Martina McBride feat. Kelly Clarkson

Martina McBride's upcoming album, "Everlasting", is said to have "interpretations of iconic songs" and a couple have been released including "In The Basement" (originally by Etta James).

Martina brought Kelly Clarkson in on the project to recorded this fabulous duet.

Now I know what you're thinking. Martina McBride and Kelly Clarkson. They're gonna give this song a country feel. And you'd be wrong (no worries, I was wrong as well). In fact, they kept the R&B feel, which makes me love the song that much more. It's definitely a great tribute to the original and I think Etta James would be proud.

Check out "In The Basement" here:

And just because I'm obsessed with the concept of this whole album, I have to post another. Check out Martina's version of "Come See About Me" here:

Martina should be applauded for her ability to take an iconic song and give it her own spin while still keeping its original integrity intact. Well done, Martina McBride!! 

I vote that this whole album is worth a listen and I've officially pre-ordered my copy of "Everlasting", but I would LOVE it if she released a vinyl as well!

Lady Gaga

On Friday, Lady Gaga released the video for "G.U.Y." and that thing is just straight up sexy. It features the cast of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and a pretty much naked Gaga. Usually I think nudity in music videos is ridiculous, mainly, the way Miley does it; however, much like Rihanna in "Stay", this nudity was done tastefully and it really adds a lot in regards to the meaning of the lyrics.

Speaking of the lyrics, those are equally as steamy and sexy. Not only does it talk about taking control in the bedroom, but also in the relationship in general. It's really speaking to the new age way of life where women are no longer just here to cook and clean. They're contributing members of society and it's ok for them to wear the pants so to speak.

I know I've thrown this word around a lot in this post, but I don't care. This whole song, video etc. is straight up sexy. And let's be real, the girl brought back Michael Jackson, Gandhi and Jesus. That automatically is the sign of a hit.

Love the song, love the video and most of all, love her!!

Check out Lady Gaga's latest, "G.U.Y." here:

Sia

I fully believe that Sia is one of the most underrated artists of our time, and that's unfortunate because the girl has some serious talent. Not only can she write kick ass music, but the girl can SING!

We all know "Titanium" and "Wild Ones", and both are fantastic, but her new single "Chandelier" could very well be my favorite of her songs. Don't let the mellow sound fool you, it's definitely going to be the next big party anthem. The lyrics are killer and Sia's powerful voice resembles a mix of BC Jean and Rihanna. Simply put, the greatness this song radiates is beyond words.

According to an interview with Ryan Seacrest, Sia was debating giving this song to Katy Perry or Rihanna, which to me is crazy because after hearing "Chandelier", I don't think either of them could have done this track justice. Don't get me wrong, both are great singers, but Sia knocked it out of the park with this one!

Check out Sia's latest single, "Chandelier", here:

The Chainsmokers

Music + self-absorbed female = #Selfie

Are the two a match made in heaven?? Perhaps.

Let's start with the name of the group: The Chainsmokers. Personally, I think it's a kick ass name.

The song title? Well I do love a good #, and so does the rest of the Tweeting world, so I like that they incorporated the symbol into the song title (as well as in a lyric or two of the actual song).

In all honesty, while the song does have a sick beat and some hilariously narcissistic lyrics, it could get rather old really quickly. I don't see myself singing this in the shower or in the car, but I could dance to it for sure.

Check out #Selfie by The Chainsmokers here:

Bebe Rexha

Even if you haven't heard of Bebe Rexha, I guarantee you know her work. "The Monster" by Eminem and Rihanna...that was co-written by Bebe, but it was originally called "Monster Under My Bed".

Bebe's demo for Eminem and Rihanna features no rap, just her unique sound. Overall the track is pure perfection and completely different than the radio sound we all know. In all honesty, I don't think it's even fair to compare the two because they are so different in terms of sound, genre and lyrical content.

After learning that the song was originally written by Bebe and that she herself could sing, and not just the type of singing one does in the shower or car, I had to wonder why she gave her song away? According to an interview with Vibe, Bebe knew when she recorded the song that it should be an Eminem record. Smart career move or a major loss for her personal career? Personally, I think it was a risk that paid off extremely well. Now with those two powerhouses on her resume, she's becoming a force to be reckoned with and hopefully, she will become a rising star in the music industry because I am in love with her sound.

Listen to "Monster Under My Bed" here:

In addition to "Monster Under My Bed", Bebe has collaborated with Cash Cash on a track currently on the Top 40 charts called "Take Me Home". The EDM track is beyond catchy and the beat could liven up any room. This song is dope (I can't believe I just used that word in a sentence) and it deserves some serious radio love.

Check out "Take Me Home" here:

I still don't know a whole lot about Bebe Rexha, but I do know that her music is definitely worth a listen and I will be stalking her YouTube channel waiting for more (in a non-creepy way of course).

Pentatonix

So...it's been awhile. New jobs (yes with an "s"), a new address, a car accident (everyone's fine), a new car...needless to say 2014 has been a WILD ride, but it's been a great one so far.

With the new year has come new music and this cover has to be my favorite so far! Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably know "Say Something" by A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera. And if you're like me, you still get a tear in your eye every time you hear the intro start playing on the radio.

Over the past few months, I've found that the song means something different to everyone. The original video has an older couple saying goodbye as the woman takes her last breath. It has also ended countless relationships with it's pure, raw emotion, and it has even been a song of strength when it comes to moving on. I think the countless meanings to the lyrics makes the song that much more relatable to every listener.

Thanks to the power of YouTube, many covers of the original song have been created, but my personal favorite is by Pentatonix. The setting is minimal and the white backdrop reinforces the seriousness of the message. Say something. I'm giving up on you.

In addition to the black and white setting, the harmonies are equally as chilling. The blend of their voices makes their sound so much bigger and the lyrics even more powerful. Also, each singer is staring down the camera for the entirety of the song, which makes it that much more emotional.

I can't lie, the first time I saw this video, I sobbed. At work. At my desk. Just sobbing. It's that good!

And can we just talk about the cello-boxing for just two seconds? A-MAY-ZING. Absolutely amazing.

Give Pentatonix's cover of "Say Something" a listen and then definitely check out more of their music because they are worth a listen!