Songs I Live By #003: These Words | Natasha Bedingfield

… This track to me is magic.

Determined not to be shaped into a music business pigeonhole, Bedingfield began recording material for her debut album that would label her as organic, different, and real. Frustrated with the constant pressure to produce a hit song, Natasha began to sing “I love you, I love you, I love you” over and over again. She was at her wit’s end and just wanted to say what she wanted to say in a simple way, without using all over the flowery words and juvenile confessions.

It’s highly relatable to my life, because I’m familiar with the pressures placed on an individual to write decent material. I actually used to call myself a decent writer; a songwriter in fact, but I eventually found myself trapped in years and years of writer’s block (mainly due to the fact that my freshman Journalism professor completely ruined my confidence in writing). I also found myself shriveling up or shying away from expressing what was on my heart or mind, because I found the task daunting. I honestly thought that nobody would understand.

These Words  is the lesson that taught me that when you want to express something you’re feeling, you simply need to get straight to the point. Nothing ever has to be complicated or twisted so far past the point of reality. Being concise makes life so much easier; feelings become weightless and free forming. It’s a grand form of living a better and healthy life, emotionally.

(Source: justinxavier)

Heart Skips a Beat | Olly Murs featuring Chiddy Bang

… One hundred percent infectious. I expect this to slam radio waves this summer.

(Source: )

Songs I Live By #002: Ordinary People | John Legend

… This is such a beautiful song.

According to John Legend, “The idea for the song is that relationships are difficult and the outcome uncertain. If a relationship is going to work, it will require compromise and, even then, it is not always going to end the way you want it to.”

But, to me, the song can also speak about life in general; not knowing which route to take or which path to follow, but understanding that you’re human; that life doesn’t always bring you good things. That’s the beauty of it: you don’t have all the answers. You just got to live and learn. 

(Source: justinxavier)

I’m going to start a series of posts that will be titled: Songs I Live By.

You guys probably think that I’m just one dimensional when it comes to music, but that’s simply not true. Yes, my love for music goes past the everyday, ordinary pop song. I’m motivated by music from all genres. Each and every single song that graces my ears happens to speak to me in a certain light.

Hopefully with this series, I can enlighten you guys on what inspires me, musically, and what songs have shaped and defined who I am to this day.

PS.
Don’t you worry. I’m still going to post the pop songs I like to bump and grind to.

(Source: justinxavier)

And sometimes I wonder:
why we care so much about the way we look,
and the way we talk,
and the way we act,
and the clothes we bought.
How much that cost?

Does it even really matter?
‘Cause life is an uphill battle.
We all trying to climb the same ol’ ladder.
We’re in the same boat with the same ol’ paddle.
Why so shallow?

I’m just asking…
What’s the pattern for the madness?
Everybody ain’t a number one draft pick. 
Most of us ain’t Hollywood actors.

But if it’s all for one and one for all,
then maybe one day we all can ball.
Do it one time for the underdogs.
Sincerely yours, from one of y’all.

(Source: justinxavier)

How We Do (Party) | Rita Ora (Live in London)

(Source: justinxavier)

… but, then again, I’m not sorry.

Everyone needs to watch and check out this up-and-coming artist.

http://rocnation.com/ritaora/

http://www.youtube.com/user/RitaOraVEVO

(Source: )

Hot Right Now | Rita Ora (Live in London)

(Source: justinxavier)

R.I.P. | Rita Ora (Live in London)

(Source: justinxavier)

Shine Ya Light | Rita Ora (Live in London)

(Source: )

Facemelt/Roc the Life | Rita Ora (Live in London)

(Source: justinxavier)

Starships | Nicki Minaj

… Thank you Baby Jesus in a manger! After countless months of anticipation, Nicki Minaj FINALLY released the video for Starships; the first single released off of her sophomore set Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. In my opinion, it was worth the wait. This video explores every ounce of the vibe given off by the single; from summer fun in the sun to hardcore electric beach party. My favorite part rolls around 2:50, where the clip climaxes as bonfires are set, flaming staffs are twirled, and body paint is tossed about. Nicki parties hard with her flock; jumping up and down, fist pumping, and dancing the night away. There’s no grand story line or deep, hidden meaning. Instead, the Harajuku Barbie simply offers up a good time. The Starships video isn’t exactly rocket science. It’s just fly — exactly how it was meant to be.

(Source: )

Out of My Mind | B.o.B featuring Nicki Minaj

… WHOOPS! It looks like B.o.B’s forthcoming album, Strange Clouds, got the accidental leak treatment, but I ain’t even mad because with the leak comes this dynamite track. Can I just say that Nicki’s verse slays everything that ever lived? I think I can, and I know I’m justified in saying so.

(Source: justinxavier)

Scream | Usher

… After slowing things down on the brilliantly sensual Climax, Usher is prepping the releasing of his next single, Scream; a Max Martin and Shellback helmed club banger, from his forthcoming album Looking For Myself. Reminiscent of his 2010 hit DJ Got Us Falling In Love, Scream rides a slow-building and preaches the importance of tonight and the dismissal of tomorrow. What do you think of Usher’s latest?

(Source: justinxavier)

Whistle | Flo Rida

… This man can do no wrong.

(Source: justinxavier)