I have never met anyone who doesn’t like music. Then again, I haven’t spent time with Amish folks, Quakers or even Buddhist monks. But I suspect that even those people like to get down from time to time. Now, I don’t come a very musical family. None of my family were ever in a band or played an instrument. A few of us were in chorus when we were in elementary school, but anyone could be in chorus in elementary school. I think there was a mute kid in mine. But, I do remember my dad’s record player sitting in the den for many of my younger years. I remember loving Michael Jackson’s Thriller album on vinyl. I’d make my parents play it every single day. I remember hearing anyone from Earth Wind and Fire to AC/DC growing up. So, I guess that we were a musical family, just don’t confuse us with the Partridge Family or any other weird cult-like families with enough children to field a football team. My parents had three sons and our musical tastes go in a million different directions that rarely intersect. I’ve branched out over the years and tried to expand my musical horizons. With that said, here are five of my favorite artists to listen to and an album or two of theirs that are worth your ears’ time.
Marc Broussard – Growing up, I never listened to anything like him. My early years were full of Michael Jackson and other radio pop music. Marc Broussard is a Louisiana native with the drawl of a southern good old (creole) boy. His music is nothing if it’s not soulful. He oozes funk, grit, and downright soul that you can feel all the way through your body. His voice is grainy and strong, and it just pulls you in. He is the son of a blues legend, Ted Broussard, and his music carries on the family name with vigor. He has five full-length albums (four of all original music) and scattered EPs. With a mix of heartfelt ballads and funky feel-good music, there is more than enough Broussard to go around. First song you have to hear is his quintessential song, “Home” off his album, Carencro. I recommend getting all the albums just because I love him so much, but Keep Coming Back is my favorite album of his. Every album has great tunes, but this one is the most soulful, the most complete. www.marcbroussard.com
Cartel – This is probably my favorite band and they are a long way off of Marc Broussard. The only thing they have in common is their southern upbringing. The similarities stop there. Cartel is a pop rock band from Conyers, Georgia. Lead singer, Will Pugh, has one of the best vocals for a pop rock band and is HIGHLY underestimated and underrated. The songs range from powerful and catchy to inspiring and deep. The lyrics are some of the best I’ve ever come across. Their first album, Chroma, put them on the map and since then they’ve kinda flown under the radar. If you’ve heard a song of theirs, it would be “Honestly” off their debut album. Their most recent album, Cycles, is my favorite of theirs, but I probably stand in the minority with that assessment. Check out, “Let’s Go” and it’ll give you a taste of what kind of music they make. Hopefully you’ll wanna come back for more. www.facebook.com/cartel or www.cartelrocks.com.
Michael Buble – By now, you’ve probably heard of him. Over the last 6 years, he’s made a meteoric rise to super-stardom. Though, I remember listening to him before a single soul had heard of him. He is, at heart, a crooner, the likes of which haven’t been seen since Frank Sinatra. People who bring up Harry Connick Jr, either haven’t listened to Michael Buble or they’re deaf. He makes HCJ look like an elementary school chorus singer. His first album, simply titled Michael Buble, was the only album I listened to for about 5 months at the beginning of 2005. I randomly asked for the CD for Christmas 2004 and it instantly became one of my all-time favorites. His entire first album consists of cover songs, but he doesn’t just cover crooner songs. He covers Van Morrison, George Michael, and even the Bee Gees. His latest album, Crazy Love, is an array of musical tastes, showcasing the liberties that his career has allowed him to take over the last few years. The song that you’d probably recognize off of it is “Haven’t Met You Yet.” Also, check out Call Me Irresponsible and the hit “Everything.” I recommend that song because it’s my wedding song. Shameless plug, I know. www.michaelbuble.com
Josh Groban – So far I’ve touched on soul music, pop rock, and jazz/crooner. The trend across the musical spectrum continues with Josh Groban. No doubt you’ve heard of him, and most likely, heard some of his songs. When he burst on the scene some 10 years ago, everyone took notice. People wondered how such a powerful classical voice could come from someone who looked like that. He’s a skinny, mop-topped kid with a voice that rivals Andrea Boccelli. Since then, he’s continued his musical journey with every album he’s made. He has started writing his own music and considering many of his songs are in other languages, it’s a true testament to how great of a musician he is. My favorite album of his is Closer. Overall, for me, it’s the best overall album. His newest album, Illuminations, came out last year and continues the trend of stellar classical music. www.joshgroban.com
Adele – Naturally, you’ve heard of her. Everyone in the world has heard of her. A few years ago when, at 19 years old, she came out with her debut album, aptly titled 19, people didn’t really take much notice. People compared her to Amy Winehouse strictly because she was a white soul singer from Britain. The comparisons, for me, should stop there. She is worlds better than Amy Winehouse could ever dream to be. As 19 started gaining some steam behind several appearances on late night US television, and some of her songs being featured in hit TV shows (Grey’s Anatomy), people started talking more and more. Soon she had won two Grammy’s and everyone wanted to hear what the talk was all about. Earlier this year, she released 21 and the album doesn’t miss a beat. “Rolling in the Deep” was an instant #1 hit and her album is already on its way to being certified platinum, over and over again. Some of my favorite tracks of hers are “Set Fire to the Rain,” “Right as Rain,” “Rolling in the Deep,” and “Hometown Glory.” I was lucky enough to see her live at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. last month. She is, by far, the best live singer I’ve ever seen. It’s powerful and effortless. Definitely one of my favorite artists. And, she’s only 23. www.adele.tv
There are so many other artists that I could spend all day talking about, but these are five of my favorite. Hit me up on Twitter (www.twitter.com/jasdunham) and we can talk about more music, or anything else you fancy. Hope you enjoy. Cheers.
