Greetings,
I know that, after reading this post title, you may be thinking one thing. You may think that I have narrowed down every song I've ever heard that has gone platinum to my top ten favorites. Well, no, I haven't. Actually, I don't think any of these songs have gone platinum, sadly, but they have all spawned from a little reality show on Bravo called Platinum Hit. Get it!
Okay, I don't know how many of you have seen this show, but this list is best suited to those who have seen it in its entirety. I don't think I'll be giving spoilers, necessarily, but I will tell you who wrote each song, which will give you hints as to who stuck around the longest. Maybe.
For those of you who haven't seen the show but are opting to continue, let me give you the lowdown on how it worked. They started with twelve songwriters. Each episode had a different theme, and the contestants had thirty minutes to come up with a hook. Then, the best (sometimes) hooks were chosen, and those winners got to pick a team of people with whom to write and finish the song. That was the process up until the last couple of episodes. Oh, and the show was hosted and judged by two ladies you might know - Jewel and Kara DioGuardi. Remember that second one? From American Idol? Apparently, she's some kind of songwriter.
You may be wondering what is interesting about watching people write songs. Well, in theory, maybe nothing. But I am a bit of a behind the scenes voyeur, and I like to witness the process of creating. And trust, there was plenty of drama that went along with these writing sessions. Now if you did watch the show and know how liked or unliked some of these songs were by the "judges", you'll know that they often had little effect on me and my opinion. I like what I like. But enough with all that. Let's get to the music.
#10. "The Road is Where the Heart Is" (Karen Waldrup, Jackie Tohn, Nick Nittoli, Sonyae Elise) - This may have placed higher on the list, but, as we all know, whilst one bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch . . . girl, more than one can do the trick. You all know I'm a lyric snob, and there is one line in the bridge that is so trite and pretentious, in my opinion, I cringed. And yet, most of what remained in the song, not the least of which was a very infectious melody, sustained it enough to give it a place here.
#9. "It's You" (Melissa Rapp, Jes Hudak) - I have to be honest. Like the previous song, the best thing about this is the melody. The lyrics got knocked a bit in judging, and, where some of them were concerned, I agreed . . . a little. There are some good moments and some not so good moments. I think, had more time been given, the whole song would have turned into an even better composition. But as it is, there is something about this little tune that really puts a smile on my face. Sometimes that's enough for me.
#8. "My Ridiculus (Jackie Tohn, Brian Judah, Jes Hudak) - So since not many of the contestants were adept at writing dance music, someone thought, "Let's make them write dance music!" Well, it is called a challenge for a reason. The hook challenge that spawned this little gem was won by Brian. Even though this was only the second episode, I got a vibe from him that made me not see that one coming at all. Not to say he isn't good. He's very good, actually, but I never would have put him in that dance music category. And yet, he and the girls managed to parlay that into this truly original song. Original, and a tad naughty in places. Unnecessary, my children. But it's your song, so . . . hugs and kisses.
#7. "All Day Sunrise" (Johnny Marnell) - Yes, despite what it says on iTunes, I am giving songwriting credit to only one person. Do not get me started on why. You'd really have to watch the episode. And also despite what certain people had to say, I happen to think this is a very good song. It's simple but beautiful, it was performed quite well, and it has got some great lyrics in it. I'm pretty sure a lot of people built careers writing songs like that, and I'm certain this talented man can do the same.
#6. "Walk Through Walls" (Johnny Marnell, Scotty Granger, Jes Hudak) - Much like the situation with the dance music challenge, someone thought, "Let's make them rap!" Yeah, I had a feeling that, one way or another, this was going to be quite entertaining. No disappointments. This hook challenge was won by the previously mentioned Johnny Marnell, and, again, I did not see this one coming. But somehow, he and his team turned this great hook into an even greater song. And he rapped. Hosanna! He rapped!
#5. "Free" (Amber Ojeda, Melissa Rapp, Jes Hudak) - Like I said, I like simple and beautiful, and this song is certainly both of those things. Everything really came together here. The lyrics were eloquent, the melodies were ethereal. Frankly, the song was fantastic. It shows that you don't need a ton of unnatural tricks to make some truly good music.
#4. "Come Alive" (Jes Hudak) - Oh, Jes. You really did it with this one, girl! Forgive the personal exposition, but I love this song. Of all the ones featured on the show, I think this is certainly one from which I got some of the greatest impact. There was something deeply intimate about the story being told here, and having the ability to do that is what makes an artist remarkable.
#3. "Where I Need To Be" (Johnny Marnell, Brian Judah, Scotty Granger) - I don't know what the current status of The Eagles is, but, should they ever make an album again, I suggest they buy this song and record it, because it is right up their alley. I love a good old American classic sounding folk song, and that is what we got here. These boys really knew what they were doing with lyrics, melodies, harmonies, the whole shebang. That is why we got this phenomenal piece of art to enjoy. I doff my hat to you fine music makers.
#2. "Bettin' My Life On You" (Johnny Marnell, Brian Judah) - Look, I don't mean to bring up race here, but I kind of have to since I think there are few things better in this world than two white boys doing some reggae. And when they can do it this awesomely good, I have nothing more to say. Except that I agree with Miss Bonnie McKee. These guys are both adorable! That can always help.
#1. "The Last Candle" (Brian Judah, Jes Hudak) - This song proves beyond any doubt that the judges on this show were, on occasion, insane or high or deaf or something, because if you heard the alleged song that beat this, you'd be dumbfounded. But let me concentrate on this one. It is amazing. I do love the music, but I absolutely love the lyrics. Both Brian and Jes really, and I mean REALLY, opened up about their pasts and put a lot out there with their words and stories, while keeping it where others could relate to it as well. I know I did. Funny thing, the judges didn't seem to think that was a good idea. Jewel said it sounded too Hannah Montana, and Kara nodded in agreement. I'm sorry, but didn't Kara write some songs for a Disney movie called Camp Rock, and The Cheetah Girls . . . and HANNAH MONTANA! So I don't why she considers it a negative to sell out to Radio Disney. Perhaps, she doesn't want the competition. But since I don't think Brian and Jes did that, maybe the point is moot. Look, bottom line, this song is exceptional, in my opinion, and the best of the show. So there.
You know what's interesting? I've talked to some people who watched this show, and there is a slight consensus among them that some aspects of it may have been fixed. And I mean more so than they usually are on reality TV. But who knows? Frankly, that may be a distinct possibility, because anything's possible these days. But despite certain outcomes and events of the series, I'm just glad that we did get some terrific music out of it.
Anyway, if what I said about any of these songs intrigued you, they can be found on iTunes or I'm sure you can even go to You Tube for a listen. I know if you give them a chance you won't be disappointed. I just hope that Bravo does a second season and maybe does some things a little better.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
