A Musical A-Z : W

Getting ever closer to the dreaded ‘X’. That will be a short post! But ‘W’ has lots to offer, so please play along. Any band, song, artist, or album. As long as the name begins with ‘W’. (And in case you were wondering, I am leaving you The Who. 🙂 )

Saved this one for today, right from the start. Another solo British female singer, one who can really belt out a song. Welsh songstress Duffy leapt to fame with her first album release ‘Rockferry’, in 2008. It sold millions of copies, won a Grammy, and three Brit awards. I thought it was one of the best debut albums I had ever heard, showcasing a varied talent from the young woman. Then her second album missed the point completely, and she all but disappeared. She popped up in the Tom Hardy film, ‘Legend’, playing the singer Timi Yuro, but has done little else. Here she is, with a big ballad. I love this song, what a chorus!
Warwick Avenue

Tina Turner had to feature in ‘W’. This legendary soul singer has enjoyed a long and respected career, despite a rocky start at the hands of her husband, Ike. Although some of her biggest hits show an occasional tendency to shouting, I know she has a great voice behind all that. And here’s a good example.
What’s Love Got To Do With It

Spiky-haired British singer Howard Jones was very popular here at one time. Between 1983 and 1986, he had five top ten records, and a number one album. He is still working in music, and last toured in 2016. This was one of his best.
What Is Love

Around the same time as Howard, the much better-looking Nik Kershaw enjoyed chart success too, as well as a big following from the ladies. He had spiky hair as well, but he combed it better. He is still around, and working in music. But he has much less hair. (Don’t we all?) This was a massive hit in the UK.
Wouldn’t It Be Good

I have written about the British band Oasis before. I don’t like them as people, and cannot stand to watch them, or hear them interviewed. But their impact on the UK music scene is the stuff of legend, and Noel really does write some excellent songs, even if he thinks he is the reincarnation of The Beatles. As I like to be honest and truthful, and give credit when it is due, here is a truly wonderful song from that group.
Wonderwall

You may not remember Wild Cherry, but I am guessing you will know this song from 1976. Their only hit, by a Rock band that embraced Funk and Disco, just the once. Can’t keep my feet still!
Play That Funky Music

Wilson Phillips has an amazing pedigree. Daughters of Brian Wilson, from The Beach Boys, and daughter of Michelle Phillips, from The Mamas and Papas. These three girls didn’t really have to do much to get attention, but they could really sing. This track has become something of a cliche now, and known by everyone. But listen to it carefully again, and remember just how good it is.
Hold On

That leads me nicely onto my top choice for ‘W’. From the Dad of the Wilson girls, and the rest of the Beach Boys, another example of perfect harmony. From the 1966 album, ‘Pet Sounds’.
Wouldn’t it be nice