Shontelle and The Green Mile
Today I have some music for you by an artist that was more of a one hit wonder, but her song has taken on such an incredible life of its own. Shontelle is a singer out of Barbados and made waves through the popular music market with this single. Not only did this song become a hit in the United States, but it took off and made and incredibly huge impression on Europe.
Now many people this song is actually by James Arthur. While I gladly acknowledge that the man is an incredible singer, one of the greatest I have heard to come from a show like The X Factor, this is not actually his song. But since that is the version that most people are familiar with, I wanted to take the time to talk about the original song- the song that became a worldwide sensation because of two different artists.
Shontelle's original song is one that is rife with heartbreak and pain. And it is a different kind of pain that we hear in this original version than any other cover. This is a song that is meant for heart broken people. It is meant to be a song about being down and finding that glimmer of hope. From the lyrical content to the music video, we get a story about finding strength after being left with a heart in pieces. And I cannot say that songs like this are uncommon. Let's be real, some of the greatest songs in history involve the idea of being left broken hearted and alone, songs about what it is like to have lost the one you love and how to get back to normalcy. But what I love about this song, is that Shontelle talks about finding the strength within herself. That is something we don't necessarily hear very often in these songs of heartbreak and loss.
The lyrics are performed with gorgeous vocals that speak with vulnerability and poignancy. Shontelle gives us a very strong R&B vocal performance without overdoing any of the notes or harmonies. Often times, artists can go a bit overboard on the trills, falsettos, glissandos, etc. when becoming impassioned by a song. But Shontelle gives us exactly what we need to hear- something that is down to earth while still being filled with passion and longing that accompanies a song like this. Shontelle fills the song with overlapping harmonies as well as the main melody. What I really like about the way she delivers the verses is that she doesn't try to outdo herself. Many of the harmonies that are layered on top of the main melody are at a pitch that is lower than the main line. This lets us focus on the song more and creates a warmer but more vulnerable sound. It makes the song have a heartfelt sound and gives a maturity which is unparalleled. The emotional lines that make up the song create this buildup of energy which crescendos into the realization of strength and the ability to put yourself together. Shontelle's voice does an incredible job of telling this story of break up, something which must be admired.
This song has an anthemic vibe to it, the release of a broken heart. And that anthemic feel comes from the production of the song. The song is all about building up to an explosion of emotion and sound, starting from the softest piano line to a grand finale of incredible vocals and bright instrumentation. The song makes use of a piano melody and acoustic guitar accompaniment to create a vulnerable sound, recording the actual pain and anger and frustration. As the song progresses, the drum beat and synth evolve into a magnificent soundscape illustrating the release and letting go of something so hurtful. The midtempo pace and soulful vocals come together to paint a poignant image of a breakup. It's clear to see why this song was an absolute hit and why it has been covered many times. Shontelle delivers a majestic performance on this track and though I am not familiar with the rest of her work, her talent shines so clearly.
Today's instrumental song is another one of heartbreak. This song is heart breaking for another reason entirely. The Green Mile is a film that is so incredibly moving because of the sheer humanity presented in the film. Often times, we get lost in what the magic of movies can show us, and forget to look beyond at the raw humanity which can be perceived through film. The reflection of what we deem to be right and wrong, moral and ethical, the emotions which drive our decisions. This is definitely a sad but somewhat uplifting film, and of course, the score also reflects that. The piece is a beautiful and haunting piano driven melody, surrounded by a cushion of enchanting violins and strings. Rather than being just a piece that tugs at the heartstrings, it is also a composition which allows us to revel in some kind of enchantment and magic. Even if just slightly so, we get a moment of bliss. And that is what makes this piece so wonderful. That exploration of emotions and thoughts which we so rarely take a look at. Thomas Newman delivers yet another gorgeously composed piece, and it is one that will definitely make yo stop and listen. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!
Now many people this song is actually by James Arthur. While I gladly acknowledge that the man is an incredible singer, one of the greatest I have heard to come from a show like The X Factor, this is not actually his song. But since that is the version that most people are familiar with, I wanted to take the time to talk about the original song- the song that became a worldwide sensation because of two different artists.
Shontelle's original song is one that is rife with heartbreak and pain. And it is a different kind of pain that we hear in this original version than any other cover. This is a song that is meant for heart broken people. It is meant to be a song about being down and finding that glimmer of hope. From the lyrical content to the music video, we get a story about finding strength after being left with a heart in pieces. And I cannot say that songs like this are uncommon. Let's be real, some of the greatest songs in history involve the idea of being left broken hearted and alone, songs about what it is like to have lost the one you love and how to get back to normalcy. But what I love about this song, is that Shontelle talks about finding the strength within herself. That is something we don't necessarily hear very often in these songs of heartbreak and loss.
The lyrics are performed with gorgeous vocals that speak with vulnerability and poignancy. Shontelle gives us a very strong R&B vocal performance without overdoing any of the notes or harmonies. Often times, artists can go a bit overboard on the trills, falsettos, glissandos, etc. when becoming impassioned by a song. But Shontelle gives us exactly what we need to hear- something that is down to earth while still being filled with passion and longing that accompanies a song like this. Shontelle fills the song with overlapping harmonies as well as the main melody. What I really like about the way she delivers the verses is that she doesn't try to outdo herself. Many of the harmonies that are layered on top of the main melody are at a pitch that is lower than the main line. This lets us focus on the song more and creates a warmer but more vulnerable sound. It makes the song have a heartfelt sound and gives a maturity which is unparalleled. The emotional lines that make up the song create this buildup of energy which crescendos into the realization of strength and the ability to put yourself together. Shontelle's voice does an incredible job of telling this story of break up, something which must be admired.
This song has an anthemic vibe to it, the release of a broken heart. And that anthemic feel comes from the production of the song. The song is all about building up to an explosion of emotion and sound, starting from the softest piano line to a grand finale of incredible vocals and bright instrumentation. The song makes use of a piano melody and acoustic guitar accompaniment to create a vulnerable sound, recording the actual pain and anger and frustration. As the song progresses, the drum beat and synth evolve into a magnificent soundscape illustrating the release and letting go of something so hurtful. The midtempo pace and soulful vocals come together to paint a poignant image of a breakup. It's clear to see why this song was an absolute hit and why it has been covered many times. Shontelle delivers a majestic performance on this track and though I am not familiar with the rest of her work, her talent shines so clearly.
Today's instrumental song is another one of heartbreak. This song is heart breaking for another reason entirely. The Green Mile is a film that is so incredibly moving because of the sheer humanity presented in the film. Often times, we get lost in what the magic of movies can show us, and forget to look beyond at the raw humanity which can be perceived through film. The reflection of what we deem to be right and wrong, moral and ethical, the emotions which drive our decisions. This is definitely a sad but somewhat uplifting film, and of course, the score also reflects that. The piece is a beautiful and haunting piano driven melody, surrounded by a cushion of enchanting violins and strings. Rather than being just a piece that tugs at the heartstrings, it is also a composition which allows us to revel in some kind of enchantment and magic. Even if just slightly so, we get a moment of bliss. And that is what makes this piece so wonderful. That exploration of emotions and thoughts which we so rarely take a look at. Thomas Newman delivers yet another gorgeously composed piece, and it is one that will definitely make yo stop and listen. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!
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