Caravan

How About Summer's Future

Caravan by Van Morrison

Recommended by Robert

"This song reminds me of Summer's past. An old song that still brings a smile to my face. This song makes me think of friends bonding together for a common purpose. In the song, it seems to be music, but to me it represents friends gathering to enjoy each other and whatever common purpose has brought them together."

It does seem to be music, since they mention the radio several thousand times. Apparently this is because Van Morrison considered the radio to represent harmony. 

I could hear the radio like it was in the same room. I don't know how to explain it. There was some story about an underground passage under the house I was living in, rumours from kids and stuff and I was beginning to think it was true. How can you hear someone's radio from a mile away, as if it was playing in your own house? So I had to put that into the song, It was a must. (source)

But it also says And the caravan has all my friends, so I think you're right. The important thing is that you're hanging out with people who you want to be around. You could be road tripping up the coast or bowling or drinking beer in the living room at 3 a.m. - it doesn't matter.

I'm glad it still makes you smile after all these years. Music does that - gets better with age.

I never recognize it in the moment. I'm never like, "Wow, I love listening to Ariana Grande with my friends. I'm always going to think about this night when I hear this album."

...But then suddenly it's going to be 2034 and Into You is going to come on the radio and I'll flashback to that night in the mountains and it'll probably be the most vivid memory ever because that's just how that works.

Anyway, I love this guy's voice, gravelly as he shouts his heart out over the drums and guitar. It's friendly, warm sound, and it reminds me of summer's past, too, even though it was before my time. 

Overview:

Genre:
Folk Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Turn it up, that's enough, so you know it's got soul.

Verdict:
who needs clear enunciation with guitars like that

Popipo

Yep, What a Concept

Popipo by Hatsune Miku

Recommended by Sara

Okay, listen, this song is annoying and repetitive. BUT the concept here is actually really interesting.

From the Hatsune Miku wikipedia article: "Hatsune Miku...is a humanoid persona voiced by a singing synthesizer application developed by Crypton Future Media...Hatsune Miku has performed at her concerts onstage as an animated projection."

I chose to embed that particular video not because of the lyrics (you'll notice there's not a lot of substance there) but because it shows one of these concerts. How wild is it that people are going to go watch a hologram perform?

She may not be real, but she's made it.

Pharrell Williams remixed one of her songs (Last Night, Good Night). She has been on the Late Show with David Letterman, and she was even the opening act for one of Lady Gaga's world tours (x).

And all because the creators of Vocaloid (which was targeted towards musicians, to give them a medium to produce songs with electronically fabricated vocals) wanted to give the voices an avatar.

I didn't realize any of this was going on. Some musical subgenres, man. I tell ya.

Love or hate the song, I hope you've learned something new tonight.

Overview:

Genre:
Electronic Pop

Verdict:
About as fun as eating vegetables

One Last Breath

Too Tired

One Last Breath by Creed

Recommended by Uncle Manny

"I love this song. I became enamored with the band Creed in the ‘90s...I loved their music. The lead singer, Scott Stapp, who wrote most (if not all) of their music with lead guitarist Mark Tremonti (brilliant), had a voice that really spoke to me...like many others I have recommended, he emotes well. I love his tone and how their music deals with religious themes. I guess it intrigues me when 'rock' bands deal with religious content. This song seems to be coming from someone toying with suicide but still wanting help and someone to save him.
Honestly I love it for the music, vocals and dynamics of this song. This is mostly why I like all of Creed's music. I saw them in concert at least 5 times. Loved every show. Loved every version of Scott Stapp that I saw. Check this out as well as some other Creed songs. I am sure you have heard several of their songs. Most people have. Higher, With Arms Wide Open. Tell me what you think..."

You're right - I've definitely heard this band's music before. Some good stuff. I hear the emotion that you talked about in every song, in the rasp of Stapp's voice.

In this track, the emotion comes from the vocals more than the instrumentation. The guitar that introduces the song and underlays the verses is beautiful, but it's more sweet and melodic than sad. Without the voice and lyrics, we couldn't define the mood as miserable rather than simply pensive.

We get a stronger guitar/bass/drum accompaniment, with those rich power chords, when we arrive at the chorus. It emphasizes the desperation of the lyrics as this man contemplates his own death.

I agree with the analysis that this guy is "toying with suicide" but "still wanting...someone to save him," and I agree that the song is religious. Put the two together, and I think he's thinking about jumping but wanting God to save him.

At first, I thought this was about a broken romance, but now I'm diving completely into the broken faith interpretation.

He says I yelled back when I heard thunder. He's angry with God.

He says I thought I found the road to somewhere, somewhere in His grace. He cries out, Heaven save me, but he finds himself out on a ledge anyway. He feels that God has let him down once again.

So when we get to the part where he says I still believe there's something left for you and me, maybe he's asking God to stay with him. Maybe he's trying to realign himself with the only thing that can get him off that road to nowhere.

Overview:

Genre:
Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
It seems I've found the road to nowhere,
and I'm trying to escape.

Verdict:
song is deep - 6 ft deep

One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks)

Happy Birthday Bella <3

One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks) by One Direction

Recommended by Mom

"Bella's turning 19 and headed to the UK on her birthday with JoJo (and me). Both are avid 1D fans and hope to find and meet their British soulmates - one way or another ;). Maybe 1D will feel charitable towards them...Beautiful Bella! Hope it's a memorable birthday for my delightful and treasured gift from God <3"

Excellent choice. I feel like the lyrics here are perfect for the situation you've described. I mean:

I will drive past your house.

I'll follow your bus downtown.

Aww, looks like the lads really do understand their fans.

(Blondie wrote this about a creepy stalker-ish ex-boyfriend. Same difference. x)

Besides the #relatability of the lyrics, the song was recorded for a good cause: Comic Relief. It's a British charity that seems to do some good work in the U.K. and around the world.

Plus, it's just a really fun track.

One Direction cover two songs at once, Blondie's One Way Or Another and the Undertones' Teenage Kicks. The resulting mashup is softer and bouncier than the punk rock originals - it's "exactly what you’d expect when One Direction cover Blondie" (Sager of PopCrush) - and that's fine.

A word about covers in general: I usually prefer when they're not exactly like the original. Why would you redo a song if you don't think you can do it better? Or at least put a new spin on it - my absolute favorite covers are the ones where you have to say, "I don't know which one is better! They're just so different."

(Unless you're a cover band and imitation is your whole game.)

I'm so glad they decided to do a medley instead of a straight-up cover of either of the two songs. That way, they're able to keep the catchy, familiar melody of One Way or Another intact, but it's still new and interesting because of all that overlap with Teenage Kicks.

Good luck to Bella and JoJo! Hope your birthday celebration is everything you want and more <3

Overview:

Genre:
Pop Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
I don't know about lyrics, but this part where they sing Teenage Kicks on top of the Na Na Nas from One Way Or Another is fire.

Verdict:
I always love a medley.

P.S. I love how One Direction has five four (I miss Zayn so much) different singers that share the lyrics fairly equally. You get to hear several different vocals on each track, and half the fun is trying to figure out who's singing at every part.

Thats What Its Made For

Was This In Magic Mike?

Thats What Its Made For by Usher

"I like to get my groove on to this one ;)"

Oh okay. I see how it is.

I mean, same.

This song is so smooth. Usher's always so smooth. Listen to those rich vocals, those fancy falsetto improvisations, that. Mmmhmm this is a good slow jam.

The lyrics, on the other hand, don't have quite as much game as you'd expect. It's about a guy who's ready for a one night stand, and he realizes he forgot a condom. But he's already in the zone, and the chick's saying, don't worry, I'm safe, and he's like **** it (literally).

Hey, no one said it was going to be deep (oh my god).

It goes from sensual to overtly sexual real fast, and we end up with such gems as I'm about to nut up; raw dog is a never; I was lost in the sauce; and parleein' in the bush again.

Whatever that means.

(I think we all know what that means.)

Yeah, so when they gave this album, Confessions, the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B album in 2004, and when they named it second best album of the decade from 2000 - 2009 (x), I'm guessing they were focusing more on the sounds than the lyrics.

I don't want to say it's "inappropriate" necessarily...I can think of a couple of times and places that it would be very appropriate.

You just have to recognize what it's made for and design your playlists accordingly.

Overview:

Genre:
R&B

Favorite Lyrics:
We got protection;
That's what it's made for.

Practice safe sex, y'all.

Verdict:

Feeling Good

Okay But His Christmas Album Though

Feeling Good by Michael Bublé

"Out of all the different versions of this song I think I like Michael's the best. He has such a powerful and soulful voice. It's so smooth like velvet."

Have you heard the cover by Muse? Apparently New Media Express called their version the best cover of all time, so I'd say it's worth checking out (x).

It was actually first written, according to Wikipedia, for a play called The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd. It was on Broadway in 1965. A character called "the Negro" sings the song after winning a game against "Cocky" and his master "Sir." They called it "a booming song of emancipation" (x).

Just to give the song some background.

Of course, this is a cover by a white dude, so I don't know how much that history really helps with our enjoyment of the piece that Bublé has put together.

Nina Simone covered this song first, back when the stage play was fresh off the UK tour in 1965. Her cover actually sounds pretty similar to Bublé's, but she keeps it completely a cappella for the intro. As a politically active African American woman living in the U.S. in the mid-1900s, Simone was able to take the lyrics and instill them with an incredible power.

When Bublé sings the song, you lose the history and, perhaps, some of the emotion.

That said, jazz itself was kind of commandeered from African-American communities, so there's that. Pentatonic scales in general were actually associated with the lands across the sea before US musical tradition adopted them. Melting pot, indeed.

Regardless, I agree that Michael Bublé does a great job with this song. This guy is one of the classiest acts out there, and his rendition of Feeling Good is no exception.

I agree that his voice is "soulful" and "smooth like velvet." Likewise, the band sounds like it's dropping the theme song for a fast-talking, streetwise gentleman. The speaking-singing style gives off the illusion of absolute ease while the beautifully supported vocals reveal true virtuosity.

Trying hard and hardly trying at the same time - full of contradictions, just like the concept of Bublé singing this song.

It's a great slow jam, and Bublé has one of the best voices out there for jazz right now. He's a modern-day Frank Sinatra, out there making music that I can listen to with my grandparents - I respect that.

Overview:

Genre:
big band / jazz

Favorite Lyrics:
Oh, freedom is real,
and I know how I feel.

Verdict:
so soothing

Sebastian

Why Don't I Go to Concerts More Often?

Sebastian by Reptar

Recommended by Kim C.

"ATHENS PRIDE AM I RIGHT??? Gotta support them locally first y'know? I haven't fully listened to their latest album, so I'm falling back on this fun, carefree jam. Uh...go dawgs??"

Full disclosure: I received this recommendation a few months ago, so it's entirely possible that Kim has had a chance to listen to the entirety of Lurid Glow by now.

I didn't love the vocals here on the first listen, but they quickly grew on me. I think it goes really well with the music, and it transitions flawlessly into that section where it's more like he's speaking than singing.

The whole package just works - a unique voice singing quirky lyrics over a fun, funky line of accompaniment.

I like the way the two strums of the guitar frame the lyrics of the verses, and it makes it all the more gratifying when the instrumental line fills out. That sliiiide up on the guitar is my favorite thing, y'all.

Lyrically, the song is a little on the abstract side. The first line of the song suggests that the title is an allusion to Saint Sebastian, and the music video makes this connection obvious. If there are any other hints throughout the song, though, they escape me.

And don't bother asking about Albion because I have no idea.

The overall vibe is positive, and it seems to be vaguely romantic. It put me in a good mood, regardless, and I don't mind a bit that I can't get those oh oh oh ohs out of my head.

Overview:

Genre:
Alt Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
And if the pills don't do it, throw them away.

I see the stars are sitting next to me.

Verdict:
kind of a road trip song

Colors of the Wind

Disney Kid

Colors of the Wind by Judy Kuhn

"Pocahontas is one of my favorite Disney movies, despite its inaccuracies. This song is so beautiful and has a great message. Love love love it!!!"

I'm so glad you chose the Judy Kuhn version. I love the movie so much that I can't bear to listen to the pop cover.

Does Judy Kuhn do a pop version? I hope I didn't just disrespect your true recommendation.

Anyway, same about Pocahontas being great despite its inaccuracies. Like, honestly, all Disney movies are completely different from their source material. Aren't they all based on the creepiest Grimms' Brothers fairytales or something? This one is similarly unfaithful to the source, it's just that it happens to be based on a real life event.

Anyway.

This song is very "Broadway" in the singing style and the way Judy pronounces all the syllables of the words. Have you ever had a problem understanding the lyrics of this song? I think not.

That makes sense, as Judy Kuhn was has been nominated for four different Tonys. Go, Judy (x).

Speaking of the lyrics, it's definitely a beautiful song. It's poetic but still pretty reasonable, and it discusses issues that are applicable 21 years later. Think racism is a thing of the past? Think again. And Judy's here to tell you to maybe try to see where the "enemy" is coming from before you decide they're savages.

Maybe everything would be better if we could get the entire world to sit down and watch Pocahontas.

Probably not, but it's worth a shot.

Listen with your heart. You will understand.

Overview:

Genre:
Musical Theater (?)

Favorite Lyrics:
If you walk the footsteps of a stranger,
you'll learn things you never knew you never knew.

Verdict:
my childhood

If I Never Saw Your Face

Adam Knows Everyone

If I Never Saw Your Face ft. Rihanna by Maroon 5

"Adam + Rihanna = Magic"

I'd never heard this song before, but I knew it was gonna sound awesome just from your description. I'm always impressed with Adam's voice (those high notes), and Rihanna is the only goddess I pray to consistently.

I love that you described it as "magic." Adam Levine actually said that if there's "magic" between two artists, you "don't even have to think about it" (x).

An IGN reporter said the instrumentals include "slinky synth insinuations" (x), and I thought that was a good description. The word "slinky" honestly describes the entire song, from Adam's falsetto to Rihanna's sultriness to the suggestive lyrics.

<3

Overview:

Genre:
Pop R&B

Favorite Lyrics:
Take me down, but take it easy.

Verdict:
I feel 10x cooler when I listen to this song.

The Lazy Song

I Am Immune to Cabin Fever

The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars

Recommended by Rachel

"This is the ultimate summer anthem, especially for those extra hot days."

Bless Bruno Mars (and K'naan and two others) for writing a song about literally nothing.

Alessia Cara released a song about how she's too chill for house parties and would rather just hang out with a small group of friends, and I thought she understood me...

But then I remembered that Bruno's out there like "Woah, girl, can we bring it back a notch."

He understands me.

I definitely pick up what you're putting down about "those extra hot days."

This song says tomorrow I'll wake up, do some P90X, etc. But picture this: NEXT MONTH I'll wake up, do some P90X. I mean, it's summertime in Athens. All days from tomorrow until September are "those extra hot days." I refuse to move until classes start in August.

I appreciate that this theme of laziness permeates every aspect of this song. We've got straightforward lyrics, a simple and catchy melody, and an easy tempo. Even the accompaniment only uses three lines: an acoustic guitar, a scratcher, and a drum track (x).

That scratcher adds a lot, actually. It's commonly used in steel bands, which most people associate with the soothing sounds of the Caribbean. A great place to lounge about, I'm sure.

Unfortunately, last year, I used The Lazy Song as my alarm. This was a mistake because a) it provided zero motivation to actually wake up and get out of bed and b) the intro now reminds me of work, which runs completely contrary to the meaning of the song.

Alas.

Hope everyone's having a good summer so far :-)

Overview:

Genre:
Reggae Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything.

Verdict:
This is the ultimate #me anthem, literally for any day of my life.

A Capella

This Kid is 20

A Capella by Chase Goehring

Recommended by Kim C.

"I think I found a mini Ed Sheeran???"

I wish you hadn't made that comparison because I wanted to do it. This guy's style is so similar to Ed Sheeran's. I'd be surprised if he didn't list Sheeran as a source of inspiration - he even says people say I sound British when I say things...Even though he's from California (x).

Plus, they've got that solo "guy and a guitar" thing going. And they spit out lyrics at approximately 7,000 words per minute.

And they're both red-heads.

(This lyric was too much: I would say that I put my soul all up in them, but I am a ginger. You know how that goes.)

To take the comparison a little further, a little narrower: A Capella is Chase Goehring's version of You Need Me, I Don't Need You by Ed Sheeran. Shall we do a line-by-line comparison?

Sheeran: I sing and write my own tune and I write my own verse. Hell, don't need another word-smith to make my tune sell.
Goehring: 'Cause if they people like it then the people buy it. Why would I wanna hire another writer just to take it higher?

I honestly don't mean anything bad by that. There are probably a million songs by up-and-coming artists that have the same theme. And, anyway, imitation is the greatest form of flattery, right?

I'm actually super into most of Goehrig's lyrics. I dig the parts that sound like he's dissing someone.

You lied to your fans. I'm singing from my shadow, you can call that shade. Bitch, who lied? I need to know everything.

And if you think I'm irrelevant, well then I must be relevant because you took the time to listen to my song. Are we talking about a general "you" or is there a specific someone out there?

I'm invested.

And yet on occasion, I'm like "calm down, son." Like, if you're shaming people for having casual hook-ups, then maybe you don't have class and respect. And, tbh, if you feel the need to say I've got class and respect then perhaps that says something.

Also see, my lyrics are different. That's a pet peeve of mine. Come on, your lyrics are good, but you're not the only one out there writing good lyrics, my dude.

Still, I'll probably end up checking out the rest of this guy's stuff. I mean, he's talented. I always admire an artist that writes their own lyrics and plays their own instruments. The vocals have a great rhythm, and this song is overall just a really enjoyable listen.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
The only competition I see is myself.

Verdict:
he's not a rapper, he's a singer with flow

Everyone is Gay

Okayyyyyy

Everyone is Gay by A Great Big World

"Such a cheerful and supportive song! Also I find it hilarious that this is the same band that sings Say Something which is super sad."

Your comment gave me some warning that this was going to be completely unlike Say Something, but I still wasn't quite ready. I mean, wow, I can barely believe it's the same band, aside from the vocals + piano thing they've got going on. This song is adorable, but it has none of the depth that you hear in their breakout track.

That's not to say that everything has to be multi-faceted and complex and serious to be powerful.

I mean, the message here is perfectly clear. It's a positive message of love and self-acceptance, whether you're gay or straight or somewhere in the middle.

I find it a little bit difficult to listen this somewhat cloying track in the wake of the Orlando shooting, an attack that reminded the country that not everyone is able to safely be who you are any day of the week.

But at the same time, I guess this is the time when we need optimism the most.

About this song, A Great Big World said:

Our friends at EveryoneIsGay.com asked us to write the 'gayest song ever' for their compilation album they were putting together. They give advice to kids who are struggling with their sexuality. We wanted to speak to the kids who are bullied for being who they are, and to write a song we wish we could've had growing up. Because in the end, we're all human, no matter who you love. (source)

That being the goal, I think they succeeded.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
We're all just looking for love to change the world.

Verdict:
simple and cute

You've Got Time

Binge

You've Got Time by Regina Spektor

This felt appropriate since the fourth season of Orange is the New Black came out today.

In case you're unfamiliar with the Netflix original series, this is the theme song. Regina Spektor wrote this track specifically for Orange is the New Black, having been asked to create something by the show's creator, Jenji Kohan (x).

I had always thought that this was a perfect choice for OitNB, and it made sense that it went further than that and the show was actually the inspiration for the song.

We open with the sound of closing locks and slamming doors. The instruments jump in angrily, all furious drums and heavy guitars. The first vocals are quietly intense, but they reach a kind of desperation by the last line of the song.

As much as I love Regina Spektor's voice - and I do - the lyrics provide the true power of this song.

I adore the duality of the title phrase. On one hand, you've got time could be referring to the idea of "doing time" in prison, but it could also have a much more positive connotation.

If taking steps is easy and standing still is hard, then maybe this song is about how it's okay to take the time to stand still and think of all the roads. Maybe you've got time for reflection so that you can ensure everything is different the second time around. Maybe having time is a good thing.

And, because Regina Spektor is a genius, this duality is represented in the music as well as the lyrics.

The opening verse (which is the same as the closing verse) introduces the cage imagery and puts you in a mindset to think about the negative associations with time.

But then we go right into the middle section, which takes a completely different turn. It trades the guitar for a piano. Spektor's voice softens. The lyrics discuss roads and steps and memories. It's beautiful, slow, sweet, and pensive, and it guides you to a more optimistic interpretation.

And, on top of all that, it's just a really great jam. The vocals are gorgeous, and the melody will get stuck in your head. Enjoy.

Just be careful with windows and eardrums if you try to sing along to that last bit.

Overview:

Genre:
Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Taking steps is easy,
standing still is hard.

Verdict:
Good song by itself, perfect with OitNB

Daddy

LMFAO

DADDY ft. CL by PSY

Recommended by Elayne S.

Take off your judging hats, my friends. We are here to have a good time.

And have a good time, we shall. This is Psy, known in the U.S. (and internationally) for Gangnam Style, and popular in his home country of South Korea for comedy and entertainment.

There are two great ways to appreciate this song.

The first way is to listen while watching the music video, preferably with friends. It's too funny not to share. The second is to play the song very loudly, preferably alone so that you can dance to your heart's content. I know from experience that it makes cleaning the house seventeen times more enjoyable.

This song samples I Got It From My Mama by will.i.am, and that is crystal clear if you've ever heard the original material. The chorus is just about exactly the same, except for the obvious replacement of Mama with Daddy.

Daddy is a parody of will.i.am's song. It mimics and exaggerates for comedic effect.

Also, Daddy is a touch more positive. I Got It From My Mama is about will.i.am sitting around judging women, even saying if the mama real ugly, I guarantee she gon' be ugly like her mama. Psy is more about energy and self-confidence.

Maybe he got it from his Daddy.

Overview:

Genre:
Electro House / K-Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
You be my curry.
I'll be your rice.

Verdict:
Catchy from the first note to the last

Every Little Thing She Does is Magic

On and On

Everything She Does is Magic by Sting (The Police)

"Hard for me to choose just one Sting song. You choose, please. My husband and I loved Sting and all these make me remember him in happy and loving ways."

More lovely memories!

I decided on Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic because I've heard it once or twice, and I want to familiarize myself with it a little more. It's very much a "feel-good" song.

I linked the live version of Sting performing this song for a couple reasons. First and most importantly, you requested that I do a song by Sting. Second, this was my favorite version of all the ones I found on YouTube. Third, Sting wrote the song up to five years before it was finally recorded by The Police in 1981.

The Police version can be found here.

I thought I might try to do a comparison between the two versions, but it's tough when the recordings are so different.

Is the piano part actually more prominent in the version by The Police? Or does it just sound that way because the keyboard comes through more cleanly in the studio versus on stage?

If it were the case that the keyboard is more prominent in The Police's version, I would be surprised. Sting is the one who hired the pianist against the wishes of his band mates who thought it didn't fit with the image of The Police (x).

Anyway, Sting's voice is a big part of what makes this song great, and that doesn't change between the versions.

Other than that, I dig the contrast between the verses and the chorus. The verses are a little more subdued in volume and smaller in range, as well as more reflective in its message. It's like we get a little backstory that makes the bouncy chorus all the more enjoyable.

Overview:

Genre:
New Wave

Favorite Lyrics:
It's a big enough umbrella, 
But it's always me that ends up getting wet.

(Reminds me of Titanic, how Jack maybe could have fit on that floating headboard right along with Rose. Plus, this song says now my love for her goes on. Am I wrong to think of something else?)

Verdict:
Upbeat and good for singing along as you dance alone and jump on your bed

Gasoline

Hit the Pedal Heavy Metal

Gasoline by Halsey

Recommended by Bella

"She gets crap for being the typical indie girl singer, but I enjoyed her debut album. This song and Drive are probably my favorites."

Yeah, I liked her album, too. I already covered one of the singles from Badlands (Ghost) and was happy to get another Halsey rec.

I'm glad you like this one and Drive...I listened to this album everyday during fall semester last year, while I was taking road trips all over the southeast. So I think about Gasoline and Drive a lot.

You're right that she gets a lot of crap. People make fun of her for being Directioner before she became famous, and they drag up all these "receipts" from an old tumblr account. I've definitely seen her called out "for being the typical indie girl singer," too.

But, like, whatever.

I think the album has a lot going for it, and I really like this song. The story is very clear, talking about the struggles Halsey faces as she becomes more of a "celebrity" and ascends further into the public eye. I think describes them well with lyrics that are dramatic but poetic.

The strings sound cool in the background.

Actually, there's a lot of cool stuff going on in the background. If you're familiar with the rest of the album, then you'll catch the reference to her other song Hurricane here. That kind of thing helps tie the whole album together (though I think there's already a pretty cohesive concept, thematically).

Enjoy.

Overview:

Genre:
Electropop

Favorite Lyrics:
You can't wake up; this not a dream.

Verdict:
A good track from one of my favorite albums of 2015.

Colgando en tus manos

My Heart is Hanging in Your Hands

Colgando en tus manos (con Marta Sanchez) por Carlos Baute

Recommended by Kim

"I had to analyze this song in high school, and I still haven't gotten tired of it :)"

Full lyrics + English translation

I loved listening to Spanish-language music in school. That was my favorite part of class, and it's really helpful for foreign language practice.

This song is about a couple who are in the early stages of falling in love. They're both willing to go for it, but they also implore the other to be gentle with their hear. Cuidado, que mi corazón está colgando en tus manos.

The track was originally a solo for Carlos Baute, but they decided to add Marta Sanchez for the release. I'm glad they did, as I think it fits the theme of the song. Plus, the pair sound great together. Marta has a beautiful voice, and the harmonies add interest to the otherwise sweet but forgettable melody.

I dig the guitar, and the upbeat pop sound makes for a fun sing-along.

Thanks, Kim.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
No me importa que dice el destino.

Verdict:
Sounds like Top 40

My Shot

My Shot from Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda

The Tonys were tonight, so I figured I should cover a song from the musical that rounded up 11 of its 16 nominations.

Lin-Manuel Miranda admits this song took an entire year to write because he was trying to write a "super fun" track that sounded like an '80s "party rap." Plus, he needed it to introduce Hamilton's character perfectly and establish him as the most intelligent person in the room and "literally in a different dimension than everyone else" (x).

I'd say it pays off. This entire song is entertaining, but Hamilton's verses are far and away the most enjoyable. I could listen to those rhythms indefinitely.

The track is plot-heavy since it provides the introductions for several characters, and the narrative is often too specific to Hamilton to reach outside listeners. For example, Lafayette and his French accent are great for the full performance, but it keeps the track from reaching out to an outside audience.

(Which, you know, isn't a bad thing. It's not supposed to be relatable to everyone who tunes into the Top 40 radio stations. It's supposed to introduce the characters and themes of a Broadway musical.)

That said, there are certainly parts that have a wide appeal. Before the mention of colonies, it's great to sing along to the first Rise Up section.

That's one of the catchiest part of the track, next to the addicting rhythm of I am not throwingawaymy shot.

My favorite thing is near the ending, where the Rise Up and Not Throwing Away My Shot sections come together in this spirited, uplifting mash-up. Best 10 seconds of my life.

Overview:

Genre:
Hip Hop

Favorite Lyrics:
The problem is I got a lotta brains but no polish.

Verdict:
and the Tony goes to...

Like a Stone

Very Band Much Rock

Like a Stone by Audioslave

Recommended by Uncle Manny

"This song got my attention for many reasons...first, the strong drum presence. Drums always get my attention! Nothing fancy here, just a strong, solid beat throughout. Second, Chris Cornell's vocals.  Love his voice. Third, the ridiculous guitar work by Tom Morello. This song only has one guitar part! Check out the solo, AMAZING!

Last, the lyrics. I always thought they had a religious undertone...speaking about the Bible, man's struggle with faith, Heaven, and how we might get there. I am interested to hear your thoughts on all of it...so take your time..."

Fair point about the drums - they waste no time starting that beat up, and it scarcely relents through the entire five-minute song.

Full disclosure: I wouldn't have mentioned the simple drum line if my uncle didn't call it out specifically, but it's definitely important. Because it's such a "strong, solid beat throughout," it makes it all the more powerful when the steady drum line drops out during the raw, intimate bridge.

The guitar is also powerful. "Ridiculous," if you will.

I'm about 80% sure I've heard this solo before, too. Maybe I've heard this song before, and that's the only part that stuck with me. It's entirely possible - Tom Morello is a talented dude. He's #40 on The Rolling Stones's list of the Top 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time (x).

(That list inspired me to look a bunch of other guitar solos. Like this one of all Tom Morello's best work. The guitar is actually pretty sick when it's not just being used for chords.)

(No offense to chords. Chords are very important.)

Moving onto the vocals...My Uncle and I disagreed on the Disturbed cover of The Sound of Silence because I thought it was a touch over-dramatic. In this case, I think we both like the balance that Chris Cornell strikes between passion and subtlety.

I realize that rock music isn't necessarily known for its subtlety, but Cornell finds it nonetheless.

Even in the most intense moments of Like a Stone, it sounds as if the pain is half-hidden, just below the surface, rather than out on his sleeve.

But what's the source of this pain? Let's talk about the lyrics.

Morello called Cornell's lyrics "haunted, existential poetry," and I'm inclined to agree with this assessment (x). Like a Stone is dark and lovely, and it takes a second to really grasp its meaning.

Cornell himself explains.

"It's a song about concentrating on the afterlife you would hope for, rather than the normal monotheistic approach: You work really hard all your life to be a good person and a moral persona and fair and generous, and then you go to hell anyway."(Source)

Based on this description and the lyrics themselves, I agree with my uncle's supposition that there are some religious undertones. We can probably assume that a book full of death refers to the Bible and that whenever he speaks to you, he's talking to God.

By the second verse, we're moving the religious discussion from subtext to full-blown text. Cornell outright says that he's been praying like a pagan...to the gods and the angels. He even mentions Heaven by name.

Here's my interpretation:

We're Catholic, and we're having a crisis of faith as we get closer to death. Good deeds are the way to get that seat at the right hand of the father...but what if we haven't been quite good enough?

We realize that we worship God not because we believe in His greatness but because we want to go to Heaven. We start looking around at other gods, other ways we might get into Heaven, without that caveat of Judgment Day and the potential for rejection.

The struggle is never really cleared up, but that's to be expected. Existential crises are about the unknowable. You either keep drowning in your thoughts or you train yourself not to think about it.

In dreams until my death, I will wonder on.

Overview:

Genre:
Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
And on my deathbed, I will pray to the gods and the angels,
like a pagan, to anyone who will take me to Heaven.

Verdict:
Christian God wasn't comp'ng those VIP tickets to Heaven, so they sold out to the highest bidder among the pagan gods.

FDT

This is a Call-Out Post

WARNING *Explicit Language*

FDT (Fuck Donald Trump) by YG & Nipsey Hussle

"I hate Donald Trump so much."

The inclusion of an actual Donald Trump soundclip is a nice touch.

If you hate Donald Trump, then you probably like this song because...I mean, f*** Donald Trump.

If you love Donald Trump, then you probably like him because "he says exactly what he's thinking, no politically correct bullshit." And therefore, you might as well appreciate YG & Nipsey Hussle for, like, saying exactly what they're thinking.

Or else you hate this song. Which, you know. Fair enough.

Overview:

Genre:
Hip-Hop

Favorite Lyrics:
I thought all that Donald Trump bullshit was a joke.

Verdict:

Drive

Alluring

Drive by GLADES

Recommended by Sara B.

"I dunno. It just came up in a Spotify playlist I was listening to."

That's not the most promising intro quote, but I actually ended up loving this song. It reminds me of Flume, especially the last two notes of 'til my blood runs dry.

Everything about this track is beautiful.

The voice isn't filtered beyond recognition as it sometimes is in electronica, and it has a clear, pure tone. It's dreamy but not too faraway, like the buzz before you're properly drunk.

The lyrics are elegant, a nice mix of poetry and simplicity.

The melody is easy to follow. I'm in love with the part at Ooh, say you love me, too...which is good, since it probably won't be leaving my head any time soon.

Overview:

Genre:
Electronic

Favorite Lyrics:
I want you when the sun goes low.

Verdict:
very sweet

The Sound of Silence

This is the Source of that Meme?

The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel

Recommended by Michelle

"This was is a favorite of my Dad's and all my sisters, too. We were all together and listened to Disturbed perform. His is intense and does it justice but Simon and Garfunkel our favorite. Of course, it was made iconic in The Graduate movie."

I feel like I should probably watch The Graduate at some point. For, like, pop culture awareness. But at least I'm plugged into the collective mind enough that I'm familiar with the first line of this song. Even if I didn't know where it was from until now.

I agree that Simon & Garfunkel's version is the best. How do you beat that duo? Their voices carry those harmonies throughout the entire song, and it's perfect.

"Intense" may be an understatement for the Disturbed version. 

I think it works since the lyrics are equally intense, but it also feels overdone when you listen to it side by side with Simon & Garfunkel's...even if you don't watch the video, which only adds to the drama. The original is elegant and simple. The Disturbed version sounds, at best, extremely angry and, at worst, like it's trying too hard.

The one thing that's really cool about Disturbed, though, is the way they end the song. 

Yes, Simon & Garfunkel slow it down and soften their voices, but they don't provide half the amount of contrast that you hear in the Disturbed in version. Their voices hang out in the piano - mezzo piano range throughout the entire song, and they sound lovely the entire time.

On the other hand, Disturbed builds up to a gritty, vibrato-filled fortissimo right before dropping to the softest pianissimo for the final of silence. I got chills.

So it's not that either version is bad. It's just that you can listen to the Simon & Garfunkel song anytime, but you can't listen to the Disturbed cover unless you prepare yourself psychologically. You can listen to Simon & Garfunkel on a road trip with your friends, but you've gotta listen to Disturbed in, like, a cemetery.

Overview:

Genre:
Folk Rock / Soft Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Hello, darkness, my old friend

Verdict:
Simon & Garfunkel got a groovey thing goin'
Disturbed is okay but ain't nobody got time for that much drama.

Love On Top

Should've Put You First

Love On Top by Beyoncé

"There's a serious lack of Queen Bey on your blog."

You're right. I'm surprised no one recommended her until now. We're over 150 songs in at this point. I'm shocked.
Love On Top is "viewed as a modern take on old-school music" because of its '80s pop and '70s disco inspirations (x). I agree - just listen to that beat, those ooh oohs. I love songs with retro inspiration because my mom and I can both relate to them. #bonding
This song is lighthearted and positive in both the message an the music. Look at this lady, finally getting the attention and respect that she deserves. You go, girl.

From the first snap, I start to get my groove on, and when Bey says Bring the beat in, I'm fired up.
As for the music, it's obviously a catchy tune with a beat that gets you moving, but listen, too, for that technical complexity. We're talking not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR key changes during the last two minutes. That's a wild ride.

It keeps things interesting as we repeat the chorus, climbing higher and higher each time. Not to mention it's symbolic. I mean, why not keep raising the pitch when her love's on top.
Plus, you know the woman's got the vocals. 
<3

Overview:

Genre:
Uptempo R&B

Favorite Lyrics:
Nothing's perfect, but it's worth it after fighting through my tears.

Verdict:
Thoroughly impressive. This is why Bey's always gonna be on top.

Hip-Hop Goes Broadway

Oh My God

Hip-Hop Goes Broadway by Superfruit

Recommended by Kim C.

"Listen to parts 1 and 2. By the way, Superfruit is Scotty and Mitch from Pentatonix.

Two of my favorite genres come together in these glorious little snippets. I guess with the rise of Hamilton this past year, it's not such a crazy concept. Either way, these Broadway renditions of my favorite hip hop songs are seriously entertaining!"

Good point about musicals with rap songs making it a more palatable concept. I remember watching a show called In the Heights that married the two genres years before Hamilton.

...I just looked it up, and In the Heights was also created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. I should have expected that - he's a talented dude. He wrote the earliest draft of In the Heights his sophomore year of college. (x)

I love when people take a song and, to quote American Idol, make it their own. I'm not talking about minor tweaks - I'm talking about total transformations like the covers in Hip-Hop Goes Broadway. The result forces you to explore what makes up a genre.

In the second video, Hotline Bling and The Hills are pretty much sung with the same melody as the original songs, so you really have to look at what exactly changes to make them more "Broadway."

What even is the musical theater style? Is it the way it's all about the vocal line? Is it the harmonies and the copious use of counterpoint? Or is it the vocal technique - the belting, the vibrato, and the clear annunciation? The storytelling, the emotion, the in-character intensity?

Other covers in here, however, encourage you to question what makes up a song. Is it still Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe if it's simply new lyrics put over the chord progressions from the Phantom of the Opera?

I dunno, son.

Probably not.

But anyway, these arrangements are amazing. The way they've written the music is fun, and the way they've added context and personalities is hysterical. Thanks for the recommendation, Kim. I'm sure I'll be on Superfruit's YouTube Channel for the next several hours.

Overview:

Genre:
Showtunes!!

Favorite Part:
Hold On We're Going Home

Verdict:
Hip-hop and musical theater go together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong.

P.S. It's most fun if you know the original songs.

Candle Chant

All Y'All English-Only Peeps Please Keep An Open Mind

Candle Chant [A Tribute] ft. Boss the MC by DJ Krush

Recommended by Amy

"Because I like it and want to know what you think."

Y'all I had to do some intense digging for this. It's a 15-year old song written as a tribute to a fan (Lafura Jackson) and fellow emcee, who passed away. Here's the story straight from an interview with DJ Krush:

Candle Chant, is a song about a Japanese guy I knew, who was half-Japanese, half-black. But he died because of a cancer. He was a real hiphop fan, and he was an MC also, and he really liked my music. I met him in hospital, and he wanted so much to do a track with me. So, we were planning to work together, but he died before we could do it…So Ill-Bosstino and me, we decided to write a song, which was Candle Chant at the end.

Really, this guy had lots of talent…Unfortunately, he was bullied and discriminated [against] when he was a kid in school, because he had black blood. But he was saying meaningful things like “I have two bloods in me, so I’m twice as strong!”...He was a great guy. (Source)

The fan's mother called DJ Krush and asked for him to visit the hospital "because it would give him the courage to fight" (x). Jackson was only 24 when he died.

This song is about [the fan] and about the pure connection of a very limited time together and how certain circumstances brought us together. The last lyric in Japanese on that song says you will always be in our soul so it's about connecting with somebody and no matter where they go, we are always together, and he will always be here. He was a very powerful young man. (Source) 

Context always helps, but it was particularly important in this case. Since I don't speak the language and translations can often be shady, this backstory increased my appreciation of the song exponentially.

I found English lyrics here. The guy doesn't seem 100% confident...I think some of it gets lost in translation, but it still reads like poetry. It's nice to read while you listen.

Candle Chant has that old-school feel. The rhythm of the rapping is simple, the riff repeats without modification throughout the track, and the beat is distinct but slow.

The instrumentals hint at the serious nature of the lyrics, but you really get the emotion from the tone of voice. Even without reading up on the history, I think it's clear that we're meant to be in mourning something.

Finally, I love that intro/outro. You can feel Jackson's spirit infused into the music.

Overview:

Genre:
Underground Hip Hop

Favorite Lyrics:
Like a star, I could vanish like I never existed
As I sit here quietly in the corner of this the year 2000.

Verdict:
lit af

Wasted

As in Squandered, Not Turnt

Wasted by The Summer Set

Recommended by Grace N.

"I love how this song talks about their fear of growing up (which as seniors in college now we can relate to) but also how it encourages everyone to take advantage of being young. Things will work out in the end. The future might be unknown, but we have control over what happens now...and this song makes me want to do just that. (I don't know if you have heard of this band but Brian, the lead singer, is good friends with 5SOS 😀)"

The song starts at 0:43 if you're one of those people.

Grace, thanks so much for the recommendation! I love love love this song now, and I hadn't heard of this band before.

The wikipedia article is interesting because apparently The Summer Set's first album was alt rock / pop punk, then their second album was emo pop / reggae pop, and their third album was country pop. I would really like to listen to that progression.

I'd have to listen to all of this new fourth album (and I intend to) before I make a comment on where their sound is going, but Wasted definitely has a more pop rock sound. It's pretty soft.

That said, the subject matter is still very pop punk, from the concept of living it up while you're young to the hope that maybe someday we'll never get older. I can't even put into words how much I adore themes like this. Takes me back to middle school.

My first reaction when Grace said "seniors in college" was to physically shudder, so yeah, I agree that we can relate to the fear of growing up. I love songs that encourage us to take advantage of youth before it slips away. I've always wondered, though, at what point this kind of music stops being fun.

When do you stop thinking this could really be a good life and start thinking this has really been a good life?

But I digress, and that's the wrong song, anyway.

Back to Wasted, I like when the last repetition of that turn the lights on refrain drops all the instruments, and you just hear voices echoing in unison. Anthemic.

I'm about to listen to this song on repeat for the next 10 years, so that's good. Thanks again, Grace!

Overview:

Genre:
Pop Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Youth wasn't wasted on us.

Verdict:
This is going to start a revolution on my favorite playlist.

Oblivion

What Up, Sansa?

Oblivion by Bastille

"I've always loved Bastille's sound since their debut album Bad Blood (not to be confused with Taylor Swift's hit single). But I really like Oblivion because it has a softer feel than their more well-known songs like Pompeii or Bad Blood. I like that it's a chiller vibe but still has the cool electronic sound to it."

That "softer," "chiller vibe" that you're talking about, combined with the poetic lyrics, comes across as very reflective to me. Those strings take it past thoughtful and into the realm of melancholy. This is a song for listening and for thinking, not so much for partying.

(I feel like the "cool electronic sound" takes a backseat to the piano and violin for most of the track, but I can imagine an intense electro remix. Then maybe it would be for partying. Like this.)

It's easy to imagine listening to this song on the grayest days. Here, you might need this: Rainy Mood

I love the vocals here, the mellow tone and the thick accent. Even the passages with the highest notes come out muted and lovely rather than shrill. When the cavernous harmonies are added, it sounds ethereal. Like they're standing on the edge of oblivion and there's an echo.

The melancholy vibes of the vocals and the instrumentals are perfectly matched by the lyrics, as well. They're beautiful and introspective, wondering about the future and mortality and, I think, a close friend or lover suffering from depression.

When Oblivion is calling out your name...

Real talk: I only knew Pompeii before this because it was all over the radio a while back. But now that I know (and love) a whopping TWO of their songs, I think I'll have to check out more from these dudes.

Overview:

Genre:
Indie Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
When you're in my arms,
but you've gone somewhere deeper.

Verdict:
Pensive