My favorite music- Janet, Heart, Journey, Madonna, Sugarland

I had a pillow that a friend's mom cross-stitched for me back in the early 80's that says, "Music Makes Me Happy." All of you who know me know this is true. Nothing brightens me more than to hear my favorite tunes. So I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorites and why so you can go listen to them also.

1. Janet Jackson- I love this girl. The first song that comes up on my playlist here on the blog is one of my favorite Janet Jackson songs, Rock with U. This is one of those songs that just gives me instant energy for anything. Like when you need to be cleaning the house or some other mundane chore, this is the song to see you through it. The full sound comes together about 1:15 seconds into the song. Take a listen. She's playing here in October in Atlanta and I want to go so bad. I'm very tempted to bite the bullet and go see her. Can you just imagine? My better half doesn't like the music scene as much as I do so she would be happy as a lark if any of you would want to go with me. I know the Jackson's are kind of strange, mostly Michael, but I would see him in a heartbeat too. They are the most talented musical icons of America and they know how to make great music and Janet, well she's just simply beautiful to look at.

2. Heart- I learned last Saturday that Heart, along with Journey were performing in Charlotte, about an hour from us and that my co-worker had to "get rid of her tickets" but it wasn't with me. I had no idea they were going to be close to South Carolina. I LOVE Heart! Ann and Nancy Wilson rock the world with their unique sound. Listen to "Alone" or "Crazy on You." Back in 2000, buddy Laura and I went to Las Vegas to hear them on the beach of Mandalay Bay and they were truly incredible. Legendary women icons of rock music. Take a listen.

3. Journey- Who's heartstrings were not tugged at by this band in the 80's? Steve Perry left the band and they found this amazing singer from the Philippines to take his place and he is absolutely fantastic and so close to the original singer, Steve. Listen to "Faithfully" and "Don't Stop Believin'" from the now infamous final episode of The Sopranos. This group totally takes me back and there is a story for every song.
4. Madonna- she's always been a favorite since the early 80's. Love her, hate her, I don't care what she's doing with or without ARod, but I do love her music. She's another music genius who knows how to put out the best sounds that you can dance, exercise, or move to. Listen to "4 Minutes" or "Beat Goes On" and all the early hits, "Vogue, Holiday, Borderline."
J and I are going to her concert in Atlanta in November for my birthday and we cannot wait. We now have to take out a second mortgage to pay for the tickets. :-) We have to take advantage of these cause you won't see them in a lot of smaller areas like South Carolina or even Salt Lake.

5. Sugarland- I couldn't finish this entry without mentioning my favorite country band. Sugarland, is a due of Jennifer Nettles and Christian Bush. They used to have a third member, a lesbian singer/songwriter who did perform with them the first year and helped create hits like "Baby Girl" and "Gotta Be Something More". She left the group to continue pursuing songwriting. Today they are the biggest thing to hit Nashville in years and they keep pounding out the hits with "Stay" and "Everyday America" (which is my ringtone on my cellphone when any of ya'll call.) and "All I Want To Do." Jennifer Nettles is also know for singing with Jon Bon Jovi on the hit song, "Who Says You Can't Go Home." She's a huge chick magnet out here in the south. Last year, J and I went to her concert and you should have seen all the lesbians there. :-) They are amazing.

And that's my review of great music and artists of today according to me. What's your favorites?