Many misunderstand ELO’s final, heavily vocoderd exit lyric: “Please turn me over.” This phrase refers to vinyl records having two sides – ELO was using this line as an indirect way of encouraging their fans to listen more of their music.
This song speaks about finding comfort and strength from God during difficult times in life.
1. The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
The Beatles’ 1967 song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds is an outstanding example of psychedelic music. The narrator compares his beloved to an expansive starry sky, declaring his wish to dedicate his life solely to her. The song contains colorful imagery like kaleidoscope eyes, newspaper taxis, and marmalade skies; an essential ingredient in creating memorable psychedelic songs!
The song was inspired by a nursery school drawing done by Lennon’s son Julian called “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Lennon and McCartney then added images from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland as well as personal drug experiences into its lyrics; some speculate that each word of this title noun may contain LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), though Lennon has always denied this interpretation of its content.
LIWC analyses of this song reveal its lyrics are distancing, featuring few first person singular pronouns and present tense verbs, along with long words and discrepant vocabulary which suggests the narrator may not fully express their emotions – echoing his feelings of disconnect with love. Furthermore, its psychedelic qualities were amplified by its musical arrangement that includes Lowrey organ and Indian tambura drone percussion instruments.
2. Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars”
Coldplay is one of the world’s best-selling bands with over 100 million worldwide fans, earning them numerous accolades from fans around the world. Coldplay is widely known for their charitable donations to Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign and Amnesty International as well as taking part in humanitarian initiatives such as Band Aid 20, Live 8 and Sport Relief projects.
A Rush of Blood to the Head was released by the group in fall 2001 to widespread acclaim, becoming one of the best-selling piano ballads around in multiple countries and earning them multiple Grammy Award nominations.
Coldplay broadened their musical reach on subsequent albums such as Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008) and Mylo Xyloto (2011), the latter’s title track becoming an international number-one hit, winning two Grammy awards including Best Pop Rock Album.
Subsequent releases by the band included 2015’s subdued Ghost Stories and 2016’s upbeat A Head Full of Dreams as well as 2017 single “A Sky Full of Stars”, and EP Kaleidoscope (2017). On 15 October 2021, their ninth studio album Music of the Spheres was released, featuring guest appearance from Swedish producer Avicii and debuting at number one on UK charts, while single “Higher Power” won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
3. Mumford & Sons’ “October Skies”
Mumford & Sons have begun recording their fourth album. Holed up in a converted church with producer Paul Epworth (Coldplay, Adele), they’re revising, editing and perfecting tracks with producer Paul Epworth assisting. A string orchestra joins in to add cinematic flourishes for If I Say. Additionally, someone playing banjo can occasionally be heard.
Delta, their latest effort, marks an adventurous and compelling turn for the band. While it features some electric influences compared to Wilder Mind, Delta still manages to stay true to their rustic roots of previous releases Babel and Sigh No More.
By drawing inspiration from jazz, electronica and orchestral music genres, the band explores new territory while keeping their signature folk elements at its center.
At its best, Delta captures the heart-stopping intensity of Irish “big music” bands from the 1980s like U2 and Waterboys; at its worst it veers into crescendocore or folktronica territory that would fit right in during college makeout sessions or emotional network television dramas – yet regardless of these issues it remains an engaging and mature album that shows that this band can handle whatever challenge comes their way.
4. The Afters’ “Light Up the Sky”
The Afters’ song, “Light Up the Sky,” is an inspirational tune that recalls God’s presence even through life’s most trying moments. Featuring an inspiring piano melody, “Light Up the Sky” was released as the first single from their album Light Up the Sky on September 14, 2010 as its initial single release and has since received positive reviews from Allmusic, Alpha Omega News, CCM Magazine, Cross Rhythms among others.
This song draws its inspiration from personal experience. It tells the tale of a woman moving away from an abusive relationship and finding happiness on her own; gazing upon the midnight sky reminds her that no one needs to make her happy anymore; also serves as a great anthem for anyone experiencing heartache; becoming one of the most popular songs with sky lyrics.
5. George Strait’s “Blue Clear Sky”
George Strait has long been a mainstay in country music. His albums consistently top the charts and he was honored with three CMA Male Vocalist of the Year awards. Additionally, his music earned multiple Grammy awards – including one for Troubadour.
Blue Clear Sky was released as the lead single from Strait’s 1996 album with the same name, and addresses issues surrounding fate and its inability to be changed. Yet despite its serious message, this upbeat tune remains popular on country radio today.
Strait’s music recalls that of his predecessors Hank Williams and George Jones. His crooning style has earned him multiple hits over time and continues to depend on talented songwriters for writing material for him.
Strait’s interests extend far beyond music, including ranching and steer roping. He is also involved in politics as a proud Texan. After attending Southwest Texas State University and marrying his high school sweetheart before enlisting in the Army, he formed his first band called Ace in the Hole which performed at local bars with limited success.
6. John Lennon’s “Imagine”
John Lennon quickly reinvented himself following the Beatles’ break-up by producing several raw and minimalist albums. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band in 1970 marked an intense journey into self-discovery; its songs such as ‘Working Class Hero,’ ‘God,’ and ‘Isolation’ explored issues of identity and alienation with unflinching honesty.
As he entered his forties with newfound wisdom and grace, as evidenced by the uplifting reggae lilt of “Imagine”, Paul McCartney found solace in calling out for peace and unity on songs like this. In an otherwise turbulent post-Beatles world, this track resonated with many.
From his hometown of Liverpool, John Lennon embraced his unsettling personality while striving for clarity of thought in his lyrics. He saw “literary” writing as an untrustworthy way to hide one’s true intentions from an audience; even during a brief psychedelic period during the mid-to-late sixties, Lennon always preferred directness and honesty in his lyrical writing style. Unfortunately these principles were put to the test shortly after releasing Imagine when, just months after its release by an obsessed fan on December 8, 1980. Despite this tragedy though, digital projections of its poignant lyrics have appeared worldwide on landmark buildings such as Houses of Parliament, St Paul Cathedral, Liver Building Liverpool; even the Houses of Parliament has featured digital projections with digital projections featuring its poignant lyrics like Houses of Parliament, St Paul Cathedral and Liver Building Liverpool!
7. Kate Bush’s “The Big Sky”
This song’s lyrics depict a vision of hope embodied by an optimistic sky, reminding us that we can achieve great things if we put in enough effort and strive for greater things in life. Additionally, its melancholic tone emphasizes moments when everything seems out of control and collapse.
Kate Bush is an amazing musician who expertly navigates between expanding her music and staying true to herself without sounding similar to anyone else, an astounding accomplishment that makes Kate reminiscent of an agile Russian gymnast who can make even difficult moves look effortless.
But Bush’s albums can still be challenging to listen to at times. Her songs tend to be dark, often featuring explicit material. She’s known for her unique vocal style – sometimes breathy or shrieking – which some find disconcerting but is part of what makes her music unique; her singing allows her to convey a variety of emotions which enhance the musical experience for listeners.