Romantic, Sexy, and Anti Valentine's Day Songs

So a couple of days ago I asked you guys for some romantic and sexy song ideas because I just couldn't find a single album by one artist that really did it for this romantic month of love. I feel like I am being overdosed with Valentine's Day stuff but the hopeless romantic in me still loves the idea of it. Not the media-crazed big red hearts and flowers and chocolates part, but just using the date - so symbolic of love - as an excuse to go the extra mile for someone to show how much they mean to you. So this is a list of songs for everyone on Valentine's Day, there are fun songs, sexy songs, romantic songs, and songs for people who just don't like this holiday and want to celebrate their awesome single selves. They are not in any particular order either, just categories - thanks so much for your help and I hope you enjoy it!

Romantic Songs 

Sea of Love - John Phillips
I love these classic songs, they just paint this picture of dancing in one of those gazebos by a moonlit lake with the car radio gently playing this song in the background. Recommended by Heather :)

All of Me - John Legend feat. Lindsay Stirling

I know a lot of people find this overly played and sappy but I genuinely love this song, to my ears it sounds heartfelt and genuine and with Lindsay Stirling's violin tugging on your heartstrings, it just makes the song that much sweeter.

My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
Ah, the classic and ultimate sappy love song in my opinion, still admittedly one of my favourites - I mean, really, how can you beat the way Celine Dion's voice and the music come together and bring you up and down as if you, yourself are Rose saying 'I'll never let go, Jack' are you carefully pluck each one of his cold, dead fingers from the door that we all know could have fit two. Sorry, that wasn't really romantic was it? I just wanted him to live!!

Right Here Waiting For You - Richard Marx
The heartbreaking yet hopeful 80s ballad for long-distance lovers.

Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
This is such a beautiful song for fathers and daughters, or parents and children - a good reminder that Valentine's Day doesn't have to be just about lovers. I remember my dad dancing with me before I left for my 8th grade grad dance 'just in case those boys are too stupid to ask you to dance' (they were) - that is what this song reminds me of. Recommended by the lovely Patricia :)

I'd Rather Go Blind - Etta James
Etta James I feel is just one of the soulful voices that is the sound of love. 

Thinking out Loud - Ed Shereean

Honestly, the first time I hear this at the beginning I thought it was Michael Buble, but then I realized it was Ed Shereean - who I am finding is coming out with more and more of my favourite songs - I was just so happy. He seems like such a sweet person from the little I know of him and he seems like he just has one of the biggest hearts out there in celebrity land. Also, check out the video, he has some sick dancing skills! Thanks to Brittany for this one :)

Come and Get Your Love - Redbone
Guardian's of the Galaxy really re-awakened this song back into mainstream I think but I have always found it to be so happy and uplifting - which is how love should make you feel! Thank you Challice for this and the next two songs :) 

Call Me - Blondie
What a fierce, take control of what you want kind of song - eat your heart out Carly Rae ;)

Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
This makes me want to do some head-bobbing, foot-tapping 80s dance around my apartment...actually I think I shall ;) 

Kiss From a Rose - Seal
I know it says rose, but I imagine standing in a field of sunflowers on a sunny, windy day when I hear this song. Also driving... a lot of songs remind me of driving. Thank you Janie for recommending this song :)

Truly, Madly, Deeply - Savage Garden
This song is in like my personal top 5 of favourite love songs, it is just so...90s perfect. Thank you Clayton for actually suggesting a legit romantic song. (mischievous 'brother in law')

Hanging by a Moment - Lifehouse
I feel like this is one of those under-appreciated, almost hidden love songs because it doesn't sound sappy. It's more like a crashing, unabashed declaration of emotion. Thanks to Clayton again.

Light Surrounding You
I had never heard this song before it was recommended to me by Melissa (thank you!) but it is really beautiful and a great song to feature on this list.

You and I - Ingrid Michaelson
This is such a cute song!! Thank you Heather MN lol 

Hero - Enrique Iglesias
This song was also suggested by Clayton but I probably would have put it up anyway because it is another one of my favourite love songs. The music video is so friggen dramatic though, that it almost makes me laugh.

Remember these bad-boys?

At Last - Etta James 
The lady of the songs of love strikes again with this timeless classic. I like pushing the button at the drugstore that plays this song - you know that board with 30 second song samples from CDs they are selling? (Reminds me of hit clips.)

You Go to My Head - Ella Fitzgerald
This is another song I hadn't heard before it was recommended but holy, does it ever remind me of something that would be playing at some elegant, swanky party filled with sparkle, laughter and beautiful gowns when two people, just meant for each other lock eyes from across the room. They don't know each other but they feel the attraction right away. It's all very James Bond when he confidently approaches and asks the lady for a dance. Thanks to Vikki for this and the next two songs :) 

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack
This song just sounds so sad and heartbreaking but it is so beautiful and haunting...almost makes me want to cry. 

You Go to My Head - Louis Armstrong
Same swanky party, later in the night on a starlit balcony, looking in each others eyes and trying to figure what the other is thinking. I am imaging a young Sean Connery as James Bond across from the stunning Elizabeth Taylor.

Evergreen - Barbra Streisand
One of the other voices of my childhood, the lovely tunes of Barbra Streisand would fill the walls of my house on a Sunday - I miss those days, and this is a lovely song. Thanks to Star for this one and the next two.

Unchained Melody
My mom loves this song, I remember her telling me that she loved how that the title suits the song because no where in the song do they say 'unchained melody' - I know a lot of people will be reminded of the movie Ghost with Patrick Swayze when they hear this. Recently I had a mild obsession with this song so I put it on full blast and repeat and wandered around our small apartment singing along...loudly...I'm sorry neighbours.

I Cross My Heart - George Strait
A sweet country love song :)

Sleepwalk - Santo & Johnny
I absolutely adore these old songs they are just so classic and beautiful, it plucks my heartstrings. Thank you again Vikki for this one and the next three!

Romeo and Juliet Love Theme - Tchaikovski
The great composer put music to one one the oldest and most loved er...love stories of all time! Obviously this composition deserves a honoured position on this list

God Only Knows - Beach Boys
I love the Beach Boys :)

You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
Forever and ever will this remind my of the little rascals. Thank you Vikki and Meggen

Amazed - Lonestar
I once killed this at karaoke...I mean, I completely murdered it...I destroyed this beautiful song of love because for the life of me I could not remember how it went. I'm sorry Jazzy...so, so sorry. Thank you Star for this suggestion.

Kiss Me - Sixpence None the Richer
YES! I love this song so much, makes me so happy in my 90s nostalgia :) Thank you Shawna

You Save Me - Kenny Cheseney
I do like these romantic country ballads :) Thank you Meggen for this and the next two :)

Alive - Adelitas Way
This song was such a wonderful and happy and hopeful song about love, it made me feel good to listen to it. :)

Suddenly - Billy Ocean
This was another song I never heard before but I really enjoyed it a lot, it was so lovely :)

So here are some more of my personal favourite love songs that I hope you guys enjoy as well:

I Will Always Love you - Whitney Houston
My mom bawled when Lorelai sang this to Luke...so did I. It was also one of my favourite songs when I was three...so there's that too.

Be My forever - Christina Perri and Ed Shereean
So happy :)

500 Miles - Proclaimers
Okay seriously, who doesn't love this song?


Sexy Songs - for uh...later.

Chicks Dig It - Chris Cagle
I was surprised by this lively country tune, but...I dig it :p Thank you Eric

Grind on Me - Pretty Ricky
Thanks Heather MN for this song, it made me laugh when I remembered this song but it is undoubtedly a very sexy song ;)

Into The Night - Chad Kroeger and Santana
Love that soulful guitar

Candy Shop - 50 Cent
Reminds me of 9th grade when I thought I was a bad-ass lol but still a damn sexy song filled with sugary innuendo lol Thanks Robin :)

Rock Your Body - Justin Timberlake
Yep, it's sexy.

My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark - Fallout Boy
Suggested by Janet, I have to agree that I don't know how or why but this song has a sexy feel... it is also a tad bad-assy.

Animals - Maroon 5
The songs is very sexy in my opinion - carnal and primitive which I like, but the video is hella creeps.

Bad Things - Jace Everett
Also the theme to True Blood, I still really enjoy this song :)

Bailamos - Enrique Iglesias
Scott and I danced to this in a thunderstorm once...it was nice ;)

Scream - Usher

One More Night - Maroon 5

Assassin's Tango - John Powell
I so desperately want to learn the tango...

I Put a Spell on You - Nina Simone

Sex and Candy - Marcy Playground

Anti Songs

Bye Bye Bye - N'SYNC

Blank Space - Taylor Swift
This song is hilarious and the video makes it just that much funnier.

Holding Out for a Hero - Jennifer Saunders
Now this song I completely rocked at karaoke... two Valentine's Days ago actually lol

What The Hell - Avril Lavigne

Bitch - Meredith Brooks

Roar - Katy Perry

Losing His Touch - Jack Off Jill

You Don't Own Me - Lesley Gore
Thanks Heather MN

Feel Good Drag - Anberlin

U+UR Hand - P!NK


Well that is all I have for now, I am sorry I didn't include all the the suggestions, I did try to do most of them. I also apologize for the diminished discussion blurbies - it was getting late. I am not going to give this list or these songs an actual rating because they are simply compiled for those who will enjoy them. If you have any more suggestions, let me know! :) Have a good one!

~Oriona

Picture credits are now linked through the pictures themselves

The Celestine Prophecy - Book Review

The Celestine Prophecy
by James Redfield

Published in 1995 by Grand Central Publishing

Book Synopsis:

The Narrator, who is never named, journeys to the country of Peru in search of an ancient manuscript said to contain the secrets and meaning of life itself. When he arrives however, he soon discovers that the Peruvian government is working with the church in order to suppress the information. Now on the run from the government and trying to find his way home, the main character is cast into an epic journey. It is filled with danger and mysterious 'coincidences' that seem to lead him to where he needs to be in order to learn all of the 9 insights of the manuscript.

Discussion:

So I thought it was very cool that the main character was never named. Reading the book in first person almost gives the feel of it being you who goes on this adventure - which I think was intentional. This is another book that has been a favourite of mine for as long as I can remember. I started out with listening to it on cassette tape, then I read it in book form a few times and now I have the full, unabridged version on CD. It is a book that has been quite an influence on myself as a person and the way I think and approach the world. And for as many times as I have read and heard it (I am at the point where I could almost recite the whole thing), I could still read or listen to it again. Besides being a really good read with adventure, romance, and mystery, it has a lot to take away with it too. The insights are applicable to real, every day life and make sense - at least to me. I don't want to give too much away here but I just think that this book was very well done. A lot of these kinds of books that are explaining a spiritual theory are written a lot like text or self-help books and this one is written as an exciting story which I feel helps the reader to understand better and also enjoy reading the book more.

*Spoiler Alert*

Review:

I think there is a reason I have read and listened to this book for the past...10+ years. It is a good book, I am not sure where even to start if I was going to try and criticize it. It has a straightforward plot, it has excitement and intrigue and I found it very enjoyable. But let me rate it and further discuss with my new points system.

4/5 - Protagonist: He was very easy to relate to with the perspective of the book being in first person. Although he seemed skeptical and a bit dense while trying to grasp the insights, I think maybe that this was for the reader's benefit to ensure that he or she would fully understand. That being said, I still found it a bit repetitive and annoying. He did however really develop through the book as he learned the insights; you could see him becoming more 'connected.' He was also very active in what was happening in the book, he actually seemed to be a main player of what was happening in the events of the story.

5/5 - Antagonist: The Peruvian government and the Christian church made a very menacing foe in the story; I felt real anxiety whenever they were close. But it goes more than that, they really drove the plot of the story. At first I was only going to give them 3/5 because I was thinking, 'well, he still would have gone to Peru and learned about the manuscript' - but he wouldn't have had all the vital experiences that really helped him to grasp the insights. For instance, he wouldn't have met Will, he wouldn't have run up that mountain to get away from them and then he wouldn't have had that super spiritual experience that helped him connect to the universe!

4/5 - Support Characters: Literally everyone the main character met was helping him in some way. Even if the characters themselves weren't 'favourable' - they were still helping the protagonist learn something important. But most of the other characters were literally helping him either learn or get to a new place...sometimes both. The reason I am giving only 4/5 is because it was a serious and heavy book and it would have been nice to have a comic relief character.

3/5 - Plot: Like I said before, it has a straight forward plot. Character goes on journey for knowledge and gets it. The reason for 3/5 is because...it's a straight forward plot. Yes, there is danger and he sort of takes a windy path to get there, but at the end of it, he has the information and goes home. I like books to have more intrigue and for me to go 'um..what!? How did that even just happen!?' That was one thing that never really happened in this book. Furthermore there was never a point where the main character reached a really 'dark' or 'low' point where it looks like all hope is lost. I think that is vital to making a story really make you ache in your lit-heart, that's what makes a character really come to life and makes you cheer for them to get back up and keep going.

4/5 - Addictive-ness: I can't quite remember the first time I heard/read this book but I do know that it is a really good read and very difficult to put down once you have started. But, if you had something to do and did put it down, you could be away from it for a while and let what you have read really sink in.

2/5 - Classic Potential: As much as I do love this book I don't think it is going to become a 'classic' and what I mean by that is, it isn't in the same category as Shakespeare, Jane Austin, or J.R.R. Tolkien. It is directed to a group of people that is simply too slim right now and most definitely not in the main stream media. It also didn't have enough of the elements that really make it a great literary masterpiece. It is a good read, a wonderful adventure, and a great book on spirituality, but not a classic. (it will be in my house though).


Total: 22/30


This book has already been made into a movie by the same name which I give thumbs down to because I really don't feel it did the book justice at all.

I do recommend the book however, and I hope you enjoy. If you decide to pick it up, let me know what you think!

That's it for now!
~Oriona




Sources:

http://www.amazon.ca/The-Celestine-Prophecy-James-Redfield/dp/0446671002

Picture Credits:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/354095589425174307/

http://thecelestineprophecymovie.com/dvd.php

Sabriel - Book Review and Discussion

Sabriel by Garth Nix

Published in 1995 by HarperCollins Publishers

Warning: some small spoilers.

Book Synopsis:

18 year old Sabriel has lived a sheltered life at a boarding school for girls in the country of Ancelstierre. After receiving a mysterious gift and message, she is little prepared for the dangers she will face on her journey when she returns to her homeland of the Old Kingdom to find her missing father; a man known only as The Abhorsen. The Old Kingdom is filled with dangerous magic and dark creatures that continually claw their way out of death to wreak havoc on the living. The only person who can help is the Abhorsen and now that he is missing, Sabriel must claim her birthright as the new Abhorsen in order to save her father, her homeland, and defeat a great evil.

Discussion:

This is a book I have had for a long time and have always had a love for its exciting and intriguing plot. The characters are very lively and unique and it is easy to get lost in the culture of this fantasy world. I find I related to the character of Sabriel as she was thrust into following in her father's footsteps. I can imagine how hard it would be facing a challenge like that and not really feeling prepared for the job. The interesting way that magic played a part in this world was also a great aspect of this book. The magic is called "The Charter" and is used through signing, singing, whistling, or speaking "Charter Marks" of which there is an innumerable amount and each one has a specific purpose or meaning. There is also the evil side of magic which is called "Free Magic" and it is uncontrollable and consuming to the people who use it. Going back to Charter magic, "Charter Mages" are people who are connected to the Charter and can therefore use magic and anyone can become a Charter Mage by being baptized into the Charter. I also find it interesting that magic is used musically in this book, I find it very different and its another way that it makes this world seem close and almost real. Anyway, the culture and world of this book are painted very vivdly in this story and I am very happy that this series continues in the next two books; Lireal and Abhorsen. I plan on reviewing these books in the future and, I have also heard about another book that apparently was lost and has now been found and released in October called Clariel.

Review:

I think I will come up with a points system later but for now, I give this book 4.5 Stars. I recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy, magic and adventure. The only complaints I have are that at times I found the main character to be a bit whiny, I would have imagined her as more of a 'step up to the plate' kind of person without all the somewhat juvenile outbusts. Although on that note, she is only 18 and she did have a very big task ahead of her. The other thing is that the romantic relationship in the book seemed to happen quite suddenly, one minute they barely talk or even know each other and the next minute they are in love. Personally, I think that if there is going to be love in a story there should be more relationship development. But then again, I am glad that the love part was not the main aspect of the book either. All in all this is a great book and series, enough so that I repeatedly return to the land of the Old Kingdom to relive this great adventure.

Dream Cast:

If Sabriel were to be made into a movie, this is who I think would be great for the main roles:

Emma Watson - Sabriel

Liam Neeson - Abhorsen

Chace Crawford - Touchstone

Martin Freeman - Mogget

Ian Somerhalder - Kerrigor

Sean Bean - Colonel Horyse

I feel that Emma Watson and Liam Neeson fit the look and have the outstanding talent for those roles for sure. I know that Martin Freeman would make a good voice actor for Mogget because he is both funny and sassy. I don't know much about Chace Crawford's acting, I know he was on Gossip Girl but I've never watched that show, I think he has the right look. Ian Somerhalder I know is a good actor, though honestly I didn't think about him for this role until I started researching. I had only really thought of a voice actor for the role (Benedict Cumberbatch) because when I imagine this character I think of what is on the cover, but now I realize that when Kerrigor appears he is actually mostly in physical form and his character is supposed to also be Touchstone's older brother. I think him and Chase could pass for that and I know he is good at playing the evil brother so this is why I picked them. And I think Sean Bean and Liam Neeson have a similar intensity and I feel they are supposed to be similar in that aspect so that is also why they seemed like ideal choices.

Anyway that is about all I have to say about this book for now, I really look forward to hearing what you guys have to say about this new blog and what you think of my review. What do you think I should do in the future?

Let me know!
Oriona



Image Credits:

http://www.kdramastars.com/articles/24457/20140609/emma-watson-boyfriend-matthew-janney-musical.htm

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293509/

http://mashadutoit.com/2008/04/05/leo-and-diane-dillon/

http://speakerpedia.com/speakers/ian-somerhalder


http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/03/01/neeson-annoyed-with-ny-mayor-bill-de-blasio/

http://www.listal.com/list/0-chace-crawfords-face

http://blog.findmypast.co.uk/2013/famous-family-trees-sean-bean/

Media Reviews by Oriona - An Introduction

Welcome to my new blog! Some may know me from my other blog series, The Starchild Diaries, which is just a series of articles about things on my mind. This series is taking a bit more of a specific path.

I am going to be reading books, watching movies and possibly TV shows, and listening to music and giving my review and opinions about it. Let me tell you a bit more about myself and my tastes so you know where my opinions are coming from.

To be honest I am fairly easy to please when it comes to music and movies, however I find that I have a more discerning taste when it comes to books. Recently I read a book - no let me rephrase, I tried to read a book about this guy who gets sucked into the world of the books he writes that have also been made into video games. Although I thought the idea was cool, I finally had to admit to myself that I could not make it through the whole thing. Maybe it would have gotten better but it really just sounded like some gamer-guy's personal fantasy written out in detail.

I generally enjoy movies, and I tend to like almost everything I watch but I can still be objective and recognize the actual quality or lack-thereof, even if I was entertained. I also have a very broad taste in things; for music I like everything from classical to heavy metal to pop, and I tend to be that way with most things. I really hope that writing this blog will encourage me as well as my audience to read more and hopefully appreciate these forms of art more. I also promise to do my best to review without giving too much away with spoilers and if for any reason I have to give anything big away, I promise to put a warning at the top of the post.

That's all I can think of for now, but I hope you enjoy and I look forward to hearing what you think about what I think and possibly discussing as well :)

Annnnnd scene...
Oriona

Photo credit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writing