Song of the Day - Heaven - Brandi Carlile

The other day, someone pretty special shared this song with me, and even though I never loved Bryan Adams' original (they played it too much on the radio!), I really love this version.  Besides, it kind of fits my life these days...

Song of the Day - Hold My Hand - Jess Glynne

I'm just feeling happy today!

Song of the Day - I Wanna Know - Alesso, featuring Nico & Vinz

I've been hit by stars, 

a beauty you are, a beauty you are

Day turns into night, 

you light up my dark, 

you light up my dark

You're the one that I see waking up next to me

And I hope it's the same for you

But you play with my mind when you send me these signs

And I see other guys get 'em too

Swedish deejay/producer Alesso has been slowly gaining steam with his 2015 studio album Forever, and this newest single (from a forthcoming album?) with Am I Wrong singer-songwriters Nico & Vinz is arguably his best yet. It's a beautiful love song that totally belongs on mainstream radio and if you click play below and take a listen I am sure you will agree...

I wanna know, I wanna know

Hey-ey-ey, hey-ey-ey

Where do we go, where do we go

From hey-ey-ey, hey-ey-ey

Why are you keeping me on hold

Don't wanna leave this place alone

Is it a yes or is it no (ahwoo)

I wanna know, I wanna know

Hey-ey-ey, hey-ey-ey

A Wedding Song of the Day - La Vie En Rose - Grace Jones

Today is a very special day.  Today is the day that one of my very best friends finally gets to take a walk down that aisle to wed the man of her dreams and I couldn't be happier for her.  Laura Kim and I first met way back in 2003 when we were both hired by the same school district and from the moment we met, we were fast friends who have only grown closer over the years.

Over the past 12 years or so, LK and I have been through a lot together, seeing one another go through relationship triumphs and relationship woes and through it all we've always been there for one another.  For past several years, up until a little over a year ago, the two of us had been commiseratingly single until one day last spring when she met Robert.  

Now of course when a good friend meets someone new there's always a little skepticism about the new guy, and though I'd heard a lot about Robert over the next several months, I didn't get the chance to meet him until their engagement party this past spring.  At first, I simply thought he was a really nice guy...super nice, in fact, and I left that party feeling happy for my friend.  In the weeks and months since, I've had several opportunities to hang with Robert and I have to say that I genuinely like him even more and couldn't be happier for the two of them.

So the day has finally come and I am excited for my friend and her new hubby to be, and it wasn't difficult choosing a song to dedicate to them on their special day.  La Vie En Rose is a beautiful love song, made more beautiful that it is sung in French.  Madonna is actually performing it as a part of her setlist on the Rebel Heart Tour and she recently called it one of the best love songs ever written. I know the song from the version I am posting today, one that was originally performed by Grace Jones in the 70's.  Not only is the composition of the words beautiful, the music is a soothing, pulsating melody that calls to mind two lovers engaged in a synchronous tango of love.  Here's to Laura Kim and Robert...

   

Six Songs of Love and Devotion for Valentine's Day

Once upon a time, when I used to write for Associated Content and then Yahoo Voices, I penned a lot of pieces on music...surprise, right?  Anyway, one of the most popular types of articles I used to write there were what I like to call musical top ten lists. These articles were all about music appreciation, whether it be the songs or albums of one particular artist, and often they were tunes centered around a theme, such as a holiday.  Well, since today is Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share an amalgamation of a couple of pieces I've written on songs for lovers.  All of the songs contained here are perfect for a romantic evening with the one you love.  Check them out...

By Your Side – Sade

This is one of my all time favorite songs, and one that I've posted many times before.  This tune was mine and Joe's song and I vividly remember a magical and very romantic evening watching Sade perform this one under the stars at Jones Beach Theater.  The song soothes the soul and warms the heart and is the perfect backdrop to any romantic Valentine's Day date.  Take a listen...

I would dial the numbers

Just to listen to your breath

I would stand inside my hell

And hold the hand of death

You don't know how far I'd go

To ease this precious ache

You don't know how much I'd give

Or how much I can take

Just to reach you

Just to reach you

Oh to reach you…

Come to My Window – Melissa Etheridge

This classic is the ultimate heartfelt emotion expressed so beautifully by Melissa Etheridge and surely goes well with any lover's theme.  Check it out...

Never Too Much – Luther Vandross

Oh, my love

A thousand kisses from you is never too much

I just don't wanna stop

Oh, my love

A million days in your arms is never too much

I just don't wanna stop

This soulful classic by R&B crooner Luther Vandross speaks so wonderfully to those beautiful feelings you get when you're in love.  Take a listen...

  

 In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel 

Anyone who's ever seen the movie Say Anything will understand why this song is on my list of songs of love and devotion.  The track fits the budding love between Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) and Diane Court (Ione Skye) perfectly, and is a great addition to any list of love songs.  Check it out...

If tomorrow is a judgement day
And I'm standin' on the front line
And the Lord ask me what I did with my life
I will say I spent it with you

My Love is Your Love – Whitney Houston

The first time I heard this song was the remix version, which I loved, but once I listened to the original, the slow, steady beats backing these beautiful words had me hooked all over again  The tune has a spiritual feel to it and it simply moves me.  If you don't know it, take a listen below and let it move you too...

Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars

This is the most recent of the songs of love and devotion on this list, and it is my Valentine's Day Song of the Day today, so check that out here and add it to your list.  Just the Way You Are is a classic love song that’s sure to stick around for many Valentine’s Days to come and the lyrics are as beautiful as they get...

When I see your face

There's not a thing that I would change

Cause you're amazing

Just the way you are

And when you smile,

The whole world stops and stares for awhile

Cause girl you're amazing

Just the way you are

So there you have it, six great songs of love and devotion just in time for a nice soundtrack to your Valentine's Day.  Simply pair these up with your own favorites and you have the makings for a very romantic evening with your loved one.