Inspirational Music

As I wait for the guys to get up for the day here at work, I found myself on you tube and eventually found myself playing one of my favourite videos.  I can't help but feel very warm inside when I play this particular video, and it usually leads to me playing a few different videos that I have a soft spot for.  Judge me if you'd like, but Susan Boyle's story is inspirational for me.  All of these videos speak to me for a variety of reasons, and I thought I would share them with you this morning.


Susan Boyle's First Appearance:

I don't usually watch any of the talent shows on television, but I do like to view clips of the auditions on you tube.  Susan Boyle is one of the reasons I started doing this.

Bruddah Iz - Somewhere Over The Rainbow:

After reading a book in 2010 on the history of surfing and the Hawaiian culture, I was lucky enough to discover the wonder that is Bruddah Iz.  He is one of the most revered figures in the history of Hawaii, and quite frankly he might have the best singing voice I have ever heard.  This song gets to my nearly every time.


Soggy Bottom Boys - I Am a Man Of Constant Sorrow:

 

I absolutely love the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?", and the soundtrack is one of the biggest draws for me.  The storytelling folk-style speaks to me, and this is the best song of the bunch.

Johnny Cash - Hurt:

No explanation is needed here.  This is likely one that many people can relate to, a powerful song overflowing with emotions.

Cas Haley - Walking On The Moon:

A great find from the American version of "America's Got Talent", Cas went on to finish second in the competition.  As his career continues to grow, his self titled reggae album is an absolutely gem and anyone interested in the genre should take a listen.


Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans - I Wanna Be In The Cavalry:

Purely Canadian, this band has an incredibly authentic sound and some of the best songwriting I have ever come across.  This track is the one that I am currently digging, but Corb Lund and his supporting cast have a slew of great songs that speak to me.

General Degree - Traffic Blocking:

As I get on a roll here, I come to my first ever reggae song.  Yes, in my sheltered life I saw this music video on Much Music when I was 14 and it was my first exposure to the genre.  There was and still is a serious lack of reggae content in the mainstream media, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the genre.  In high school some of my favourites along with General Degree were Mr. Vegas, Buju Banton, Elephant Man, Beenie Man and more.  I still enjoy reggae and along with the above artists I now enjoy Matisyahu most of all.

Northern Touch All-Stars - Northern Touch:

This is the first "favourite rap song" that I can remember, a great collaboration from the who's who of Canadian rap in 1997. 

I hope you enjoyed my little journey through my You Tube favourites.  As a bonus, I now have these all collected in one place for easy access when I am looking to feel all warm and fuzzy inside.