Music Mined

This song was written 37 years ago, in 1985. 

Good riddance, 2020.  Mined for: vocals, harmonies, beat

If you haven’t heard, the creator of last year’s biggest hit, Old Town Road, recently dropped a new single called Holiday accompanied by a highly produced music video. While getting mixed reviews thus far and failing to catch fire, we give that about a week before people catch on to what’s happening here. We are witnessing the ascent of Lil Nas X from “one-hit-wonder” to mega star status. This song and video make very clear that Lil Nas X is on the cutting edge of a new kind of music. He combines the catchiness of Justin Bieber with the marketing prowess of will.i.am. His ear for music that sounds good, his confidence, and his distinctiveness set him apart from any new star that we’ve seen since, well, Justin Bieber. We’ve seen him cross genres from country to pop to rap, showing just a glimpse of the range of creativity that this young artist possesses. Lil Nas X is no longer just a guy who made your kids favorite song. Santa Claus might be bumping this one while making deliveries on XMas Eve.  Mined for: creativity, catchiness, uniqueness, instrumental, lyrics, vocals 

Mined for: instrumental, feel-good, flow

Was there any question that “Juice” by Lizzo was going to be Music Mined’s 2019 Song of the Year? The song burst on the scene when Coldplay listed “Juice” on their periodic playlist shares, and it hit a peak in music history canon when it got the Barack Obama digital fist bump. This one is not just a snack, it’s the whole damn meal, and is here to stay forever. Mark it. 

Adjusting to a new album from an artist you love is not always easy. It's natural to feel unsatisfied that the "new stuff" just isn't as good as the old. In the case of Coldplay, the legendary band has set a bar so high, that it is nearly impossible to continue time and time again to deliver sounds that make you feel as good as their first major hit, Yellow, did. Their new album, Everyday Life, is somewhat of a departure from their normal route, tackling some pertinent social issues along the way, but the work still manages to deliver that unique Coldplay touch. In particular, Cry, Cry, Cry and  بنی آدم  are quintessential Coldplay, in that their melodies that just make you feel so good.    

R.I.P. Mac Miller. Gone too soon. 

Inaudible Melodies Gone Breakdown Sleep Through the Static Losing Keys Crying Shame

Ladies and gentlemen, we introduce to you the official jam of Summer 2018. Mined for: beat, vocals, originality  

The new Shaggy/Sting song, “Don’t Make Me Wait” reminded us about another Shaggy classic, “It Wasn’t Me.” It’s fair to say that Shaggy (and Sting) have aged quite well. Their new song is as good as you would expect of this power combo. Mined for: lyrics, vocals, rhythm, guitar, piano

The Roots and Bilal collaborate on this amazing piece called “It Ain’t Fair” for the “Detroit” soundtrack, performed live on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” A song like this is exactly what America needed during these uncertain times.  Mined for: lyrics, vocals, performance, instrumentalists, piano, oboe, strings, drums, trumpet 

Mined for: Classicness

Jay’s Z’s first music video in 6 years. Mined for: instrumental, flow, samples, video

Will we ever hear a more stirring performance of “America the Beautiful” than this one performed by Ray Charles before Game 2 of the 2001 World Series? This is the voice of America.  Mined for: vocals, piano

“All I Can Think About is You” is a nice return for Coldplay, back to their earlier style. The song starts out a bit slow, but does well in building to the crescendo of the track, which is well worth the wait, and overwhelmingly quenches the ears thirst. Bravo, Coldplay. Mined for: lyrics, vocals, percussion, bass, strings, piano, production

I got I got I got I got OPTIONS.  Mined for: Marley flavor