Elton John

Elton John is one of the most successful solo musicians in modern times. A virtuoso pianist, his songs are well written and the hit singles are unforgettable from the times when i heard them as a child. Some of my favourites are Nikita, I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues, Daniel, Sad Songs Say So Much, Sacrifice, Healing Hands, The One, The Club At The End Of The Street and Empty Garden.

Sacrifice must go down as one of the best ballads i have ever heard. Meaningful and soothing, a classic song no less.

Empty Garden is a song written for John Lennon at the time when he was murdered. A poignant song that evokes so much emotion whenever i hear it.

Abbey my car turns one month old today and i have been listening to a lot of Elton John while driving since. The songs makes for a great listen driving through the streets in the quiet morning to work and cruising through the highways under the street lights at night.

I am having the time of my life.

'And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts living
In two separate world' - Sacrifice

Sit Down

'James' is a UK indie band from the 90s. 'Sit Down' was a famous hit song from them in the early 90s with its catchy tune and thoughtful lyrics. I think the lyrics is written from the pespective of a handicapped or destitute person, or perhaps from someone who simply needs a friend or company to talk to.

'Sit Down next to me
in love, in fear, in hate, in tears' - Sit Down

A New Flame ; Simply Red

Simply Red is an acclaimed English band known for their adult-oriented pop tunes and ballads, most notably from the 80s and 90s such as 'Holding Back the Years', 'Stars', 'Something Got me Started', 'For Your Babies' and one of the best cover version in 'If You Don't Know Me By Now'

'A New Flame' was a single from 1989 from the album of the same name. It's staccato beat and sensual vocals from lead singer Mick Hucknall is impeccably neat and close to a perfect tune.

Today is a day to remember for the arrival of my first car.
I have named her 'Abbey'.
She is my new flame and yes,
she is simply red

'She's turned me around
A New Flame has come
and nothing she can do can do me wrong' - A New Flame

Perfect Day

'Perfect Day' is a ballad written by Lou Reed in 1972. It was popularized again in 1997 when it was re-recorded by Lou Reed and other British musicians and released along with a music video as part of a promotion by BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation).

Hear the original version here.

The lyrics speaks about romance and telling someone how much it means to him just by being with her.

'Oh it's such a perfect day
I'm glad i spent it with you' - Perfect Day

This is exactly how i felt on this day.

Fast Car

'Fast Car' was a Grammy award winning song in 1988 by American singer Tracy Chapman. A meaningful song with a simple and affectionate tune sung with sincerity.

Singapore hosted its second Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend. And yes, i was there to savor every engine howl, screech and excitement in its entirety.


'I remember when we were driving
Driving in your car
Speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
And I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone'

- Fast Car

19

'19' was a big hit that top the charts all over Europe in 1985. This part dance, part socio-war commentary song on the Vietnam War was written by Paul Hardcastle. It features sample dialogue and news report about the Vietnam War. Unique and written ahead of its time, this song will never date.

'In World War II, the average age of the combat soldier was 26,
In Vietnam he was 19'

- 19

Cry

Godley & Creme was a British duo and this 1985 single 'Cry' was a memorable song from them. It is emotive and full of feelings, even listening to it often more than 20 years after it's release.

Check out its strange but innovative music video featuring faces of people morphing in and out from start to finish. Amazing.

'you don't even know how to say goodbye,
you make me wanna cry'

- Cry