Latest news with #Motown
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Leon Bridges review: Soul power of Texan star shines through at rain-soaked Iveagh Gardens, Dublin
Leon Bridges, Iveagh Gardens, Dublin ★★★★☆ A newspaper in his home town of Fort Worth, Texas once described Leon Bridges as someone whose 'music sounds like he looks' and they were bang on. When he appeared to a sold-out Iveagh Gardens resplendent in a light blue demi safari suit and oversized shades, the handsome 36-year old looked like he'd just stepped out of an early 1970s episode of Soul Train. Even if you happened to be wearing earmuffs, you could've still hazarded a fair guess at what he was hawking. Bridges has released four excellent albums in the last ten years, veering from Motown stomp to progressive R&B, and last year's Leon is his best yet, a rich southern soul stew with even a hint of Van Morrison about it. He got down to business with two of its strongest cuts, the Marvin Gaye-ish When A Man Cries and a marvellous 'trip down memory lane' with Panther City, a tune which evoked the Isley Brothers at their breezy best. His superb seven-piece band were groovier than a new set of tires from the off but Bridges voice was equal to them, smooth as silk at the mic in between bouts of rug cutting to the Hammond swirl of Better Man or the bass-driven Northern Soul chug of Flowers. Leon Bridges and his band on stage at Iveagh Gardens, Dublin. 'What's up Dublin? Make some noise,' was pretty much the extent of his inter-song patter, and even though Leon isn't quite up there with his idols in the showman stakes, it didn't really matter as he testified his way through songs as great as Coming Home. Sadly, while every soul present was on Bridges' side, the weather wasn't. Once the serious rain got started, it didn't let up which always puts a damper on an outdoor show. Still, two of his collaborations with fellow Texans (and hipster Shadows) Khruangbin – Mariella and a well-received, if unfortunately titled, Texas Sun – did their best to keep spirits up. Better again was a three-song run from 2018's Good Thing. You Don't Know, Bad Bad News, and If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be) all proved irresistible, taking us from the discotheque to a head-nodding jazz club to a Pharrell Williams/Nile Rodgers rump shaker. The latter even had his two guitarists temporarily going Disco Lizzy as they harmonised lines. Shapes were thrown by smiling faces despite the downpour. River, a moving, gospel-tinged plea for spiritual renewal, found the sodden crowd in fine voice, Peaceful Place reminded one of Paul Simon's world music forays, and the closing Beyond is a love song Sam Cooke would have considered a good day's work. Bridges offered his thanks for us putting up with the rain. He was worth a soaking.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Stevie Wonder: 'I'll keep playing as long as I breathe'
At the age of 75, Stevie Wonder is still going strong. His latest UK tour, which wrapped up earlier this month received rapturous reviews, with critics calling the star "fresh and on form" for "a riotously joyful celebration" of his while contemporaries like Billy Joel and The Eagles are reducing their musical commitments, Wonder says he will never consider retiring."For as long as you breathe, for as long as your heart beats, there's more for you to do," the Motown legend told the BBC's Sidetracked podcast. "I'm not gonna stop the gift that keeps pouring through my body. "I love doing what I'm doing. An artist never stops drawing. As long as you can imagine is as long as you are going to be creative."The star also confirmed he was still working on a new album, titled Through The Eyes Of Wonder, which he first discussed in project has previously been described as a performance piece that will reflect his experience as a blind would be his first studio album since 2005's A Time To Love; extending a recording career that started in 1962, when he was just 11 years old. Wonder spoke to Sidetracked presenter Annie Macmanus, the day before he headlined the BST festival in London's Hyde Park - playing a two-and-a-half hour set that encompassed his biggest hits, from Superstition and Isn't She Lovely to You Are The Sunshine Of My Life and I of the set was drawn from the 1970s purple patch when he won the Grammy Award for best album three times in a row, for Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale and Songs In The Key Of told Macmanus that he never tired of revisiting those records."Songs are like children, they're with you forever," he said. "They are statement from the spirit within you. "And singing those songs is like me taking another breath." America 'going backwards' Earlier this month, during a concert in Cardiff, the musician addressed a long-standing conspiracy theory that he is not actually blind."You know there have been rumours about me seeing and all that?" he told the audience, "But seriously, you know the truth.""Truth is, shortly after my birth, I became blind," he told his disability a gift, Wonder continued: "Now, that was a blessing because it's allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight." In his Sidetracked interview, the singer talked about the importance of using music to spread positivity and speak truth to his life, he has been a vocal civil rights campaigner, and played a key role in the campaign to have the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr recognised as a national holiday in the who campaigned for Democrat Kamala Harris in last year's US presidential election, told Macmanus that America was currently beleaguered by "people trying to go backwards"."It's not gonna go down like that," he insisted. "I think that if you look back in history, there's always been a point when people wake up."And I think that, for those who think it is gonna go down like that, remember that God is watching you."You can listen to Stevie Wonder's full interview on the Sidetracked podcast on BBC Sounds.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Only a true music fan can guess the songs hidden in mind-boggling puzzle
To mark International Karaoke Day, we have the perfect puzzle for those people who love to belt a tune or two out when presented with a microphone - but do you know all these popular songs? When you're with your friends, often, it can be tempting to indulge in a little karaoke. We all have a go-to song, and when we've had a couple of drinks, our inner Maria Carey can be predisposed to come out and entertain the is, until you hear a recording your mate did of you on TikTok and it makes you want to hide away in a hole for the rest of eternity. To mark International Karaoke Day, July 19, Betboo has created a mind-boggling puzzle for you to try - and it involves guessing the names of some seriously popular karaoke songs just by looking at hints in images. Do you think you're up for the test? Do you know your pop from your rap? Your musicals from Motown? Why don't you give it a go and let us know how you do in the comments. For picture number one, there's a picture of a snowflake in what looks like a super chilly background. We definitely wouldn't want to be there right now while the UK is so warm! Number two is a stormy scene with dramatic masks in the centre of the image, and a word which may provide a huge clue as to which song it's trying to represent. Number three is a little more confusing, with an eye, some praying hands, and a sign pointing in two different directions. What could the song possibly be? Number four, possibly the hardest yet, shows a shadowy figure putting their microphone into a puddle of water. But what does this mean? Number five shows a rather dramatic image of a woman rising from the flames, and raising her hands into the air in a celebratory way. Number six shows a woman in a ball gown with a tiara on the dance floor. Now, if this song isn't one of your favourite karaoke songs of all time, we're not sure what is! Number seven shows a man walking following a signpost, which may be a little confusing. Number eight shows a pair of shoes, which could potentially be perfect for dancing in, and a love heart that states 'somebody'. Number nine shows a love-heart style sweet on that says 'Caroline'. This one is a firm favourite for Brits. Finally, number ten shows a post-it note that simply reads 'call me?' followed by a winking smiley face. If you're still figuring some of them out, don't scroll any further, because the answers are coming up. Do you reckon you managed to get them all? Find out below. Let It Go Bohemian Rhapsody I Want It That Way Shallow I Will Survive Dancing Queen My Way I Wanna Dance With Somebody Sweet Caroline Call Me Maybe If you managed to get all of them correct, congratulations, you're officially a karaoke queen or king, and you can give yourself a massive pat on the back! Now it's time to go and dig out that old Bluetooth microphone you've been meaning to find for a while and serenade your nearest and dearest for the occasion...
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Doechii loves 'preppy style'
Doechii is obsessed with "preppy style" because it's "hot" and it makes her feel "confident". The 26-year-old rapper - whose real name is Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon - admits her fashion choices always reflect where she is in her life and right now she's "really attracted" to smart student-style looks but she's not sure what it says about her yet. She told Vogue magazine: "My look says more about where I am currently in my life than it says anything about who I am. "I'm really attracted to a preppy style – it makes me feel confident, and it's hot, it's sharp, and I feel like me. This next stage in my life – I'm not sure what it's about yet." The music star's stylist Sam Woolf added of Doechii's current look: "You will see this in some of the Miu Miu, Thom Browne and Willy Chavarria looks. "Sometimes we find a look that we love and that could inspire the character we want to create for the particular project. Then we commit to it completely." Woolf expanded on the idea of Doechii being a " student of hip-hop" in her outfit choices during an interview with Forbes, explaining: "For Doechii, we've been leaning into the idea of her being a 'student of hip-hop.' "Our process always starts with the question: what are we trying to say? From there, we build different worlds within that ... it can be masculine with her, it can be feminine. "It can be sporty. It can be office wear. It can be preppy. It can be this Motown take on things ... but they all fit in that world." Doechii previously opened up about undergoing cosmetic procedures - and insisted trolls should not criticise women who chose to alter their looks. In a video posted to TikTok, she explained: 'I'm gonna keep it so real with you. You should already be out the door because I've already had cosmetic enhancements since like 2021. "Y'all really have to stop normalising making comments like these and just let women do whatever the f*** they want to do with their bodies." Doechii has never commented on what type of procedures she's had done despite plenty of speculation. Speaking on an episode of the 'We Said What We Said with Ricky and Denzel' podcast last year, the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake star said: 'It's nobody's business. We don't have to lie, but we don't have to scream it to the top of our lungs."
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
The Ultimate Guide to: Play Soul and Motown 2025
Soul and Motown artists not only made their music famous but also played a vital role through their powerful efforts during the Civil Rights Movement. Both genres gave singers a way to support African Americans. Music lovers love to play soul and Motown to dive into the good old days. Soul was very raw and realistic, and became a voice for the Civil Rights Movement. On the other hand, the goal of the man who created Motown, Berry Gordy Jr, was to make music for everyone, no matter their color, cast, or creed. He used to call it the sound of America. These steps were very crucial to shaping the American music we hear today. Soul and Motown are a reminder that art and music can surely make the world a better place. A person needs to play soul and Motown because these genres played a vital role in shaping the America that a person looks at today. It was possible only because of unity, and Music has the power to create unity. Soul Music became a voice for the Civil Rights Movement. Motown crafted music that appealed to everyone and earned the nickname 'the sound of young America'. Soul music features catchy rhythms and powerful lyrics that define its unique sound. This genre's music is based on social justice and heartbreak. Many artists love soul because of its relatability. This genre emerged between 50s to 60s in small African American communities. The father of soul music is none other than Ray Charles. People call him the Genius because he blends genres with extraordinary skill. Soul genre is very popular and well-known; countless singers have sung many great songs. The following list features some of the best songs from the Soul genre. It's a response to racism when he was denied service at a whites-only motel. The lyrics of this song raise a voice against racism, and the author has a strong hope that a change will come when all the bullying and racism end. This is a song that talks about unconditional love and commitment. This beautiful melody is all about staying loyal and together. Released in 1965 by The Impressions, this song hopes for unity and salvation during the time of the Civil Rights Movement. The roots of this type of music originate from Detroit. It is a popular type of music. Motown Music is well known for its polished and memorable melodies, founded by Berry Gordy Jr by taking a loan of 800 from his own family. As the passage of time passed, this record label grew and became one of the biggest record labels in America, which was owned by a black person. Motown is a unique type of genre that has a blend of R&B, pop, and even soul. Motown music was one of the best record labels of that era, which had amazing singers who sang beautiful Motown songs. A list of some best Motown songs is given below: This strange title name has a weird origin story when a songwriter was fighting with his girlfriend after she found out he was cheating. This is what he says to his gf, which became the name of the song. This is a song where the writer is socially conscious and talks against police brutality. The song strongly focuses on the topic of social injustice with its smooth vocals. This song became the No. 1 hit on charts on Billboard Hot 100 chart. The group created it to showcase David Ruffin's voice after he joined in 1965 In 2025, there are plenty of ways through which a person can play soul and Motown tracks and enjoy them. Some of these are places where a person can listen are given below: Nowadays, all a person needs is an internet connection, and with the help of streaming platforms, anyone can play soul and Motown music and vibe on them. They offer millions of songs of different genres and singers. They even allow a person to download songs so that they can listen to them later on. Radio is another method of listening to songs, but with this method, the person cannot change songs on their own. All he can do is change the channel on their radio. Influence radio stations as they actively select and change songs based on public requests and preferences. In conclusion, by reading this reading a person will have all the necessary knowledge about why a person should play soul and Motown music, what soul and Motown music are, and what the best songs of these genres are. And finally, where to listen to them. These genres showcased how music can transform and help to win the fight against racism and violence against blacks. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
