done a lot of foolish things/ that i really didn't mean/ i could be a broken man/ but here i am

sing along 'song review: greatest hits' (disc 1, track #9) more about stevie wonder
note: for an introduction to the genius of stevie, go pick up this two-disc collection of some of his greatest hits ever. run, don't walk. i say "some" because the us version is missing his classic "isn't she lovely", although the european & asian versions of the album - despite being only one disc - managed to include the track. regardless, it's downright impossible to include his life-long career's worth of greatest hits on a mere two cd's. "signed, sealed, delivered, i'm yours" was first featured on the album signed, sealed, delivered which was originally released in 1970. the song later appeared on numerous soundtracks for movies, including now and then, you've got mail, and crooklyn. it was cowritten by stevie's mother and his future wife.

I admit, I'm a huge Incubus fan. This is one of my favorite songs by them, because I think it does justice to the versatility and brilliance of Brandon Boyd's voice (just listen to when he sings "being occupied by/ little red numbers passing by/ if i wait one minute longer/ i think i will die..."). And the tune is great - the contrast between the verses with the chorus and then that melodic bridge. Awesome. It's just plain... sexy. This is one of those songs that makes me think, "God, how do they come up with this stuff?!"
There are theories as to what the song means. But the writer, Brandon, hasn't said anything yet. It could be about feeling trapped in a world where no one knows who you are (a "crowded elevator"), and everyone is a stranger to you. And how you have so much to say, so much to express, so much in your head ("i've got a million words and phrases on the tip of my tongue"), but no one will listen. Except for one person ("the only non-stranger next to me"). Then again, it could just be about a literal elevator, with thirteen strangers in suits, at 5:45.
Nevertheless, expect more Incubus songs to be added to the jukebox list soon.
killer lyrics: should i wait for the lobby/ spare the lives/ of some twenty-six/ nervous eyes

sing along play it on guitar 'scream 3 soundtrack' (track #10) more about incubus
note: this album also features bands like finger 11, system of a down, staind, orgy, and fuel, among others. if you're into these kinda guys, go ahead and consider this album. otherwise, "crowded elevator" is also on the incubus records when incubus attacks vol. 1 and the japanese import of make yourself. both are pretty rare finds. i emphatically recommend when incubus attacks and the normal make yourself. depending on your location, the import - granted you're lucky enough to find it - will set you back about $37. pick up the regular album at your local record store.

"This Woman's Work" by Maxwell

Despite it being a cover, this is possibly the best, most beautiful song Maxwell has ever done. Listening to it on the Unplugged album kills me. Set in a very high key, the song puts Maxwell's vocal range to the test, and he passes with flying colors. "This Woman's Work" is so strongly presented, you leave with the feeling that this is what really good music is supposed to sound like.
This song has so much to it, more than I can even attempt to relay, and the voice behind it speaks with such passion and vulnerability that you are awe-struck by the power and effect it has over you. By the time he sings, "make it go away...", I'm spent. It nearly brings me to tears. Maxwell has that kind of voice that demands a presence of its own. The kind of voice that would inspire the ears of the deaf. The kind of voice that leaves romantics clutching their hearts, and music lovers with an unforgettable sound of near-perfection. And his rendition of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" is proof.
killer lyrics: this woman's work/ this woman's world/ it's hard on the man/ now his part is over

sing along 'maxwell unplugged' (track #4) more about maxwell
note: this album is a recording of maxwell's appearance on mtv unplugged. along with kate bush's "this woman's work", it also features a cover of nine inch nails' "closer". kate bush wrote "this woman's work" for her album the sensual world which was released in 1989. her original song is distinctly different from maxwell's cover, though no less enchanting. "kate bush... she is the bomb, truly." give her props for writing a beautiful song.

"Tiny Dancer" by Elton John

Seriously, who doesn't love this song? Even though for the longest time everyone thought he was saying, "hold me closer tony danza", Elton John masterfully composed a cut that encompassed all the right elements to a great song that easily became a classic - a catchy hook, singable lyrics, a climactic crescendo near the end, and a moving verse.
Watching "Almost Famous" reminded me of how much I really loved this song. The scene on the bus must have been one of my favorites out of the movie. Even when the Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl spontaneously decided to do a cover of "Tiny Dancer" on Craig Kilborn's late-night talk show, he had no trouble getting the audience to sing along with him. Despite needing cue cards for the lyrics and playing redundant chords on his guitar, he did a tremendous job. Would've made Elton proud. This song is just truly contagious. In other words, genius.
killer lyrics: ballerina/ you must have seen her/ dancing in the sand/ now she's in me/ always with me/ tiny dancer in my hand

sing along 'almost famous soundtrack' (track #12) more about almost famous
note: "tiny dancer" was originally released on elton john's album madman across the water back in 1971. i linked to the almost famous soundtrack instead because there are other great classic rock songs on there. guys like lynyrd skynyrd, the who, cat stevens, led zeppelin, simon & garfunkel, and even david bowie are all featured on the soundtrack. not to mention "fever dog" by the movie's band, stillwater. from the artist listing alone, this album is a must-buy for all classic rock fans.

"Sweet Revenge" by Spooks

I love it when new artists I discover knock me completely off my feet with their far-reaching talent and refreshingly creative style. "Sweet Revenge" officially introduced me to Spooks, and most notably to the female vocalist Ming-Xia. Not only is the song laced with scrumptious beats and a bone-chilling bass riff, but Ming-Xia's vocal delivery is so hauntingly beautiful ("try to do me..."), you need to clear the gulp in your throat while your ears are permanently glued to the speakers.
Some people have the audacity to compare Spooks to the Fugees, to which I have to say I'd listen to Ming-Xia, Booka-T, Water Water, Hypno, and Vengeance over Lauryn, Wyclef, and Pras every day of the week and twice on Sunday. And I am a fan of Lauryn Hill and the Fugees. But there is something just so eerily brilliant about "Sweet Revenge" that reassures me of the bright future of hip hop. And even music itself.
killer lyrics: i'm not so sweet honey/ show my teeth deadly/ venomous revenge so sweet

sing along 's.i.o.s.o.s. vol.1' (track #7) more about spooks
note: the title of the album stands for "spooks is on some other script". you were wondering about that, weren't ya? as for each spook's clever moniker, the group decided to use aliases in place of their real names, in order to keep the mystery factor up. now do yourself a favor and spin this album.