Steemit Open Mic Week 74
My Top 5 In Order
As one of the 6 judges, and as an original artist also, I aim to represent the best original artists in this contest from our wonderful Steemit community. I am keeping my ears open for cover artists as well, don't worry but creating an original song is indeed impressive, especially if executed and performed well. Best of skill and performance to you all next week. This week was filled with so many wonderful artists, even amongst the high amount of entries, and there were still many talented performers who entered, so forgive me if I didn't list you, I definitely heard everyone's entries. Also, be sure to check out the other judges' top picks for the week, 
1. 
Easily one of your best performances thus far. I can tell you worked on this entry until you perfected it to the best of your ability and it was not for naught. I recognised true effort and careful singing and you know how much we enjoy your beautiful performances with that lulling voice you have been gifted with. You highlighted the tonalities that are true to your range without question as you pointed out, and the tight harmonies that guide your main vocal forward in this musical journey were such a treat. Great cover choice, as you bring the melancholic vibes fused with a dream state frequency that intwine into a wonder of a sound. This almost tops one of your original songs you submitted a while while back, and you came one hundred percent this week. So glad you shared this with us, this is indeed a winning entry no matter if you place or not. Looking forward to your next entry.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@lucybanks/steemit-open-mic-week-74-my-delirium-cover
2. 
As one of our profilic and highly talented original songwriters, you are no stranger to being placed in our top 5 lists. You have the qualities of a true performer. You pour your all into every entry, soul mind, heart, and everything in the kitchen sink lol It's not just the tonality of your silk smooth lamentations, or your high energy vibes of positivity in your vast selection of originals, it is your ability to craft catchy melodies, which for a lot of original artists, seems to be a difficult task. You have gotten the formula down naturally and your entries are engaging without being overly repetitive. When conviction and passion bring to life the creations you have mapped out, it is just an instant connection with your moving pieces that are filled with stories and emotions we all can relate to. I should have Knew Better, when I clicked on your video it would be something profound and worthwhile. Thanks for sharing with us yet again another gem. Looking forward to your next entry.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@addiesworld/steemit-openmic-week-74-original-knew-better
3. 
Lo and behold, I can definitely say I completely relate to this song personally, hands down. It's hard to argue with anyone your multi-talented range in so many areas of artistic presentation, you have gripped so many's attention with this one. This was such a great original jam, and you have a skilful way of controlling the tempo and fluidity of your music while displaying your storytelling aptitude. You nailed it all, from the percussion to the wonderful array of instruments and your rocking vocals that drive this insightful message of how blessed a man can be to have such a woman who draws so much attention. I loved the section of the man doing the handstand on a beer can, impressing those who were passerbys and you were expecting something profound from him, but got the same reply. Sometimes it's like that, and this brought me back down memory lane, and I am sure these situations will be expected to occur in the near future. I have a beautiful wife by my side, we met in San Francisco, had many walks throughout the city just like your song describes lol go figure right? Perfect song for us. This song was just a nice reminder to tie it all in and with the skills you have honed and perfected, let's just say the women could have been talking to your ex about you, the way the men were speaking to you about her as well. lol Thanks for this super energetic and memorable entry. Looking forward to your next one.
4. 
You played this so wonderfully and near effortlessly. This was a naturally, well put together original that provides insight to the feelings that bring us down, yet is contrasted with the uplifting chords of your soothing guitar. If only couples within relationships could communicate in this matter to help mend the issues that tear those once in love apart. A profound string of lyrics that really hit me with deep reflection was All I ever wanted was to be loved,
But all I ever needed was to give love. Your experienced tenor voice really delivers swiftly the painfully raw emotions across. This was really a brilliant performance and you just keep rolling out high quality entries that continue to make us judge's second guess and rearrange our lists. Thanks for keeping the standards high for the Open Mic Contest, thanks for this gem as well, and looking forward to what you come up with next.
5. 
Without a doubt, as others have stated, you have a serenading voice built for movie scores. That is truly a wonderful quality to have. I would much rather listen to this sweet sounding and profound original on repeat than my daughter Harmony asking me to play Disney's Frozen's "Let It Go" for the 100th time in a row. The first verse sums up the beautiful and touching sentiments of the entire song , "If I only had one more day I know what I'd do. I'd think of all the memories that I spent with you. Time it goes so slowly when you want it to So if I only had one last day. I'd spend it all with you"
Life is indeed fleeting and we never know what each day or night will bring. We must cherish them to the maximum of our ability and your song truly embodied this life lesson in the most wonderful way. The Open Mic community welcomes you warmly and appreciate you beautiful voice and creative gifts without a doubt. Looking forward to your next entry, this was one impacting first entry!
Honourable Mentions
My Top 7 In A Particular Order : )
1. 
Anybody saying this man cannot sing, is a complete liar lol So much passion, he truly body slammed this entry with a wonderful song of praise of the highest conviction to Jesus Christ. I didn't even know it was a praise and worship song until I saw the lyrics translated in the post. God has blessed you with some powerful vocals.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@crisvalquin/steemit-open-mic-week-74-hermoso-nombre-hillsong-cover-by-crisvalquin
2. 
Very raw and emotional original, you performed this well and was the complete opposite of something that sucks. Please keep sharing and singing
https://steemit.com/openmic/@paintingangels/steemit-open-mic-week-74-moon-hanging-low-original-song-by-paintingangels-serena
3. 
You know you can sing without a doubt, I can have a whole album of original music from you playing throughout the day. If that isn't the best compliment to get, I don't know what is lol
https://steemit.com/openmic/@etemi/flying-without-wings-cover-by-e-t-e-m-i-steemit-openmic-entry-week-74
4. 
I love the positive vibes and feel good ambience you create with your guitar and singing with this one. You really explored your voice on the catchy chorus, those falsetto sections paid off, and the overall message is one to admire for all of our ways of living.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@mrbloom/steemit-open-mic-week-74-original-song-never-grow-old-by-darren-claxton
5. 
Keep exposing your raw emotions and storytelling through that beautiful voice, it is so cool to get insight about you and your past and how much people and things have impacted you on a deeper level. This is truly a lyrical song with creative subtle poetic nuances.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@zipporah/steemit-open-mic-week-74-bandit-original-song
6. 
One of your finest original compositions yet, filled with so much mysterious wonder and light hope. We have our very own Open Mic pianist/composer of the upmost quality, and you are highly appreciated for your talents and gifts God has blessed you with.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@drewley/steemit-open-mic-week-74-mystery-original-piano-piece
7. 
You have a really nice quality to your voice, almost radio prepped and you bring this traditional song to life with an easing and captivating performance. Please keep sharing.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@roman.musica/steemit-open-mic-week-74-sonqollay-tradicional-peruano-cover-by-roman-musica
Special Mentions
I want to mention more people, but I keep my judging strict for a reason. Many of you inspire me and make an impact. There simply are too many wonderful artists here, which is why open mic continues to grow. Keep playing and sharing please.
Apparently a lot of people don't know that I, @Verbal-D, am a Hip Hop Emcee as much as I am a singer/songwriter/beat producer, so I will continue to showcase from now on the song that inspired @Luzcypher to create the Open Mic Contest that we are all apart of today. I hope it inspires you to write original music.
The Official Steemit Song By @Verbal-D, Feat. @Papa-Pepper & @EdgarStudio
To return the favour of @Fulltimegeek's generous support for him delegating 15,000 SP of his own to our 
Open Mic Night Wk 74: God Bless All The Nerds
Here is my entry for a Mixtape Collaboration with my bro, fellow Steemian @Sirlunchthehost, who hosts and produces some of the amazing beats for the Steemit Animated Violence Mixtape Project (SAVM) Wk # 3
SAVM Wk # 3 Entry No.1: Released From It All
More original music from me coming very soon, stay tuned to my profile this week. I'll be releasing more live performances and professionally recorded tracks shortly.
Thank you for viewing and reading this post in its entirety, I hope you enjoyed it for what it's worth.
All Gifs used from Giphy.com
Next Post coming tomorrow