Music Notes with Jess

Exactly 5 years ago, I began this podcast and attended the Global Citizen Festival on 9/28/19. My first episode recapped that awesome event! I luckily won again for this year's (9/28/24), but unfortunately couldn't stay the whole time due to unexpected weather. Global Citizen is a great non-profit organization advocating world issues, and accomplishing goals by society participating in their projects. Since 2012, they hold a free annual concert every last weekend in September, rewarding participants as winners to attend. Advocating more awareness and celebrity support, I recap my full concert review for 2024's recent festival. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
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Global Citizen 2024 Livestream

Alok - Setlist; GCF '24 clips
Benson Boone - Setlist; GCF ' 24 Clips
Jelly Roll - Setlist; GCF ' 24 Clips
Raye - Setlist
Rauw Alejandro - Setlist

LISA - Setlist
"Moonlit Floor" - GCF '24 Debut
"KIss Me" - Sixpence None The Richer (1998)

Doja Cat - Setlist
Chris & Ed (Coldplay's Chris Martin, & Ed Sheeran!)
Post Malone - Setlist

Related Episodes: Album Nerds - The Power of Lyrics
Ep. 13 - Top 40 Songs of 2019 (Part 2)
Ep. 65 - Top 40 Songs of 2020 (Part 2)
Ep. 93 - Japan Themed Songs
Ep. 124 - Rihanna Top 20
Ep. 168 - Top 40 Songs of 2022 (Part 1)
Ep. 187 - Ed Sheeran Top 10
Ep. 192 - Jelly Roll Bio & Top 3 Hits
Ep. 199 - Doja Cat's "Attention"
Ep. 236 - Teddy Swims & Benson Boone
Ep. 254 - Post Malone's 'F-1 Trillion' (Review)
Ep. 256 - VMAs 2024 Predictions

When Linkin Park's estate put out "Lost", a 2003 archived track last year, their fans loved hearing their music and the voice of late frontman Chester Bennington. Pondering the what-ifs of the band getting back together after Chester's 2017 suicide, that revelation's happening now! Learn about Linkin Park's ending hiatus, new members joining the lineup, and #1 promo single "The Emptiness Machine" for From Zero's release!

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
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Linkin Park's "Lost" music video side by side
From Zero Livestream (9/5/24)
Mike Shinoda on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
"The Emptiness Machine"  (Live) - Tonight Show

Emily Armstrong - replacement singer
Dead Sara discography
Colin Brittain - replacement drummer

Related Episodes:
Ep. 107 - 13 Halloweenish Songs
Ep. 141 - Class of 2007 Playlist
Ep. 176 - Linkin Park's "Lost"
Ep. 204 - VMAs 2023 Predictions
Ep. 221 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 2)
Ep. 256 - VMAs 2024 Predictions 

The Jackson 5 made their music debut 55 years ago in 1969! Sadly, there's only 3 members left. Lead singer Michael Jackson died in 2009, guitarist and backup singer Tito just died of a heart attack on 9/14/24. Listening back to 3 eras they've achieved, I made a top 10 countdown of hits I recommend. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
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The Jackson 5 Top 10:
10. “Who’s Loving You” (1969-1970)
"Hold On" - En Vogue (1990)

9. “The Love You Save” (1970)
8. “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” - The Jacksons (1978-1979)
American Idol Top 7 Performance (2009)

7. “Dancing Machine” (1974-1975)
6. “Give Love On Christmas Day” (1970)

5. “Never Can Say Goodbye” (1971-1972)
Gloria Gaynor's cover (1974-1975)

4. “Got to Be There” - Michael Jackson (1971-1972)
Chaka Khan's cover (1983)

3. “ABC” (1970)

2. “I’ll Be There” (1970)
Motown 25 special (1983); Mariah Carey's cover (1992)

1. “I Want You Back” (1969-1970)
'NSYNC (1996-1998)

The Jackson: An American Dream (1992)
MJ The Musical
Michael  - 2025 biopic

Related Episodes:
Ep. 4 - 31 Songs for Halloween
Ep. 17 - History of Halftime Shows
Ep. 34 - Soul Train & BET's American Soul
Ep. 113 - Annie/MJ The Musical/West Side Story
Ep. 121 - Janet Jackson Documentary
Ep. 159 - Thriller: Then & Now
Ep. 205 - 'NSYNC Top 10 Favs
Ep. 206 - Back To School Playlist
Ep. 233 - Mariah Carey Top 10

Six Picks Music Club

Near the tail end of 2024's summer, a comeback duet was released by 2 singers with similar genres and career timelines: Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga! The big question fans are wondering: "Why now?" There's no reported albums for "Die With A Smile"'s single, and the pairing was an overnight shock! Find out the interesting timing of its release, how long it's been since both singers made music, and record breaking streaming fans helped them achieve globally. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
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Mentioned Media: "When I Was Your Man" - Bruno Mars (2012-2013)
"Yoü and I" (2011), "Million Reasons" (2017), "Speechless" (AMAs performance) (2009)
- Lady Gaga

Joker: Folie A Deux - upcoming movie

"Die With A Smile"'s co-producers:
Dernst Emile II
James Fauntleroy
Andrew Watt

Getting Down and Wordy - podcast

Related Episodes:
Ep. 65 - Top 40 Songs of 2020 (Part 2)
Ep. 78 - Silk Sonic's "Leave the Door Open"
Ep. 102 - Ariana Grande Top 10
Ep. 105 - Lady Gaga Top 10
Ep. 117 - Top 40 Songs of 2021 (Part 2)
Ep. 138 - Top Gun's Movie Songs
Ep. 157 - Bruno Mars' 6 Diamond Songs
Ep. 168 - Top 40 Songs of 2022 (Part 2)
Ep. 250 - French Lyrics Playlist

MTV's first Video Music Awards aired 9/14/84. Forty years later, videos are still relevant in music marketing. To evaluate popular songs in this year's categories, I analyze my predictions in these 8 categories: Best Pop, Best Collaboration, Best Alternative, Best Rock, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Artist of the Year, and Video of the Year. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", by Jessica Ann Catena; Text our podcast, Support our podcast
Background Music: GarageBand's "Hot Stuff Synth Lead"


Pick a Disc podcast

Check our social media pages to view before and after results: Facebook, Twitter / X, Instagram. 

Related Episodes:
Ep. 199 - Doja Cat's "Attention"
Ep. 201 - Madonna Top 10
Ep. 204 - VMAs 2023 Predictions
Ep. 217 - Sabrina Carpenter's "Feather"
Ep. 221- Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 2)
Ep. 222 - Tyla's "Water"
Ep. 223 - Ariana Grande's "yes and?" / J. Lo's "Can't Get Enough"
Ep. 228 - Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'Em" & "16 Carriages"
Ep. 234 - COWBOY CARTER & Evolution
Ep. 236 - Teddy Swims & Benson Boone
Ep. 237 - The Tortured Poets Department - Review
Ep. 238 - Dua Lipa Top 10
Ep. 242 - 2024 Summer Song?
Ep. 243 - "Houdini" Songs
Ep. 246 - Imagine Dragons' Biography
Ep. 247 - "NOT" 4th of July
Ep. 248 - Katy Perry's Diamond Songs & "WOMAN'S WORLD"
Ep. 249 - Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"
Ep. 254 - Post Malone's 'F-1 Trillion' - Review

Hey Yacht Rock fans, there's a new sub-genre in the family: Yacht Soul! Sirius/XM debuted a station this past 4th of July weekend, subscribers can hear the online station on their app and website. Infleuncing memorable movie scenes and future covers, climb aboard my Yacht Soul playlist to get acquainted with its smooth jazz, blue eyed soul, and solo saxophone vibes. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
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Yacht Soul playlist songs:
“Cruisin’” - Smokey Robinson (1979-1980)
D'Angelo's cover (1995)
Huey Lewis & Gwenyth Paltrow (2000)

“Drift Away” - Dobie Gray (1972-1973)
Uncle Kracker & Dobie Gray (2002-2004)
"Chevrolet" - Dustin Lynch (CMT) (2023); feat. Jelly Roll (2023-2024)

“Just the Two of Us” - Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers (1981-1982)
Will Smith's rap (1997-1998); Dr. Evil (Austin Powers 2) (1999)
"Around and Around" - Ullanda McCullough (1979)

“Forget Me Nots” - Patrice Rushen (1982); "Fastlove"
Big trampoline scene (1988); "Men In Black" (1997)

“Too Hot” - Kool and the Gang (1979-1980)

“All Night Long” - Lionel Richie (1983-1984)

“What You Won’t Do For Love” - Bobby Caldwell (1978-1979)
Go West (1993)

“I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” - Hall & Oates (1981-1982)

“I Keep Forgettin’” - Michael McDonald (1982-1983); Soul Train
"Regulate" - Warren G feat. Nate Dogg (1994); Memoir

“I Just Wanna Stop” - Gino Vanelli (1977-1978)
Soul Train episode (23:00-30:00 mark)

Ep. 144 - Yacht Rock - Boat Songs

Post Malone's been mixing his own music since high school. Fusing hip-hop and pop, he now has a new country album! I recap his discography, year-long promotion for F-1 Trillion, and the tracks' early rankings. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
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Post Malone's YouTube Channel

Grand Ole Opry livestream (8/15/24) 
(starts at 19 min mark)

CBS Sunday Morning interview
Apple Music interview

NBC Elvis Presley's 50th Special (2018)

"Jackie Chan" music video

ACMs 2024: "Never Love You Again" & "I Had Some Help"
"Rambling Man" tribute

"Pour Me a Drink" @ CMA Fest

Related Episodes:
Ep. 12 - Top 40 Songs of 2019 (Part 1)
Ep. 30 - Post Malone's "Circles" - Chart History
Ep. 156 - Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit"
Ep. 169 - Top 40 Songs of 2022 (Part 2)
Ep. 234 - COWBOY CARTER & Evolution
Ep. 235 - Eclipse Playlist
Ep. 237 - The Tortured Poets Department - Review
Ep. 249 - Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"

Halsey's a modern pop singer since 2014. Breaking through The Chainsmokers' 2016 #1 hit "Closer", she brings an edgy darkness in her music. Preparing her 5th album, Halsey released promo singles: "The End", "Lucky", and "Lonely Is the Muse".  "Lucky" has double mashup samples by Britney Spears and Monica. Learn the biographies of all 3 women, tying in each hit song used. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
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Mentioned media:
“Alone” - Halsey (2018)
"Alone" - Halsey feat. Big Sean and Stefflon Don (2018)
"Without Me" - Halsey (2018)

"Cry Me a River" - Justin Timberlake (2002-2003)
"Lucky" - Britney Spears (2000)

"The Boy Is Mine" - Brandy & Monica (1998)
"Angel of Mine" - Monica (1998)
"Angel of Mine" - Eternal (1997)
Monica's "Everything to Me" (2010), sampling Deniece Williams' "Silly" (1981)
Monica's album news - (Variety)

Album Nerds podcast

Related Episodes:
Ep. 48 - Brandy & Monica's "The Boy Is Mine"
Ep. 69 - Justin Timberlake Top 20
Ep. 112 - Britney Spears Top 20
Ep. 121 - Janet Jackson Documentary
Ep. 168 - Top 40 Songs of 2022 (Part 1)
Ep. 199 - Doja Cat's "Attention"
Ep. 205 - 'NSYNC Top 10 Favs
Ep. 229 - Justin Timberlake New Album
Ep. 251 - Celine Dion Top 10

Little Big Town are a country group and special unit, celebrating 25 years together. They've consistently performed hits about 20 years, one of the most successful in their genre. Releasing a Greatest Hits compilation and touring with Sugarland, I created this top 10 of songs I recommend of theirs (including 3 not on the album). 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
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Little Big Town Top 10
10. “The Daughters” (2019)
9. “Little White Church” (2010)
8. “Day Drinking” (2014)
7. “Summer Fever” (2018)
6. “Pontoon” (2012)
5. “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” (2019, 2020)
4. “Tornado” (2012-2013)
3. “Better Man” (2016-2017)
2. “Girl Crush” (2014)
1. “Boondocks” (2005)

"Wine, Beer, Whiskey" - Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (2020)

The Big Interview with Dan Rather (2019)

"Better Man" - CMT Storytellers (2024)

Little Big Town's Christmas Peformance @ Grand Ole Opry
Today's Summer Concert Series calendar

"Unchained Melody" - The Righteous Brothers (1965)

Related Episodes: 
Ep. 12 - Top 40 Songs of 2019 (Part 1)
Ep. 64 - Top 40 Songs of 2020 (Part 1)
Ep. 107 - 13 Halloweenish Songs
Ep. 144 - Yacht Rock - Boat Songs
Ep. 155 - Kelsea Ballerini Top 10
Ep. 168 - Top 40 Songs of 2022 (Part 1)

Celine Dion is a famous Canadian bilingual singer. She's sang over 40 years in French and English, but unfortunately has suffered from Stiff Person Syndrome. Aiming to get stronger in her new documentary, she movingly concluded Paris' Summer Olympics opening ceremony a week ago! Growing up loving her music, I reminisce  memories loving these 10 songs from her. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
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Celine Dion top 10 playlist:
10. “I’m Alive” (2002)
Stuart Little 2 

9. “The Prayer” - Andrea Bocelli (1998)
Quest for Camelot 

8. “The Power of Love” (1993)
7. “That’s the Way It Is” (1999-2000)
6. “All By Myself” (1996)
5. “Taking Chances” (2007-2008)
4. “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” (1996)

3. "Beauty and the Beast (End Duet)” - Peabo Bryson (1991-1992)
movie; Angela Lansbury's film ballroom scene version

2. “Because You Loved Me” (1996); Up, Close, and Personal
Diane Warren's songwriting credits

1. “My Heart Will Go On” (1997-1998); Titanic

Related Episodes:
Ep. 27 - NBC's Songland
Ep. 62 - Christina Aguilera Top 10 Hits
Ep. 139 - Carrie Underwood's Country Albums
Ep. 174 - Titanic & "My Heart Will Go On"
Ep. 231 - Eric Carmen's Tribute Playlist
Ep. 233 - Mariah Carey Top 10
Ep. 235 - Eclipse Playlist