What's a song without lyrics?

"Music's the medicine of the mind." ~John A. Logan

The answer? Just music.

I was trying to figure out what to write tonight's blog about and realized I hadn't even talked about lyrics too much...and lyrics help establish what a song is like (not including the music). I am sure, you can enjoy music without words, but personally, adding lyrics adds a whole new depth and level. After all, the lyrics help express emotion. There are songs for EVERY emotion out there-whether you're feeling powerful, upset, in love, etc, there's always a song to help you out. Those songs probably wouldn't be much without the lyrics.

Some of my favorite lyrics:

Everything You're Not-Demi Lovato

"I used to sing
to your twisted symphony
the words that had me
trapped inside your misery..."

Fifteen-Taylor Swift

"And when you're fifteen feeling like there's nothing to figure out
Well, count to ten, take it in
This is life before you know who you're gonna be...fifteen"

Paranoid-Jonas Brothers


"It's like a poison in my brain
It's like a fog that blurs the sane
It's like a vine you can't untangle
I'm freaking out"

Stronger (Back On the Ground)-Nick Jonas and the Administration



"In the sunshine down on my face
Braking through
Old things that were once lost now are new"

Can't Take That Away-Mariah Carey

"They can say
Anything they want to say,
Try to bring me down,
But I won't face the ground,
I will rise steadily sailing out of their reach,
Although they do try,
Hard to make me feel that I,
Don't matter at all
But I refuse to falter
In what I believe or lose faith in my dreams,
'Cause there's a light in me,
That shines brightly"

I asked some of twitter followers to share some of their favorite quotes too. Here's what they came up with. (Btw, huge thank you to Lindsey, Kelly, and David!) :)

"Maybe it's not my weekend, but it's gonna be my year."

"Dedication takes a life time...but dreams only last for a night."

"All your mistakes are easy to change...Don't let regrets stand in your way"
"So, baby keep drifting on, your endeavors ain't just selfless wasted time
Seek and find...You're not that far from what you've hoped and wished for all along"

"My heart beats like a melody that has never been played."

What are some of your favorite lyrics?

I'll catch you guys next week! :)

<3 Labanya

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition."

Hey everyone! Hope you had a great week! Excited for Valentine's Day? In honor of Valentine's Day, I decided to dedicate this blog post to love songs...of course, they are plenty, but I'd thought I'd share a few with you to share with your special someone if you'd like. :)

I was somewhat braindead when I was trying to think of a list to share with you guys, so I'd like to give a special shoutout and thanks to Donna and Ariel (our very own advice DekoPosh columnist) for helping me out! :)

"And I love her"--The Beatles

Love this song...any song by The Beatles is great!

"Can't help falling in love"--Elvis Presley
"Love Me Tender"--Elvis Presley

Same with Elvis Presley...amazing music. I remember singing "Love Me Tender" and almost becoming obsessed with it back in the 4th grade.

"How did I fall in love with you--Backstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys will always be a favorite of mine...and "How did I fall in love with you" is a great song!

"I Could Fall In Love"--Selena

Selena <3 She was a resident of where I live and was also killed here...we have a museum, a statue, and an auditorium in her memory. Amazing song and amazing performer.

"Sweet Caroline"--Neil Diamond

Love this song too! I remember hearing the Jonas Brothers sing it at the Houston concert I went to on their world tour! So awesome!

"Please Be Mine"--Jonas Brothers

I realize not all of you guys may be Jonas Brothers fans, but this song is absolutely amazing. "Please Be Mine" was the very first song they wrote together and it'll always remain one of my favorites. Such a sweet song and the acousticness (is that a word?) is my favorite. :)

"Then"--Brad Paisley

Love love LOVE this song. I first heard this song on our Bus Radio and fell in love with that. I had never heard Brad Paisley's music until then so it really opened my eyes to country music.

"Hey There Delilah"--Plain White T's

This one's not only one of my favorites, but my sister's as well. Such a cute song and if you haven't checked out the video, check it out! It's the perfect love song. :)

"Morning Light"--Truman

Donna suggested this one :P I haven't heard it yet, but I'm gonna check it out!

Some of the ones Ariel suggested...check them out too! :)

"Two is better than one"--Boys Like Girls
"Only you can love me this way"--Keith Urban
"This never happened before"--Paul McCartney

Hope you guys listen to some of these songs...you never know which ones might end up on your favorites!! Have a great Valentine's Day guys! :)

--Labanya

Grammys & Newly Released Albums

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music."

Hello everyone!

How are you all? Are you excited for Valentine's Day? Just wanted to say that I am still working on the getting artist interviews done and will hopefully be blogging about those soon! Can't wait, I'm really excited! :)

Thought I'd use this time to catch up on what's going on in the music world right now. Did any of you catch the Grammys? Beyonce took home 6/10 she was nominated for and Taylor Swift won 4/8 of the ones she was nominated for, including Album of the Year! If you didn't get to watch the performances, which by the way were AMAZING, check them out on YouTube (www.youtube.com). Beyonce, Lady Gaga w/Elton John, Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, Pink, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Drake, and others performed! Also, if you get the chance, check out the Michael Jackson tribute that was performed by Carrie Underwood, Smokey Robinson, Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion, and Usher!! Overall, it was a great award show, congrats to the winners...you can go here http://www2.grammy.com/grammy_awards/Winners/ to see a complete list of winners.

Also, a lot of great albums came out this past Tuesday!!

To name just a few:

Lifehouse-Smoke and Mirrors
Lil Wayne-Rebirth
Jamie Foxx-Body
Nick Jonas and the Administration-Who I Am
Toni Braxton-Pulse

Upcoming albums that I'll probably check out (February 23...check them out if you can!!)

Michelle Branch-Everything Comes and Goes
The Rocket Summer-Of Men And Angels

Check them out and let me know what you think!

I'll catch you next time!

-Labanya

Happy Holidays!!

Hey everyone!! Hope all of you enjoyed Christmas and those of you who don't celebrate, I hope you had a great day!! Although we're not Christian, we celebrated it as well! :) I personally love the holiday spirit: the fun, the laughter, the joy in the air. To me, Christmas is really the most wonderful time of the year. It's a great time to show your family, friends, and loved ones how much you care about each other. And of course, leading up to Christmas, not only did we shop for each other, we heard Christmas music everywhere we went!! Even my teachers put up decorations, wore Santa hats, and played music in class about a month before Christmas!! :)

Growing up, I remember singing in Christmas/holiday concerts at school, where the whole grade would get together and sing favorites like "Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer" and "Deck the Halls," as well as some others that weren't necessarily as popular. Needless to say, those are still a part of my favorites and I love singing them. It helps to get me in the holiday spirit...and to enjoy and be thankful for what I have.

We've all heard songs like "Silent Night" and "Jingle Bells," but did you know that a lot of artists have recorded these traditional songs, and have added their own touch? Some even record a separate Christmas/holiday album to release. I haven't listened to all of them, but I love Aly & AJ's (they're now known as 78violet) Acoustic Hearts of Winter album that was released a couple years back. Recently, I've heard David Archuleta perform songs off of his album, Christmas From the Heart, and they're all really great too. Also, if you're a big Taylor Swift fan, and haven't checked hers out yet, check it out. I haven't checked it out yet, but I'm sure it's great. It's called Sounds of the Season. Check them out if you get the chance to :)

And lastly, there are a lot of "remixed" songs that I absolutely love to listen to around this time of the year. For example, "Do you hear what I hear" has been performed by Carrie Underwood, Copeland, Whitney Houston, and a lot of other great artists. The Copeland version is on my favorites right now!! :)

Alright guys, I'll talk to you later!! Enjoy your week!! Have a happy new year!!

-Labanya <3

Music quotes!

Hey everyone! Hope all of you are having a fabulous weekend? Are you excited for the winter holidays? :)

Just thought I'd keep today's blog short, simple, and sweet, and share with you some great music quotes!! Quotes are a great way to inspire and there are a lot of great ones about music!!

You can find picture quotes, such as these:

http://www.commentbuddy.com/comments/Quotes/quote9.png

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i263/myspaceye/freeglittergraphics/glitter-graphics/general-graphics/music/lyrically_1.gif

http://media.photobucket.com/image/music%20quotes/Shellybelle10/Music/musicrock1vl4.jpg (<--this user has a lot of great ones by the way!!) And of course, just textual quotes, found on websites and in quote books, about music (I added some commentary on some of them :P):

"Don't play what's there, play what's not there."

"Music is what feelings sound like.”
I love this quote, mainly because, for me, it's true. You can put your own feelings and emotions into lyrics, which eventually transforms into a great song. A lot of great music have lyrics attached to emotion. That's what makes music so healing to the soul anyway. :P

"Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.”

"To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable."
Definitely true...music is constantly changing and adapting!!

"Music is love in search of a word."

"Music is the universal language of mankind"
Agreed! It's the one language most anyone can "speak!!" Babies included. :)

"Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit."
Couldn't have said it better myself.

Let me know if you have any favorites you would like to share!! My apologies for this short and simple blog, but I have a final coming up soon and have to prepare for it!! I'll catch you guys next week!!

Have a wonderful week!!

~Labanya

Do you listen to the radio?

Hey everyone!! Hope all of you are having an awesome weekend so far...did you enjoy Thanksgiving? :) My sister and I threw ourselves a mini-sleepover that night and guess how we partied? By listening to the music--the radio specifically, which is coincidentally, the topic of discussion for my blog today!! ;)

Radio is a great way to "discover" new music, whether it be different songs (which normally ends up being the most popular ones at the time), different genres, or different (and sometimes new) artists. Both my sister and I "discovered" our favorite bands and artists through the radio actually...and we're thankful we listened the day that we did (those songs are still on our favorites!!)

And of course there are a lot of local ones (for example, in my area, HOTZ95 is a popular one) and then, there are a lot of national ones too....for example:

Radio Disney (www.radiodisney.com <--covers all of your favorite Disney artists + more!!)
Kidd Kraddick (www.kiddlive.com <--Morning radio show, but they bring a lot of popular artists to interview (Jonas Brothers, Ashley Tisdale, Miley Cyrus, Colbie Caillat, and a lot of non musicians like Ashley Greene from Twilight) )
Radio shows like Ryan Seacrest's AT 40 countdown play the top 40 songs based on radio airplay...it's a great way to listen to new songs and every once in a while, artists host or co-host the show :)

Radio is definitely a great way to find new music and/or artists...and you never know, what you thought you didn't like three years ago may be your new favorite genre. You'll never know, unless you expand your horizons and listen to other types :) Let me know what your favorite stations are and why you love them...or if you discovered a favorite artist through radio, let me know also.

I'll catch you guys next week!

-Labanya

Are YOU ready for Turkey Day?

Hello all you beautiful people!! Hope you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving break (those of you who are on one) and an excellent weekend!! Are you excited about Thanksgiving? I know I am, because this year, my sister and I will be doing almost all of the cooking and I can't wait to get started!! Speaking of the holidays, how many of you guys love holiday music? I, for one, can say that holiday music is one of my faves...and it definitely puts me in the holiday spirit!! :)

In honor of Thanksgiving, which is only days away, I'll be sharing some Thanksgiving songs with you guys!! Personally, I didn't know so many Thanksgiving songs existed...but now that I reminisce on past memories, I remember listening to some of them back in elementary school!! (Wouldn't it be fun to be a kid again?) Two of them include Everyday is Thanksgiving and Turkey Dinner Dance!! :) The songs are definitely silly, but catchy at the same time!! I have a feeling I might be sharing some of those with my little siblings this year!! :)

Also, really quick reminder before I forget, don't forget to catch the 2009 American Music Awards, tomorrow night (November 22)...check http://www.tvguide.com/ for local channels and time listings!! A lot of your favorite stars and celebs will be there, including Taylor Swift, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Jay Z, and more!! Find out which star will take home the awards!! I hear Taylor Swift is up for quite a bit :)

Another quick reminder, don't forget to catch Keke Palmer, Mitchel Musso, Katharine McPhee, Tiffany Thorton, Jay Sean, Boys Like Girls, and much, much more on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!! The parade will air Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, at 9AM (CHECK YOUR LOCAL TIME LISTINGS AND CHANNELS!!!)!! I've watched the parade in the past with my family...you won't want to miss it!! :)

Alrighty, that's all for now friends. Have a safe and fun Thanksgiving with your family!! Eat lots of turkey!! :)

-Labanya

One Pimple is One Too Many - Music

Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul. - Anonymous

Music. One of the few things on earth that can connect people instantly.
What do you think of music?
What are your some of favorite bands/singers/songs?

Donna (@teddy_dunn) says her favorite song is Morning Light by Truman because:
it's so inspiring to me... it talks about how she thought her life was horrible, but now she's on top of the world...

@IsabellaAnna says she doesn't have a favorite song. When asked why she says:
I can't pinpoint a song that's my favorite just because there's so many great songs out there. They mean something different to me at different times.

Jen (@jeng2008 - & one of our column writers) says:
music defines my life. having me choose my favorite song is like asking me to pick my favorite sibling, it can't be done. i could come up with a few good choices, but just one, near impossible.

my favorite song ever would probably be "i want you to want me". i think the first time i heard it was when i first saw "10 things i hate about you"...the original with heath ledger & julia stiles...there's something about the lyrics that are just so raw, and, in my opinion, what ever girl thinks when she has a crush on a guy

I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I'd love you to love me
And I'm begging you to beg me

I want you to want me
I need you to need me
And I'd love you to love me
in John Tucker Must Die, Kate (Brittany Snow) says (paraphrased) "why can't love be like an old pop song? "i want you to want me"...that's it..." or something along those lines, it's been awhile since i've seen the movie...it's just one of those songs that every time you hear it, you grab your hairbrush & belt out the lyrics...or at least i do. :P

favorite song right now? this is the hardest to answer because i like soooo many different songs. anything that inspires you to make a difference or be a better person is what i would say. i think that's why i like the song "Send it On" so much.(My note: Send it On is by the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato & Selena Gomez) if you really listen to it & take apart the lyrics, there's so much meaning to the song. be a better person, create a better planet...the possibilities are endless...it's like a Pay It Forward program...one act of kindness can become 2 & 2 becomes 4...all the way down the line until the one little thing that you did has created a movement without even trying...

~ ~ ~
I asked Labanya (@lalalabanya - our resident music expert) 1. Who do you think is the most popular band/singer in 2009? 2. What band/singers would you say have been the most influential and have the most staying power? 3. What traits would you say that gives them that staying power? 4. What are some of your favorite bands? 5. What is your favorite song and why?
Here's what she had to say:
Hmm..most popular band/singer. I don't know if I could choose just one. Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, and Jonas Brothers (of course :P), Coldplay are doing really well right now. I do think that all having staying power, if they play their cards right. Black Eyed Peas is another one. Most influential-again, JB, Miley Cyrus, in some ways, Demi. I think they're influential because the songs they write, a lot of people can relate to and a lot of the lyrics definitely help some get through their day, just by listening to a particular song. Jordin Sparks is someone who I can definitely has staying power. The lyrics in her songs are relatable to teens/tweens.A lot of artists also have nice personalities so, I think people can look at them, not only as an artist, but also as a friend or just someone who can empathize. Favorite bands: JB (:P, music is extremely catchy and I love their lyrics), Honor Society (same reasons), Jordin & Demi (I can definitely relate to their music), Green Day (again, relatable lyrics), Carrie Underwood, Paramore, Shakira. I'm a dancer, so I guess you could say any artists who have catchy music catch my eye lol. Favorite song? Wow, that's difficult. Um. I really love Let it Rain-Jordin Sparks. The message is beautiful...basically, don't be afraid to say what you mean and let it all out <3. Another one The Climb-Miley Cyrus. Again, I love the message. And 1 more, Black Keys. That one definitely helps me get through my toughest days and sometimes, I almost feel like it was written for me.


Personally,
My favorite band is Switchfoot. They're one of the few bands that I will purchase the entire album without having listened to any of the songs before. However, my favorite song is Fix You by Coldplay. (It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful, touching songs I've ever heard. If you've never heard it before, take a listen) I couldn't possibly name all of the bands that I consider amazing (or the songs) but usually what I'm listening to now can be found on my blog's playlist.

What does music mean to you? What are some of your favorite bands/artists? How about the questions I asked Labanya? What would your have been?

Remember:
The music is all around you, all you have to do is listen. - August Rush

Have a happy Monday,

Ariel