"Summer of Love"

I know I'm not alone when I say that I want that crazy summer love that seems way too good to be true in these songs.  But the crazy thing about songwriting is it doesn't have to necessarily be your truth, just someones.  Well, besides the fact that I am a die-hard Nicholas Sparks fan, I still want the brilliance in this song, just so I could write one like it!  The simplicity and open-end of this song is perfection.  I think this should be a single.  Be sure to listen for Jimi Westbrook's, of Little Big Town, amazing background vocals.

FM Radio:

Singer: Martina McBride

Songwriters: Tommy Lee James, Hillary Lindsey, Martina McBride

Song: "Summer of Love"


The summer wind was blowin' cold,
But our hearts were still on fire.
The harvest moon was takin' over,
And the long days growin' in time

"Kiss me one more time," you said
"Kiss me so I won't forget,
So I can have this feeling even when you're gone"

I remember how time stood still and how you made me feel
Like you were mine forever, lying there together, that summer of love
Tangled up in a big blue sky, like we could almost fly
And every now and then I wonder if you think about us
And that summer of love, that summer of love

Now and then I get that feeling,
And it pulls me back again.
Back to the night when you were leavin',
Prayin' it would never end.

"Kiss me one more time," you said
"Kiss me like you won't forget it,
Didn't wanna let go, just kept holdin' on

I remember how time stood still and how you made me feel
Like you were mine forever, lying there together, that summer of love
Tangled up in a big blue sky, like we could almost fly
And every now and then I wonder if you think about us
And that summer of love, yeah

The summer wind was blowin' cold,
But our hearts were still on fire.

I remember how time stood still and how you made me feel
Like you were mine forever, lying there together, that summer of love
Tangled up in a big blue sky, like we could almost fly
And every now and then I can't stop thinkin' 'bout us
And that summer of love, that summer of love 

"Marry Me?"

Not because my brother's currently at the Maroon 5/Train/Gavin DeGraw concert right now, not because I listened to Train sing this song live about an hour ago, because this song is that good.  
I'll admit, I had never heard this song prior to the amazing CMT Crossroads Train did with Martina McBride.  But since hearing this song, you can never get this melody out of your head!  What I find intriguing about this song is that I think the whole song was written as the concept, not the usual let's find the lyrics based off of the concept...this is the idea point blank.  If you have never heard this song, first listen to Martina & Train's version and then Train's version.  And come on, this opening lyric...who wouldn't say yes to a song like this?!  PLUS, I am thrilled to see that Martina McBride recorded this song for her upcoming album, Eleven. (Yes, as if I haven't promoted it enough)
This song has that unusual ability to be recorded in multiple genres and STILL be a hit.  And to whatever tall, dark, guitar-playing man out there...marry me?

FM Radio:
Singer: Train
Songwriters: Pat Monahan (YES, a SOLO effort!!!)
Song: "Marry Me"

Forever can never be long enough for me 
Feel like I've had long enough with you
Forget the world now we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do

Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry Me
Today and every day
Marry Me
If I ever get the nerve to say
Hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm

Together can never be close enough for me
Feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words I love
And you're beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love and has finally shown her my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm

Promise me
You'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all the music dies

And marry me
Today and everyday
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Marry me
Mm-hmm

CMT Unplugged

The second I see the word 'unplugged,' I automatically think of Mariah Carey's epic, life-changing MTV Unplugged special and EP that trademarked my childhood.  Although it was released the year of my birth, Mariah Carey changed my brother, my cousin and my life.  Seriously, there aren't enough blogs to release my musical childhood!

So, when I heard Martina McBride was doing an 'Unplugged' special, my heart raced and I felt like the Mariah days were back...except it clicked that it was 2011 and apparently a tv doesn't exist anymore, and now CMT has an online Unplugged series.  In my opinion, it takes away that nostalgic excitement of watching it on TV...but tonight it really didn't matter.  I'm sure my wonderful neighbors and all of our street heard me...I couldn't contain myself.  I had my doubts with "Teenage Daughters," that obviously Hillary Lindsey did NOT write, but let me reassure you Martina McBride is BACK!!!!  She is back and more classy, flawless and powerful than ever!  AND she has recorded some of the most well-written songs that will evolve the foundation of country music.  Her album will be incredible and (I hope) highly awarded!  She deserves it!  Well, I think everyone should do themselves a favor and lose yourself in this unbelievable CMT Unplugged!!!!!  THIS. IS. MUSIC.

"Anyway," "Broken Wing," & "Independence Day"

As you can see, sometimes I go through these spurts where I feel the need to show the world how much I love music, hence, the reason I created this blog.  Anyways, I couldn't just stop at one Martina McBride video.  The first one is M & Lauren Alaina performing at the CMA Fest, if that doesn't give you chills wait until the last note and standing ovation for "Broken Wing."  I was sitting here clapping at the Mac, so not pointless.  The next video is the incredibly humbling speech, which made me love her that much more, that M made after the whole stadium gave her a standing ovation.  

Watching these has made me realize that I don't care how far I ever get on this crazy journey to become one of the women of country music.  

"I'm Gonna Love You Through It"

Speaking from experience, I honestly believe that people who undergo a major illness have a different appreciation for life.  Once unnoticed things become seen but most importantly, closeness becomes closer.  I read earlier that Martina's video for her new single was going to debut today but I finally just got a chance to watch one of her best videos to date.  If you really know me, you know how much I idolize Martina McBride.  She was the first one that made me fall in love with singing.  If you didn't know, Martina doesn't sing...she SINGS.  As a singer, a songwriter, and a person, I simply adore, idolize, the list goes on & on Martina McBride.  Artists may come and go, but no one does it as excellent or classy as Martina.  Simply put, I want to be her when I grow up.  Anyways, I am completely in love and humbled by this incredible song.  After watching the video, that's all I want is that gorgeous color lipstick and eyeshadow and my bedroom to look like that incredible performance scene.  If you're not a Martina McBride fan than you cannot possibly like music.  Speaking of, her new album which I am SO excited about, and will shamelessly promote on this blog until you stop reading it, comes out on October 11th, and I will predict it's going to be one of the most awarded of her career.  I cannot wait!

Regardless if you're 5 or 85, what career you're in, or what you are doing in life, we all strive for acceptance.  Therefore, when something comes along that makes you feel like you're different, that's all you wanna feel is loved.  You undoubtedly want someone to love you through it.


FM Radio:
Singer: Martina McBride
Songwriters: Ben Hayslip, Jimmy Yeary, Sonya Isaacs
Song: "I'm Gonna Love You Through It"

She dropped the phone and burst into tears

The doctor just confirmed her fears

Her husband held it in and held her tight

Cancer don’t discriminate or care if you’re just 38

With three kids who need you in their lives

He said, "I know that you’re afraid and I am, too

But you’ll never be alone, I promise you"

When you’re weak, I’ll be strong

When you let go, I’ll hold on

When you need to cry, I swear that I’ll be there to dry your eyes

When you feel lost and scared to death,

Like you can’t take one more step

Just take my hand, together we can do it

I’m gonna love you through it

She made it through the surgery fine

They said they caught it just in time

But they had to take more than they planned

Now it's forced smiles and baggy shirts

To hide what the cancer took from her

But she just wants to feel like a woman again

She said, "I don't think I can do this anymore"

He took her in his arms and said "That's what my love is for"

When you’re weak, I’ll be strong

When you let go, I’ll hold on

When you need to cry, I swear that I’ll be there to dry your eyes

When you feel lost and scared to death,

Like you can’t take one more step

Just take my hand, together we can do it

I’m gonna love you through it.

And when this road gets too long

I'll be the rock you lean on

Just take my hand, together we can do it

I’m gonna love you through it.

I’m gonna love you through it.

Watch: