A Gigawatt Jukebox Playlist
From Rockabilly to Reggae, Movie Scores to Soul, our Gigawatt Jukebox is out of control. In true geek style, we submit a never-ending playlist that is not concerned with genre, popularity, or album release date.
Who hasn’t dreamt of being a rock star…the power of your music surging energy into a roaring crowd? With popular singing competition TV shows like The Voice, living the dream can actually happen. After years of watching others sing their way into stardom, it got us thinking. What would we do in their shoes? What kind of voice would we belt if we could? Which songs would we like to be famous for singing? For the first time, members of the Geek Embassy galaxy come together to share a 4-part ensemble playlist. Now it is my turn to take over week three.
Julie
Music is quite possibly the heartbeat of my life, so singing on a show like NBC’s The Voice makes me want to pass out with glee. I’m still waiting for a woman with a seriously guttural rocking voice to take the world by storm and front a band that isn’t afraid to seriously blow you away. Imagine a modern day version of Led Zeppelin, Stone Temple Pilots, or AC/DC with a lead singer like Tina Turner or Janis Joplin… ah, a little piece of paradise! My dream was nearly realized in 2006 during the reality show Rock Star: Supernova…. However, the awesome South African singer Dilana came in as a runner-up to the totally unmemorable Lukas Rossi. With The Voice, I hang onto hope that the next Ann Wilson will emerge. If that day comes, I have put together a few songs that I think would showcase the kind of singing style I would love to hear.
SOUNDGARDEN – THE DAY I TRIED TO LIVE
The Day I Tried to Live would probably be my number one choice. I just can’t get over the contrast between the sluggish, almost stumbling pace of its sensually grungy verses and its explosive blaring choruses. Chris Cornell’s voice captivates me with raw grit that doesn’t cross the line of being gimmicky or abused. It’s as if his voice is a dragon in a cave, waiting for rock music to unleash its flaming soul.
EVANESCENCE – CALL ME WHEN YOU’RE SOBER
In my opinion, Evanescence is the only female-led group to have a significant impact in the popular rock music industry in the last two decades. There are some amazing ladies rocking the charts, but they are solo artists or not producing rock music that is known by the masses. Unfortunately, Evanescence has only produced 3 albums since 1995, and the last one was released 6 years ago. Amy Lee’s emotionally powerful singing makes Call Me When You’re Sober my go-to “nothing like a woman scorned” jam.
AC/DC – SHOOT TO THRILL
AC/DC is one of those bands that embraces the meaning of carpe diem. I equate Brian Johnson’s non-stop sandpaper vocals to drinking a pot of coffee and chasing it with a pint of Everclear. One does not choose AC/DC as background music. Their songs are meant to be cranked up to glass-breaking levels and quite simply, ROCKED. Shoot To Thrill – the title says it all.
https://youtu.be/UdW9wAZhYTE
CHRISTINA AGUILERA – AIN’T NO OTHER MAN
Although my dream would be lead a “hard rock” band, a couple of pop singing ladies can seriously throw down. Ain’t no Other Man is a song I could easily see someone singing in the battle ring on The Voice. Christina Aguilera’s vocal range and attitude are undeniable and most likely unbeatable.
JESSIE J, ARIANA GRANDE, NICKI MINAJ – BANG BANG
I was blown away by the talent of Jessie J in the girl-power trio hit Bang Bang. To me, she is a younger, edgier version of Christina Aguilera. Although my favorite song of hers is the dramatic “Masterpiece,” Bang Bang best exploits her amazing revved-up singing abilities.
EDWIN STARR – 25 MILES
I was first introduced to Edwin Starr’s 25 Miles many moons ago during a scene of the movie Adventures in Babysitting. It is one of those catchy soul tunes that has never left my list of all-time favorites. Starr absolutely hammers this song with his no-holds-barred blues/soul/funk voice. If you are not familiar with “25 Miles,” please give it a play now. Chances are you’ll be adding it to your Energizer Bunny driving playlist.
https://youtu.be/otlAXviKqpo
Stay tuned for Part 4 of this Series!
To Discuss
What kind of musical legend would you like to be? Which songs would you rock? Let us know in the comments!
