Favorite Songs of 2019

2019 was a big year for music. Rock, pop, hip-hop and R&B all had their big moments in the spotlight. Billie Eilish and Lizzo bolted onto the scene with incredible, unique takes on what popular music could be. Taylor Swift, Eilish, Post Malone and more dominated the airwaves and the charts. Genres intersected to come up with some interesting and groundbreaking collaborations.

There have been some great songs to come out of this prosperous year in music. With 2019 almost at its end, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of our favorite tunes. Here are nine (and a bunch more) that made us think and feel this year.

1.       Vampire Weekend, “Harmony Hall”: Vampire Weekend made their big return this year, releasing an amazing album of alt-rock hits. I love the 90s-meets-current style the band has cultivated on the album, mixing in fun melodies with serious, thought-provoking lyrics. “Harmony Hall” is on another level though. Its mix of 90s melody, 70s flower-power and modern day worry. It’s upbeat and contemplative at the same time and political without being overtly political. (video)

2.       AJR, “Dear Winter”: AJR had another great year in 2019, releasing ‘Neotheater’ in the second quarter of the year. While “100 Bad Days” is a standout single with a big sound, I’m going to go with “Dear Winter” as one of my favorites. The vulnerability in Jack Met’s voice and words as he sings to his future child is palpable. You sympathize with how in his head he is and the loneliness he feels and how excited he is to one day have kids. It’s an emotional song and you’re there for every moment of it.  (video)

3.       Finneas, “I Lost A Friend”: Not just the producer of sister Billie Eilish’s music, Finneas put out some fantastic music of his own this year. “I Lost A Friend” is a minimalist, piano & snare-driven track is well-written and brimming with emotion. With every plunked note and vocal strain you hear his pain as he sings about having a falling out with his friend. (video)

4.       The Highwomen, “Redesigning Women”: Girl power was prevalent in country music in 2019, and no supergroup encompasses that more than The Highwomen and their debut single “Redesigning Women.” The quartet of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires joined together this year as an answer to the Highwaymen. “Redesigning Women” is an anthem for hardworking women everywhere who break the mold, acting as both homemaker and breadwinner and then some. (video)

5.       Ice Nine Kills, “IT Is The End”: After seeing the video for “IT Is The End,” I was hooked on the creativity that is Ice Nine Kills’ music. The song, as well as the video, is based off the film ‘IT,’ and does a really good job of retelling the film’s plot in an interesting and entertaining way. (video)

6.       Lizzo feat. Missy Elliott, “Tempo”: While many are putting “Juice” or “Truth Hurts” on their year-end lists, I’m going with the Lizzo song that first caught my ear, “Tempo.” What made it for me was the beat, pacing and the body positivity of the lyrics. I also enjoyed Missy Elliott’s appearance on the song because both artists’ styles meld so well together. This generation needs a Missy Elliott and Lizzo is her. (video)

7.       NF, “The Search”: Music about mental health has been a big theme in 2019 as the stigma and curtain hiding it has started to lift. NF’s “The Search” confronts the effects of anxiety and OCD head on in beautifully crafted verse. He’s candid about his struggles and what he’s feeling, giving listeners an outlet to feel less alone with their thoughts. (video)

8.       Ozzy Osbourne, “Under The Graveyard”: This year brought the return of the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Despite having to postpone his farewell tour due to a string of injuries, the former Black Sabbath frontman released his first new music in a decade this year. His first single, “Under The Graveyard” proves that he hasn’t lost his edge. The song features Osbourne’s characteristic haunting vocals and instrumental-heavy melody, as well as contemplative, dark lyrics that take inspiration from his life. (video)

9.       Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”: Despite not having featured Billie Eilish’s breakout track on any of my previous weekly lists, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include “Bad Guy” on this year-end one. Usually songs with whisper-sung vocals don’t go as viral as this track, especially ones where the vocal is just so creepy (sorry, it just is). Then you also have the upbeat, zany bridge, which is completely different from the rest of the song (“duh”). This eclecticism is what makes “Bad Guy” one of 2019’s standout tracks, whether you’re sick of hearing it or not. (video)

Further Listening:

·         I Prevail, “Hurricane”: (video)

·         Waterparks, “Turbulent”: (video)

·         Charly Bliss, “Capacity”: (video)

·         The Avett Brothers, “High Steppin’”: (video)

·         Frank Turner, “Don’t Worry”: (video)

·         Meg & Dia, “American Spirit”: (video)

·         Set It Off, “Dancing With The Devil”: (video)

·         The Darkness, “Rock and Roll Deserves to Die”: (video)

·         We The Kings, “Turn It Up”: (video)

·         Simple Plan feat. State Champs & We The Kings, “Where I Belong”: (video)

·         Mumford & Sons, “Beloved”: (video)

As 2019 comes to a close, it’s compelling to take a look back at the year that was, including the music that brought us so much joy over the last 12 months. Check out some of our favorites in the list above and let us know what some of your favorite songs from the past year were in the comments below.

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Celebrate music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out: (December 15-21, 2019)

As we get into the holiday season, there may be fewer new tracks to cull from, but there have still been some great new songs and music videos that hit the internet this past week. That includes new releases from the likes of Wayne Brady, Pentatonix, Ozzy Osbourne and more.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the week’s best new songs and music videos. Here are five that we think are worth checking out this weekend.

1.       Wayne Brady, “Flirtin’ With Forever”: [Spoiler Alert] Following his win on the second season of ‘The Masked Singer,’ Wayne Brady released a new single. “Flirtin’ With Forever” shows off Brady’s smooth R&B vocals in a fun, swoon-worty way. His classic style is easy to listen to and makes you want to groove along. (video)

2.       Pentatonix, “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch”: Pentatonix’s cover of ‘The Grinch’ favorite “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” is anything but classic. The acapella group shows off their newest member’s soulful vocals here,  jazzing up the song’s vile descriptions of the Grinch with a knowing smirk and a grace the original (or the character) doesn’t have. (video)

3.       Ozzy Osbourne, “Under the Graveyard”: Ozzy Osbourne released an official video for his track “Under the Graveyard” this week, getting very personal in the process. The video graphically tells the story of him and wife Sharon’s relationship and how she saved him from his drug addiction. It’s beautifully done and the power of their love comes through clearly. (video)

4.       Machine Gun Kelly, “Why Are You Here”: Machine Gun Kelly heads in a more rock direction with his latest single “Why Are You Here.” The song itself isn’t very different from his usual fare, as most of it is accompanied by a pop-punk melody to begin with. But there isn’t that much different about his sung vocals than his rapping, which makes it an easy transition. The song is also upbeat and catchy, which is sure to suck you in. (video)

5.       Front Bottoms, “Camouflage”: The Front Bottoms have released the first single from their upcoming, as-yet-untitled new album. “Camouflage” is a good mix of classic Front Bottoms and the band’s more recent sound. The speak-sung vocals, lyrics and phrasing of the verses are reminiscent of songs like “Beer,” while the hefty rock sound and instrumental melody is something the band has gotten into with their recent releases. They also add in short bits of The Talking Heads’ “Once In A Lifetime,” which is a great little sample and fits well with what the band is trying to do. (video)

Even with the holidays upon us, there were still some great new songs and music videos released this week. Check out some of our favorites and let us know what new tracks you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

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Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of different genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Happy Birthday Beyoncé: Her Nine Most Memorable Singles

On this day in 1981, Beyoncé Knowles was born, gracing the world with a talent that would define a generation of R&B and pop music. Regarded as one of the most powerful women in music today, her career continues to entertain and empower fans all over the world.

Getting her start with Destiny’s Child in the late 1990s, Beyoncé released four successful albums before breaking out on her own in the early 2000s. Over the last 15 years, she has been able to translate that success into a prolific solo career, releasing six solo studio albums and collaborating with the biggest names in music. Her most recent album, a collaboration between her and husband Jay-Z under the name The Carters called ‘Everything Is Love,’ debuted at number one upon its release earlier this year.

Not only has Beyoncé been a powerful force in music, but her music has had a powerful force on culture. Throughout her career, the singer has made it a point to release songs with empowering themes, especially when it comes to women’s rights and black culture.

In honor of Beyoncé’s 37^th birthday, Vinyl Bay777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of her most memorable singles. Here are nine that have left a lasting impact on music and culture as a whole.

1.       “Crazy In Love”: One of her first singles as a solo artist, “Crazy In Love” cemented Beyoncé as a force in pop music. The upbeat love song gave her her first solo number one in the US, outdoing her previous collaborative single with future husband Jay-Z, “03 Bonnie & Clyde.” It would also lead her debut album, ‘Dangerously In Love,’ to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. (video)

2.       “03 Bonnie & Clyde”: Speaking of “Bonnie & Clyde,” This track became the first non-Destiny’s Child track for Beyoncé to chart in the US and the start of a beautiful relationship between her and Jay-Z. Not only would they get married six years later, but the two would continue to collaborate, including on a full album as The Carters earlier this year. (video)

3.       “Irreplaceable”: A break-up song for the ages, “Irreplaceable” is as much about empowerment as it is about the kiss-off. After all, she is a strong women who can find herself another man easily. The song was another huge hit for the singer, hitting that number one spot in even more countries, proving that with her second album she was here to stay. (video)

4.       “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”: By 2008, Beyoncé was already known as a powerful woman in the music industry and hasn’t shied away from it in her music. But when she released “Single Ladies” that year, something had clicked within the cultural consciousness that really made a connection. The song ended up becoming her most well-known solo single by far and an anthem for women everywhere. “Single Ladies” went multi-platinum in multiple countries while the video sparked a dance craze that swept the world. (video)

5.       “Halo”: A true ballad, “Halo” showed a bit of vulnerability from the singer. It didn’t all have to be about asserting dominance, but being able to admit that a significant other can be your “saving grace.” Upon its release, the song was everywhere on pop and adult contemporary radio, becoming one of her biggest hits as well. (video)

6.       “Run the World (Girls)”: Picking up where “Single Ladies” left off, “Run The World” makes an even more blatant, bold statement for female empowerment. The song’s chant-like delivery made it more of a rallying cry, perhaps something you would hear at a political march. People are still putting the song’s title and message on t-shirts as an empowerment slogan, so its impact has lasted far beyond its time on the charts. (video)

7.       “Formation”: “Formation” isn’t as memorable as its cultural impact. From the moment she stepped out with her dancers as a guest at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2016, stealing the show with her provocative and attention grabbing performance, the world knew there was something at work. The boldness of the song mirrored the boldness of her last album, ‘Lemonade,’ which focused on her identity as a black woman and went in a much more political direction than anything she had released previously. (video)

8.        “Survivor”: Before hitting it big on her own, Beyoncé was serving up the empowerment anthems with her group Destiny’s Child. The title track and lead single from their third studio album, “Survivor” showed a level of confidence and strength in their lyrics that became a defining mantra for the group. (video)

9.       “Independent Women, Part I”: Originally written for the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ film in 2000, “Independent Women, Part I” became more than a soundtrack smash. The song’s chorus proudly states that the ladies of Destiny’s Child do not need to depend on anyone else for their success. Many found that message to be empowering, as it became one of the group’s longest-charting hits. (video)

Through her work with Destiny’s Child and her solo career, Beyoncé has been a tremendous force in the music industry for more than two decades. She has been able to inspire women of all races and creeds with her inimitable voice and empowering music. With a work ethic that pushes the boundaries of what pop music can be, Beyoncé’s music will continues to inspire more generations.

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Find music from Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child and more influential artists at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres that range from R&B and Hip-Hop to rock, pop, dance, jazz and everything in between. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul’s Most Iconic Songs

Yesterday, the world lost a musical icon. Aretha Franklin, known by many as the “Queen of Soul,” passed away at the age of 76. Reports over the last week claimed that the singer was gravely ill and in hospice care. The ultimate cause of death was deemed to be from pancreatic cancer, which Franklin had been battling for years.

Aretha Franklin has been releasing music for six decades, releasing more than 40 studio albums and continuing to work until the end. Her final album, 2017’s ‘A Brand New Me,’ found her singing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as they played orchestral versions of her biggest hits. Her sound ranged from soulful ballads to empowered R&B jams to praiseful gospel hymns, all with flawless vocals that made her one of the hardest artists to emulate.

In honor of Aretha Franklin’s memory, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of the Queen of Soul’s most iconic songs. Here are five that made her a household name.

1.       “Think”: An upbeat, funky, defiant song, “Think” delves into Franklin’s political side. The singer had been part of the civil rights movement throughout the 1960s, and her passion for the cause shows up in the song. Her repetition of the word “Freedom,” ascending the scale as she adds more and more bravado, is like a rallying call for more thoughtfulness and equality. (video)

2.       “Respect”: Franklin’s most iconic recording by far, her version of “Respect” injects a lot of attitude and power into the Otis Redding-penned song. Especially with her addition of spelling out the titular word, the song demands that she be heard and that she be respected as an equal to her partner. Because of this, her version is often used as an anthem for the feminist movement. (video)

3.       “Chain of Fools”: “Chain of Fools” shows off what Aretha Franklin could do with her voice. The vocals find her dipping into her gospel roots, bringing soul to this tune about loving someone who has been unfaithful. You can hear the anger bubbling up underneath in her performance with a delivery that is almost like a preacher giving a sermon to their congregation. (video)

4.       “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”: Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Franklin’s versatile vocals made this love song shine. Its lyrical brightness and pomp are very Broadway-esque and Franklin meets that with exploding passion and a sense of vulnerability. You can feel the happiness and joy in her voice, which is enough to make you smile just listening to it. The song has gone on to become one of the most covered songs ever, though no one can match up with Franklin’s original. (video)

5.       “Rock Steady”: “Rock Steady” once again took Franklin to new realms of music. Released at the beginning of the 1970s, the song is a straight-up funk jam with a fast cadence and delivery unlike anything she had released before. The song helped Franklin find a new audience in more dance-oriented music, a precursor to her upcoming time on the dance music chart. (video)

With more than 40 albums and almost as many top 10 hits, Aretha Franklin led a very prolific career in soul music. Her inimitable voice and words have captivated and inspired multiple generations of music fans. Even though the Queen of Soul has now passed on, her musical legacy will keep her around for generations to come.

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Find music from Aretha Franklin and more iconic artists at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.