Nutbush City Limits by Tina Turner

Image credited to Wikipedia

This song is energising to listen to, and no matter which version I listen to, there's a raw power in the delivery that is exciting. 

Tina Turner is obviously the one most people are familiar with, when it comes to this song, but there have been several women that have put their own slant on it. Each one combines powerful vocals, and energetic dance moves, in a nod to Tina's version. 

My personal favourite cover of the song is Courtney, a 12 year old who auditioned on Voice Kids with it. She combines a powerful and raspy voice with dance moves she's copied from James Brown, and is extraordinary. 

Here are a few of the different versions, I've come across. 

Tina live in 1970

12 year old absolutely smashes the song

Beth Morris from The Voice UK

Santana from Glee

Club Foot: Kasabian

Club Foot

Kasabian

Official music video

I like the speed of the beat of this song. The first time that I heard it was when watching Smallville, and it was used to soundtrack Lucy Lane escaping from criminals on skis, the beat matching somehow with her moves as she sped down the slope. I also saw it used to soundtrack a fan video for Lois Lane. Video created by jesluvclois. I have kept it as part of my writing inspiration song list for at least the last couple of years and don't think that I'll get tired of listening to it.

Who's Laughing Now by Jessie J

Picture taken from www.metrolyrics.com

Who’s laughing now?

Jessie J

‘Thank you for the pain, it made me raise my game’

I love this song because it’s all about being able to triumph over those that bully you. Jessie J details some of the things that people said to her in school, and for all those that experience similar things, name calling and in some cases physical abuse during their school days, it’s a realisation that if she can do it, bypass the worst of the self doubt and achieve such high levels of success then why can’t they?

Official music video

Kurt (Glee) fan video created by Silver Malfoy

Falling Slowly: Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard

Falling Slowly

Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard

The Once soundtrack

‘I don’t know you but I want you all the more for that’

I loved the film, it’s a sweet and realistic love story between two musicians who can’t ultimately be in a committed relationship, as the woman is already married and settled. The soft wistful tones of this song, are a great mirror to the themes of the film, and the two leads sound beautiful together.

I liked the lyrics, but the line highlighted above, is one that particularly struck a chord with me, and I hope to use the sentiment somewhere in the novel I’m working on.

Suspicious Minds: Elvis Presley

Suspicious Minds

Elvis Presley

‘I’m caught in a trap, I can’t walk out because I love you too much’

I first heard the Fine Young Cannibals version, and liked it a lot, but I have to say that the way that Elvis performs it, is extraordinary, as is usual. Many people singing about the end of their relationship, because their partner doesn’t believe in them anymore would have made it a slow ballad, but the energy and speed that Elvis delivers the song makes it somehow fun and upbeat.

My favourite songs

Picture taken from www.metrolyrics.com

Who’s laughing now?

Jessie J

‘Thank you for the pain, it made me raise my game’

I love this song because it’s all about being able to triumph over those that bully you. Jessie J details some of the things that people said to her in school, and for all those that experience similar things, name calling and in some cases physical abuse during their school days, it’s a realisation that if she can do it, bypass the worst of the self doubt and achieve such high levels of success then why can’t they?

Official music video

Kurt (Glee) fan video created by Silver Malfoy

Flowers in the window: Travis

Flowers in the window

Travis

‘I am here to help you with the load’

This song is basically about how the love of the right person can change someone at the core. The lyrics talk about being emotionally closed off, ‘I was cold a melting snowman’ and then meeting someone who can inspire you to show more of yourself, and be there for them.

Official music video

Fan videos

Rory and Logan (Gilmore Girls) video created by PollyGreen