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retroshu · 5 years

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Top 9 of 2019

To check out the Spotify Playlist clink on this link:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1nsaQF4MkHKWC2SZ2EYnaP?si=VokzrVvrTdqnZW76njsCwA

Honorable Mentions:

Unwritten (Pomplamoose)

This is totally not a 2019 written song, but it still was a Pomplamoose Jam session RECORDED song for 2019! This was on total repeat for me because of the awesome funk breakdown in the bridge. Have a listen and grooooooove.

While We're Young (Huey Lewis & The News)

Just recently released, I couldn’t help but check out what HL&TN had written and recorded after 20 years... and this new song does not disappoint with infectious hooks and catchy licks peppered throughout the song. Cheesy lyrics still feel just right: Now, here we are/Getting older/Wondering what we'll be/Life is short/Let's take advantage of/Every opportunity. Sad that the band had to cancel their long awaited tour because of Huey’s diagnosis of Ménière's disease. Looking forward to their new short album that will be released in the new year!

Jesus is King (Kanye West)

This album was definitely not on repeat for me, but it has such interesting songs and felt more like an experimental album than a fully-crafted “masterpiece”. I’m sure Closed on Sunday/You ma chick fil-a will be meme-able for a long time, but I do appreciate the subtle things on this album like Yeezy’s own evolving expression of faith and him reconnecting with some his other recording partners who became Christians. I do hope He gets discipled by the right people and keeps following Jesus the King in all spheres of his life 👍🏼🙏🏼

9. Miracle (Tauren Wells)

Wells is definitely seeking to be the CCM version of Michael Jackson and from the looks of it, and the polish of his production team, it certainly sounds that way! The lyrics aren't much to dig into, but MJ... would possibly be flattered.

8. King of Kings (Hillsong)

When I first heard this song, it went straight to my heart. As a worship pastor, I’ve always wanted to see Hillsong get deeper with their lyrics and the past decade they’ve been proving it. This song is straight GOSPEL. Not the “Jesus died for my sins” reduced view, but a fuller, wider, biblically whole gospel that is needed. Praise the Father, praise the Son/Praise the Spirit, three in one/God of glory, Majesty/Praise forever to the King of Kings.

7. Kids - MPLS Version (Ben Rector)

Ben Rector returns in 2019 with a live album and this Groove-tastic Studio Recorded Remix Album! Basically, this is BR x Cory Wong’s Band! If you like Vulfpeck and Cory Wong stuff, this remixed version at a live recording studio reinterprets last year’s Magic album with a Cory Wong edge! Start with this version of Kids and not bop your head or shake your knees. I dare ya!

6. Orphans (Coldplay)

This song first started as just a great bassline, but the more I delved into the lyrics, the more it always reveals the depth of lyrical creativity that Martin & Co seeks for. Their album was written for positivity insight of the “perceived negativity” in the world (in their words). Orphans has the two sides down pat, with Martin singing about bombs killing those who should just be able to have a normal Everyday Life... Of course there’s much interesting religious connotations with Chris Martin, but this song has just been fascinating to listen to... and the music is not bad too.

5. Outta My Head w/ John Mayer (Khaled)

Love song + Great hook + John Mayer solo = Hit.

4. I Guess I Just Feel Like (John Mayer)

I probably can’t hide my bias of JM fandom, and this song is just part of the journey. Mayer has been releasing singles more frequently instead of albums because he believes people consume songs more with this bite-sized medium. Though I did not enjoy his last single, Carry Me Away, this song which was released at the beginning of the year, has stuck around with me. This song which is soberingly written, has haunted me this past year, but I still hold on to hope... and the guitar solo that was recorded on a cheap Blues Jr was 👌🏼

3. Cruel Summer (Taylor Swift)

Yes, yes, yes... I can’t believe TayTay beat out JM this year, but I have to be truthful. I probably listened to this song & album more than any of JM’s 2019 songs (of course never more than his whole catalog which is on regular repeat). I also found TS’s songs The Man, I Think He Knows and You Need To Calm Down were all hits. Ultimately, Cruel Summer was the most catchiest and most listenable for the past summer.

2. Great Things (Shane & Shane)

When I first heard S&S’ version of Phil Wickham’s song... I was literally like 😮. This song has been a rallying cry for me this year and as our Christmas Band led this song on Christmas Day, I will also lead it to kick off the new year as well. This song isn’t to say that all we’ve seen has been “Great Things” from God every moment, every minute of our lives... but to trust that He has done great things, and have the faith that He WILL DO Great Things... even in the midst of the suffering and pain. You've been faithful through every storm/You'll be faithful forevermore/You have done great things/And I know You will do it again/For Your promise is "Yes and amen"/You will do great things/God, You do great things. I continue to put my trust and hope in Christ.

1. Motivational Music for the Syncopated Soul - Album (Cory Wong)

This whole album is just STINKIN’ AMAZING! Granted Cory Wong, Vulfpeck and Jam Band music isn’t for everybody... but if you haven’t listened to this album yet... STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND HAVE A LISTEN!

Standout Tracks:

Limited World - 1st track and just the epitome of a jam band, Cory Wong-style strat-sounding rubber-wrist-funk-flicks he’s known for!

Lunchtime - Best track on the album IMHO. The bass line by Sonny Thompson is so CRAZY that Cory can only shout “Sonny!” at the end! This song... is just straight up... INCREDIBLE.

Cosmic Sans - Not Comic Sans, but this song is so good it’s considered it’s own FONT! Featuring contributions by guitar prodigy Tom Misch, go have a listen to this wah-wah/funk track with an awesome breakdown at the end.

Today I’m Gonna Get Myself a Real Job - This is not a song on repeat, but hits so much of the “feels” with musical artists who have a hard time doing music as a living... Sigh, I wish I could...

Starting Line - Featuring Emily C. Browning is just a great song that highlights Cory’s brilliant guitar chops!

Look, all the songs are fantastic, Cory is just an amazing optimistic soul and we all need some funk & groove in our lives... so just go listen and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR YA FILTHY ANIMALS! 😁🙏🏼

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retroshu · 7 years

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Top 7 of 2017

This year has been a year of "dry" music listening for me. Even though I finally got Spotify this year and started listening to their song suggestions... I've still found myself most comfortable listening to funk, pop, acoustic groove stuff at the end of the day!

So without further ado, here is my Top 7 of 2017 (decided to lower it from 10... Because who listens to WHOLE albums that much anymore?)

7. Scary Pockets - Scary Pockets

This great little funk cover band BARELY made it into my top 7 narrowly beating out Foo Fighters and Calvin Harris’ 2017 albums! Re-imagined funk covers of modern hits like: “I Feel It Coming”. “Paris”, “Shape of You”, and much more make this worth checking out! There are some hits and misses here, but I’m sure there will be something everyone can enjoy.

6. Jamiroquai - Automaton

After 7 years in the shadows, the super funk and acid jazz band has re-surfaced with an album of futuristic proportions! It took me a while to get into this album, but in the end, I really started to get captured by songs like: “Cloud 9″, “Superfresh”, “Summer Girl” and yes even the minor key (with key change) title track, “Automaton”. Enjoy the sound of funk for the future!

5. Ed Sheeran - Divide (Deluxe)

The most famous singer-songwriter on the planet has created another best-selling album this year. Although I didn’t enjoy the majority of the songs like “Galway Girl”, but I still really liked a lot of it! I believe “Shape of You” was most played song of the year and its pop sensibilities deserved that award. Great songs include: “Castle on the Hill”, “What Do I Know”, “Dive”, and John Mayer guest-starring track, “How Would You Feel (Paean)”

4. U2 - Songs of Experience (Deluxe Edition)

How does the “Best Band on the Planet” follow up the album they made every iTunes user download their last album whether they wanted to or not? They put out an album that tries to further evolve and modernize their (already) eclectic sound. After being ABSOLUTELY ROCKED at their Joshua Tree album, it was quite refreshing to listen to this (whole) album on long commutes. Songs on repeat: “Lights of Home - St. Peter’s String Version)”, “The Blackout”, “You’re The Best Thing About Me”, “Get Out of Your Own Way”.

3. Dave Barnes - Who Knew Vol. 1 EP

This EP that only recently released could not have come at a BETTER time. I needed some new music and Dave Barnes (ALMOST) always delivers! So glad he has returned to his funky, groovy, Motown-ish roots! If you dig my taste in music, you GOT to get DB’s latest album! I will probably evangelize his album whenever I can, and I even incepted my son, who now REALLY digs the first song on this ep album! Go check out “Runs in the Family”!

2. B. Reith - Heart On My Sleeve (Acoustic EP)

If you like acoustic pop of any nature, you GOTTA listen to B. Reith (now known as Brian Reith). Sorry there is no Spotify link, you can only listen to his music via iTunes or Apple Music. This is one of the best acoustic guitar groovy music arrangement of songs I’ve heard in a while, so do yourself a favor and GET THIS EP ALBUM! There‘s a reason it‘s #2 on my list!!!

Songs of the moment: “Roll With The Punches”, “Can‘t Stop Loving You”

1. John Mayer - The Search for Everything

Last but not least, the return of the master, the originator, the douche. the self-centered, ok... you get the picture. John Mayer has been SUPER polarizing as a person, but man... this man is a musical GENIUS! If you don’t believe me, listen to each song and tell me I’m crazy! This album has so much groove you will find yourself tapping along, wanted to sing with JM, “I still keep your shampoo in my shower, in case your want to wash your hair. And I know that you probably found yourself some more somewhere, but I do not really care, cause as long as it is there... I still feel like your man...” #absoluteGOLD

Anyways, do yourself a favor, BUY YOURSELF THIS ALBUM or stream it on Spotify! I GUARANTEE you will NOT be disappointed.

Standout Songs: SFLYM, In the Blood, Moving On and Getting Over, Rosie, Helpless, Changing... pretty much EVERY song on the record! ;) Even the “Theme from ‘The Search for Everything’” is my alarm clock ringtone to wake up!

Happy New Year and May God bless you all!

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retroshu · 8 years

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Laser Eye Pt. 3 - PRK Enhancement

So after almost a year after my LASIK surgery, I decided to do a “touch-up” laser surgery called “PRK” on my left eye.

As I mentioned in my 3-month follow to LASIK surgery, my left eye was still not “20/20″ and thus still SLIGHTLY blurry for the past year and I even had to get glasses again. And just to remind you all that I was explained by the surgeon and optometrist that I would likely not get full 20/20 vision in both eyes after LASIK because of my bad vision to begin with (around -0.8 in both eyes).

Anyways, so after the eye doctor gave me the ok from eye recovery from LASIK, she suggested I only “touch-up” the left eye because my right eye was basically great and had even improved since the last checkup. So yesterday (April 27), I had my follow-up procedure through PRK on my left eye. For those interested, here is my sharing:

As I walked back into the clinic (which I though I would be done visiting), I got myself ready again for the surgery This time: PRK.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a procedure in which the surface of the cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser. This process removes only 5-10% of the thickness of the cornea for mild to moderate myopia - about the thickness of 1 to 3 human hairs.

Shu Def’n: Cut off micro-piece of eye skin, shoot laser in, put a contact lens “band-aid” on top. Heal. Take off contact. Heal more. Hope for best.

Pre-Op

As I sat in the waiting room at TLCVision, I had to sign again another waiver form that was about 6 pages back and forth. Essentially signing my vision away just in case anything happened! (Losing sight, possibly losing sight, etc). Then I was brought into the deeper waiting area with a few of the patients and re-explained what the surgery would be like. This nurse especially did a better job than my last one to keep people at ease and relaxed. We each got a small blue bag with sunglasses and some drops. Then we were given a pill to relax us and the nurse put in drops and iodine to make sure our eyes were ready.

I was first to go in.

I saw the exact same doctor from last time and she reminded me I was doing PRK enhancement (enhancement means I have already done a laser eye procedure before) instead of LASIK because I had less corneal tissue to work with. Afterwards, I was told to put on a “lunch-lady” hat and shoe covers to hold up hair and limit dirt for cleanliness I assume.

Surgery

I went in, sat down, they covered my right eye, and started to work on the left eye. I looked at the blinking red light, they prepped my eye with more freezing drops, opened my eyes with a few devices (this was awkward feeling as it stretched my eyelids) and started with the first laser. They took off the first layer (pretty fast) and flushed some water. Then they shot the second laser and my vision started to improve. At some point, they put on the bandage contact (which is clear and has no prescription) and I didn’t even notice. The procedure was pretty much done in 5 minutes or so, I’m not embellishing.

Post-Op

My mom gave me a lift back and I wore my sunglasses all the way home. We picked up some prescribed pain killers (which I never got for my LASIK) took it and slept through most of the rest of the night with basically no pain.

NO PAIN. PRK’s got my vote!

Conclusion

Anyways, even though it’s only been one day since the surgery, I’m going to say that PRK > LASIK. After more research, I hear PRK may actually be the “safer” route to go statistically and procedurally. In my experience, the PRK procedure itself was faster, the healing process seems quicker, but of course it could be all skewed from the painkillers I received. I still need to take off the contact so we’ll see how it goes after that. Putting in drops has been easy and I feel pretty good even though my left eye is still blurry (it’s supposed to take a few weeks to heal and recover). I would never suggest anybody do laser eye surgery TWICE or even MORE, but I hope this will be the last time and my vision will be good enough to go glasses-free. I hope this brief post will help some people in their decision to go for laser-eye surgery or not!

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retroshu · 9 years

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My LASIK 3 month follow-up

So I haven’t written in a while, but I figured I’d post about my experience with LASIK 3 months in.

NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR

After the first few weeks of LASIK, even when I felt my eyes were pretty much “healed” (of course it takes much longer to fully heal), my left eye in particular was a bit blurry. I couldn’t quite see street signs or highway signs from a distance that well, but I kind of got used to it. I have to say I’m a LITTLE disappointed that I’m not seeing 20/20, but the doctors DID warn me my eyesight would PROBABLY regress since it was quite bad (-900L, -725R).

So after my 3 month post-op surgery follow up, TLCVision promises all their patients have a lifetime guarantee of “touch-up” surgeries if they want to do more laser eye to fix their vision. Of course there are a few conditions:

a) you have enough corneal tissue to do the surgery left

b) your eye is healthy

c) depends which surgery they can still recommend for you

My doctor told me since I don’t have enough corneal tissue after doing LASIK, I would have to do PRK (go to previous post about the difference laser eye surgeries) as a touch-up surgery. So I asked the her if I could do my touch up surgery sooner (this year) than later (next year)? She basically said it would take 6 months for my eyes to safely heal... so this year is NOT HAPPENING. Then she gave me a smaller prescription (-150L, -125R) for now if I wanted some glasses for a short while until my future touch up surgery.

NEXT STEPS

So now I have two options:

1) Don’t get glasses and do PRK early 2016 sometime and shoot for 20/20 (going through surgery again)

2) Get the light prescription glasses and not mess with my eyes again. I can honestly still see pretty well. A MILLION TIMES BETTER than pre-LASIK... but I do think I need my glasses for those times I need to focus visually more.

note: I spoke with older people who’ve had laser eye surgery before and they suggested I not get the surgery because some people with mild myopia (farsightedness) might be corrected when they experience Presbyopia (nearsightedness) that develops at around 40+ years. So I dunno... some people claim it works, some people say it’s a myth...

So for now I may stick with the 2nd option for now and consider if PRK will be for me for the future.

I hope my experience helps some people decide whether LASIK or laser eye is for them or not. PEACE!

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retroshu · 9 years

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My LASIK Experience

*Click, click, clickclickclickclickclickclick, click...*

This is my brief sharing about my experience with laser-eye surgery at TLC Vision at Yonge and Eglinton. Since this has been a moment in my life that I believe has been equally exciting and traumatizing, I thought it would be great to re-tell this story as both a source of horror, for some of you, and maybe a source of encouragement for those of you who are “on the fence” about getting it.

BACKGROUND:

I first got glasses in elementary school. Bottom line: Glasses suck. For me, glasses have been uncomfortable, terrible for sports and just plain annoying in general. Of course stylish glasses and contacts have been ok, but as I’ve passed 30, they are both still quite uncomfortable.

So what tipped me over the edge for LASIK? Well, I’ve heard a good number of stories from various friends and online testimonials. There were a LOT of GREAT results and some not so good results. Not to mention, someone messing with your eyes in general is downright SCARY to think about and process! Anyways, I finally decided to take the plunge after a few reasons added together here:

Many great personal testimonies + TLC Vision 1000$ discount + Teacher’s Benefit Reimbursement = Tipping Point.

Disclaimer: Honestly, if I was too scared, didn’t have enough funds saved up or if I had a lesser prescription (or too high of prescription), I would definitely not be considering this procedure. ANYWAYS, moving on!

PROCESS (Consultation):

I called TLC Vision at the recommendation of Ho-Ming (who got PRK there) and went for a consultation (also hoping to get a friends discount). This was LAST YEAR. After the consultation, they said although I had a high prescription and astigmatism, I had enough corneal tissue to do LASIK (instead of PRK).

my short definitions:

LASIK: chop a tiny flap from your eyes, shoot laser in, put flap back on and let it heal.

PRK: chop off completely a tiny flap from your eyes, shoot laser in it, put healing contact in for a while and let it heal.

Anyways, I was glad to do LASIK because I heard it heals faster, but the price was not quite right so I decided to hold off.

FAST FORWARD A YEAR, TLC Vision called me back and said they’d give me a 1000$ off... so... they essentially made me an offer I couldn’t refuse!

I went for my pre-surgery consultation appointment and they confirmed my eyes didn’t change since last year (stable vision) and that I was still a good candidate for LASIK. They said, no wearing contacts for two weeks before the surgery and left me to stew in my deep anxiety, waiting for that day I had agreed to let them chop some of my eye and shoot a laser beam into it!

PROCESS (Day of Procedure):

Taking two days off work, on the day of the surgery (1pm) I was pacing frenetically around my house, drinking a good amount of water (because I read you should be well hydrated from some reason). Then my moms came to pick me up, eat at a cha cha tang, and then we went to the clinic.

Waiting about 30 mins, I was then led to a room with two other patients and we were told how each of our procedures would work. Here’s my memory of what happened:

- Nurse taught us how to use our eye drops, seemed a little confusing at first, but then it made sense how to use them.

- We each got a “loot bag” of stuff like sunglasses, night spectacles to tape to our eyes so we wouldn’t accidentally touch our eyes.

- Then we were each given the option to take a “valium”-like pill to “take the edge off”, we each said yes.

- We were each given operating hoodie and footies to cover hair and feet and were given drops to prepare for surgery and iodine and stuff rubbed all around the skin around our eyes. We were told to close our eyes until it was our turn.

- The first two patients went first and all I could hear was clicking noises... I was reminded of a Star Trek: TNG episode where an alien species took a few of the crew, especially Riker, for experiments when they slept and all you could hear were click-clack noises... on a SURGICAL TABLE!

- Finally... my turn... I was brought in, and the doctor checked out my eyes. She said because I have such a high prescription, my eyes may regress in the next few years and I might need lighter prescription glasses later (totally understandable). I was then told kindly to sit on the surgical chair. They asked if I wanted to hold two stress balls in each hand which I graciously took.

- They put more drops in each eye and started to operate. Since I was doing Custom Bladeless LASIK, there would be first a Laser to create a flap. For each eye, they put a suction ring on the eye, one at a time, and then the laser creates the flap.�� The experience is SUPER awkward and scary as each time the suction comes on, YOUR VISION GOES DARK. YES, DARK. But each went by without a hitch (although you do feel quite a bit of pressure) and the vision returned.

- The LASER procedure itself you don’t really feel anything. You HEAR the click-clack sounds of the laser but you don’t feel much. I MADE SURE I followed every instruction they gave TO THE TEE because I didn’t want my vision to be impaired by any of my OWN stupid mistake :p

- For each eye, they pulled back the flap and shot the laser into it. You’re told to concentrate on the blinking light and as the laser hits you, the light becomes more “in focus” as the beam does its magic. For me, each eye took about a minute each (and they count to make sure you know there’s a finality to it all). Then they put the flap back, put some more drops in and... BOOM, DONE.

- FULL DISCLOSURE: during my 2nd eye (right one) they were trying to get some mucus strain out from my eye but the nurse couldn’t find the right tool to get it out for the doctor at first so that freaked me out a bit. Then at the end of the procedure, the doctor looks ONE MORE TIME to make sure the flap is in the right place and everything looks right. My doctor had to fix one more thing in my left eye, and then said “it looks PERFECT” and then sent me on my way.

Wearing my sunglasses, I felt pretty good, I could sort of see for the first time EVER without glasses... but then as the freezing drops wore off, it felt like little knives stabbing me in the eyes. As my mom drove me home, I closed my eyes the whole drive there, got to my room, put on my medicated drops and tried to sleep and take it easy the rest of the day. First day sucks PERIOD. I was tearing up all the time until I slept at night.

POST-LASIK (Day 2, Day 1 was surgery day BTW):

Next day, eyes felt ok. Still a little blurry but better than being practically blind! Eyes were pretty dry, I think from the steroid and healing drops. Anyways, I went to my first day post-op check-up at TLC and the two doctors I saw said my vision was substantially better and my right eye was pretty much 20/20 but my left eye (the worse one) was still gonna take time to become clearer. So they even said my vision was good enough to drive home... I didn’t think so, but I tried anyways... lol!

So I got home, I read online somewhere that the knife feeling in your eye is usually the eye healing itself... so I hoped that was the case. I sat mostly in my room in the dark and tried not to look at my phone. Just rested til some time with the wifey and son and just tried to follow our regular night routine. Then went to bed.

POST-LASIK (Day 3):

Went back to work. Got people making fun of me looking all douche-y with my sunglasses indoors. VISION IS GETTING CLEARER. Ho-Ming told me it took him like 4 months to stabilize his vision after getting PRK so I’m trying not to have TOO HIGH of immediate expectations. So there!

THANKS to HM, Kevin Cheung, Carol Wong, Randy Chinn and Pastor Calvin for essentially pushing me over the edge to get Laser Eye. Maybe I shouldn’t be thanking them because something messed up can still happen, haha! But anyways, I’m defintely thankful to have done this and ESPECIALLY grateful for my wife, Monica, for supporting me and changing her mind about this procedure... because she originally was TOTALLY against it because of price and just not wanting me to possibly go blind! ;)

Maybe I’ll post some updates in the future if people are interested? PEACE!

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retroshu · 11 years

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Bro sidehug! ;)

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retroshu · 11 years

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Top 10 Albums of 2013

Another year, another one of my top 10 albums of the year!

If you’re reading this, I guess you sorta care about what kind of music I like, influences me and becomes the soundtrack to my life :D

My Background/Context: I enjoy all types of music but I think most of all, I am fascinated by the “groove” of a song. Sometimes that term can be a vague description of some sort of rhythmic feeling, but I personally see GROOVE as — the heart of a song. I really believe it is the musical linchpin that makes a song “catchy”. So therefore, I’m pretty much drawn to what makes a “pop song” become “popular”! Genres I’m very interested in include: Church Worship Music, Funk, R&B, Neo-Soul & Acoustic Pop.

So without further ado, IMHO, here is are my top 10 albums of 2013:

10. Ariana Grande - Yours Truly

Ok, don’t shoot me. I can’t help that this girl has PIPES! I know not a lot of people may not agree, but I think AG sounds the closest to a young Mariah Carey since well… Mariah Carey! Even Katy Perry says this girl is the BEST female vocalists out there TODAY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN-DYb0q1-M)… high praise indeed! With Babyface producing half this album, it’s no wonder this album is super catchy! Anyways, I like how Grande’s music sounds like an updated version of Mariah’s stuff, that’s why many of her songs are repeated on my iPhone playlists!

Standout Songs: Right There (feat. Big Sean), Baby I, Honeymoon Avenue, The Way (Feat. Mac Miller)

9. Austin Stone Worship - King of Love

I’m a little impartial, but after going to the conference “Verge13”, I’ve become VERY keen on this worship band out of Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, TX (http://austinstone.org). Attending this conference has become a highlight in my ministry learning and the music was a wonderful surprise! Aaron Ivey took over as worship leader after Chris Tomlin left to concentrate on Passion Conferences and Church and I think their musical worship is a good hands! They have an awesome blog and conference for worship leaders (http://www.austinstoneworship.com) and their music is a rich blend of old hymns and new choruses. I especially enjoy their update of Graham Kendrick’s worship song, “Knowing You”, now called “No Greater Aim”. Anyways, check out this great worship album and their past album is still REALLY good too!

Standout Songs: Jesus is Better, No Greater Aim, Redeemed To Redeem (Feat. Propaganda)

8. Sara Bareilles - The Blessed Unrest

There is a reason so many of her songs have been played on the radio over and over and OVER again. Sara Bareilles is a fantastic artist and musician! The catchy piano and vocal arrangements on her songs stick in your mind long after they are over. Her lyrics have a fascinating perspective on relationships from a women’s perspective and I’m sure this helps her music relate to many! Anyways, on this new album, there is a lot more production and “digital beats and instruments” flair than her past albums. This doesn’t make it less appealing but to me, it seems like she’s trying to stay “up-to-date” with the current production trends. This album is an eclectic blend of a lot of pop/radio hits with deep, reflective songs which, I think, will cater to a wide audience.

Standout Songs: Brave, Chasing the Sun, Manhattan, Little Black Dress

7. Gungor - I Am Mountain

What can I say about Gungor? I’ve been following them back in the day when Michael Gungor was playing Doxology like Justin King! Moving from contemporary worship music to more eclectic musicianship, the now husband and wife duo (Lisa Gungor, who has her own fantastic jazzy album y'all should check out: http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,4220690,00.html) have released this fascinating Americana, Country Western, Electronic Fusion album. First off, definitely this won’t be the “pop” album that the general public will like, but they are definitely trying to breakthrough the stereotype of Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) and have even released this album not as Christian Music album, but in the “Alternative” genre category! Anyways, listening to this album a few times has been therapeutic for me and has even made me write a song or two myself in their similar style. If you want to try something DIFFERENT, this album is IT. It has some “indie” vibe ala Mumford and Sons and even has John Mayer’s current drummer, Aaron Sterling, on the album. So if you dig that kind of music. CHECK THIS OUT.

Standout Songs: I Am Mountain, Long Way off, Let it Go, God and Country, Finally

6. Phil Wickham - The Ascension

You want my choice for best worship album of the year? This is it! Phil Wickham has a pretty sizeable following and for good reason! He sings super high and has a “goldie” voice that is pretty unique in the Worship Music scene. His songs always has raw emotion mixed with modern beats. In my opinion, his lyrics, albeit simple, are not simplistic. Most of the songs on this album could be sung corporately on a Sunday morning and picked up fast. Here is a taste of a wonderful chorus from the song “When My Heart is Torn Asunder”:

"There is hope beyond the suffering, Joy beyond the tears. Peace in every tragedy, love that conquers fear. I have found redemption in the blood of Christ… My body might be dying, but I’ll always be alive!"

Beautiful music with beautiful words, this is definitely the worship album to check out of 2013!

Standout Songs: The Ascension, Holy Light, This is Amazing Grace, When My Heart Is Torn Asunder, Mercy

5. Matt Wertz - Heatwave

I have followed Matt Wertz’s career since early university when I was going through a breakup of my own and his music was of GREAT consolation to me at the time. Fastforward 10 years, he now has many albums under his belt and a new album in 2013. I’ve always appreciated Wertz’s music and he has definitely taken a gamble, but a very FUN gamble with this album! This youtube video preview of the album says it all…

This is a THROWBACK album to the music I grew up on… the 80s! You can hear touches of Bryan Adams, Richard Marx, Michael Jackson and the soft rock of the 80s… It’s borderline cheese… but SOOOO GOOD! The Michael-Jackson-Black-or-White “Last Good Girl” is such a good rip-off! The vibe of the whole album just brings me back to the 80s as per Wertz’s goal! Lastly, if you check out the album, you have to listen carefully to the words of the song, “Thing About Freedom”… Probably the deepest song I’ve heard all year.

Standout songs: Get To You, Last Good Girl, Whenever You Love Somebod, Loved By You, Thing About Freedom

4. Jonny Lang - Fight For My Soul

Out of nowhere I came across Jonny Lang’s new album! Most people said since he’s become a Christian he’s “sold out” his blues roots and has become too religious to make anything good… but I disagree. I like the fusion of gospel music and blues rock that he brings, and this album is a true testament to his evolving sound! I’m glad this album is not too overtly “Christian music” and not just a jam-out session of blues riffs. It’s the RIGHT mix of both genres while keeping it “pop”. Teaming up with Tommy Sims (co-writer of Eric Clapton's song, "Change The World"), this album oozes gospel pop and I listen to it a lot! Anyways, check it out for yourself, lots of great blues riffs here and there, as well as a lot of introspective themes. You will not regret getting this album!

Standout songs: Breakin’ In, What You’re Looking For, River, Fight For My Soul, I’ll Always Be

3. Nathan Angelo - Out of the Blue

I heard about Nathan Angelo through the Nashville circuit of artists such as Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, Andy Davis, Ben Rector, etc. I wasn’t THAT interested in his music until he started a Kickstarter to fund his next new album… an album COMPLETELY devoted to Motown music. At #3 on my list for 2013, you can probably tell this album did not disappoint! This throwback album oozes the Motown vibes and really tries its best to emulate the Funk Brothers, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, etc. Angelo himself has a unique voice that happens to work with this style and I’ve found myself listening to many of the songs on the album almost daily. Anyways, if you’re a Motown aficionado, you REALLY got to check out this attempt at bringing His listeners back in time… to listen to REAL music ;)

Standout songs: Out of the Blue, Get Back, You Could Be My Girl, ‘Til I’m Ninety-Nine

2. John Mayer - Paradise Valley

Probably one of my favourite artists of all time, JM made a quick album after his recovery from throat nodule surgery and it still sounds GREAT! Since this was basically a kind of follow-up to his last album, Born and Raised, Paradise Valley took to me faster than the former. Again, I’m not big on Americana/Country Music, but Mayer really has a gift for finding a good groove and a master musician/producer. Of course nothing can compare to his blues rock masterpiece “Continuum”, but this is still a fantastic album with its steady grooves and thoughtful lyrics. I was also worried when I first heard he was making a song with his on/off gf, Katy Perry, but to my utter delight, I think his gamble has TOTALLY paid off! The song “Who You Love” is, IMHO, gonna be an immediate CLASSIC song that people will play long after we’re all gone. Anyways, if you have not bought this album yet, you should. Even if you’re not “into” this style, there’s so much good music on this album and a lot that will surprise and delight you! (He even played and wrote one of the songs with the piano on one of the tracks)

Standout songs: Wildfire, Paper Doll, Dear Marie, Who You Love, I Will Be Found (Lost At Sea)

1. Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

My favourite album of the year, is by the electronic artists who decided to make an album with less digital instruments and more acoustic/live instruments. While every other pop act is moving towards more electronic and digitally processed music, they have decided to do the opposite… and it is hands down… the best album of the year! Here is my track-by-track review:

1. Give Life Back To Music

My favourite track on the album. If this song does not get your head bobbin’, I dunno WHAT will? ;)

2. The Game of Love

In this album, the two “robots” have become more “human” and this song shows a side I’ve never seen from them… talking about the tricky “game of love”! Anyways, check it out!

3. Giorgio By Moroder

I’ve realized that I REALLY like Funk Rock which finds its roots in Disco and Electronic Music. Giorgio Moroder is known to be the pioneer of this genre and he tells his story in this song! Not only a short narrative, but this song is AWESOME! Listen for the beautiful shifts in instrumental arrangements!

4. Within (Feat. Gonzales)

Another lamenting song just like track two… s’alright.

5. Instant Crush (Feat. Julian Casablancas)

The song catches you pretty much immediately and builds up really nicely!

6. Lose Yourself To Dance (Feat. Pharrell & Nile Rodgers)

This song has quite the disco “boogie” to it that someone made a video taking an episode of soul train and putting it to this song! Enjoy!

7. Touch (Feat. Paul Williams)

Nice wah-wah guitar with an interesting voice… strange, but it jams into a cheerful 80s funny interlude! The songs starts off SUPER weird, but develops nicely.

8. Get Lucky (Feat. Pharrell & Nile Rodgers

The first radio single. One of the best grooves I’ve heard in a LONG time and the electric guitar rhythm part is not that easy to play… don’t believe me?… try it out!

9. Beyond

Epic. Simply EPIC! Starts with a symphony of music… almost anime beginning credits-ish, and then it morphs into this funky groove and just keeps you jamming along.

10. Motherboard

This instrumental track has so many intricate parts to the whole! Have a listen to this collage of sounds and experience DP’s genius!

11. Fragments of Time (Feat. Todd Edwards)

This chill, laid back sound feels like a day at the beach! The voice of this Todd Edwards guy sounds like the lead singer of Jamiroquai. Anyways, a great break from all the epic-ness!

12. Doin’ It Right (Feat. Panda Bear)

I don’t know who Panda Bear is, but this song has such a mesmerizing groove and robotic vocals harmonized on top of each other… it’s just such a cool song!

13. Contact (Feat. DJ Falcon)

Supposed last song of the album… this song feels like it’s supposed to blast the listener into another galaxy! I really REALLY DON’T LIKE the end… lol! But it’s nevertheless a pretty interesting song all the way through until the lengthy blast off noise that annoys the HECK out of me! haha! Anyways, enjoy the pseudo end of the album!

14. Horizon (Bonus Track - Japan Album)

The hidden bonus track on their Japanese release, I didn’t find out about until a few days ago! Nothing epic here but this simple atmospheric music that you could probably put on repeat over and over in the background.

So that, my friends, is my top ten of 2013, may this list bring you new music to listen to which you may not have ever encountered before and may y’all have a GREAT NEW YEAR 2014!!! God bless us everyone! :D

Honorable Mention:

Passion - Let The Future Begin

Matt Maher - Let The People Say Amen

Dallas - Dallas EP

Shane & Shane - Bring Your Nothing

Ben Rector - The Walking In Between

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