5 Songs I Love w/ Raffy Bleu

Following the release of his latest single, 'Don't Make It Hard', Flex caught up with Floridian-based artist Raffy Bleu to discover what influences his jazz-influenced pop style. If you enjoy Raffy's picks, be sure to check out 'Don't Make It Hard' at the end of the article.

Try Again by Aaliyah

Growing up, this video was iconic and even until now. A soundtrack from the movie

“Romeo Must Die”. I think it’s really one of the greatest music videos of all time also

a great song. It’s not very complicated but shows pure talent in Martial Arts as

exhibited by Jet Li and of course musical talent as shown by Aaliyah and Timbaland.

I always imagined I could do the same. I have always been fascinated by Martial

Arts.

On a Similar note...

Alive by Sia

I love music videos that are like short movies. There’s no frame here of Sia singing

but oh can you feel and hear her voice coming from the mind of the child Martial

Artist. It’s as if, that’s the voice in her head. I always have goosebumps watching

this. What a great song, what a great talent, a great movie. I’m not exaggerating but

this music video brings me to tears.

Now to a more fun note...

Ready or Not by A1

I love this group. When I was building my dream in my childhood, I always looked up

to them. I think they are great singers and with iconic hairstyles! I like this music

video because it connects on so many levels and experiences. For me, it was

reminiscent of the Beatles or the Beach Boys, and then, it also reminds me of “That

thing you do” I love Retro themes.

Right on the same track...

Replay by SHINee

I love this song and video. I was in college when K-Pop was being introduced into

the global music scene. Growing up in the Philippines, of course, regionally, we

celebrate that a lot. This particular one actually was sung in Japanese. I love this

group so much. They were pioneers of Asian (Korean) Pop Culture and Fashion.

Now, this is my feel good song...

Sweet Soul Revue by Pizzicato Five

I really pull out a lot of my childhood when I talk about music inspiration. I do like to

listen to these songs repeatedly. I do have an old-soul. It does reflect in my music

too. I like to go back to the sounds I heard in my childhood when I was starting to

dream. And I look back and listen to them often to remind me of the simple wishes of

my heart, to have a glimpse of the future and staying in the gratefulness that I have

in the present, that I get to practice my craft and share my music.

Bonus!

Back on 74 by Jungle

This very amazingly talented group captures everything. My love for retro, nostalgia

the video style, fashion and of course the music. I would love to see them perform

live or if I am allowed to dream bigger, maybe even sing with them. I admire this

group a lot.

Watch Raffy Bleu 'Don't Make It Hard'

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