There’s actually two versions of Hurt Somebody by Noah Kahan I like. The first version is a duet with Julia Michaels, released this year. Despite the title and the lyrics, this is actually a surprisingly upbeat song. It’s somewhat danceable. The second is Kahan’s solo version. I think I like the first, with Julia better (although I think she’s trying really hard to get that Mariah Carey sound). There voices seem to blend perfectly, without overwhelming each other’s sound. I accidentally found this song while browsing through one of those “what’s happening now in music websites.”

Noah Kahan Is A Newcomer

As far as I can tell, Kahan started gaining notoriety sometime in 2017. I really like his type of music. I guess the best way to describe his music is, modern folk, laced with pop. He writes and performs his own music. Now, I find it incredibly interesting that Noah is an American artist, but, is popular outside the us! Hurt Somebody hit #14 on the Australia charts, and reached #29 in New Zealand. I guess validates the broad reach of music streaming!

Good Music, However His Videos Are Traumatizing

I’ve watched a couple of Noah’s music videos, and although I think he produces good music, however his videos are traumatizing. Meaning, a lot of his videos seem to convey he can’t do anything right, therefore the world is falling on top of him. Which is interesting because it’s a complete contrast to how good I think his music actually is. Then again, I have to take in to account he’s in his early 20s, so I guess that’s about right.

I want to write about one last song called “Tough” by Quinn XCII, which features Noah Kahan. It’s another great song that was released some time this year. Again, this appears to be another one of those “teenage struggle” songs. However, this one is unique, and yet deep at the same time. Now, this song feels very ambiguous to me, but then again, maybe the song was meant to be that way. The song appears to be somewhat of a love song, however it appears that the song doesn’t directly identify the gender of the person Noah is singing about. Although, I could not find any information as to whether or not he’s LGBT or not, I’m going to make an educated guess he’s possibly bi.

The Song Revealed No Gender, But..

The song flows so wonderfully, if I didn’t listen closely to the lyrics, I probably would have never noticed. Noah sings about someone who tries to act tough, but Noah knows he’s not as tough as the person make themselves out to be. Read the following beginning lyric, “Maybe it’s ’cause your mom never kissed you; If you ever cried, you’d wipe with muscle tissue. You bench pressing more than me’s not the issue I know you’re actually weaker than that; Let’s hope that nothing get deeper than that.” Ok, I guess it’s a safe bet that Noah is singing about a guy. “Muscle tissue,” is not the typical lingo or phrase we’d use talking about a woman. He then sings, “You’re not so tough, I know that nightlight’s on when you sleep. You’re not so tough. Yeah, you watch Eat Pray Love on repeat.” To mention “nightlight” suggest a closer than average relationship. So long story short, I perceive this song to be beginning love story between two guys, and Noah trying to get his insecure love interest to open up. I just loved the way Noah put this together, it was very subtle, yet a great positive song. Noah has a cool website, and he posted all his latest music videos. Also don’t forget to check him out on Spotify.

Leon Bridges’s “You Don’t Know (2018),” on his new album “Good Thing” in my opinion , is the best new classic dance sound almost at the end of the year. I not only love the obvious classic look of this album cover, but I can also appreciate the authentic classic sound. Even his music videos has that old school flair to it. The mixture of color filters, while clearly capturing modern scenery is brilliant.

Spirit Of Amy Winehouse

You know, he reminds me a lot like a “male version of Amy Winehouse,” in that he’s a very young artist that has chosen the genre of classic sound. I am VERY please that I’m finding more and more younger artists that are doing this. Thank goodness there still exist parents out there who are musically cultured and pass that culture down to their children!

Esquire Interviews!

This new talented young artist has got a lot of buzz going around! Interesting that there doesn’t appear to be any bio’s about him (at least from  my research), but he has been interviewed by magazines such as Esquire. In the first few paragraphs of this article, you quickly get a sense that Leon is truly down to earth, and that he is comfortable with his art, music, and overall creative direction.

More Of His Music

There’s another song that I recommend that you check out. It’s called “Bad Bad News.” It’s on the same album, and I think the beat to this song is really hot. Please also check out his album called “Coming Home (2016) Deluxe.” It includes 5 additional songs in comparison to it’s first release in 2015.

You know, I’m still trying to get a sense of what their music is all about. Their music is kind of all over the place. Mind you, I feel these are very talented guys! I guys what it really is, is that the entire band is eccentric, and you’re left feeling like you’re not sure where to place them. When I like an artist or band, it’s still kind of important for me to figure out what style of music they represent. Kind of heart to talk about them to other music lovers, if you don’t have a concrete description of their music. If I demanded that I give you an explanation of what category the fell under, the best and closest description would probably be what I would call “Hillbilly Blues.” But, Some of their songs isn’t really that either. You’ll have to check them out for yourself.

Tearing At The Seams

The song that really caught my attention is “Tearing At The Seams.” This song is so different from all their other pieces I’ve heard. I almost want to put Nathaniel in the category of “blue eyed soul.” When I heard this song, it immediately reminded me of the kinds of music that Otis Redding would have sung if he were still alive. I must say, whatever negative perceptions you may have drawn from look of his photograph (musically speaking), don’t let that fool you! Because this man can sing! Really really sing. In 2015, he released a song called “Howling At Nothing.” Another great song that throws me back to the days of Sam Cooke almost. Check out Nathaniel and his band’s website. Looks like a lot of people follow his music.

I discovered this group while searching for another recently. I really like their song “Better Days” released this year. The song was written by Fabio Puglisi & Jason Harden. Soul Basement is actually not a group, but Fabio Puglisi’s stage name (right). He produces a lot of Italian jazz, hip hop jazz, and beats. He has actually been around for a while, since about 2004 actually. First off, I have to say this art made Fabio look like Andrew Zimmern from the food channel! I couldn’t help it, that’s all I kept thinking ?? Now, the song comes from his new album called “Oneness,” and the song features I guy named “Jay Nemor” (left). Although I’ve enjoyed this song very much, I’m not sure how I feel about Jay’s voice throughout the rest of this album (and his other albums for that matter). I’m just going to come out and say it. His voice doesn’t sound genuinely his. What I mean by that is, I get the strong impression he’s trying hard to copy another famous artist’s style. When I listen to “Better Days,” it almost sounds like I’m listening to Sly Stone. Other music I hear from him, he sounds like he’s trying hard to mimic Lou Rawls. Believe me, I’ve listened very carefully, and I can usually tell the difference when an artist naturally sounds like someone else; and when someone tries to literally mimic another artist verbatim. That is usually a turn off for me. But….. I don’t know, maybe you guys may feel differently. Listen to the album and judge for yourself. Again, I did enjoy the song “Better Days.” To learn more about Jay Nemor. Also, if you’d like to learn more on Soul Basement, he has a website, or you can just search on Spotify.

Believe it or not, I actually like this new song “Figure It Out,” by Lucas Estrada and Pawl. You know what? If Drake actually tried to sing, he’d probably sound like Lucas! ? When I listen to the rhythm of this song, it reminds me A LOT of Stevie Wonder’s “Master Blaster (1980)” for some reason. Remember that song? You know, for a very young artist, I hear a lot of soul in his voice. I think this is a very nice track.

Ok. I was never a huge fan of Drake, I only liked maybe two of his older songs. I think he made some good dance beats, but I never considered him as a “singer.” Drake’s voice is too unbearably monotone. That said, my feelings are the same concerning his new song “Don’t Matter To Me,” released on his double CD. What? Double CD you said? Yup. Back in the day, you only released a double CD/album when you’ve been in the game for awhile, and you want to put out a greatest hits album. I guess he just wanted to increase his chances one one or two songs being a hit. The background music is hot, as well as dramatic. You what? Listen to the background really close, doesn’t it remind you a little bit of Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana?” By the way, you know you’re making money when you can afford to put the late MJ’s voice on your song. I give this song 4/5 stars. But the rest of this double CD…. ?