Your Love

Harry is Also One Of My Favorites

Your Love by The Outfield

Recommended by Kim C.

"This is such a rockin' jam. I love it! It just takes me back to a time when I technically wasn't alive, but I try to live vicariously through John Hughes movies. Just from that opening line, I'm hooked and I gotta sing along."

You're so right - the opening line is a perfect hook. From the title, I didn't think I knew this song, but I recognized it by the time I heard far away. I was singing along by the chorus.

Something about this whole thing sounds super '80s. I think it's the guitar and maybe the vocal tone.

I love the first rendition of the chorus, when the lead vocalist sings I just wanna use your love tonight alone, and then the next line includes the backup vocals. It almost sounds like a call and response type thing, and it builds the sound up beautifully.

This poppy '80s soft rock is one of my favorite styles.

As far as the message goes, this song is whack. It's about a guy propositioning a woman for a one night stand while his girlfriend Josie is on a vacation far away.

While I appreciate that this dude reveals his true intentions (I just wanna use your love tonight), I gotta say he's pretty much the quintessential example of they guy your parents were talking about when they warned you that "boys lie." I mean, he says You know I'd do anything for you. Would you? Would you really? What happens when Josie comes back into town?

"Does he capture his prey? We never find out, but it's clear that Josie deserves better" (x).

Overview:

Genre:
Pop Rock

Favorite Lyrics: 
Just 'cause you're right, that don't mean I'm wrong.

Verdict:
definitely transports you back to the '80s

Dancing in the Moonlight

Third is the One with the Treasure Chest

Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader

Recommended by Michelle

"I love this song. I don't think Toploader are the original artist to perform, but it's my favorite version. It brings back very special memories of weekly trips with my son during a challenging time in our parent/teen relationship. It always made us smile and remember how much we love and need each other like all families do."

It was originally released by King Harvest in 1972, but the song didn't reach its peak in the top charts until the 2000 cover by Toploader hit #7 on the UK Singles Chart. (x)

I'm glad Toploader kept the intro because it sounds like moonlight in musical form. It sets the mood for a supernatural delight and reappears to shimmer between verses and during the chorus. Plus, it's, like, really pretty. 

This is a beautiful song to attach to a beautiful, if complicated, memory. I can imagine an endless array of situations that would be improved by playing this song, all of them positive. The beat is groovy enough for dancing, but the melody is sweet enough for sentimental moments.

I can see this playing over the final scenes of a movie.

Bear with me.

This song is heard distantly while the main character has a serious conversation with her mother, with whom she's been trying to reconnect. They aren't quite at the point that they're willing to hug it out, but it's clear that they're in a better place than they were at the beginning of the movie. Nice.

Then the pair walk out the back door, and the music gets louder because now it's not background music. There's an actual party going on in the yard, probably with a campfire, and we see the characters from the romantic subplot finally get together. <3

The overall effect of the repetitive lyrics, moderate tempo, and gentle melody is an endearing simplicity that carries with it a hint of nostalgia.

If I had only one word, I'd say this song is sweet.

Overview:

Genre:
Alt Rock / Post-Britpop

Favorite Lyrics:
You can't dance and stay uptight.

Verdict:
warm fuzzies

Lean On

Another Rihanna Reject

Lean On feat MØ by Major Lazer & DJ Snake

Recommended by Brittany B.

This is one of my favorite party songs. It's a fun, and it has a catchy melody and a beat that's perfect for dancing. Sometimes, rare as it may be, you're not in the mood to turn up. When that happens, try out one of the following covers.

Cover #1:

Brittany says, "This country duo put a southern twist on the electro-pop hit."

One of the best things about covers is that you get to hear someone else pronouncing the words. it clarifies the lyics 99% of the time. I never realized that the chorus said Blow a kiss, fire a gun.

I don't listen to a lot of Lennon & Maisy, and I didn't recognize this arrangement as country until I read Brittany's comment. Once I read that, though, there are clear country influences in the harmonies and even the intonation of these girls' gorgeous voices.

I know anyone can sing country music, but I was not expecting it from these two Canadian sisters. They grew up in Ontario, and now they live in Nashville, TN - a much better home for their country voices, if I may say so. They're also like super young, born in '99 and '13. I started reading up on them and couldn't stop - too much talent in the Stella family

Anyway, this cover is softer than the original. It's all acoustic guitar and vocals, which brings new life to the words, which are actually quite sweet. I think the wistfulness of the lyrics gets lost in the original.

Cover #2:

"Nobody knows how to cover a song better than Pentatonix. Their a cappella spin on Lean On proves just how talented they really are."

Wow, okay, this version wins the diction prize. I can hear every lyric so clearly! Listen to those consonants. A true blessing.

That said, the Pentatonix version is so clean and neat, it's almost mechanical. This arrangement - like all of their covers - is a masterpiece, but it's too crisp to deliver the same kind of emotion that we find in the Lennon & Maisy cover.

It's more about the sound than the message, and in that respect, it's similar to the original.

Good thing the sound is killer. When the vocals first come in, it sounds extremely fast, but you settle in quickly. These singers are amazing.

Overview:

Genre:
Electronica / Country Pop / A Cappella

Favorite Lyrics:
Innocent, remember?
All we did was care for each other.

Verdict:
Pentatonix are a blessing to us all, but my favorite is the Lennon & Maisy cover.

Coffee

Decaf

Coffee by Sylvan Esso

Skye D. suggested three Sylvan Esso songs and asked me to pick my favorite. I was caught between Coffee and Hey Mami, and I still might do the other one later.

This song has layers.

The vibrating synth forms the foundation, the sweet voice pulls you deeper into the dream (despite the title of the song being coffee), the shaker adds texture, and the silvery bicycle-bell noise twinkles on top.

Coffee, here, is about comfort, not caffeine. I can imagine this song playing in a cafe, one of those homey ones where people go to sit for hours reading or working or studying. The chairs are mismatched, and they use random ceramic mugs. The tables wobble, but the wi-fi's reliable.

All songs have some kind of ambiance, but some are better at setting a mood than others. This is one of those songs that is a mood.

Overview:

Genre:
Electronic Indie Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Sentiment's the same, but the pair of feet change.

Verdict:
drift away

Juicebox

Broken Straws

Juicebox by The Strokes

Recommended by Katie S.

I feel like we haven't had a true rock song on here before, so thanks, Katie. This is a good one to get us started on that guitar-heavy hard rock train.

Julian Casablancas in Spin Magazine says, "I remember people saying this track's ugly, I think it's got a great personality" (x). I see both sides of that. When it first opened up on that low, dark bass line, I got a little scared. A few listens later, once you know what to expect, the intro isn't half as jarring.

It lightens up when the vocals enter, and there are sections where the melody is actually quite clear and pleasant and lovely.

I want to say this sounds like something I'd here at a grungy bar, teens in ripped jeans bobbing their heads rhythmically as they try to cover the X marks on their hands...But I would be mistaken. Juicebox actually made it onto the US Billboard Hot 100 in the 2000s. (x)

Do not underestimate the appeal of post-punk revival jams. #wordstoliveby

Overview:

Genre:
Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Why won't you come over here?
We got a city to love.

Verdict:
Time to start a band in my garage

Hide Away

Every Rock Is Our Home

Hide Away by Daya

Recommended by Nisha, Cynthia, & Michelle

"Lyrics speak some truth."

"I moved my daughter into NYC after graduating from Villanova, and then we drove her car back to Atlanta. over two days we drove 16+ hours. Allie Rae played this a couple of times. I just like it ;) Love road trips. Hope my Allie Rae finds where the good ones hide."

I've never had three separate individual suggestions for a single song before. Congrats, Daya. Your song speaks to people.

I love the sound of this song.

First of all, Daya's voice is awesome. This was her debut single, but it sounds like I've heard her on the radio forever (in a good way). She comes on strong when needed, and she also works some magic with those light high notes.

Then, the rhythmic synth line underneath it all ensures that the song is club-ready. I hear it, and I'm ready to go out downtown and dance right into someone's arms.

(Or not, if the good ones are all still hiding away.)

The overall message is great, too. It recognizes the way guys seem to be drawn to the stereotypical party girl, but it empowers young women to not change who they are to fit that mold. If you're a good, good girl then you don't have to get undressed before the second date.

(But if you're into that casual, sex-on-the-first-date life, then keep doing your thing, ladies.)

Just remember to tune out the line where she says he's gonna save my life superman. Ain't nobody gonna do that.

If you expect someone to swoop in and fix all of your problems, then maybe you need to stop asking where do the good boys go to hide away? and start realizing that your dream date doesn't exist. I'm not saying for you to lower your standards, just look for someone who's going to complement you, not save you. You're fabulous and don't need fixing.

But, like, what do I know. I'm living that single life, too. If you find the hiding place, let me know what's up.

Overview:

Genre:
Synthpop

Favorite Lyrics:
Guessin' I just don't know where to find 'em,
but I hope they all come out tonight.

Verdict:
Don't worry, you'll find what you're looking for eventually.
...but the wait is easier listening to this song.

Low Rider

Surprise Double Whammy

Low Rider by War

Recommended by A.R.K.

"Love the movie A Knight's Tale because of Heath Ledger and soundtrack."

I, too, love A Knight's Tale for those two reasons. I mean, Heath Ledger is amazing, and there's no way to dislike a movie set in the Middle Ages with a soundtrack made up primarily of classic rock. It's perfect.

Low Rider has also been used in 14 other movies, and you can check the list here. This song is so poppin' that it's probably worth watching the whole movie just to hear it. Someone should make a compilation of all 15 scenes that use this song and put it on Youtube. It would get to 1,000,000 views solely from me watching it on repeat.

Wikipedia says "the song's most distinguishable feature is its driving baseline," and that's super real.

Also cool: Apparently the sound of this funky track draws from Latin rock because the subject matter deals with Chicano culture. Nice symmetry there. (x)

Don't worry too much about the lyrics. Just accept that the riff will be stuck in your head for the next several days, and imagine yourself driving around in one of these babies:

Overview:

Genre:
Funk

Favorite Lyrics:
The low rider is a little higher.

Verdict:

Fun and funky fresh

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Honorable Mention: War by The Cardigans

For some reason when I saw you mention Heath Ledger, my mind replaced "A Knight's Tale" with "10 Things I Hate About You." I love both movies, but I just did Can't Take My Eyes Off You a couple of entries ago, so my mind was on Padua High.

Anyway, I was looking up your song, and I thought it was War by Lowrider instead of vice versa. Coincidentally there is a song called War on the "10 Things I Hate About You" soundtrack. Go figure.

Very different feel. Female vocals. Pop rock. Definitely fits the "10 Things" mood.

Humble and Kind

Be Good

Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw

Recommended by JillyJam H.

"What a universal message. Watch the video. So touching...So true. Favorite line...is about mentoring...When you get where you're going don't forget turn back around help the next one in line."

The video certainly drives home the fact that the message is universal. Even if you can't relate to every single lyric in the song, I'm sure you'll find the overarching themes apply to any decent human being.

Full disclosure: I think true humility is overrated, and confidence is key.

But it's obvious that Tim McGraw's just advising us not to get too big for our britches - he even says to let yourself feel the pride. And I can definitely support the idea that no one should carry themselves with an air of conceit and superiority as long as you let yourself take credit when it's due.

The message comes across beautifully in this genre. I don't know if it's the familiarity of the accent or the simplicity of the lyrics, but country music always feels incredibly down-to-earth to me.

Tim McGraw's voice is gentle, and the melody is sweet.

Combined with the video, this song brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion. I'm on a vacation with my family right now, so the lyric about visiting grandpa really got me tonight.

I also like this simple line from the chorus: I know you got mountains to climb, but always stay humble and kind.

You don't have to be meek, necessarily, or submissive. You can still take on the world. Just remember that being a good person should come first.

Overview:

Genre:
Country

Favorite Lyrics:
When you get where you're going,
don't forget turn back around
and help the next one in line.

Verdict:
A little preachy, but genuine

Blessings

Psalm 67

Blessings by Chance the Rapper

Recommended by Skye (kind of. indirectly.)

Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book came out a little over a week ago, and it's full of delightful sounds and inspiring messages. The Verge describes it in a word: "optimistic...Coloring Book looks forward, or above, to some kind of higher power" (x).

Nowhere is this faith and optimism more evident than in Blessings.

Immediately, Jamila Woods sets the tone with an expressed intention to praise God, and the chorus ends on Chance's line, It seems like blessings keep falling in my lap.

At first, I was skeptical. I mean, blessings don't just come out of nowhere, no matter how often you pray.

But then I realized that I was engaging in exactly the opposite kind of thinking that Chance advocates in this song. Sure, I'm not going to get everything I ask for, but that doesn't mean I don't get everything I need.

Blessings, this song asserts, are not money or drugs or worldly possessions. They're the deeper things like faith and love. In the second verse, Chance references his child, who has become his everything.

I'm thinking about health and happiness. And nature. Skye was singing this on our hike up through the woods on top of a mountain, and it was easy to look around and see blessings in the flowers.

Are you ready for your miracle? Good. Because if you look around with the right mindset, you might find that blessings have just fallen into your lap.

Overview:

Genre:
Hip Hop / Gospel

Favorite Lyrics:
I know them drugs isn't close;
ain't no visiting Heaven.

Verdict:
Fake it 'til you make it.
This guy's made it.

The Sound

My Girl's a Hot Girl

The Sound by The 1975

Recommended by Carrie D.

"my fave pregame song right now"

I typically prefer a little more bass for my pregames, but if someone else played this song, I wouldn't be completely taken aback. It's positive, and there's definitely some forward motion to it. I think the sound is nice.

The lyrics do a good job balancing romance with reality.

We're going from I know when you're around 'cause I know...the sound of your heart to It's not about reciprocation, it's just all about me. It's wild, but I appreciate the ride. This song has depth.

This song sounds like the first time you dance at a party.

It's not like your first dance of any party ever; it's just your first dance at one particular party. It's the first song of the night where you've settled in enough (or you're turnt enough) to feel comfortable dancing.

It's the best.

<3

Overview:

Genre:
Indie Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
I've got a problem with your shoes and your tunes,
but I might move in.

Verdict:
I wish I'd been exposed to this earlier.

Vagabond

Wanderlust

Vagabond by MisterWives

Recommended by Kim C.

"I get a weekly Spotify playlist of recommended songs for me. Sometimes they're way off, but I came across this one at the top of my list the other week and I really like it! I'm sure you'll understand the satisfaction in getting a good song rec that you can jam to. Hopefully you enjoy this one!"

Mandy Lee's voice came across as a little shrill at first, but I got used to it after about a minute. I think you'll miss a lot of good music if you expect everyone to sing like Adele. Lee reminds me a little of Regina Spektor with the inflection. Or maybe Ingrid Michaelson, in that her voice takes second to get used to.

I like the lyrics a lot. I included the lyric video because it was the first result in my Google search, but I'm really glad that's what I embedded. The repeated line about pretending to not feel alone is poignant and lovely. I'm hung up on it.

I have a serious case of wanderlust, so I relate to the idea of travel. But I've always been afraid of leaving home and being completely alone. This song is kind of comforting in that way, and I feel like I could take on that solo journey.

Vagabond is you.

Overview:

Genre:
Indie Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
If the sun goes down too soon,
embrace the starry-eyed moon.

Verdict:
Emotion > Tone

Horchata

Wintry Mix

Horchata by Vampire Weekend

Recommended by Bella

"I had a dream about Ezra Koenig last night so I felt like recommending a Vampire Weekend song."

Yo, Bella, I love that you suggested this song. Remember that international street festival in Athens? I went back and explored more deeply after you left, and I found a booth that was serving horchata. Incredible, I know.

First, some vocab:

Horchata- a traditional beverage made from ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice, barley, or tigernuts

Balaclava- ski mask

Aranciata- Italian for orange soda, maybe the San Pellegrino

Masada- Fortress in Israel

All those fancy words make it seem a little pretentious, but listen, this band also has a song called Oxford Comma, so what do you expect? Ain't nothing wrong with having a sophisticated vocabulary.

(It should also be noted that Ezra Koenig stated Oxford Comma "is more about not giving a f*** than about Oxford commas." But still.)

I'm not sure exactly why he'd look psychotic in a balaclava if it's the middle of winter and the cold is too much to handle. I think he'd look pretty darn smart in a balaclava. And the band is from New York, so...

Maybe it's embarrassing because of the weird social stigma against men dressing appropriately for the weather. You know, basketball shorts in the snow. Sweatpants in the summer. The usual.

Or maybe it's because it's not actually winter.

I'm imagining that the best days of this relationship were in December, when they drank horchata. But now it's summer, with pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals, and he's thinking back to the winter. He's trying to take himself back to that place by doing all those things that they did together, but it's like 90 degrees, so he looks psychotic.

It's like a series of "before and after"s.

Then: In December drinking horchata
Now: I look psychotic in a balaclava

Then: Winter's cold is too much to handle
Now: Pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals

I get that, and the tropical instrumentation backs it up.

You'd remember...

The only thing is...horchata can be served hot or cold. So I don't really know if it's summer and he's remembering December? Or if it's December and he's remembering the summer...Either way, I get vibes that it's about changing seasons versus changing feelings in a relationship.

Overview:

Genre:
Indie Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten.

Verdict:
Sounds happy, feels sad

Okay, but some of the instrumental parts could be from the Paper Mario soundtrack. Probably Koopa Village or the Toy Box. Or maybe Super Mario Sunshine.

Runaway

Yet Another Kanye Rec

Runaway ft. Pusha T by Kanye West

"It's embarrassing, but I really like this song. It’s fun, and I almost think Kanye makes fun of himself tongue in cheek kinda way. The lyrics are graphic but refreshingly honest. It always makes me smile and laugh at myself for liking such a song."

I was in shock when you said Kanye makes fun of himself, but I see what you mean upon listening to the song. I think more than making fun of himself, he's taking a jab at the way the media portrays him. Like, "Okay sure. You say I'm an scumbag? Fine, I'm a scumbag. Let's have a toast."

There's actually a lot of really awesome work that went into this song, and I think it might help you move past your embarrassment about being into it. Even if his music isn't typically your style, Kanye's a talented dude.

Okay, so Kanye wrote this song while thinking about the negative way the public had been viewing him, especially in light of a certain incident involving Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV VMAs. You know the one.

But despite this specific inspiration, Kanye really wanted Runaway to be "a song that the average person could relate to, as he perceived himself as someone who identified with the average person." I don't know if I buy him as an "average person," but I certainly appreciate the effort.

I think Kanye's verses do a good job of being relatable. There are plenty of douchebags and assholes and scumbags and jerkoffs in this world. They might even be perfectly nice people with a few bad habits.

Then you've got Pusha T coming in and outlining every single one of those bad habits.

It's like how when you're dating one of those guys, they're not always awful. They have great moments, or you wouldn't be dating them in the first place. But then, like Pusha T's verse, their scumbag side comes out of nowhere and you remember what they're capable of.

Pusha T said of working with Kanye:

"You will find yourself explaining yourself, and if you can't explain the reasoning behind the things you're saying in a verse or whatever the case may be, it might not fly. He won't let you get away with it."

I respect that.

(via)

One thing I don't like is the piano riff. I'm sure it's meant to be lonely and disconcerting, but I find it to be just a step too eerie in the beginning when it's the only sound we hear for a good minute. It doesn't bother me once it fades behind the drum beat and the vocals, but I still don't love it.

Anyway, I agree that it's a fun song. I enjoy singing along to the chorus, and I relate to the part where he's like I always find something wrong and I'm so gifted at finding what I don't like the most. Perfectionism, man. Not fun.

P.S. If the video embedded above seems long, just remember that there's a 34-minute "full-length film." That video includes many of the songs from the album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, not just Runaway.

Overview:

Genre:
Hip Hop

Favorite Lyrics:
I'm just young, rich, and tasteless.

Verdict:
I feel like the censorship takes away from it a little bit.

Sad Eyes

RIP Mardi

Sad Eyes by Robert John

Recommended by Mom

"Sadly, I was saying goodbye to our pet cat of almost 15 years, and this song came on Pandora! It'll now always remind me of Mardi's big sad eyes the last day of his long, mostly happy life. I spent a lot of time on the floor with him that last day looking into big beautiful eyes that had certainly become sad. Not really a great song but now it will always have this special memory attached to it! 😿💔"

Aw, mom :(

I was nervous when you said "Not really a great song," but I'm actually kind of into it. A relaxed, slow jam. And it's worth noting that it reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. (x)

The intro takes its time, and you get real sad eyes vibes before you even hear the first lyric. Then when you do hear the first words, you've got Robert John pulling out this light, super '70s falsetto. It's great.

I also like the addition of the wailing woman at about 3:33. She sounds great, and it adds to the emotion of the track. John sounds pretty resigned about the whole thing; whereas she's kind of losing it. I guess that makes sense, since he choose to look the other way when she gets those sad eyes.

You can't really feel too much compassion for either of them. I mean: She's comin' home today. Clearly this guy has been cheating on someone. And then: You knew I couldn't stay. So she's a very willing and clear-eyed accomplice in all of this deception.

But if you listen to it with the death of a beloved pet in mind, then different lines tend to stick out. Instead of the end of an illicit love affair, it's the end of a life.

We had a good thing. I'll miss your sweet love. Why must you look at me that way?

Have you seen those ASPCA commercials? The abused animals? Those are truly the saddest eyes you'll ever see. No one, not even a broken-hearted human being, can have eyes as sad as a cat or a dog when they look at you.

More than anything, I just have to appreciate a song in which the first line is Looks like it's over. No, John. Looks like it's just beginning.

Overview:

Genre:
Soft Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Try to remember the magic that we shared.
In time, your broken heart will mend.

Verdict:
The feelings attached to a song can sometimes be more important than the song itself.

Plus you knew there'd come a day when we would have to say goodbye is so real with pets because dogs and cats have tiny little lifespans compared to people.

RIP Sweet Boy

What Hurts the Most

TL;DR - Songwriters Understand Their Own Songs

What Hurts the Most by Aaron Lewis
and also the version by Rascal Flatts
as well as the one by Jeffrey Steele

Recommended by Uncle Manny

"I love Aaron Lewis's voice. I think he emotes better than most singers. I love this song. Rascal Flatts made it popular, and I suggest you check out the official video for their release as it tells a gut wrenching story. 

For Aaron Lewis, I have attached a link for a live performance. I saw him play this live, and he explained that this song was recorded by one band but written by someone else. He explained that he heard the writer of the song sing it in a bar in Nashville, and the way he sang it was so much better to him that he had to record a version closer to what he heard the writer sing that night. 

Please check out both versions and I look forward to reading what you think."

This is the version that my uncle attached. The performance is much the same as the one I embedded above, but it includes the intro discussing how Lewis felt the writer sang more passionately than Rascal Flatts.

For me, Aaron Lewis doesn't have the most beautiful voice I've ever heard, but I agree that he emotes beautifully. It sounds like he's experiencing the song with us, not just singing it to us.

So, I'm definitely biased against this version after hearing what Lewis and my uncle both said about it, but I tried to listen with an open mind.

Obviously, the Rascal Flatts version there is a studio recording, so it's much smoother and clearer. I like the inclusion of the violin. Bows on strings always seem to evoke the strongest emotional responses in me.

As far as vocals, though, it falls (ahem) flatt. No, listen: Gary LeVox sounds awesome, but the emotion isn't nearly as raw as in the Aaron Lewis cover. 

I think part of this is the difference between a live performance and a studio recording. It's gotta be easier to connect with your audience when the audience is right there.

Next, there's a clear difference in tempo between the two. Lewis slows it down a lot, which gives you that feeling of dragging through the day, ruminating on your sorrow.

The final part is style. In both cases, we're looking at a country pop song. But the Rascal Flatts song falls further on the pop side of that sliding scale.

And now, I don't know about you, but all that talk about the original writer made me really curious about Jeffrey Steele's performance. So here you go:

Bro kills it. That intro has me vibing immediately. His voice is actually my favorite of the three, though I will still give the award for "most emotional" to Aaron Lewis and his downtempo approach.

This one is just...cool. It's edgier, more rock. I dig the instrumentation, the vocals, the tempo. A+.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop / Country

Favorite Lyrics:
It's hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go,
But I'm doin' it.

Verdict:
Good job, Jeff.

What Makes You Beautiful

Heard Your Voice and Got Inspired

What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction

Recommended by the Powers That Be, which made it come on the radio today. It took me back to 2011. Which normally would be a terrible thing, because high school was rough...but this song is tied to good memories.

Plus, it's been 120 days since I last recommended a song by my favorite band. It's time.

What Makes You Beautiful is pop at its purest with a hint of something dangerous. It's catchy and upbeat and perfect for singing loudly, alone in your car. Even if you can't remember all the lyrics, you've got those na na nas. Or you can pull a Zayn and just repeat the last word of every line and ad lib a funky riff.

I have some problems with the idea that you don't know you're beautiful and that's what makes you beautiful because...what? If this girl was happy and confident then she wouldn't be beautiful anymore? That's kind of messed up.

But you can't read too far into it, you know? It's an anthem for every girl with insecurities - which is, you know, every girl, at some point in her life. When you're not feeling super confident, it's nice to imagine someone's out there seeing things in you that you don't see in yourself.

Or, like, maybe it's not an anthem at all. It ain't that deep. But it sure is fun.

P.S. Gotta love that intro. Does it remind everyone else of Summer Nights from Grease, too?

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Baby, you light up my world like nobody else.

Verdict:
It's a yes from me.

P.S.S. It's not a guilty pleasure. If it brings you pleasure, then why should you feel guilty? It's just pop music, y'all. Ignore the music snobs.

Ava

It's My Blog and I'll Party If I Want To

Ava by Cœur de pirate

This song is sweet and sophisticated, and I'm in love. 

Obviously, it's in French (the artist is from Quebec). I don't speak French, so I won't get too deep into the lyrics. You can't trust translations sometimes. As far as I can tell, it's about a girl named Ava who keeps going back to this relationship with someone who doesn't treat her very well, but it's from the perspective of an outsider, maybe a friend. "Oh, Ava..."

You can hear the sixties influence immediately. One critic said of the album that the retro vibe "straddles the line between dated and timeless" (x). This song falls on the "timeless" side for me. I can hear it being performed in the background at any nice restaurant or bar, and I can imagine it in any modern movie.

I thought at first that it could be used in a perfume commercial, but then I realized that was just because it's in French. The retro inspiration does make the song feel refined, but I think it's also very down-to-earth and approachable.

Ava is probably gorgeous and elegant and chic, but she could also be your friend.

Another critic was talking about the album, but I think it's applicable to this track in particular. They says, "there's a melancholy that lingers just beneath the surface" despite the song being "one of the happiest, swingy-est, warmest." (x)

I don't think I've been more delighted by a song in a while. It's not often that something inspired by the sixties makes me think "Oh, that's refreshing." But here we are.

Overview:
Genre:
Retro-Pop

Favorite Lyrics:

Tu aimes sans âme.

Verdict:

Lovely and romantic sound <3

Dangerous Woman

Her Name Is Rio

Recommended by Becky

"Ariana just has such a soulful voice, and I'm all about feelin' sexy and dangerous."

I know, right? Her voice is amazing. Have you seen her do the Wheel of Musical Impressions with Jimmy Fallon? She's multi-talented. Kind of a goddess.

Full disclosure: I didn't care for this song the first time I heard it. But that doesn't matter because I love it now. I've even gotten past the fact that she's both a giver and a taker because whatever, she can be both if she wants.

That intro is swanky, man, damn. Even without the video, you can tell this song is sexy. The melody is cool, too, the way it lifts way up at the end of the phrases that make up the verses. Do your thing, girl. I can't sing along, but do your thing.

That's what the song is about anyway, right? Ariana doing her thing. I admire her so much for her talent and her ability to brush off the haters. Don't need permission, made my decision to test my limits. 

'Cause it's my business.

On choosing this to be the title song for her album Dangerous Woman, Ariana said, "To me, a dangerous woman is someone who's not afraid to take a stand, be herself and to be honest." (x)

That's awesome, Ariana. Keep being an inspiration.

Dangerous Woman is out May 20th :)

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Nothing to prove, and I'm bulletproof and know what I'm doing.

Verdict:
makes me feel like a dangerous woman

Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Funky Fresh Take

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Lauryn Hill

"There are many artists that have recorded this song; of course Frankie Valli's version is the most well known probably. I enjoy Lauryn's rendition from the movie Conspiracy Theory because it's softly intense. Evokes a lot of emotion from me...If that makes any sense."

That makes perfect sense!

In high school, we sang a song called John Saw the Number, and there was a section that was super quiet. Pianissimo, I think. But despite being the softest part of the song, it was probably the most energetic.

It reminds me of a fight scene, where one character is going into a frenzy, trying to fight someone, but their friends are holding them back. It's this great passion, but it's contained. Like an angry whisper.

Okay, wow, where was I even going with this? Yes, "softly intense" makes perfect sense. Lauryn's rendition is much more understated but still quite evocative.

Lauryn's version is actually a little faster in the verses, but it keeps it much more controlled during the chorus; whereas the Franki Valli version really takes off when the big band comes in, and the I love you, Baby! is huge.

I have some loyalties to the original...I mean, it's a classic. And I've seen Jersey Boys a few too many times, you know? But Lauryn's brings a really cool twist. She was even nominated for a Grammy for this song in 1999. That's impressive. (x)

Let me tell you, the intro to Lauryn's version frightened me, but it got better. I like hearing this song in a female voice, and I particularly like it in her voice. It's smooth and, like, sultry. Seriously, the way she sings Baby...it's like it's heavy on her tongue, and she doesn't quite want to let it go. I don't know how to really describe it, but it gives her voice a warm, rich tone.

Anyway, it's a beautiful love song that's been covered countless times. Enjoy it.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop / Blue Eyed Soul

Favorite Lyrics:
if it's quite alright

Verdict:
I love this song for many reasons, not the least of which is the following scene from the greatest high school movie of all time, 10 Thing I Hate About You.

Der Spiegel

The Mirror Duet

Der Spiegel attributed to Mozart

Recommended by HAERIN

"Even if one knows nothing about classical music, [they] will definitely recognize that Mozart is an absolute musical genius. This is one of his many of pieces that shows just how incredible his talents were. The Mirror Duet is called that because the music score is LITERALLY a mirror image of itself. (Take a look at the sheet music, and you will see!) This piece is also a living proof of how mathematical music is as well. Anyway, I think you will love doing more research on it!"

This piece is so sick! I could talk about the light, clear melody, but that's really not what this piece is about. Sure, it sounds nice and pretty, but wouldn't you rather hear what makes it unique?

Here's the score for anyone who reads sheet music:

It's like a musical palindrome. Except I guess it's not really the same backwards and forwards. It's more of a musical ambigram, since it can be read in more than one direction.

Anyway, the duet is often called Table Music for Two. The idea is that the sheet music sits on a table between two violinists, as you can see in the video above. The musicians each play the piece starting from a different end. That's why you can see the upside-down text (Allegro) in the bottom right corner - it serves as the top left corner for one of the performers.

This piece kind of blows my mind. I followed along with the sheet music (from both ends), and it's totally legit. I'm feeling really inspired to take up music theory right now. Good thing I'm taking that class during the fall semester.

This is why Mozart makes babies smarter.

Overview:

Genre:
Classical

Verdict:
Truly delightful

Pursuit of Happiness

Explicit Language Alert

Pursuit of Happiness by Lissie

Recommended by Bella

"One of my fave covers."

(Note: Original by Kid Cudi is embedded at the end, and it's the clean version!)

Thanks for sharing, this is amazing! I love her style, and she does some really cool stuff with this song. This part with the Hands on the wheel, uh-uh, f*** that...not in the original. That's all her arrangement, and it's one of my favorite sections of her cover.

Second favorite: the guitar section that follows immediately after. Sounds sick.

And then it's gotta be this bit where she takes off with the melody. It's energetic and powerful, and her voice is killer.

Before she put it in her Covered up with flowers cover album, Lissie performed this song at her live performances. I think it's worth checking out the live version here. And, if you wanna get crazy, you can watch her perform it live with Kid Cudi here (not the best quality, but the energy is spectacular).

Yeah, so that's awesome. Kid Cudi praised Lissie's cover from the very beginning, tweeting a video to her live performance on his official website and calling it "beautiful and extremely flattering."

^RT.

Overview:

Genre:
Folk Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
People told me slow my roll.
I'm screamin' out, F***  that!

Verdict:
I think I found it.

The original (Clean):

Pursuit of Happiness ft. MGMT & Ratatat by Kid Cudi

P.S. I can't end an entry without commenting on the lyrics at least a little bit. I appreciate that this is a song about partying but also recognizing that everything that shines ain't always gonna be gold. Which I take to mean that partying is fun but it's not the end goal. The problem is that you could get stuck there, in a bed full of sorrow...a reference to that cycle of partying, getting a temporary fix every night and ending up hungover the next day. I'll be fine once I get it, but we're hung up in that pursuit.

P.S.S. I don't care what Kid Cudi does or says - do not drive drunk.

No Fucking Around

If I'd Obeyed to This Song, Maybe It Wouldn't Be 6:30AM Right Now

No Fucking Around by Rafter

Recommended by Brad

"Just a good song in my opinion. It really does inspire me to stop fucking around and get stuff done. I don't listen to very often, but when something needs to be done it's there...Here is the official music video (I actually just saw it for the first time now looking it up for this - and it's a lot stranger than I expected...)"

I know it was part of the side note, but I had to include the aside about the music video because yes, lol. It was so strange.

Of course, this whole song was strange for me. Certainly unexpected. The website where I looked up the lyrics just listed the genre as pop, so I figured it was going to be some generic bubble gum radio pop. But nah son, this is different.

When I listened to it last night, I couldn't even tell if I liked the song or not because the only thing I was feeling was surprise at all the voice filters. Y'all, that opening is straight up scary in the middle of the night if you're not prepared.

Anyway, I like it better now. I really dig the strength of the beat, really makes you want to stand up and move. Do something. Stop F***ing around, if you will.

The lyrics are actually so lovely. For all that the chorus is vulgar, the verses are sweet. It's a second-person anthem celebrating someone at their best and their worst, honoring their idiosyncrasies and insecurities.

I take it as kind of a love song, where the title refers to not playing games. I raise my glass to you, and I mean it. I'm in this because I really care about you.

Also, this part kills me. If you listen closely, you can hear the regular voice (the one that sings during the verses) singing in the background with the techno-distorted voice, kind of like a human-demon duet. For some reason, I find this hilarious.

Please take into consideration the fact that it is finals week and I am running on very little sleep.

Until next time <3

Overview:

Genre:
Techno Indie Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
For all the things that people look to you to do that only you can do,

I raise my glass to you

Verdict: kinda crazy

Father and Daughter

Happy Mother's Day!

Father and Daughter by Paul Simon

"This song is just so sweet! It always makes me think of my dad and brings back fond memories from my childhood."

Okay, so I was a little off with my predictions for this song. Yes, it does make me feel a bit nostalgic, but the music is more upbeat than I expected. You're right; sweet is the right word. This brings up more "feel good in the moment" emotions than anything. 

Under the right circumstances (e.g. moving out of your family home to go to college or a wedding), it could bring a tear to my eye, but on a regular day, I can barely even feel that hint of sorrow creeping in around the edges.

It's hard to be too sad when you have such delightful melodies, positive lyrics, and easy, breezy guitar riffs.

It makes sense that this song was written about Paul Simon's daughter Lulu, but I didn't realize that it was actually written for The Wild Thornberry's Movie. It was even nominated for an Oscar. (x)

Anyway, it's a true family affair. Though it was written about Lulu, the song doesn't leave Simon's son out. Adrian sings harmony on the track with his father. That's precious. (x)

You can really feel the love in this song, so I think it does what it's supposed to do.

Overview:

Genre:
Folk Rock Ballad

Favorite Lyrics:
Just open your window and follow your memory upstream.

Verdict:
Makes me appreciate my dad