Staff Picks: May 2022
Our Sheet Music Direct team plays, strums and sings just as much as you do! We're a team of musicians who love music of various styles and, when we're not busy with all things Sheet Music Direct, play at home, church, and gigs. Each month, we're sharing some of the favorite songs we're currently playing and why we think you'll love them too. Check them out below or head over to our Staff Picks page which we update regularly with the latest picks.
Find something you love? Let us know in the comments, or share it with the rest of the Sheet Music Direct community over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Annie's Pick
FREE, John Legend
"FREE" was debuted at the 2022 Grammy Awards by John Legend along with three Ukrainian artists. John described this song as "a prayer for peace throughout the world. A prayer for all the dispossessed and dislocated. The refugees of every nationality, religion and skin color, longing for a safe place to live and flourish. Those who are left aside and forgotten."
Sam's Pick
Louder Than Words (from tick, tick… BOOM!), Jonathan Larson (arr. Mac Huff)
Based on the true story of composer Jonathan Larson (best-known for writing Rent), the Netflix movie, tick, tick… BOOM! sees Andrew Garfield in the lead role for which he earned himself an Oscar nomination. "Louder Than Words" is the close-out song from the movie, and it's a hopeful ballad that really comes into its own in this excellent choral setting by Mac Huff.
Becca's Pick
Both Sides Now (from CODA), Emilia Jones
"Both Sides Now" was originally written and performed by Joni Mitchell, and was thoughtfully placed so well in the 2021 movie CODA which went on to win an Oscar for Best Picture. In this movie, the main character Ruby is navigating her life in two different worlds, both from the deaf community and the hearing community – and is looking to transition into adulthood and balancing her independence vs. still being there as the only hearing person within her deaf family. The performance of this song in the movie will certainly bring you to tears.
Bill's Pick
Clint Eastwood, Gorillaz
It's hard to believe that Blur frontman Damon Albarn's experimental side project, Gorillaz, debuted their first album and lead single over 20 years ago - especially since it still feels as fresh today as it did on release. Set to a slow hip-hop beat, the repeated swing of that signature piano theme is a pleasure to play - particularly when you're in the mood to just sit down at the keys and chill.
Laura's Pick
As It Was, Harry Styles
A new album from Harry Styles is on the way and if his first single off his new album is any indication, we are in for an '80s synth pop-inspired summer, reminiscent of the sound of groups like a-ha and Tears for Fears. The brisk pace and bright chords of "As It Was" keep the song light and fun to play.
Chris' Pick
All This Love, DeBarge
Released in 1982, this DeBarge R&B ballad includes smooth jazz chords and a lovely, flowing melody. If you have a digital piano/keyboard, playing this song with the electric piano sound is a must!
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