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refuse2shineMusic is a really big part of my life, so when I saw the challenge was to make works based on music, I jumped at the chance.
I bring to you two fanmixes and two sigtags featuring two of my favourite bands.
REVISITING THE 80'S (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I have become a huge fan of 80s music over the years. The whole decade really, despite me not even being alive then, really inspires me. This fanmix is dedicated to taking the 80s into a new era. All the songs featured here are originally from the 80s but I'm sharing some of my favourite cover versions of those songs.
Bizarre Love Triangle - Frente! (Originally by New Order) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
I feel fine and I feel good
I feel like I never should
Whenever I get this way
I just don't know what to say
Why can't we be ourselves like we were yesterday
I love the acoustic ballad take Frente! took with this song. It's different from the original synth heavy production, but I think it works really well. I used to hear this version all the time on one of the local radio stations and it's been a long time favourite of mine.
Comfortably Numb - Dar Williams ft. Ani DiFranco (Originally by Pink Floyd) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
There is no pain you are receding
A distant ship smoke on the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying
I actually first heard this in a fanmix years ago, so it's kind of coming full circle now. This is one of my favourite covers of all time. Comfortably Numb is one of my favourite Pink Floyd songs and somehow this manages to rival, maybe even exceed the original.
Lovers in a Dangerous Time - Barenaked Ladies (Originally by Bruce Cockburn) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
When you're lovers in a dangerous time,
Sometimes you're made to feel as if your love's a crime
This is one of those covers that has absolutely eclipsed the original. The Barenaked Ladies take their quirky style and turn it into something so beautiful here. The harmonies during the chorus are especially nice.
Billie Jean - The Lost Fingers (Originally by Michael Jackson) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
People always told me be careful of what you do
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts
Speaking of quirky style, the Lost Fingers definitely have that. This very different cover of Billie Jean comes from a whole album where they did fun little acoustic covers of 80s songs. They're a French-Canadian band and you can definitely hear the accent in their singing, but this cover is so fun and interesting.
Fire & Ice - Rasputina (Originally by Pat Benatar) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
It's not so pretty when it fades away
'Cause it's just an illusion in this passion play
I've seen you burn 'em before
I love Pat Benatar so when I was introduced to this band by a friend and saw they covered Fire & Ice, I had to take a listen and I adored it. I love the cello and other instrumentals they added to it.
Under Pressure - My Chemical Romance & The Used (Originally by Queen & David Bowie) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
That's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends screaming
"Let me out!"
Covering anything by Queen is a risk, doubly so when the song also has the iconic David Bowie singing as well. This cover manages to do it justice though. They kept it close to the original but added some emo rock elements that make sense given the bands covering the song and I like it.
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - Sleeping At Last (Originally by The Police) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
I resolve to call her up a thousand times a day
And ask her if she'll marry me in some old fashioned way
But my silent fears have gripped me
Long before I reach the phone
I could probably make a whole mix of just Sleeping at Last covers but this one in particular I enjoy. While the original is definitely more jaunty, I think the sort of piano power ballad take Sleeping at Last does with this fits the lyrics and themes of the song so well.
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - Grace George (Originally by Starship) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Let 'em say we're crazy
I don't care 'bout that
Put your hand in my hand
Baby, don't ever look back
The Starship original is a cheesy power ballad duet and while I unashamedly love that, Grace George has managed to take the song and turn it into a very pretty acoustic ballad which is no small feat.
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer (Originally by Crowded House) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me
This cover, by contrast, is rather similar to the original but Leigh Nash's vocals fit the song so well. As much as I like the original, I like the softer vocals here better.
Lovesong - Adele (Originally by The Cure) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
However far away I will always love you
However long I stay I will always love you
Adele has managed to turn the rocky, synth heavy song by The Cure into a love ballad that would not feel out of place in a James Bond movie. It's such a great take on the song and I really feel that Adele made it her own.
Wicked Game - James Vincent McMorrow (Originally by Chris Isaak) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
The world was on fire, and no one could save me but you
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
I had never heard the original when I heard this. I found this song so haunting and beautiful, so I was rather shocked when I heard the original version. This is an improvement in my opinion. The soft acoustics and the emotion in McMorrow's voice is such a nice combo.
Dancing in the Dark - Eddie Berman (Originally by Bruce Springsteen) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Man, I ain't getting nowhere
I'm just living in a dump like this
There's something happening somewhere
Baby, I just know that there is
A lot of my music taste growing up was influenced by my mom. Most of it stuck, but as I've gotten older, I've expanded a lot of my music tastes. One of the things that had stuck with me was that my mom was not a fan of Bruce Springsteen at all, but this cover gave me a whole new perspective on Springsteen and actually convinced me to take a chance on his music. He's not my favourite singer or anything, but I do enjoy his stuff a lot more than I thought I would.
How Will I Know - Sam Smith (Originally by Whitney Houston) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Falling in love is all bittersweet
This love is strong. Why do I feel weak?
How Will I Know is a wonderful upbeat love song with some amazing vocals from Whitney Houston. In this cover, Sam Smith also has some amazing vocals but somehow he made it into a slow, emotional, melancholy piano ballad and it works so well.
I Want To Know What Love Is - Wynonna (Originally by Foreigner) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
In my life there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
Can't stop now, I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life
Wynonna is an artist who has influenced my own singing and I absolutely love her cover of this song. I feel she hits the emotions just as well as the original does. It's a very similar cover but her voice shines in this.
Sweet Child O' Mine - Sheryl Crow (Originally by Guns 'n' Roses) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
He's got eyes of the bluest skies
And if they thought of rain
I hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain
I am not a fan of Axl Rose's voice in the slightest, but I do enjoy a few Guns 'n' Roses songs despite that. This is one of them. However, being a huge fan of Sheryl Crow, this cover just supersedes the original in my opinion.
You're The Voice - Heart (Original by John Farnham) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
We're all someone's daughter
We're all someone's son
How long can we look at each other
Down the barrel of a gun?
I first heard this live cover on a Heart compilation CD I bought back in high school. I didn't realize just how much of a huge song the original was in Australia but I adored this cover. I have since heard the original and love it as well. Heart is one of my favourite bands of all time though so this one holds a place in my heart as well.
Time After Time - Quietdrive (Originally by Cyndi Lauper) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
You say, go slow
I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
This is one of the very first pop punk covers of a pure pop song I'd ever heard. Some of those covers are better than others and this is absolutely one of the better ones.
Kids in America - Green Day (Originally by Kim Wilde) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Look, boy, don't check on your watch, not another glance
I'm not leaving now, honey, not a chance
My first encounter with this song was actually a cover version but by an early 2000s girl group that I forget the name of at the moment. Green Day's cover is much better and I personally love that Billie Joe Armstrong didn't change the pronouns in the song. It's a pet peeve of mine when I'm at karaoke and people insist on changing the gender pronouns in a song (unless they're making it more gay)
I Think We're Alone Now - The Birthday Massacre (Originally by Tiffany) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
And so we're running just as fast as we can
Holdin' on to one another's hand
Yes, I know the Tiffany version is actually a cover and the original is Tommy James and the Shondells. However, this version is definitely more a cover of the Tiffany version, which I guess makes it a cover of a cover. Either way, I love the cool industrial goth vibe this version has. The Birthday Massacre have been a band I've loved for a long time and I wish more people knew about them.
Higher Love - Kygo & Whitney Houston (Originally by Steve Winwood) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Things look so bad everywhere
In this whole world, what is fair
We walk the line and try to see
Falling behind in what could be
Whitney Houston's family gave her cover of Higher Love to Kygo specifically to try and keep her legacy alive and also because of his previous remix of Sexual Healing. I think he succeeded. When I first heard this version, I was floored. I don't know how they had never released a recording of her original cover outside of a Japanese album release because her vocals on this are amazing.
CANADIAN COUNTRY (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I grew up listening to mostly country music and being a Canadian where there are laws that mandate the amount of Canadian content that needs to be played on the radio, I grew up hearing a lot of Canadian country music. It's always interesting to me because there are a number of country artists who are big here in Canada but country fans in the US or elsewhere will have no idea who I'm talking about. I tried to make this playlist a mix of artists who don't get as much recognition elsewhere and some familiar names.
I've Been Everywhere - Hank Snow (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
He asked me if I seen a road with so much dust and sand
Then I said listen bud I've traveled every road in this here land
As I tried to put the songs in this mix from oldest to newest, this one was the one that came up first. This is a classic in country music and has been covered by a number of artists. I very nearly included the Stompin' Tom Connors version on this mix, but I decided to go with Hank Snow instead.
Sweet City Woman - The Stampeders (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Like a country mornin'
All smothered in dew
She's just got a way
To make a man feel shiny and new
While The Stampeders are generally considered a rock band, Sweet City Woman has enough of a country feel to it that I felt it belonged on here. This is another classic song and I love the vocals in this one. The gratuitous little bit of French really settles it as a Canadian tune.
Danny's Song - Anne Murray (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
And even though we ain't got money
I'm so in love with you honey
Everything will bring a chain of love
Anne Murray is one of the most iconic of Canadian country singers, especially when it comes to classic country. Her cover of Danny's Song is one of my favourites. I honestly didn't even know it was a cover at first.
Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
She's been looking like a queen in a sailor's dream
And she don't always say what she really means
This is possibly my most borderline inclusion on this playlist. Gordon Lightfoot is generally considered more of a folk singer than country, but I feel the genres are interconnected enough that it was okay to include this. Sundown is probably Lightfoot's best known song, but it's also my favourite.
You Feel The Same Way Too - The Rankin Family (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Hey, sweet darling
A lot of our words have been unkind
Oh, but that was yesterday
Why don't we leave the past behind?
We're skipping ahead in time now to the main portion of this mix which consists of a lot of songs I grew up hearing in the 90s and early 2000s. The Rankin Family are siblings from Nova Scotia whose music has a lot of Celtic influences, which is typical of music from the Maritime provinces. This song is a fun one and features each member of the group's vocals. The instrumentals are also rather unique.
You Can't Resist It - Patricia Conroy (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
And you can tell your story
And you can swear it's true
But save all your lying
For some other fool
I was reminded of this song by my mom near the beginning of the pandemic. I had completely forgotten about it which honestly seems to be the case for Patricia Conroy in general. However, she has written or co-written a number of songs for other artists, including the song Champagne Night that was recorded by Lady A.
No One Needs To Know - Shania Twain (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I'll tell him someday some way somehow
But I'm gonna keep it a secret for now
A Canadian Country list would not be complete without a Shania song. I have been a huge fan of Shania since I was a young child. I did get to fulfill my childhood dream of seeing her live in concert back in 2015 which was amazing. I had a hard time picking just one song from her to add to this mix, but in the end I went with No One Needs to Know as I felt it was definitely more country tinged than some of her other stuff.
Born Again in Dixieland - Jason McCoy (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
She told me "Well I believe in front porch swings
The songs that the crickets sing
And I believe you belong down here with me"
This has been a favourite of mine for a long time. The lyrics are pretty typical of a country song, especially in the 90s country era. There's some banjo in the background which is fun. The part that's always sold it for me however is the female background vocals in the last chorus of the song.
Good Day To Ride - George Canyon (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
If there's no chance of rain
And I need to get away
I'll grab a saddle
And be long, long gone
From 2003 to 2008, there was a country music competition show called Nashville Star. It was built on the American Idol style of singing competition shows but it was specifically geared for country music. Arguably, the most successful contestant from the show was Miranda Lambert, who at 19 years old, finished in 3rd place but has become a massively successful country singer. George Canyon had a similar experience here in Canada. He competed in season 2 and came in second place and while his career never took off in the US, he's had a steady following in Canada ever since. This is one of his pre-Nashville Star songs that got re-released after his success on the show.
Say - Lisa Brokop (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Say what's deep down inside
What fires your soul
What shows in your eyes
In my opinion, Lisa Brokop is one of the most underrated Canadian country singers. Her biggest song only reached number 8 here in Canada (which is not a small feat) but I have always loved her songs. She's a talented songwriter and her voice is distinctive. This is a song of hers that I adore but it never even charted.
Georgia - Carolyn Dawn Johnson (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I heard that same ol' voice inside
I had to drown it out
So I found me a radio station playing something fast
And I turned it up real loud
Speaking of singer/songwriters, Carolyn Dawn Johnson co-wrote one of my absolute favourite songs as a kid, Single White Female by Chely Wright (not to be confused with Michelle Wright who is featured later in this list). However, Johnson's own music is also excellent. This was her first single and I learned while making this playlist that Martina McBride, an American country singer with an amazing voice, did background vocals on this song.
Empty - Terri Clark (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Funny the things we bottle up
Come streaming out when you feel enough
You've probably noticed my bias for female singers at this point, but I had to include Terri Clark. She's been successful in Canada and the US. This song is beautiful and I think it's one of her more underrated singles.
I Surrender - Michelle Wright (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I surrender
Cause what's happenin' to us
Is so right, is so real
And I can't fight this feeling forever
Michelle Wright is yet another country singer/songwriter I love. She appears in a season 4 episode of Due South and sings her song Nobody's Girl at the end. While I do love Nobody's Girl, I chose this song instead as it's one of her lesser known ones, but she also garnered a lot of critical acclaim for it.
When You Call My Name - Paul Brandt (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I hear the sweetest sound
My world stops turnin' round
Like I'm on holy ground
When you call my name
Paul Brandt is an icon in Canadian country. I could have chosen many other songs to include here, but I went with When You Call My Name as it's one of my favourites and it comes from an entirely live recorded album. I'm always impressed when artists sound almost identical live and he is one of those artists.
November (Acoustic) - Emerson Drive (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
There's always something 'bout this time of year
It takes me to that place
And I remember November
Emerson Drive has actually had a bit of success outside of Canada, notably with their song Moments. November has always been a favourite of mine, but when I heard the acoustic version on their greatest hits album, I fell in love with that version even more.
Married Again - Jim Cuddy & Kathleen Edwards (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Now I’m waking up here in the blinding heat
A ring on my finger in the wedding suite
Same old trouble lying next to me
With a copy of the license and the registry
Best known as the lead singer of country rock band Blue Rodeo, Jim Cuddy has released some solo stuff over the years. While it's never been as popular as his output with Blue Rodeo, I've always enjoyed this fun little duet. Kathleen Edwards is a folk singer and I find their voices work really well together in this. Who doesn't love a song about terrible decisions made in Vegas?
Darlin' - Johnny Reid (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Darlin'
I'm feeling pretty lonesome
I'd call you on the phone some
But I don't have a dime
I have seen Johnny Reid live twice. He is not only a great singer with a raspy, Rod Stewart-esque voice, but he also just puts on a really entertaining show. This song is infectiously catchy which is why I included it on this list.
When It Ain't Raining - One More Girl (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
My heart´s been broke before
I´ve been caught in your downpour
And baby I can’t take no more cloudy skies
At one of the aforementioned Johnny Reid concerts I attended, his opening act was a pair of sisters who called themselves One More Girl. I was immediately enamoured with their harmonies and vocal ability. While they've kind of faded since then, this is one of my favourites.
Bounty - Dean Brody & Lindi Ortega (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
No I ain't worth a penny
Of my bounty back home
A lot of more recent country music has kind of flown by my radar. This song however is a really fun little duet. Dean Brody can be hit or miss for me, but this one is absolutely a hit. I love the inclusion of Lindi Ortega, who has one of the more unique and interesting voices I've heard in newer country music. This song has the vibes of a Western film.
White Horse - Tenille Townes (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Maybe not the way I was dreamin' of
But you rode in, and won my love
And now I'm finally on the right course
Who needs a white horse?
My mom still listens to a lot of newer country. One day, when I was in the car with her, this song came on and I was immediately adding it to my Spotify liked songs. I love the lyrical content about an underdog or unexpected love so much that it inspired a fic I've been working on for awhile. Townes's voice is also really interesting.
I also made two sigtags featuring two of my favourite bands. Heart (who I included in the first fanmix) and Marianas Trench.
I bring to you two fanmixes and two sigtags featuring two of my favourite bands.
REVISITING THE 80'S (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I have become a huge fan of 80s music over the years. The whole decade really, despite me not even being alive then, really inspires me. This fanmix is dedicated to taking the 80s into a new era. All the songs featured here are originally from the 80s but I'm sharing some of my favourite cover versions of those songs.
Bizarre Love Triangle - Frente! (Originally by New Order) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
I feel fine and I feel good
I feel like I never should
Whenever I get this way
I just don't know what to say
Why can't we be ourselves like we were yesterday
I love the acoustic ballad take Frente! took with this song. It's different from the original synth heavy production, but I think it works really well. I used to hear this version all the time on one of the local radio stations and it's been a long time favourite of mine.
Comfortably Numb - Dar Williams ft. Ani DiFranco (Originally by Pink Floyd) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
There is no pain you are receding
A distant ship smoke on the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying
I actually first heard this in a fanmix years ago, so it's kind of coming full circle now. This is one of my favourite covers of all time. Comfortably Numb is one of my favourite Pink Floyd songs and somehow this manages to rival, maybe even exceed the original.
Lovers in a Dangerous Time - Barenaked Ladies (Originally by Bruce Cockburn) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
When you're lovers in a dangerous time,
Sometimes you're made to feel as if your love's a crime
This is one of those covers that has absolutely eclipsed the original. The Barenaked Ladies take their quirky style and turn it into something so beautiful here. The harmonies during the chorus are especially nice.
Billie Jean - The Lost Fingers (Originally by Michael Jackson) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
People always told me be careful of what you do
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts
Speaking of quirky style, the Lost Fingers definitely have that. This very different cover of Billie Jean comes from a whole album where they did fun little acoustic covers of 80s songs. They're a French-Canadian band and you can definitely hear the accent in their singing, but this cover is so fun and interesting.
Fire & Ice - Rasputina (Originally by Pat Benatar) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
It's not so pretty when it fades away
'Cause it's just an illusion in this passion play
I've seen you burn 'em before
I love Pat Benatar so when I was introduced to this band by a friend and saw they covered Fire & Ice, I had to take a listen and I adored it. I love the cello and other instrumentals they added to it.
Under Pressure - My Chemical Romance & The Used (Originally by Queen & David Bowie) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
That's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends screaming
"Let me out!"
Covering anything by Queen is a risk, doubly so when the song also has the iconic David Bowie singing as well. This cover manages to do it justice though. They kept it close to the original but added some emo rock elements that make sense given the bands covering the song and I like it.
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - Sleeping At Last (Originally by The Police) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
I resolve to call her up a thousand times a day
And ask her if she'll marry me in some old fashioned way
But my silent fears have gripped me
Long before I reach the phone
I could probably make a whole mix of just Sleeping at Last covers but this one in particular I enjoy. While the original is definitely more jaunty, I think the sort of piano power ballad take Sleeping at Last does with this fits the lyrics and themes of the song so well.
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now - Grace George (Originally by Starship) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Let 'em say we're crazy
I don't care 'bout that
Put your hand in my hand
Baby, don't ever look back
The Starship original is a cheesy power ballad duet and while I unashamedly love that, Grace George has managed to take the song and turn it into a very pretty acoustic ballad which is no small feat.
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer (Originally by Crowded House) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me
This cover, by contrast, is rather similar to the original but Leigh Nash's vocals fit the song so well. As much as I like the original, I like the softer vocals here better.
Lovesong - Adele (Originally by The Cure) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
However far away I will always love you
However long I stay I will always love you
Adele has managed to turn the rocky, synth heavy song by The Cure into a love ballad that would not feel out of place in a James Bond movie. It's such a great take on the song and I really feel that Adele made it her own.
Wicked Game - James Vincent McMorrow (Originally by Chris Isaak) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
The world was on fire, and no one could save me but you
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
I had never heard the original when I heard this. I found this song so haunting and beautiful, so I was rather shocked when I heard the original version. This is an improvement in my opinion. The soft acoustics and the emotion in McMorrow's voice is such a nice combo.
Dancing in the Dark - Eddie Berman (Originally by Bruce Springsteen) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Man, I ain't getting nowhere
I'm just living in a dump like this
There's something happening somewhere
Baby, I just know that there is
A lot of my music taste growing up was influenced by my mom. Most of it stuck, but as I've gotten older, I've expanded a lot of my music tastes. One of the things that had stuck with me was that my mom was not a fan of Bruce Springsteen at all, but this cover gave me a whole new perspective on Springsteen and actually convinced me to take a chance on his music. He's not my favourite singer or anything, but I do enjoy his stuff a lot more than I thought I would.
How Will I Know - Sam Smith (Originally by Whitney Houston) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Falling in love is all bittersweet
This love is strong. Why do I feel weak?
How Will I Know is a wonderful upbeat love song with some amazing vocals from Whitney Houston. In this cover, Sam Smith also has some amazing vocals but somehow he made it into a slow, emotional, melancholy piano ballad and it works so well.
I Want To Know What Love Is - Wynonna (Originally by Foreigner) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
In my life there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
Can't stop now, I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life
Wynonna is an artist who has influenced my own singing and I absolutely love her cover of this song. I feel she hits the emotions just as well as the original does. It's a very similar cover but her voice shines in this.
Sweet Child O' Mine - Sheryl Crow (Originally by Guns 'n' Roses) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
He's got eyes of the bluest skies
And if they thought of rain
I hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain
I am not a fan of Axl Rose's voice in the slightest, but I do enjoy a few Guns 'n' Roses songs despite that. This is one of them. However, being a huge fan of Sheryl Crow, this cover just supersedes the original in my opinion.
You're The Voice - Heart (Original by John Farnham) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
We're all someone's daughter
We're all someone's son
How long can we look at each other
Down the barrel of a gun?
I first heard this live cover on a Heart compilation CD I bought back in high school. I didn't realize just how much of a huge song the original was in Australia but I adored this cover. I have since heard the original and love it as well. Heart is one of my favourite bands of all time though so this one holds a place in my heart as well.
Time After Time - Quietdrive (Originally by Cyndi Lauper) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
You say, go slow
I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
This is one of the very first pop punk covers of a pure pop song I'd ever heard. Some of those covers are better than others and this is absolutely one of the better ones.
Kids in America - Green Day (Originally by Kim Wilde) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Look, boy, don't check on your watch, not another glance
I'm not leaving now, honey, not a chance
My first encounter with this song was actually a cover version but by an early 2000s girl group that I forget the name of at the moment. Green Day's cover is much better and I personally love that Billie Joe Armstrong didn't change the pronouns in the song. It's a pet peeve of mine when I'm at karaoke and people insist on changing the gender pronouns in a song (
I Think We're Alone Now - The Birthday Massacre (Originally by Tiffany) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
And so we're running just as fast as we can
Holdin' on to one another's hand
Yes, I know the Tiffany version is actually a cover and the original is Tommy James and the Shondells. However, this version is definitely more a cover of the Tiffany version, which I guess makes it a cover of a cover. Either way, I love the cool industrial goth vibe this version has. The Birthday Massacre have been a band I've loved for a long time and I wish more people knew about them.
Higher Love - Kygo & Whitney Houston (Originally by Steve Winwood) YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
Things look so bad everywhere
In this whole world, what is fair
We walk the line and try to see
Falling behind in what could be
Whitney Houston's family gave her cover of Higher Love to Kygo specifically to try and keep her legacy alive and also because of his previous remix of Sexual Healing. I think he succeeded. When I first heard this version, I was floored. I don't know how they had never released a recording of her original cover outside of a Japanese album release because her vocals on this are amazing.
CANADIAN COUNTRY (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I grew up listening to mostly country music and being a Canadian where there are laws that mandate the amount of Canadian content that needs to be played on the radio, I grew up hearing a lot of Canadian country music. It's always interesting to me because there are a number of country artists who are big here in Canada but country fans in the US or elsewhere will have no idea who I'm talking about. I tried to make this playlist a mix of artists who don't get as much recognition elsewhere and some familiar names.
I've Been Everywhere - Hank Snow (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
He asked me if I seen a road with so much dust and sand
Then I said listen bud I've traveled every road in this here land
As I tried to put the songs in this mix from oldest to newest, this one was the one that came up first. This is a classic in country music and has been covered by a number of artists. I very nearly included the Stompin' Tom Connors version on this mix, but I decided to go with Hank Snow instead.
Sweet City Woman - The Stampeders (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Like a country mornin'
All smothered in dew
She's just got a way
To make a man feel shiny and new
While The Stampeders are generally considered a rock band, Sweet City Woman has enough of a country feel to it that I felt it belonged on here. This is another classic song and I love the vocals in this one. The gratuitous little bit of French really settles it as a Canadian tune.
Danny's Song - Anne Murray (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
And even though we ain't got money
I'm so in love with you honey
Everything will bring a chain of love
Anne Murray is one of the most iconic of Canadian country singers, especially when it comes to classic country. Her cover of Danny's Song is one of my favourites. I honestly didn't even know it was a cover at first.
Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
She's been looking like a queen in a sailor's dream
And she don't always say what she really means
This is possibly my most borderline inclusion on this playlist. Gordon Lightfoot is generally considered more of a folk singer than country, but I feel the genres are interconnected enough that it was okay to include this. Sundown is probably Lightfoot's best known song, but it's also my favourite.
You Feel The Same Way Too - The Rankin Family (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Hey, sweet darling
A lot of our words have been unkind
Oh, but that was yesterday
Why don't we leave the past behind?
We're skipping ahead in time now to the main portion of this mix which consists of a lot of songs I grew up hearing in the 90s and early 2000s. The Rankin Family are siblings from Nova Scotia whose music has a lot of Celtic influences, which is typical of music from the Maritime provinces. This song is a fun one and features each member of the group's vocals. The instrumentals are also rather unique.
You Can't Resist It - Patricia Conroy (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
And you can tell your story
And you can swear it's true
But save all your lying
For some other fool
I was reminded of this song by my mom near the beginning of the pandemic. I had completely forgotten about it which honestly seems to be the case for Patricia Conroy in general. However, she has written or co-written a number of songs for other artists, including the song Champagne Night that was recorded by Lady A.
No One Needs To Know - Shania Twain (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I'll tell him someday some way somehow
But I'm gonna keep it a secret for now
A Canadian Country list would not be complete without a Shania song. I have been a huge fan of Shania since I was a young child. I did get to fulfill my childhood dream of seeing her live in concert back in 2015 which was amazing. I had a hard time picking just one song from her to add to this mix, but in the end I went with No One Needs to Know as I felt it was definitely more country tinged than some of her other stuff.
Born Again in Dixieland - Jason McCoy (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
She told me "Well I believe in front porch swings
The songs that the crickets sing
And I believe you belong down here with me"
This has been a favourite of mine for a long time. The lyrics are pretty typical of a country song, especially in the 90s country era. There's some banjo in the background which is fun. The part that's always sold it for me however is the female background vocals in the last chorus of the song.
Good Day To Ride - George Canyon (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
If there's no chance of rain
And I need to get away
I'll grab a saddle
And be long, long gone
From 2003 to 2008, there was a country music competition show called Nashville Star. It was built on the American Idol style of singing competition shows but it was specifically geared for country music. Arguably, the most successful contestant from the show was Miranda Lambert, who at 19 years old, finished in 3rd place but has become a massively successful country singer. George Canyon had a similar experience here in Canada. He competed in season 2 and came in second place and while his career never took off in the US, he's had a steady following in Canada ever since. This is one of his pre-Nashville Star songs that got re-released after his success on the show.
Say - Lisa Brokop (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Say what's deep down inside
What fires your soul
What shows in your eyes
In my opinion, Lisa Brokop is one of the most underrated Canadian country singers. Her biggest song only reached number 8 here in Canada (which is not a small feat) but I have always loved her songs. She's a talented songwriter and her voice is distinctive. This is a song of hers that I adore but it never even charted.
Georgia - Carolyn Dawn Johnson (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I heard that same ol' voice inside
I had to drown it out
So I found me a radio station playing something fast
And I turned it up real loud
Speaking of singer/songwriters, Carolyn Dawn Johnson co-wrote one of my absolute favourite songs as a kid, Single White Female by Chely Wright (not to be confused with Michelle Wright who is featured later in this list). However, Johnson's own music is also excellent. This was her first single and I learned while making this playlist that Martina McBride, an American country singer with an amazing voice, did background vocals on this song.
Empty - Terri Clark (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Funny the things we bottle up
Come streaming out when you feel enough
You've probably noticed my bias for female singers at this point, but I had to include Terri Clark. She's been successful in Canada and the US. This song is beautiful and I think it's one of her more underrated singles.
I Surrender - Michelle Wright (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I surrender
Cause what's happenin' to us
Is so right, is so real
And I can't fight this feeling forever
Michelle Wright is yet another country singer/songwriter I love. She appears in a season 4 episode of Due South and sings her song Nobody's Girl at the end. While I do love Nobody's Girl, I chose this song instead as it's one of her lesser known ones, but she also garnered a lot of critical acclaim for it.
When You Call My Name - Paul Brandt (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
I hear the sweetest sound
My world stops turnin' round
Like I'm on holy ground
When you call my name
Paul Brandt is an icon in Canadian country. I could have chosen many other songs to include here, but I went with When You Call My Name as it's one of my favourites and it comes from an entirely live recorded album. I'm always impressed when artists sound almost identical live and he is one of those artists.
November (Acoustic) - Emerson Drive (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
There's always something 'bout this time of year
It takes me to that place
And I remember November
Emerson Drive has actually had a bit of success outside of Canada, notably with their song Moments. November has always been a favourite of mine, but when I heard the acoustic version on their greatest hits album, I fell in love with that version even more.
Married Again - Jim Cuddy & Kathleen Edwards (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Now I’m waking up here in the blinding heat
A ring on my finger in the wedding suite
Same old trouble lying next to me
With a copy of the license and the registry
Best known as the lead singer of country rock band Blue Rodeo, Jim Cuddy has released some solo stuff over the years. While it's never been as popular as his output with Blue Rodeo, I've always enjoyed this fun little duet. Kathleen Edwards is a folk singer and I find their voices work really well together in this. Who doesn't love a song about terrible decisions made in Vegas?
Darlin' - Johnny Reid (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Darlin'
I'm feeling pretty lonesome
I'd call you on the phone some
But I don't have a dime
I have seen Johnny Reid live twice. He is not only a great singer with a raspy, Rod Stewart-esque voice, but he also just puts on a really entertaining show. This song is infectiously catchy which is why I included it on this list.
When It Ain't Raining - One More Girl (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
My heart´s been broke before
I´ve been caught in your downpour
And baby I can’t take no more cloudy skies
At one of the aforementioned Johnny Reid concerts I attended, his opening act was a pair of sisters who called themselves One More Girl. I was immediately enamoured with their harmonies and vocal ability. While they've kind of faded since then, this is one of my favourites.
Bounty - Dean Brody & Lindi Ortega (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
No I ain't worth a penny
Of my bounty back home
A lot of more recent country music has kind of flown by my radar. This song however is a really fun little duet. Dean Brody can be hit or miss for me, but this one is absolutely a hit. I love the inclusion of Lindi Ortega, who has one of the more unique and interesting voices I've heard in newer country music. This song has the vibes of a Western film.
White Horse - Tenille Townes (YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY)
Maybe not the way I was dreamin' of
But you rode in, and won my love
And now I'm finally on the right course
Who needs a white horse?
My mom still listens to a lot of newer country. One day, when I was in the car with her, this song came on and I was immediately adding it to my Spotify liked songs. I love the lyrical content about an underdog or unexpected love so much that it inspired a fic I've been working on for awhile. Townes's voice is also really interesting.
I also made two sigtags featuring two of my favourite bands. Heart (who I included in the first fanmix) and Marianas Trench.
