James Arthur & Chasing Grace and Blood Diamond

Today I have some music for you by an artist that I fell in love with over YouTube. This is a guy who not only composes his own music, but is also able to create such incredible covers that they sound like original pieces by him. James Arthur won the X-Factor a few years ago, and I have seen so much progress in the way he sings since then. One of the things I love about his voice is how he is able to alternate between being raspier with a more soothing and vulnerable sound. And being able to effortlessly switch between the two kinds of vocals creates this beauty in the music that cannot be put into words. I can say though, that this is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in a long time, and this is most definitely my favorite song by James Arthur. This song has a wonderful back forth between James Arthur and lead singer of Chasing Grace. There is something a little haunting and magical about this song. There are these special moments in the song where you cannot help but get goosebumps. I think it comes from the way the background instrumentals sound. The song opens up with an eerily sweet piano, and then gives way to the gravelly voice of James Arthur. That piano coupled with a bass drum, which acts like the heartbeat of the song, gives the song an initial darkness. But this is not a heavy darkness, rather something that follows the lines of the beautiful darkness of a cloudy day. There is that overall darker undertone, but it is one that is soothing and acts more like a misty or foggy kind of day. It is a strange comparison, I know, but the way those cloudy days feel is exactly how this song sounds. I think another thing that adds so much life to this song, are the string instruments. The violins are given the chance to soar and sing their hearts out. The melodies created between the vocals and the strings gives the song gracefulness that cannot be produced by one or the other. Together, the strings and the vocals create this magic, this kind of sentimental intimacy. There is this moment when the vocals and instruments crescendo into this poignant strength and graceful harmonization. And that moment is when we really feel that warmth and beauty. It is that moment when we reach the crux of overwhelming hope. The rest of the song prior to this moment maintains those subtler but gloomier accompaniments. However, this breaking wave of emotion and sheer hope and fullness comes at that particular moment of crescendo. And that is what really completes the image of unimaginable and indescribable beauty.  This is the kind of song that definitely could be a tear jerker because of how it has the capability to make you think of those wonderfully intimate moments, those slight seconds when something as simple as a hug or looking into someone's eyes tells you how much they love you and how much you love them. The vocal layering in this song is absolutely angelic. At the beginning, James Arthur sings a majority of the song, providing the main melody lines. Chasing Grace comes in and harmonizes so brilliantly well that it creates this special kind of depth to the song. I mean the way Chasing Grace harmonizes is to die for. And then we get a little bit of a gospel style with the last main chorus. I love it when artists change it up in that way. It creates this romantic and almost film-esque feeling. It kind of reminds me of one of those movie scenes, when two lovers are separated after a long time, and then they find each other in the rain. This song just has so much meaning , whether it does or does not really remind you of anything. It is still a song that pulls at my heartstrings. I feel this song in my heart and soul, and I love that so much. Today's instrumental song is from the movie Blood Diamond. This movie is supposed to be absolutely incredible! I have yet to see it, but it seems like a film with a powerful story to tell, which is something I really appreciate. This score was written by James Newton Howard, a genius composer and wonderful artist. This song has this interesting intensity to it which is different from what most people generally consider "intense." This piece has a focus, and sense of determination and will power in it that shines through the entire piece. It is a masterfully composed piece and is one that you feel deep within yourself. Music like this is worth everything. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!