The Whole Nine Yards Episode 212

With Roy Stannard

On Mid Sussex Radio 103.8FM

Sunday 16th February 2025 3-5pm

http://www.midsussexradio.co.uk/listen

Songs in the Raw

The most impactful songs often emerge from a place of vulnerability, tapping into the artist’s raw emotions and personal experiences. When songwriters embrace their flaws, they create music that hits the listener hard, forging an emotional connection beyond mere entertainment. For instance, Brandon Flowers of The Killers channelled his trauma into the iconic song “Mr. Brightside,” after witnessing his girlfriend with another man in a Las Vegas bar. Honesty like this not only allows artists to express their true feelings but takes their audience with them, relieved that they are not the only ones to experience trauma. Vulnerability in music is a powerful catalyst for raw honesty, making songs relatable and moving. However, raw doesn’t mean downbeat, as you will hear..

Hour One

The Strokes – Hard to Explain (Is This It? 2001)

The Killers – Mr Brightside (Hot Fuss 2004)

Selena Gomez – Vulnerable (Rare 2020)

Hallan – Lilian’s Regret (Single 2025)

GiantKillers – In The End (Single 1996)

Menswear – Being Brave (Nuisance 1996)

Eric Carmen – All By Myself (Eric Carmen 1975)

America – I need You (America 1971)

Perfume Genius – I Can’t Help Falling in Love (Prada Ad 2016 / Red, White, Royal Blue OST 2016)

Shawn Mendes – In My Blood (Shawn Mendes 2018)

Floy Joy – Weak in the Presence of Beauty (Weak in the Presence of Beauty 1986)

Alison Moyet – Such Small Ale (Key 2024)

Hour Two

Belinda Carlisle – I Get Weak (Heaven On Earth 1987)

The National – Slow Show (The Boxer 2007)

Jess Glynne – Insecurities (Always Be Yours 2018)

Jamie Lawson – Wasn’t Expecting That (Single 2011 / Jamie Lawson 2015)

The Milk Carton Kids – Michigan (Prologue 2011)

Death Cab for Cutie – I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Plans 2005)

Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can (I Speak Because I Can 2010)

The Decemberists – January Hymn (The King is Dead 2011)

The Smiths – Asleep (The Queen is Dead 1985)

Lara Candy – Lost Time (Plus1 Compilation 2025)

Parabola West – While the Watchman Sleeps  (The Stars will Light the Way 2022)

Joan Armatrading – The Weakness In Me (Walk Under Ladders 1981)

Sia – Jesus Wept (This is Acting – Deluxe 2016)