Come What May ... and ... I See The Light

People often seem surprised when finding out that actors and actresses can "carry a tune" but I'm never surprised by that!  I believe most everyone can sing decently, and with a little coaching and work, most people can sing very well.  It IS, however, a surprise when actors and actresses sing a song that becomes a huge favorite for me.  There are, thus far, only two such songs that "make the grade" for me.

Come What May (from Moulin Rouge)

 ... by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman

I See The Light (from Tangled)

 ... by Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore

To be fair, Mandy Moore is a singer turned actress turned singer, so she is in a different category, but the other three are clearly actors and an actress, but they all sing very well.  Nicole Kidman's voice is not very strong, but it is just as beautiful as she has been in most of her movies.  And the boys?  Ewan and Zachary?  They can seriously carry their own!  I saw Zachary perform on the Oscars and he sounded great!  And Ewan has done some Broadway stuff so you know he's good.

Come What May has a "we can overcome anything" sort of feeling to it, which is needed in any really strong relationship.  There are times when you almost have to shout your love and commitment and the slow build to that climax in this song is one of the best I have ever heard, movie-related or not!

I See The Light is perfect for a Disney movie, but as a stand alone song about perspectives being changed and new light being shed on how you see another person, it is even more amazing!  A duet, with minimal background sound, makes each note more important.  The harmony between tenor and alto parts is so beautiful that I literally cried the first time I heard the song (with my oldest daughter, in the movie theater).

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Fix You

I will NEVER forget the first time I heard this version of this song.  My wife had bought tickets to see SNC (Straight No Chaser) live here in Colorado Springs, CO.  Of course the concert itself was amazing, but most of it was high-energy and relatively loud.  Then all of a sudden, the singers formed a 3/4 circle and the lights dimmed.  A purple hue set the backdrop for a "change of pace."  In near darkness the group sang this song, at a much softer, slower, more reverent pace than anything else they had done that night.  It gave me CHILLS !!!

Fix You ... by Straight No Chaser

The original version of this song was written and performed by Coldplay, but this a capella version makes the words and music more beautiful in my humble opinion.  "I will try.  (Tears stream)  I will try.  (Down on your face)  I promise you (I will try) I will learn from my mistakes.  And I will fix you.  Lights will guide you home."

BONUS SONG:

Like A Prayer ... by SNC

I was still reveling in the amazing music of that night when I came across this version of the Madonna classic on the group's official website.  It totally changed my view of that song, with a similar choice to slow it down and emphasize the tune with more of a spiritual sound.  Just amazing!

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Beautiful Inside

This song was part of the soundtrack for a "mockumentary" on boy bands.  While the movie was entertaining in its oddity, the music from the film was actually very well done.  That said, none of the tracks were as ready to stand alone as this one.

Beautiful Inside ... by Sons of Provo

Obviously the group "Sons of Provo" doesn't really exist, but they did perform this simple, yet powerful song.  In the movie, the lead singer of this song is an "add-on" member of the group, so he is singing about his feelings of not belonging in the group.  But the true message of the song applies to ANYONE who feels "left behind," or "ignored ... and every word is wrong."

I know it's cheesy but we are all beautiful inside.

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Lead Me

My sister introduced me to this song.  Each time I hear it again I always think of that moment when I first heard it.  She was giving me a ride home after we had just completed a 5K race for charity.  We were just chatting (oddly enough about music on this CD she had made that we were listening to) when this song came on.

Lead Me ... by Sanctus Real

I was captivated!

This song sums up so well the pressures of being a husband, father, provider, leader, etc.  I often feel "alone" in my responsibilities.  I feel overwhelmed and unworthy of the blessings in my life.  My children are at the top of that list of blessings (along with my wife, of course) and I worry (more than anyone would ever guess)whether I am being the father they so richly deserve.

Thanks again Jaimee for introducing me to it!

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I'm Trying to be like Jesus

Welcome to my newest blog! What I say/write will be short (usually), but I will include links each day to a song that I enjoy listening to, which will also be a "Daily Theme Song" ... Hence the name of this blog!

Today's song is NOT my favorite tune from the a cappela group InsideOut, but it is one I really like that is already on YouTube! :)

I like the message of this children's hymn along with the melody and creative arrangement. I hope you enjoy it.

I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus ... By InsideOut

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