Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor

“Ex-Factor” is the third single from American recording artist Lauryn Hill from her debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). The song incorporates elements of R&B, neo soul and hip hop soul. Released by Ruffhouse and Columbia Records, the song features a sample of “Can It Be All So Simple”, a song by the band Wu-Tang Clan.

Colbie Caillat – Brighter Than The Sun

“Brighter Than the Sun” is a song recorded by American recording artist Colbie Caillat. It was written by Caillat and Ryan Tedder, and produced by Tedder. The song was released as the second single from her third studio album All of You. The song was released to digital download on May 23, 2011 through Universal Republic. Musically, the song is an upbeat pop song, and the lyrics speak about her relationship with her boyfriend. The song received a positive reaction from music critics, who enjoyed the bright and summery style of it.

James Brown – I Feel Good (live performance)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QWL6Z-tsk0

“I Got You (I Feel Good)” is a twelve-bar blues with a brass-heavy instrumental arrangment similar to Brown’s previous hit, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”. It also features the same emphasis “on the one” (i.e. the first beat of the measure) that characterizes Brown’s developing funk style. The lyrics have Brown exulting in how good he feels (“nice, like sugar and spice”) now that he has the one he loves, his vocals punctuated by screams and shouts. The song includes a alto sax solo by Maceo Parker.