Love Ain't Gonna Let You Down

Sweet and Sour

Love Ain't Gonna Let You Down by Jamie Cullum

Recommended by Michelle

"Ok. I lied. I promised not to bog your blog with submits of my songs BUT many of Jamie's songs are just lovely and soothing and wonderful - too lovely not to be shared. Not that I'm opinionated or anything."

"Lovely" and "soothing" are exactly the words I would use to describe this song. It's absolutely beautiful. I love bittersweet stories like this.

It's a love story, and I'm happy that the future looks so bright...but at the same time, it's clear that this guy's lover has been hurt in the past. He sounds poignant and empathetic, and it makes my heart hurt. But it also makes my heart happy. It's complicated.

I always love an artist with a great voice and a talent for expressing emotion. In this case, Jamie expresses emotion not only with his voice, but also with the way he plays the piano. It feels incredibly intimate, which isn't always easy to achieve. I'd love to go see this guy live in concert.

Update:
I meant to mention this, but it completely slipped my mind last night.

I'll be your Fabrice without the war.

I believe this line is a reference to The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Milford. It's about an "upper-class English family" between the world wars. The main character is the middle child, Linda, who goes through two marriages before finally finding "the great love of her life" in Fabrice, a wealthy French duke. (x)

It seems like a bizarrely obscure reference to me, but maybe I'm just not cultured enough for this song. Or maybe it's because Jamie Cullum is an Englishman, and there's a cultural disconnect.

Either way, now we know.

Overview:

Genre:
Singer-Songwriter

Favorite Lyrics:
Everyone knows that I'm rightfully yours.

Verdict:
fills my heart

You Are the Sunshine of My Life

Funky Fresh

You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder

Recommended by Lola

"At the time when my daughter was born, 1967, [Stevie] was also having a daughter. I loved the song, the beat, and that time of my life. When I had a granddaughter, many years later, I still liked the song."

This song is beautiful, and so is that story! Now whenever I hear this song, I'll think of you, Lola.

I'm really glad you shared that because it changed the entire way I look at this song. It's easy to say that it's about a romantic relationship, especially with the addition of Gloria Barley's voice playing the role a lover.

But now that you've introduced me to the option, I love the idea of this song being about a familial or even platonic relationship. Because really my friends are the sunshine of my life, and I can imagine a child being the apple of my eye.

Listening to this song has always made me happy because it sounds funky and fun, and Stevie's voice is smooth and lovely. But now I have deeper emotional ties to the lyrics, and that's awesome.

Overview:

Genre:
Soul / Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
How could so much love be inside of you?

Verdict:
I like thinking about it from a parent's perspective.

Traveller

Take Two for Stapleton

Traveller by Chris Stapleton

Recommended by Kim M.

"I'm a sucker for a good song about the journey of life. His voice and the girl doing backup vocals are fire! Their voices together make me drift away to my happy place."

Me, too. To all of that. They sound perfect, and the lyrics are equally beautiful.

I love that you said this is a "song about the journey of life." That's exactly what it is. When he says I couldn't tell you honey, I don't know / where I'm going but I've got to go, it's not because he's a literal nomad. He's moving onto new experiences, not necessarily new locations.

He's going further, not farther.

Although, I mean, he could be physically travelling, too. That's one of my more outlandish goals, to spend a year or something on the road. I want to visit every state. I want to be a traveller.

But, of course, physical travel is about the search for new experiences more than anything.

Stapleton's vocals are warm and full, and he sounds great over the soothing guitar. The harmonizing vocals were a stellar idea not only because they sound great together but because she adds to the narrative of the song. She, I imagine, is the girl from the first verse.

Here she comes, and then she's gone again.

The whole package makes for a nice down-to-earth, mild but emotional track.

Overview:

Genre:
Country

Favorite Lyrics:
Always lost and nowhere-bound.

Verdict:
words to live by

WAIT what if the entire song is from the point of view the girl in the first verse? I think maybe it is. I can't believe this. I love it.

Waves

Guys I Am So Late But I Never Slept So It Counts

Waves (Remix) ft. Kacey Musgraves by Miguel

Recommended by Brittany B.

"Combine Miguel's soulful voice with Kacey's country twang and you discover a whole new genre of music. Prepare yourself...you'll have this song on repeat singing every lyric in no time."

I accidentally listened to the original last night, and I was kind of into it, but I was wondering why I couldn't hear "Kacey's country twang" lol. I found the remix this time.

The remix is better, y'all. Kacey's voice softens the song in a delicious way. It maintains the sensuality, but it's simultaneously faster and gentler. The original is a one-night stand, and the remix is with someone you love. It's sweet.

Even though the lyrics are exactly the same. Funny how that works.

I love verse 3. It has some nice duet action, and their voices complement each other really beautifully. Then immediately after the verse, there's a little riff that has a tango vibe, and I dig it.

BUT my favorite part, hands down, is here at the end where the bridge and the chorus are intertwined, and it's perfect. You know when you're at the soft-serve machine and you can't decide between chocolate and vanilla? But then you don't have to because there's the chocolate-vanilla swirl? This is that swirl.

In fact, this whole song is that swirl. Country and R&B, man. This is tight.

Overview:

Genre:
Electro Country R&B...?
Listen, I don't know what to tell you...

Favorite Lyrics:
Baby, drop it like it's stolen.

Verdict:
I know I use the word "cool" lightly all the time, but this is like...very cool.

Stop This Train

...And Now I'm Sad

Stop This Train by John Mayer

"Love the message and adore the messenger 😉"

This song is, like, deceptively soothing. The guitar is just ambling along, and John Mayer's voice is super smooth and relaxed. But the lyrics are beyond thoughtful - they're kind of distressing.

The message is something that everyone can relate to, since we're all on this train together. We can't stop it or go back or even slow it down. But it's particularly poignant to me right now as I approach the end of my college career. 

Any big change, I guess, is going to make you reflect on your life: where you're going, where you've been. Where you stand in the Continuum. Mayer said of this album, "I'm obsessed with time lately." (x)

I wish I'd known about this song the summer before college because I had a lot of the same thoughts. Like...what am I doing here? Do I just study then get a job then die? It's easy to get overwhelmed if you think about it too much. I just can't sleep on this tonight.

The point of this song where I lose it: Don't know how else to say it: don't wanna see my parents go.

It's inevitable that you're going to see people you love leave this world. If you dwell on that for too long it's enough to make you say Stop this train. I wanna get off and go home again.

Whatever home is for you.

Your first place out of college, that apartment where you lived with all your closest friends. Your grandma's house, where there was always hot chocolate. Your childhood home, where your room was powder blue and covered in posters.

But you can't ever go back.

It's really sad, you know? Or at least unsettling. And I'm glad there's a section where we hear an older person who's has all these thoughts say, basically, "Hey, it's okay."

'Cause now I see I'll never stop this train.

Overview:

Genre:
Blues Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
So scared of getting older,
I'm only good at being young.

Verdict:
Sad but soothing

Transatlanticism

Chillllllllllllllll

Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie

Recommended by Kim

"I have to confess that Death Cab was my favorite band back when I was a little tween in middle school. I think I got hooked after some boys in my English class brought in their guitars and played I Will Follow You into the Dark. Honestly, I couldn't pick my favorite song off of this album, so I just went with the title song. Front man Ben Gibbard defines transatlanticism as 'the incomprehensible emotional gap between two lovers separated by comprehensible distances—the continental United States, an entire ocean, or, most likely, just a couple floors in your freshman dorm.' Some real emo s*** right there. All jokes aside, it's a great song, a great album, and I just have a lot of great memories listening to them."

Okay, first of all, I think we can attest to the fact that the floors of a freshman dorm are far from insurmountable. Maybe if the elevators were out of order...

When I saw that you recommended Death Cab, I had I Will Follow You Into the Dark in mind. Because, you know. Obviously.

But Transatlanticism sounds nothing like I Will Follow You Into the Dark. Aside from Ben Gibbard's voice, I don't feel a lot of similarities at all. This song is more muddled, lyrically and melodically. The message is more poetic and abstract, and it's more electronic. That swirling, sparkling techno-drone gives it a dreamy vibe that's completely different from the simple, acoustic feel of I Will Follow.

It seems almost like you're floating in that ocean or lake or moat or whatever he keeps talking about. You're floating there, and your ears are underwater, which is why it sounds so...blurry. And you're either looking up at the sky or closing your eyes and imagining the stars shining above.

And, I guess, you're thinking about your soul mate up on the ninth floor of the dormitory while you're stuck down on ground level.

Anyway, I like this song. I looked at the Wikipedia page for the album, and apparently the whole thing is based on the concept of "long-distance love." That's heart-breaking and therefore sounds like something I would be into.

I love the idea of a song being part of a bigger story, in the context of the whole album. Maybe I'll switch from a song a day to an album a week for 2017.

Overview:

Genre:
Indie Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
The distance is quite simply much too far for me to row.

Verdict:
Really calming, kind of a "you're fine; go to sleep and deal with it tomorrow" type song

PS This is embarrassing, but I think I was imagining stars because this song reminded me a little bit of the Shooting Star Summit theme from Paper Mario. Check it: x

But also, it just objectively sounds like stars, though, right

Don't Kick the Chair

Cognitive Dissonance

Don't Kick the Chair by Dia Frampton ft. Kid Cudi

Recommended by Bella

"My brother sister and I used to jam together to this, and it's a fun, catchy, upbeat song with a great message."

You're right; it is fun, catchy, and upbeat. So much so that I didn't think about the implications of the title for a good minute. I was imagining that it meant don't kick the chair out of anger or frustration, similar to the way you might pull your hair out or punch through the drywall. 

I didn't realize that it was actually a reference to suicide. When you're going to hang yourself, you stand on a chair, put a noose around your neck, and then push the chair away.

Full disclosure: Dia Frampton herself said that the phrase was used casually at home to mean "don't give up," so I guess that's why the optimism outweighs the darker implications. (x)

But still. If you look at the lyrics, the dark themes aren't exactly hidden. You've got powerful descriptions of situations where you feel lonely and hopeless and depressed.

like the whole damn world is a braided rope in a noose around your neck

There's discussion of having to say goodbye to a love that could save a life.

Dia Frampton didn't mean for it to be that deep, though. Or, at least, she didn't mean for you to dwell on the pain that led to you tying a rope around your neck. You're supposed to be left embracing the strength that it takes to untie it. You're supposed to be left enjoying the spirited, uncontrollable joy that you can hear in the catchy melody and the lively drums.

I take issue with Kid Cudi's part, though. The repeated line: You can be better all by yourself.

Listen. I'm sure what he means by this is that you don't need a romantic partner. I mean, earlier, the song mentions a break-up with someone that you thought was your soul mate. But guess what? You don't need them. You're fine all by yourself.

Or if that's not it, then maybe he just means it like, "Don't be overdramatic. Get up. You're fine." Which, you know, a little insensitive. But still a fair point in a song that mentions how cruel the world can be. You don't need anyone else's approval. Be strong, and pull yourself up by your bootstraps.

But my initial thought when I heard him say You don't need no help; you can be better all by yourself was that he was kind of trivializing the idea of therapy. I'm now thinking that this is NOT what he meant, but I'm still going to move forward with this train of thought.

He even says if you gotta think twice about life, something really ain't right. I agree. But, y'all, if you have to think twice about whether you want to live? Then maybe you DO need help. And that's okay. Therapy is actually really wonderful.

Anyway, I think I read way too far into this song. But, hey, I only do that when I really like a song, so that's cool. 

Just listen to Dia Frampton's adorable, bubbly voice, and remember that it's gonna get better.

Overview:

Genre:
Indie Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
It can only get better.

Verdict:
The lighthearted pop sound belies darker themes, but either way it's a positive song in the end.

Chasing Pavements

She's A Goddess

Chasing Pavements by Adele

"Unrequited love sounds so attractive from the depths of her vocals and lyrics."

I also thought it was unrequited love at first, but after reading up on the background, I wonder if it's actually about the end of a relationship. The love was requited at some point, but now the relationship isn't what it used to be. They've lost that spark, and she can't decide whether it's possible to get it back again.

Should I give up, or should I just keep chasin' pavements?

Rumour has it, Adele composed this song on her mobile phone as she walked home from a bar after discovering that her boyfriend had cheated on her. (x)

I like the contrast between the verses and the chorus. The verses are softer and sound like they should be playing in a coffee shop, while I stare out the window at the beginnings of a gentle fall of rain.

Then the chorus comes in, and Adele's voice soars. God, I love her voice. I could go on forever about how lovely and full and deep it is. And strong and beautiful. If I could be a voice, literally transform into a voice, I would want to be this voice. Sultry.

Overview:

Genre:
Soulful Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
I build myself up and fly around in circles,
waitin' as my heart drops

Verdict:
Sexy verses, catchy chorus

Heard 'Em Say

Conspiracy Theories Tho

Heard 'Em Say by Kanye feat. Adam Levine

Recommended by Crews

I love how this track starts out with that loud WAKE UP MR. WEST!! and a fairly intense beat, and then the piano comes in with the sweetest, most lyrical accompaniment ever.

Does that piano part sound like Sunday Candy, or is that just me?

Either way, it's beautiful and relaxing and sweet, and it provides a perfect backdrop both for Kanye's rap verses and Adam's light falsetto in the refrain. PopMatters called it a "hip hop lullaby," and I can't disagree. (x)

The lyrics aren't quite as gentle, but then again, lullabies can get intense. An infant literally falls out of a tree in Rockabye Baby.

Heard 'Em Say isn't nearly as dark as that. On the contrary, it's actually pretty optimistic. It's about always being honest no matter what: It hurts but it may be the only way. It's about being the best you can be in the face of a society that may not always be super kind...Kanye says it better. 

Anyhow, the song touches on racial, religious, and socioeconomic issues in the country. Real talk.

Nothing's ever promised tomorrow today,
but we'll find a way.

Overview:

Genre:
Hip Hop / R&B

Favorite Lyrics:
They say people in your life for seasons,
And anything that happen is for a reason.
Verdict:
Cool collab.

I Would Die 4 U

RIP Prince

I Would Die 4 U by Prince & The Revolution

Recommended by Michelle

"So sad Prince died today. He was a gifted writer musician dancer /entertainer. He was exceptional in many ways in my very humble opinion. So many great songs...you choose."

I found a YouTube clip here, but I didn't want to embed it here because apparently Prince wasn't into the whole "listen to my music digitally without paying" thing. And you can't disrespect a dead guy. Go buy a CD or stream on Tidal, I guess.

I don't have a lot of experience with Prince's music, but thank you for sending in a request. It feels a bit awkward to just now be familiarizing myself with this man after he's gone, but that's often how it goes. It's incredible how many people have shared their condolences and praise him as an artist; so many of the sources call him a "genius." It's touching.

I think this song is beautiful, and it can bring some comfort in the wake of Prince's unexpected passing.

Be your fire when you're cold.
Make u happy when you're sad.

The clip I linked to above does just that. How can you stay sad when you're listening to this upbeat love song, watching Prince do what he does best?

Also, the song is pretty spiritual, if you want to read it that way.

I'm your Messiah.

I'm not a human. I am a dove.
I'm your conscious. I am love.

I'm not super religious, but it makes me happy to sing this song and imagine Prince up there doing his thing with the angels, you know?

Overview:

Genre:
Funk / New Wave Synthpop

Favorite Lyrics:

I'm not a human. I am a dove.

Verdict:
makes u happy when you're sad

Ring of Fire

I JUST Missed the 53rd Anniversary

Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash

"Who doesn't love Johnny Cash? His authentic passion and consistent willingness to share his raw gut-wrenching feelings always endears and pleases my heart's ears."

The popularity of this song kind of blows my mind. I guess it shouldn't, since I'm a fan, and it's obviously very catchy. But for some reason I always think of people enjoying it ironically. Like Never Gonna Give You Up.

It's a lot of fun, but I can't take it seriously. I guess that's what blows my mind, more than the popularity. It's the treatment of the material.

I was reading up on it tonight, and all of these people are like, "It's about the deep love that June Carter felt when she met Johnny. It's about the transformative power of love." It seems unreal that people connect to this song on such a deep level, when I'm just like...dancing around stupidly and making my voice as low as possible to sing along.

Part of that is just because I don't listen to a lot of old music. Sometimes I feel the same way when I listen to Frank Sinatra. There's an old-timey quality to the vocals.

The other part is...I don't know. This song just has a kind of humor to it, in the bouncy melody and unexpected mariachi-style horns.

Also, I don't personally connect to the lyrics that much. That opening line, Love is a burning thing, and it makes a fiery ring. It's so conversational and straightforward, and I still don't get it. Maybe it's because I haven't felt that kind of love.

But, you know, I still like the song a lot. Not everything has to be that deep. Obviously it means a lot to some people, but I just enjoy the sound.

Maybe I was reading too far into it. Maybe no one takes it too seriously. Maybe it was so successful and continues to stick around just because listening to it makes people happy.

Overview:

Genre:
Country Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
The taste of love is sweet
when hearts like ours meet.

Verdict:
A real crowd-pleaser in karaoke.

Come and See Me

This Reminds Me of One of My Roomies

Come and See Me by PARTYNEXTDOOR ft. Drake

Recommended by Ashlynn

"Classic sad Drake."

Okay but listen:
I hear you talkin' 'bout we a lot.
Oh, you speak French now?

That kills me. Puns, man. I love puns. Puns in my music. Puns everywhere.

Real talk, though? This song is sad. I see two possible situations:

1) They were friends with benefits, or not-friend hook-ups, or whatever. But then, as can happen, one of them caught feelings. Yikes. And now I hear you talk about we a lot, and he's like Why you gotta start, girl...I thought we had a deal.

Oh, and my favorite: I'll admit I'm sorry when I feel I'm truly sorry. Like, A+ for Honesty, but could you have some chill please?

Things change, people change, feelings change, too. Maybe you did have a deal...but if she's no longer into that, then you gotta listen to her. Don't be a f***boy.

2) They were in a real live relationship. With feelings on purpose. But it's on the rocks, and it's devolving, and it's rough. I mean, breakups are always rough.

This thing is getting one-sided; I can't even lie to you right now.

There's also some references that make me think they're long-distance for whatever reason. Maybe have a "deal" about seeing other people while they're apart. I don't know.

Either way, it bums me out. Whether they were together or "together," can you blame him for not being as into her as she is to him? Not really. But it's still really sad that she's only asking for him to come and see me for once and he's like I know we make time for the the things that we want, but nah. Not worth it.

Anyway, the sound is nice. Really smooth, easy listen.

Overview:

Genre:
Soul R&B / Rap

Favorite Lyrics:
Things change, people change, feelings change too. 
Never thought the circumstances woulda changed you.

I know we make time for the things that we want.

Just 'cause he got a heart don't mean it got heart.

Verdict:
This is like...the "we met on Tinder" anthem.

Next in Line

Stephanie Meyer Liked Them

Next in Line by Meese

Recommended by The Italian Stallion

"It was one of those 'free singles of the week' from iTunes YEARS ago... Figure someone else in the world needs to know if it's existence. Also, check me out at: advertmarking.wordpress.com."

Your self-promotion is shameless. I'll allow it. Thanks for participating in A Series of Tones.

Get this: Meese's first major album was released in July 2009. It was a free single in iTunes, as you mentioned, during the week of July 7, 2009. Then the band announced that they had disbanded in May 2010. Bummer. (The Meese brothers started a new band, though: The Centennial.)

As far as the sound, I like it. The drums, rhythmic guitar chords, na na na na na. I'm into it. It has a pretty catchy melody, especially during the chorus, and the bridge is really cool. Stands out.

I enjoyed coming up with an interpretation of what the song is about. Next in Line. Is that good or bad? Does that mean that, yeah, he's breaking up with her now, but she's always going to have a chance?

That seems plausible since at the end of the song he's like You're so much older now. As if maybe he's saying, "Hey, you matured. I like it. Let's try again." So come on back, come in.

Or does it mean that she'll never have a chance? Because she'll always be the next in line, never the first in line?

OR maybe it's about how she's in denial of the breakup, and maybe a little bit desperate.

Make a scene. Make a scream, like you're losing your mind. But you'll always be the next in line.

You're holding on, you're holding on.

I really don't know. What do you think?

Overview:

Genre:
Indie Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Slam on your breaks now, before the breakdown.

Verdict:
I kind of dig it. I wish they were still together.

Bossy

Like Michelle Obama

Bossy by Kelis ft. Too $hort

Recommended by Whitney

"Because who doesn't love some sass from a bo$$ @$$ diva?"

I love all the sounds in this song. The one thing I hate about electronic music and modern production is that I can't just be like, "Love the violin." Instead, I have to work around it like, "How great is that electric sitar-harpsichord sound at the beginning? And the repeating digital xylophone line?"

Anyway, all the background noises are bomb.

I think it's funny that she calls herself bossy, which is different from being a boss. Of course, she calls herself that, too. So maybe she's both.

I love these lines:

That's right, I brought all the boys to the yard.
And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm.

First of all, it references Milkshake, which was a life-changing song for me back in middle school. That's a Kelis song, too. (And it was co-produced by Pharrell Williams, btw. The more you know.)

As for the second part, I just liked that it reminded me of Zayn. Because, like, he has his ex tattooed on his arm, and she can always feel smug about that.

Something about this song makes me think of Lip Gloss. I guess it just has that 2000s vibe.

I love any song that empowers women, and this song is definitely about - as Whitney put it - a "bo$$ @$$ bitch."

Overview:

Genre:
Hip Hop

Favorite Lyrics:
You don't have to love me.
You don't even have to like me.
But you will respect me.

Verdict:
Get down, and don't take it too seriously.

Blue Bayou

Lago Azul

Blue Bayou by Linda Ronstadt

Recommended by Mom

"I loved singing this song as a kid - just loved it. I had the album, and she had the the back up singers from one of my fav bands, The Eagles, before they formed their own band. A contestant on The Voice sang it this season, and Dad loves the song now too! Lol...funny that we like it from such different situations, but it's a good one! 😊 ...see whatcha think - you didn't like my last rec so much! 😜"

When you say "Dad loves the song," do you mean my dad or your dad?

That's cool how Glenn Frey (RIP) and Don Henley decided to form a band while on tour as accompanists for Linda Ronstadt (x). You really were an Eagles fan from the very beginning.

Also interesting: Before it became Linda Ronstadt's "signature song," Blue Bayou was co-written and recorded by Roy Orbison. It was an international hit almost 15 years before Linda covered it.

She does a really good job, though, and I understand why her version did so well. Her voice is beautiful, and it sounds perfect on some of those higher notes.

The song itself is lovely, too. The steady bass is relaxing, like you're in a little boat on that blue bayou at sunset, paddling slowly back to shore. It has a similar vibe to Under the Boardwalk, but more emotional. Nostalgic.

It really is sad, though. She's working so hard, 'til the sun don't shine, just living for the day that she gets to go back to Blue Bayou. But that's a sad way to live, always for tomorrow and never for the moment. Who knows if she'll ever get to go back? I hope she does.

My favorite part is when she gets to the very end, my dreams come true on blue bayou, and she takes it up to that high note. So good.

Overview:

Genre:
Country rock ballad

Favorite Lyrics:
I'm going back someday, come what may.

Verdict:
a sunset in a song

Don't

Not the Ed Sheeran One

Don't by Bryson Tiller

"This song's content can be relatable to many of your readers. The lyrics create a sort of intimate imagery that fits the cross genre of trap/soul, which is also the name of the album."

I really hope this song's content isn't relatable to too many of my readers, seeing as it's about a girl who's in a relationship with someone who isn't treating her very well. Bryson Tiller says he wrote Don't when he "wasn't doing what I needed to be doing in my relationship...and I was kind of f***ing up." He wrote it from the perspective of a guy stepping in at that time and trying to steal his girl. (x)

If you relate to the girl in this situation, then listen: You're better than this. Get out now. If you relate to the guy stepping in and yelling at the boyfriend: I see you. Nice of you to try to help, but be careful not to overstep. If you relate to the asshole boyfriend: Don't.

But I agree that the lyrics are intimate.

Tiller gives some great advice to himself. Don't play with her; don't be dishonest. I can respect this dude for stepping up and admitting that he could and should be doing better in his relationship.

F*** him, girl.

Gotta be sick of this guy.

Taking responsibility. I dig it.

The track sounds amazing considering that Tiller literally "made this shit in his living room." (x) That's a testament to technology these days, but I think it also says a lot about the talent of the artist himself. Props.

As the recommender said, Don't is from an album called "trapsoul," and the sound is definitely cool. It's got a relaxed beat, and the rapping...flow's smooth like expensive whiskey. Reminds me of Drake.

I wasn't into King Vory's verse at first, but it adds interest to have such a different timbre of voice thrown in there. It's smooth in its own way.

Also, I love the part right after that third verse where it goes silent for a second, and then you hear "Don't-" one last time before the outro. It's just very cool. Song is lit.

Overview:

Genre:
Hip-Hop / R&B

Favorite Lyrics:
Girl, he only f***ed you over 'cause you let him.

Verdict:
It's dope.
Killin' the vibe in a good way.

My Church

I Took a Road Trip to Heaven Once

My Church by Maren Morris

Recommended by Kim M.

"I really vibe with this song. Sometimes taking a long drive by yourself is just the most rejuvenating and calming thing you can treat yourself to."

I agree completely, Kim. Going for a drive can be amazing! I've gotten into trouble for it. Apparently it's "bad for your car." Makes sense, I mean who uses cars for driving? Ridiculous...

Seriously, though, it can definitely feel like a spiritual experience to be behind the wheel, whether it's a solo drive to clear my head or a road trip across the country with a friend. Either way, the most important things are nice weather and a bomb playlist - which should probably include this song.

Maren's playlist, however, is the highway FM. She's not listening to anything specific, just got the wheels rollin' and the radio scrollin'.

She says, "Whatever region of the country you are in, that’s a great way to find out what they listen to. You find music wherever you are and that becomes the soundtrack for whatever your road trip is." 

(You can find more of her annotations here at Lyrics Genius if you're interested. She says wrote the song while she was in the car herself, where she often finds inspiration.)

I think Maren's voice is sweet, and the song feels really warm. It captures that feeling of driving around, windows down, feeling excited and free and unpredictable.

It also has an intimate vibe to me. I can imagine someone singing this at a bar downtown, eyes closed, thinking about the open road.

Overview:

Genre:
Country

Favorite Lyrics:
I find holy redemption when I put this car in drive, roll the windows down, and turn up the dial.

Verdict:
perfect road trip song

Talamak

Mabuhay!

Talamak by Toro Y Moi

Recommended by Kim C.

"Because it's a groovy jam and he's really talented :-)"

The title is in Tagalog! Maybe Toro Y Moi has some Filipino blood. Very cool.

Talamak can mean a few different things. Lyrics Genius says it means "rampant" or "serious," which doesn't make any sort of sense to me. TagalogLang says "serious, critical, hard to cure" or "fallen, prostate" or "addicted" or "drenched, infused."

I'll ask my grandfather about it next time I see him and get back to you.

I like "addicted" and "drenched, infused." Both of these definitions fit well with the lyrics. The character in the song is in love with his ex - "addicted" to his ex, "drenched" in that past love.

The music, more than the lyrics, is what makes this song stand out. It sounds like you're listening to it on an iPhone and you keep covering/uncovering the speaker with your finger. Or if you turn it up, it sounds like it's blasting super loud, filling the room, and you rapidly cover/uncover your ears.

It's the aural equivalent of flashing lights.

I can't tell if I love it, but it's definitely an interesting effect. It suits the song perfectly because you can feel that it's not reality, but you can't tell whether it's a dream or a nightmare. It's disorienting and crazy and I think that might be what it's like for this guy who's still in love with someone who doesn't love him back.

It's almost as if the "flashing sounds" that come in and out are the broken pieces of the dream he was living while he and his ex were in love. Don't focus on them too hard, it'll give you a headache.

Overview:

Genre:
Synthpop / Chillwave

Favorite Lyrics:
How can I tell if I love you anymore?
Nevermind, I know I do.

Verdict:
coming down from a good trip...take me back, take me back

Mr. Brightside

Dick. She Was Touching His Dick.

Mr. Brightside by The Killers

Recommended by Carly

"Who doesn't love Mr. Brightside? It's a road trip necessity."

I feel you, Carly. There's definitely a road trip vibe to this song. I think it's the way it's upbeat but still pretty mellow. It'll keep you awake, but you can still focus on driving instead of dancing. Maybe tap your fingers on the steering wheel.

I'm weirdly attached to the line And taking control. It's something about the melody and the phrasing and...I don't know. Best five syllables in the song.

Speaking of taking control, this song is about the jealousy and paranoia of a man who suspects his significant other is cheating on him. He saw her with someone else, and it was only a kiss...but now he's imagining how much worse it could be.

It was only a kiss. But then suddenly she's touching his chest. And oh, God, he takes off her dress.

He's imagining the absolute worst, which is why it's utter sarcasm when he dubs himself Mr. Brightside. Because no, he's not looking on the bright side of this situation. That's why he repeats It was only a kiss so many times - he's trying to convince himself to look on the bright side, but he can't.

On one hand, we can read this song as a lesson on how jealousy and paranoia and overzealous fault-finding can ruin a relationship.

But on the other hand, maybe it's about trusting your intuition. Because Mr. Brightside was actually inspired by an ex-girlfriend of Brandon Flowers who actually was unfaithful. So, you know, all y'all in relationships better keep your eager eyes open.

Overview:

Genre:
Indie Rock / Post-Punk

Favorite Lyrics:
It was only a kiss; it was only a kiss.

Verdict:
sarcasm much?

Piece by Piece

I Can't Help It If You Sound Like An Angel

Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson

Recommended by Uncle Manny

"I suggest you check out the YouTube video of her performance of this song on American Idol. It was this performance that brought me to tears in its discussion of negligent fathers. I have been blessed in my life with nothing but excellent examples of wonderful fathers, first of all being my own! My grandfathers and all of my uncles have been great examples of what a father should be. Apparently Kelly herself did not have an example of this in her life. Presuming, of course, that she is speaking from her own experience. I challenge anyone to watch this performance and not shed a tear."

If you want to see the official music video, that can be found here, but I embedded the American Idol performance that my uncle mentioned. The album version is more upbeat with some electronic sounds. It's fun, and I like that sound a lot, but it's far from the raw Idol version, with just Kelly's powerful voice and a piano.

Plus, that "live" aspect brings a lot the table here, especially in terms of emotion.

I'm always impressed when singers seem like they're "into" a song even after performing it a million times. In this case, Piece by Piece was only released three months prior to the performance, so I get it. I just mean in general. Like...how many times have Maroon 5 performed She Will Be Loved over the past 14 years?

But I digress.

Kelly's voice is amazing, and she brings its full strength right from the very first line. And all I remember is your back...

The song is a ballad, half of which is calling out Kelly's father for leaving his family instead of loving them; the other half compares him to Kelly's husband - and father of their children.

He never walks away.

He takes care of me, 'cause he loves me.

There's a point around 3:10 where Kelly's voice breaks, and she has to turn away from the microphone...it hurts my heart. There's a part a bit later where she whispers, "Sorry." :(

I can't even imagine how lovely it must be for her to be starting her own family now. But the song is still bittersweet because now that she has a man who treats her and their children so well, it puts into perspective exactly how much better her dad could have been.

And piece by piece, he'll restore my faith
That a man can be kind, and a father can be great.

Kelly has said this piece is something of a sequel to her 2004 song Because of You. A happy ending.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Piece by piece, I fell far from the tree.

Verdict:
It's so interesting how you've got two completely different versions of this song. The stripped version is powerful and emotional and focuses on the broken pieces; whereas, the original album version reveals a lot of Kelly's inner strength and reminds you that the song is ultimately optimistic.