Barlow's first album, Sings, was released in 1998. She has received seven nominations for Canada's Juno Awards with her album Seule ce soir winning for best Jazz Vocal Recording in 2013 and Clear Day winning the same award in 2016. Seule ce soir also won Album of the Year – Jazz Interpretation at the 2013 ADISQ Awards. Barlow was also nominated for the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Award at the 2016 Juno Awards.
Barlow was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2008 National Jazz Awards. She has named as influences Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Stevie Wonder.
Barlow has voiced various characters for animated television series, including Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus in Sailor Moon, Courtney, Laurie and Ellody in the Total Drama series, Chrissy in 6teen, Mrs. Ridgemount in Stoked, Bunny in Almost Naked Animals and Theresa Falcone (MacDougall) in Fugget About It.
Born in Toronto to parents who were professional musicians, Barlow grew up in recording studios and by age seven had begun a career singing television and radio commercials.
She was encouraged by her parents to sing and study several instruments including piano, cello, clarinet, and violin. Barlow studied voice at the Etobicoke School of Arts and music theory and arranging at Humber College.
Barlow's grandfathers were ventriloquist Cy Leonard and actor Bob Homme (who played The Friendly Giant). Her father is award-winning jazz drummer Brian Barlow (aka Brian Leonard). Her mother, Judy Tate, is a composer, arranger and singer. Her uncle was Richard Homme, a Canadian jazz bassist who died 6 May 2011.
Sunshine Superman
Emilie-Claire Barlow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Could've tripped out easy a but I've a changed my ways
It'll take time, I know it but in a while
You're gonna be mine, I know it, we'll do it in style
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine
I'll tell you right now
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find
When I say we'll be cool I think that you know what I mean
We stood on a beach at sunset, do you remember when
I know a beach where, baby, a-it never ends
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine
I'll tell you right now
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find
Superman or Green Lantern ain't got a nothin' on me
I can make like a turtle and dive for your pearls in the sea, yeah
A you can just sit there a-thinking on your velvet throne
'Bout all the rainbows a-you can a-have for your own
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine
The lyrics of Emilie-Claire Barlow's song "Sunshine Superman" explore the singer's determination to win the affection of someone they desire. The opening lines suggest a hopeful and positive atmosphere, as the sunshine softly moves through a window. The singer acknowledges that changing their ways will take time, but they're determined to make it happen. They believe that they will eventually win the heart of the person they desire and that they'll do it in style. The singer seems confident in their plan, stating that they've made up their mind, and the person they want to be with will be theirs.
The second verse sheds light on the singer's personality, as they declare that they will use any trick in the book to win over their desired person. They seem to recognize the competitive atmosphere surrounding relationships, and they want their relationship to be cool, meaning effortless and natural. They recall a moment when they stood on the beach at sunset, reminiscing about a place with a never-ending beach. This moment in the past seems to have solidified the singer's desire for this person, and they are willing to blow their mind to convince them. Superman or Green Lantern may have extraordinary powers, but the singer believes that they have something more powerful than both of those superheroes combined.
Overall, the song's lyrics are about determination, hope, and love. The singer believes that they can win over any person they desire with style and effort. They seem to want a relationship that is natural and easy, and they're willing to use any trick in the book to make their desired person fall for them. The song paints a picture of love as an interesting pursuit, requiring skill, effort, and confidence.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunshine came softly through my a window today
The sunlight entered my room gently today
Could've tripped out easy a but I've a changed my ways
I could have easily lost my mind, but I have reformed myself
It'll take time, I know it but in a while
It may take some time, but eventually
You're gonna be mine, I know it, we'll do it in style
You will be mine, and when it happens, it will be grand
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine
I have made a firm decision that you will be mine
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find
I will use any means at my disposal to win you over
Everybody's hustlin' just to have a little scene
Everyone is trying their best to make something for themselves
When I say we'll be cool I think that you know what I mean
You understand what I mean when I say things will be okay between us
We stood on a beach at sunset, do you remember when
Do you recall the moment when we watched the sun go down on the beach?
I know a beach where, baby, a-it never ends
I know of a beach where the beauty and serenity never fades
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind
I will dazzle and amaze you with my affection and attention
Superman or Green Lantern ain't got a nothin' on me
I am the best of the best, surpassing even superheroes
I can make like a turtle and dive for your pearls in the sea, yeah
I am capable of great feats and dedicating myself to you like a turtle diving for a pearl in the deep sea
A you can just sit there a-thinking on your velvet throne
You can luxuriate and ponder life while sitting on your comfortable throne
'Bout all the rainbows a-you can a-have for your own
You can have all of the beautiful and vibrant things in life
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine
When you finally decide to be mine forever
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind
I will continue to impress and enchant you, even after we are together
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MaryJ
I'm in love with your voice, you're incredibly talented!!!
Emilie-Claire Barlow
So sweet - thank you!
Tim Brickham
Don't know if you'll see this, but...hard to believe 6 yrs ago. This album is still in my playlist! Best wishes!
Louis-Marie Gaulin
WOW! I especially love this one +Emilie-Claire Barlow. It really grooves! And as usual, you sing in a magnificent way! Two thumbs up! ☺♥
Emilie-Claire Barlow
Thank you!
Kyri Tsavaridis Music
Jazz musician hailing from Australia, loved the performance!
Osagie E. Guobadia
Great gorgeous performance, Emilie! :)
Emilie-Claire Barlow
Thanks!!
Karen McCants
Love it!!!❤️👍🏽😄
Frank Soria
Very hip arrangement to this tune...great vocals...nice playing as well...