https://media1.giphy.com/media/3o85xtua43qayXTiqQ/200.gif#37-grid1 ___

[Steemit Open Mic Week 81](https://steemit.com/openmic/@luzcypher/steemit-open-mic-week-81-see-who-played-open-mic-part-one)

My Top 5 In Order

___ ![U5dr8oM2omDT43VKqDaA2Zn9ig9qbGA_1680x8400.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRFJuUYPXXQaai6XV7Vui3yYWwqMe47oLQHcaQKiy6fJr/U5dr8oM2omDT43VKqDaA2Zn9ig9qbGA_1680x8400.png) ___ *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, @krystle, @soundlegion, @passion-ground, @meno, and @luzcypher, who hosts the Open Mic Contest. See you next week! And don't forget to please vote for @Pfunk, @Ausbitbank, & @Teamsteem as witnesses here https://steemit.com/~witnesses, all three of whom are our biggest supporters equally who help to run, fund, curate, build and expand the Open Mic Contest.* https://media3.giphy.com/media/xT9IgqsxbV3FbKZJVC/giphy.gif ___ https://vimeo.com/265497084 **1.** **@breakoutthecrazy's** ***"Down By The River"*** Original Song  *I had wrote an epic review for your song and somehow it got deleted, annoying lol, but fortunately for me, this kind of entry speaks for itself. You truly belong in the top ranks of our Open Mic Community with another stunning original and you always have a place here with us. You both are creatively dynamic as you are sharply balanced in chemistry to give such great performances that you do. This song has well written lyrics with a deep self reflecting meaning, and soul gripping melodies layered with superb harmonies. Just as last week, I was stressing the clicker on my mouse as often as I pressed replay and sang along with you. We would make some fire gospel songs together :) Thanks for sharing this gem, definitely looking forward to what you bring in the future.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@breakoutthecrazy/9umaczj0 ___ https://youtu.be/M6Z4Puo-TmQ **2.** **@nathankaye's** ***"Stop And Think"*** Original Song *I also had a really intricate breakdown of your song but just as above, it too got destroyed in the time space continuum of the Internet Of Things. But I really love how you bring to the forefront a perfect intro that lays the groundwork for an energetically charged and powerfully moving song that challenges us to really question the manipulative and illusionary paradigms that plague the mind and drive us towards a more apathetic and insensitive sense of being that is detriment to the pure human existence as an individual as well as a member of a community, society and of the human race at large. Too many of our loved ones, family and friends swear by what they see on the TV and how their view has been shaped and molded by the man and the machine but if there ever was an anthem song to wake up the brainwashed masses being pulled down into the numbing darkness, this would be it. You sang with such conviction and intensity and that is was we love the most about you. You lay it all down on the line with a life changing message and an impacting masterpiece of music how you skillfully balance your instrumentation without loops or overdubs. So much respect and praise is deserved for the quality and inspiring music that you continue to put out. Thanks so much for another one for the playlist bro. Looking forward to what you share with us next.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@nathankaye/steemit-open-mic-week-81-stop-n-think-original-nathan-kaye ___ https://youtu.be/U9EcGJfoeYo **3.** **@samidbarid's** ***"Existence"*** Original Song *Whoa... talk about a momentous display of melodious mastery. This is one entry not to be missed. It was superbly and fluidly performed with not so much as a slip of the finger on a wrong note. You truly are a commander of the piano and you composed an intricately beautiful song for us all to enjoy. Bravo and encore. You brought into existence something special and completely difficult for the average piano enthusiast to replicate and cover. Thank you for sharing this rapid fire gem of layered melodies, and looking forward to what other originals you have in your arsenal.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@samidbarid/steemit-open-mic-week-81-sami-d-barid-existence-original ___ https://youtu.be/ObdQyYGxtLY **4.** **@pedromrmourato's** ***"Desfado" By Ana Moura*** Cover Song *This is an eloquently beautiful Portuguese song and you @pedromrmourato set the catchy and flowing foundations of your guitar loops and percussions for your talented and passionate friend Mariline Hortigueira to sing the fateful melodies that speak on the many qualities and destinies of life in such an upbeat and feel good way, as opposed to the traditional, mournful and melancholic sounds Fado is embedded in. You play the guitar wonderfully as always and Mariline leads the song with poise and a contagious joy that all of us can sing and dance along to. Truly a song to cherish and we thank you for sharing one of your country's cultural gems with us. Looking forward to the next high quality entry as always. You never cease to amaze.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@pedromrmourato/f5253hmq ___ https://youtu.be/bVFy-qz_Nug **4.5** **@moccamonica's** ***”Cuenta Conmigo”*** Cover Song *Please keep singing the way that you do. You create such smooth and luring sounds, especially in your mother language where no barriers can interrupt the wondrous outpouring of melting notes you continue to release on a high quality level and performance. The driven and talented guitar playing adds to the beautiful characteristics of this song and you both did a really admirable job putting this one together for us all to enjoy. Thank you for raising the bar once more and sharing with us your passionate gifts of music. Looking forward to what you share with us next.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@moccamonica/steemit-open-mic-week-81-cover-cuenta-conmigo-by-moccamonica ___ https://youtu.be/XWIrmtvDIQs **5.** **@silentscreamer's** ***"Wait" By @Meno & @Pechichemena*** Cover Song *You said you were going to improve your performance and singing since the last time two weeks ago and it was well worth the wait, pun intended. You took a great original to cover and added that beautiful sensuality and smooth texture to it with your very capable vocals and sharpened and controlled vibrato. You are technically sound as you are passionately driven when you release your inner emotions to make this cover shine through the way it does and the aesthetically pleasing sounds of your flawless violin playing was the extra layer of artistic calibre that brought you to the well deserved spot in my top 5. What you do is worth appreciating and admiring and thank you for continuing to bring your very best and sharing the many gems you have thus far. Looking forward to what you release upon us next.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@silentscreamer/3ht644ns ___ ___ ___

Honourable Mentions

**My Top 8 In A Particular Order : )** ___  https://youtu.be/TWR6NT3u0a0 **1.** **@vera.carla's** ***"By The Way"*** Original Song *Wonderful and emotionally filled song idea that speaks true to many who have been deceived. You are never lacking in the melodies and flow department. Definitely enjoyed your strings as well as your vocals* https://steemit.com/openmic/@vera.carla/steemit-open-mic-week-81-by-the-way-original-song ___ https://youtu.be/KMOTF_rg684 **2.** **@andreabortone's** ***”No Important la Distancia” By Ricky Martin*** Cover Song *Powerful vocals and wonderfully sang with passion and no fear. Great job both you and your piano accompanist.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@andreabortone/steemit-open-mic-semana-81-no-importa-la-distancia-ricky-martin-version-en-piano-y-percusion-menor-patrocinado-por-pfunk-y ___ https://youtu.be/PlnO_RqIS54 **3.** **@dannyhamilton's** ***”When I See You Smile” By Bad English*** Cover Song *You continue to put out high quality entries. Nice singing, guitar playing, and extremely solid cover song of an uplifting and feel good classic hit.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@dannyhamilton/steemit-open-mic-week-81-when-i-see-you-smile-bad-english-acoustic-cover ____  https://youtu.be/t9rgYlvivbc **4.** **@yenibe's** ***”El Pato Yerbero" By Natlia Lafourcade & Celia Cruz*** Original Song *I absolutely loved the energy and upbeat tempo of this great cultural fusion of music. You all did a fantastic job and have tight, strong chemistry to bring out the fullness and beauty of these intertwined pieces of art.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@yenibe/stemmit-openmic-semana-81-yessell-and-los-compas-el-pato-yerbero-mix-natalia-lafourcade-y-celia-cruz ___ https://youtu.be/MfvY04wo5Ck **5.** **@lifetipsbysn's** ***”The Edge"*** Original Song *Definitely a melodic and emotional healing song that keeps us listeners at the edges of our seats 'til the very end. This was a great original piece with hopeful lyrics of an inner strength needed to overcome such a heavy heartbreak. Something beautiful came from the release of a former connection and you wove your experience into a musical inspiration with your passionate and heartfelt singing.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@lifetipsbysn/q2yzqq12 ___ https://youtu.be/2fUp-_MhdRo **6.** **@pechichemena's** ***”Las Cosas Tienen Movimiento” By Fito Páez*** Cover Song *As I stated before, we can clearly tell and hear that this is one of your favorite songs and your careful and smooth singing that your known for, which brings out wonderful sounds that would definitely be acknowledged and appreciated by Fito Páez if he were to have had the chance to hear this honourable and great cover you've done. Nice job bro.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@pechichemena/steemit-open-mic-week-81-las-cosas-tienen-movimiento-fito-paez-cover-song ___ https://youtu.be/i1njofJzfzs **7.** **@yulita’s** ***"Corre" By Jessy & Joy*** Cover Song *You most definitely can sing and you picked a great cover song that highlights your range, vibrato, warm tones and control. Nice guitar playing as well.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@yulita/steemit-openmic-week-81-cover-corre-jessy-and-joy ___ https://youtu.be/cZvXEjBRTfM **8.** **@enriquesalgadoc’s** ***"Cantaloupe Island" By Herbie Hancock*** Cover Song *You both put out a very high quality and fun original arrangement that is hard not to jam too. Nice jazzy tones and grooving percussions with good transitions between the rhythmic switch ups that keep this an intriguing and enjoyable entry through and through.* https://steemit.com/openmic/@enriquesalgadoc/steemit-openmic-week-81-cantaloupe-island-herbie-hancock-original-arrangement ___

Special Mentions

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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.

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Artists On My Radar From Week 81

___ @paintingangels @kkarenmp @lk666 @lynnm @camuel @davidcentenor @queenbee @guifaquetti @builtinfire @wilins @abyni @drewley @laleerock @joedukeg @dinoromanelli @adreini @paulove @moderndayjester @darrenclaxton @johannesburghart @esaug @tomashofficial @ingridkornelia @michaeldietrich @saramiller @duocover @silverbackjonz @luisojedagc @felixjfarfan @manuelmusic @cesaramos @adrianjordaz @andreag @tarotbyfergus @edmundocentenor @lostgalaxy @musiccircle @operahoser @pedrogranado23 @miaapado @mrprecious @alfredmusic @senzenfrenz @carlosgu @dreamrafa @yrmaleza ___ **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.** https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_L2-H4g3IXk [The Official Steemit Song By @Verbal-D, Feat. @Papa-Pepper & @EdgarStudio](https://steemit.com/music/@papa-pepper/verbal-d-s-the-official-steemit-song-featuring-edgarstudio-and-papa-pepper-music-video) ___

This is a song dedicated to my son Marcello, who is my second child/first son and I had written it just mere days before his birth. Hope you all enjoy it for what it's worth. Appreciate all of you and your support, thank you.

[Impact](https://steemit.com/music/@verbal-d/melodious-music-memoirs-2-impact)

https://youtu.be/a8doCJDyqlU ___

This is a song dedicated to my my mom, which I wrote as a birthday present for her. You can never show your mom enough gratitude. Call yours up or go visit her if you can. Please enjoy.

[My Mother](https://steemit.com/music/@verbal-d/melodious-music-memoirs-3-my-mother)

https://youtu.be/nqFFoYysWz8 ___ ___ ___

More original music from me coming very soon, stay tuned to my profile these weeks. I'll be releasing more live performances and professionally recorded tracks shortly.

___ https://media0.giphy.com/media/l3q2sOO7xiqfZCXbG/200w.gif#2-grid1 Thank you for viewing and reading this post in its entirety, I hope you enjoyed it for what it's worth. https://media3.giphy.com/media/KHWZ550bG88GQ/giphy.gif#1-grid1 ___ All Gifs used from Giphy.com Next Post coming tomorrow