A Musical A-Z: Y

After the problems with ‘X’, ‘Y’ is a breeze. More a case of what to leave out this time. Please play along. Any song, album, artist, or band. As long as the name begins with ‘Y’.

This is a 1998 song from the American Indie band, New Radicals. As far as I know, it was a definite one hit wonder, but what a hit it was! I loved this song back then, even though I never actually bought the album it came from. I still play it on You Tube, at least once a week. It cheers me up, no end.
And as well as that, it’s a truly great pop song. At least I think so.
You Get What You Give

The Lovin’ Spoonful, with the glorious lead vocals of John Sebastian, were one of the great sounds of the 1960s. Their big hit, ‘Do You Believe In Magic’, is one of my favourite songs of all time. Most of us will also remember that summer anthem, ‘Summer In The City’ too. Fortunately, they have an equally good song that begins with a ‘Y’. Back to that Summer Of Love, on a cloud…
You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice

English singer-songwriter James Morrison had a huge hit with his debut album in 2006, and won a Brit Award for this single from that. He went on to have another huge hit, a duet with Nelly Furtado, and wrote many songs performed by other artists. Still performing and recording now, here’s that award-winning song. Great stuff!
You Give Me Something.

British duo Yazoo consisted of singer Alison Moyet, and musician Vince Clarke. Vince went on to form the successful band Erasure, and Alison has enjoyed a popular solo career. Back in 1982, they released this song, showcasing her powerful voice, and his talent for electronic pop music. It was a big hit, big enough to launch two careers. Alison’s voice is just great!
Only You

I couldn’t let ‘Y’ go by without featuring one of my favourite songs from the American group, The Young Rascals. Despite being released in 1967, this song is as fresh today as it ever was. A real timeless classic. Just lay your head back, and drift away.
Groovin’

Bernard Butler used to be in the British band Suede. He later teamed up with singer Mark McAlmont and recorded this quite wonderful song, in 1995. They had some other hits, but nothing came close to this cleverly-constructed orchestral classic.
Yes

I loved this song back in 1994. British singer Des’ree had a short lived career, with only three hits in the UK, and one in the US. But she made some great songs, and they hung around in the charts for months at a time. You might think you have never heard of her. Listen to this, and think again.
You Gotta Be

My top pick today is a song that everybody knows. But this is the original version, by the wonderfully talented woman who wrote it. Now associated with other powerful female solo singers, just forget all of them, and relish the original. From one of the best albums ever released, Carole King’s ‘Tapestry’, in 1971.
You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman

‘Y’ is huge So off you go, and enjoy yourselves.