Welcome to the start of a new series!
Story Of Song brings you 15 songs each month handpicked by our Story Of Song team! With older tracks to provide that sense of nostalgia or a look into a different era musically; tracks in musical release limbo – not quite new, yet not quite old – but still hold a solid place in your heart and soul; and lastly, the newest of the new, songs that you can’t stop repeating, or probably hearing on the radio.
Enjoy, and we hope you either find some new favourite or rediscover some old ones.
1. “Dream, Baby, Dream” – Bruce Springsteen (2014)
The 2014 classic from Springsteen‘s album “High Hopes“, “Dream, Baby, Dream” is Bruce Springsteen‘s cover of electro-punk band Suicide‘s song, and currently has over 7.7 million global streams on Spotify.
2. “Both Sides Of A Smile” (feat. James Blake) – Dave, James Blake (2021)
A brilliant song from an equally brilliant album from British rapper Dave and “We’re All Alone In This Together“, his latest album that was released earlier this year. “Both Sides Of A Smile” is the ninth track on the album and sees a feature from British singer and songwriter James Blake. A must listen, along with the whole album.
3. “Sweater Weather” – The Neighbourhood (2013)
A song that was played over and over and over again in 2013, but yet it’s still a song that manages to make its way into playlists and favourites, even 8 years later. “Sweater Weather” from The Neighbourhood is a song that will make its way into your favourite repeat-over-and-over-again category.
4. “Wait a Minute!” – WILLOW (2015)
“Wait a Minute!”, the 13th track from singer and songwriter WILLOW and her 2015 album “ARDIPITHECUS“. The song is special, detailing a change of love over time and a catchy tune that you’ll have playing in your head for the rest of the day.
Find our story on the track here.
5. “Leave Before You Love Me” (with Jonas Brothers) – Marshmello, Jonas Brothers (2021)
A collaboration between American group Jonas Brothers and producer Marshmello that was a great musical segue-way into summer, with production catchy – what you come to expect with Marshmello – and lyrics about a reluctance to love and to open up, and a desire to leave before a relationship becomes serious.
Read our story about the song here.
6. “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix” – Elton John, Dua Lipa, PNAU (2021)“
A remix of 3 of British icon Elton John‘s singles, featuring British singer Dua Lipa, Australian trio PNAU created a remix that has been dominating charts globally for the past two weeks, despite its release in August 2021. A slow burner, but definitely one that will grow on you.
Read all about the song here.
7. “Don’t Shut Me Down” – ABBA (2021)
One of the two (yes, TWO) new singles that iconic pop group ABBA released “Don’t Shut Me Down” and its disco feel with motivational and uplifting lyrics ensure it will be another ABBA classic.
8. “Booster Seat” – Spacey Jane (2020)
From Australian band Spacey Jane, “Booster Seat” is the sixth track on their debut album “Sunlight“, which was released in 2020. “Booster Seat” sees metaphors to describe first experiences with anxiety and times of intense emotion. A beautiful, incredibly written song.
9. “LOYALTY.” FEAT. RIHANNA – Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna (2017)
A combo of artists that never fails to mesmerise – “LOYALTY.” is the sixth track from Kendrick Lamar and his 2017 album “DAMN.”, which was critically acclaimed by fans and music critics alike. Rihanna features on the track, with the pair speaking about the necessity to be completely honest in both platonic relationships and romantic. This, along with the rest of the “DAMN.” album is one of the best albums released in 2017.
10. “Mood Ring” – Lorde (2021)
Where to start with “Mood Ring“? From New Zealand singer and songwriter Lorde and her latest album “Solar Power“, “Mood Ring” pokes fun and satirically embraces a self-help culture of using crystals and using mood rings to dictate your own mood. Lorde‘s brilliant lyrics with the upbeat tune is a definite song to keep in mind when you need a lift.
Read about “Mood Ring” here.
11. “Sara Smile” – Daryl Hall & John Oates (1975)
A song that never fails to cheer anyone up. Upbeat, with uplifting lyrics and a guitar riff that never gets old, “Sara Smile” is a beautiful song from Daryl Hall & John Oates, and is best played on a Sunday or in the car.
12. “Streets” – Doja Cat (2019)
The song that took social media platform TikTok by storm, when it was remixed with iconic singer Paul Anka and his infamous song “Put Your Head On My Shoulder“. “Streets” is one of Doja Cat‘s most loved and played songs, really showcasing Doja Cat and her vocal talent, both falsetto and rapping.
13. “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” – Joji (2018)
A journey through heartbreak, self-realisation and growth, “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” is one of singer, songwriter and previous YouTube Joji‘s most loved releases, and for valid reason. Sonically and lyrically the song takes you back to a time of heartbreak and chaotic emotion, yet somehow leaving you hopeful at the end. A one of a kind.
14.”You’re A Song (That I Can’t Sing)” – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (1972)
From the 1972 album “Chameleon“, “You’re A Song (That I Can’t Sing) is a beautiful track from legend Franke Valli & The Four Seasons. A song about heartbreak, but Frankie Valli‘s voice makes it seem like a simple easy blip in life, with optimism tinged throughout the song.
15. “Little Girl Blue” – Janis Joplin (1969)
Originally written by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart for the 1935 musical “Jumbo“, but ended up being covered by many incredible singers throughout history – some being Nina Simone , Ella Fitzgerald, The Carpenters, Chet Baker, Louis Armstrong and many more. In Janis Joplin‘s version which appeared on her 1969 album “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!“, the lyrics were rearranged and the cover became well known and loved.
Find our Hall Of Fame Spotify playlist for September ’21 here.
