Friends

Way to Go, Man

Friends ft. Bon Iver and Kanye West by Francis and the Lights

Recommended by Crews

"Optimistic, original, snazzy bassline, positive lyrics, underappreciated artists (especially Francis), really cool music video, cosign from Chance & Kanye"

Bon Iver and Francis are certainly well-matched on this track. While I won't pretend to be overly familiar with either of their voices, I think it's difficult on the first listen to tell where one voice starts and the other begins.

I say to mean that they sound good together in their duet sections and that they sound similar. The song starts off with Bon Iver, and Francis doesn't come in until the hook: We could be friends.

I can't hear it, but apparently Kanye West adds his voice to Francis's the second time we hear that hook. Then Justin Vernon from Bon Iver comes back, this time joined by Francis, for the third repetition.

I'm not surprised that Bon Iver is featured on this track, as the ambiance is exactly what I've come to expect from them. But the beat is a little more lit.

I don't know if I agree that this track is "optimistic," though.

To me, Friends is about the aftermath of a breakup. This guy is still in love with his ex, but he's willing to just be friends so that he can stay in this girl's life. It's bittersweet.

But I guess it could also just be about friends. In that case, yeah, I guess they are "positive lyrics."

Genius has commentary on the lyrics, and it has official annotations by Francis and the Lights if you're interested.

Anyway, yeah. I really dig this track.

Overview:

Genre:
uhhh new age indie pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Don't wanna know if you made mistakes.
I'm still waiting on your sunshine.

I was waiting on a different story.

Verdict:
it's all good though

A Thousand Miles

Walking Faster

A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton

Recommended by Carly K.

"Played on a recent road trip and forgot how this song was used in every chick flick in the early 2000s and made fun of in White Chicks. Gotta love it."

Hahaha, yeah. What did they call it in White Chicks? "Like, the whitest song ever."

We can also call it "one of the most enduring songs of the millennium" (according to Billboard) and "Grammy-nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)" (x).

Those Grammy nominations, by the way, were from 2003, and this song 15 years old.

Since this song's release, Vanessa Carlton has released 4 more albums and grown a lot as an artist. A Spin interview mentioned that she doesn't always love answering questions about a song she wrote when she was 16, even if it was a smash it (x).

That probably happens all the time. I mean, Maroon 5 will always be playing songs from Songs About Jane, and She Will Be Loved definitely came out around the same time as A Thousand Miles.

Anyway, before she got sick of talking about the song, Carlton said she wrote the song about her late grandfather. "[It's] a combination of reality and fantasy. It's about a love that so consumes you that you do anything for it. That's how I felt at the time" (x).

I think the lyrics sound more like the protagonist is yearning for a romantic sort of love. I wonder if she was asked to change it to make it more #relatable and radio-ready.

(Update: Wikipedia says that management changed a bit about the song but never touched the lyrics.)

Legend has it that before she was signed, Carlton played the intro for a record producer, and they said "You have to finish that." And she went home to her parents and wrote the rest of the song in an hour (x). Maybe you can rush perfection.

Of course, the real perfection point that gives this song its "spectacular charm" is the piano riff, and that's the part that Carlton had written months or even years before she ever stepped into a studio (x).

Fun fact: Carlton had wanted to call this song Interlude, but Ron Fair of A&M Records fought her on it; however, you can see that it's called "A Thousand Miles (Interlude)" on the Legally Blonde soundtrack (x).

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Staring blankly ahead
Just making my way
Making a way
Through the crowd

That is me literally any day of the year.

Verdict:
this is my jam

According to PopMatters, it's "catchy and hard to dislike," and that's everything I love about Top 40 (x).

Welcome to England

Prayers

Welcome to England by Tori Amos

Recommended by Sherry A.

"I've always liked Tori Amos, but it had been a while since I'd listened to her music. Then, as I was waiting for book 2 of Deborah Harkness's 'All Souls Trilogy' - Shadow of Night, I found this song on her website. It was so cool. I had never known an author to recommended songs that she was listening to and which were inspiring her as she wrote! So, to say the least, these songs inspired me as I anxiously awaited book 2.

I can't listen to this song without being transported back to this very cool love story (fantasy, witch, vampire, sure - but still a love story). I also just really liked the way this song makes me feel hope you like it, too!"

I've only known one author to do that, and it was actually Stephenie Meyer, author of The Twilight Saga. As I'm sure you're aware, that's also a love story with vampires.

Coincidence? Probably.

Anyway, I always thought that was so cool to listen to the same songs that she listened to while she wrote her novels. It made me feel closer to the story.

It's funny that I finally read your submission tonight because I was just talking to my friend today about how cool it would be if books came with soundtracks. Considering how popular e-readers and kindles and such have become, it wouldn't be that crazy to have some nice instrumentals that go along with certain pages of the novel, tied to certain characters or events. Mood music.

For me, that's one of the major advantages of television programs and movies over books. A good bit of background music can be so, so powerful.

That's what this Tori Amos song serves as for the All Souls Trilogy, when you put it into context.

It's the Shadow of Night main theme.

The song has an interesting sound. The video above features grainy shots of England, and I think that "grainy" could also describe the music. That word works better for visual stuff, but do you know what I mean? It's got that low-production vibe.

Tori Amos has a unique voice, and it fits in well with the haze of the background instrumentals. They sound, like...blurry? I can't get the visual adjectives out of my mind for some reason. Allmusic uses the word "drifting" (x). I think it's because you've got guitars and keyboard but also electronic sounds.

It sounds like you've kept the damper pedal on the piano pressed down for too long. But it's like there was a damper pedal sustaining every note in the whole song, not just the keyboard.

The lyrics continue the theme of, like, fuzziness.

They're vague, but you can still make out the meaning in them. Tori Amos explained that the main themes are "love, departure, and family" (x).

The song is about "a woman who has left everything...to start a new life with her lover." Amos says this was directly inspired by her husband, who wanted them to move to England (x).

Overview:

Genre:
Alt Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
You better bring your own sun, sweet girl.
You gotta bring your own sun.

Verdict:
mystical

Where is the Love?

Throwback Thursday

Where is the Love? by The Black Eyed Peas

"Considering the tragic losses over the past few weeks, I find myself asking, "Where is the love?" I hope this world finds peace."

I love this song.

First of all, it brings me back to elementary school because my two best friends in third grade knew how to rap the entire thing, and we listened to it all the time.

But also, it's an amazing song. That's probably why it was for both Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 2004 Grammys (x).

I mean, okay. The intro peaceful, with the little sound of plucked strings. Then you go into the iconic riff that repeats behind the bulk of the rap, all of which is delivered spectacularly. There's not a single word that I can't understand.

And I'm glad it's easy to catch all the lyrics, because they're so, so good.

There's nothing poetic or clever or rhythmically exciting about the rap, but it's talking about real issues that are just as important today as they were when this song came out in 2003.

Ron Fair actually first started working on this track in 2001, responding to 9/11. Will.i.am added the
"socially-conscious lyrics" (x). Which is, like...all of it? I'm not sure what that means actually. From the first couple lines about media sensationalism and anti-war sentiments to the last lines about xenophobia, this thing is made of very little other than socially-conscious lyrics.

Still, the track manages to call out society for engendering racism, violence, corruption, inequality, and cultural insensitivity while still keeping up a generally positive vibe. Maybe we if ask Where is the love? enough, we'll eventually find it.

If you're interested in a critical look at this song relative to Generation Y (aka Millennials), I recommend this brief review: (x) I was going to draw quotes, but then I liked the whole thing.

Fun Fact: This track is from the first Black Eyed Peas album in which Fergie had joined the group.

Overview:

Genre:
Hip-Hop

Favorite Lyrics:
But if you only have love for you own race,
Then you only leave space to discriminate,
And to discriminate only generates hate.

If you never known truth, then you never know love.

Verdict:
Not sure how it's so optimistic when it talks about everything wrong with the world?? But it makes me feel pretty good anyway??? Like, we can fix this maybe??

Chicken Fat

Monday Motivation on Wednesday

Chicken Fat by Robert Preston

Recommended by Michelle K.

"It's a social and political issue from the JFK administration, and it's even bigger and much more weighty today in 21st century America (no pun intended). Please listen to President Kennedy's speech where he starts with how unfortunate it is to see fat chubby...etc. Chicken Fat was commissioned as part of a President's Council on Physical Fitness.

The song is entertaining but not in any mainstream context.

What's funny is my gym teacher played this for us, and our PE period was AMAZING!!! We climbed ropes to the ceiling of the gym over 30 feet high. It was part of preparation for the President's Physical Fitness test. We were all very fit and, from my perspective, happy. I'm incredibly sad to learn the Presidential Physical Fitness is no longer implemented in PE programs. It meant a lot to receive the medal, patch, and certificate signed by the president.

Anyway, no way would any verbiage used by President Kennedy or the lyrics of the song be near PC today."

Wow, when did they take away the Presidential Physical Fitness test? I definitely remember doing that in elementary school, and I'm not that old yet.

I omitted this from Michelle's quote, but she mentioned that the composer who JFK commissioned to write this song - Meredith Willson - was also behind The Music Man and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. So he's got some composing chops, which is probably why this is so dang catchy.

It was meant to be "an anthem that would inspire school children across the United States to whip themselves into shape" (x).

And yet, here we are.

While I appreciate the mission to get kids across the country more active, I don't know about this method necessarily.

As Michelle said, this wouldn't be politically correct today. I know everyone makes fun of my generation for being oversensitive, but I mean...I'd much rather see encouragement that focuses on fun and the benefits of exercise rather than the negative consequences of not exercising.

Look at Pokemon Go! We've got kids walking 5 or 10 kilometers a day, and they barely recognize they're "exercising." And there's no one telling them they're fat, which is associated with body image issues.

Anyway, this catchy jingle was played in gym classes across the country, especially during the 1960s and '70s, so I'm not surprised you remember it fondly. Time heals all wounds, and all that. See? Baby Boomers are just as nostalgic as '90s kids.

Apple actually resurrected this track for an iPhone 5 commercial to tap into the trend toward healthy living in its target market.

It's an interesting choice. I like that they end the ad with the quote "You're more powerful than you think."

When the song was originally released, in came in the context of JFK's speech on the "unfortunate" chubby children in the country, so I think it was negative despite the bounciness. However, Apple used it in a way that was more empowering.

Maybe I'm looking too far into it, but those are my thoughts.

Thanks for the song rec; it's definitely a new one for me.

Overview:

Genre:
Broadway? Propaganda?

Favorite Lyrics:
Higher! Higher!
Wait, not too high!

Verdict:
Ineffective, probably, but a lot of fun

The Funeral

Can't Spell It Without Fun

The Funeral by Band of Horses

"This song can mean something different to everyone. The Band of Horses did an interview where they were asked about the meaning of The Funeral - to them, it's about dreading events like Christmas and birthdays because of all the pressure and stress which leads up to it and feeling like maybe a funeral wouldn't be much worse. But at the same time, it's a beautiful song that ends up in the background of all kinds of editing showcase videos."

I think I found that interview. It's with Wonderlancer.

Guitarist and vocalist Ben Bridwell says he began writing this track from a very pessimistic point of view, "whining about [his] aversion to social occasions and holidays" (x).

While he still thinks "a lot of them are dogshit in origin," he now says he "quite like[s] the forced togetherness and celebration" of holidays and "can enjoy the party." In other words, he says that he has mellowed out since writing the song (x).

The interview also describes the sound of Band of Horses in general as "characterized by a deep, beautiful sense of melody" with surprising "gusto of their harmonic variations" (x).

That synopsis rings true for The Funeral. The guitar riff soothes the ear in anticipation of a song which is, lyrically, quite somber. The vocal line is equal parts haunting and lovely, and the harmony in the oohs gives me chills.

Fun Fact: Pitchfork Media named this track the 67th greatest  song of the 2000s (x).

Overview:

Genre:
Alt Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
I'm coming up only to hold you down.

Verdict:
Sad way to go through life

Hard to Love

Suddenly

Hard to Love by One Ok Rock

"This song is so emotional and lovely. Brings tears to my eyes."

Sorry about the quality of the embedded video. It's the best recording I could find.

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys in concert yesterday when they opened for 5 Seconds of Summer, and they were actually really great. It's not that I predicted disaster or anything, but they exceeded all of my underdeveloped expectations.

They came out with really high energy, and they got the crowd going - way more than the first of the two opening bands. (No offense to Hey Violet)

I heard that a few people got lawn tickets just for One Ok Rock and left before 5sos came out lol.

Anyway, when these guys came out onto the stage, they were dancing and jumping and head-banging, and their first couple of songs even had some screamo sections. Compare that to this track and think about the versatility.

The only warning that we were going to switch over from "hit the pedal heavy metal" to "the tears stream down my face" was a very brief introduction from the lead singer.

He said, "I wrote this next song about my father."

Hard to Love toned down the uncontrolled energy, but it doesn't hold back when it comes to emotion. Quiet but passionate. Hushed but powerful.

It's about a young man thinking back at all the things he did during his rebellious teenage years - all the things that made him hard to love - and appreciating his father for loving him anyway.

There are some cool things going on with the sound here. Most importantly, the shirtless guy is playing an electric cello. You don't see those things everyday (okay, maybe you see shirtless guys, but not electric cellos). I like the shaker, too; it's softer than drums and therefore more appropriate for this intimate song.

The lyrics are sweet and genuine. I started tearing up almost immediately. Just, like, imagine this kid playing around in his dad's room: tried walking in your shoes, but I couldn't even tie them up. It's too precious.

And then, like...No matter how big and tall I grew, I was always looking up to you.

Time to give a giant hug to everyone in my family who love me unconditionally. Y'all are the real MVPs.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop Ballad

Favorite Lyrics:
I hope I made you proud enough.
You make it look easy, even when I'm hard to love.

Verdict:
Beautiful tribute, makes me think of my father as well

Girls Talk Boys

Concert Day

Girls Talk Boys by 5 Seconds of Summer

I'm going to a 5SOS concert tonight, so I figured this was appropriate.

Girls Talk Boys is a track from the Ghostbusters film that came out last week, as you can tell from the music video.

The is the first bit of new music we've heard from the band since October, so I'd probably enjoy anything they released...but, yeah, I like this song. It's fun and catchy, and I feel like the vibe is kind of funky (in a good way).

Enjoy :-)

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
I know we're young and people change,
And we may never feel the same,
So baby tell me what you say

Verdict:
Gotta go see Ghostbusters

Homecoming

Patchwork

Homecoming by Green Day

Recommended by Cal

"American Idiot is hands down one of the greatest albums ever made. I feel like this track just ties the whole thing together. You get a taste of all the awesome music they've just put together for you."

The reason "you get a taste of all the awesome music" is because this track is made up of five distinct sections:

I: The Death of Saint Jimmy

II: East 12th St. - 2:30

III: Nobody Likes You - 4:03

This section was actually written by bassist Mike Dirnt, and it was sung by him as well, instead of the usual vocals by Billie Joe Armstrong.

IV: Rock 'N Roll Girlfriend - 5:21

This part was by the drummer, Tré Cool.

V: We're Coming Home - 6:06

I don't want to tell anyone what these sections or the song as a whole really means, but there's some good discussion of it all: (x)

The album American Idiot is a punk rock opera that follows the story of "Jesus of Suburbia." It "depicts modern American life under the control of an idiot ruler who let people be misinformed by the media and a redneck agenda (x).

Green Day music has been classified as punk rock, pop punk, and alternative rock by different sources. I like this one: "punk revivalists who recharged the energy of speedy, catchy three-chord punk-pop songs" (x).

Most of the controversy about their sound refers to the disconnect between "true punk ideals" (I know, so pretentious) and the actual situation...which is that Green Day is a big band, and the band members are making some good cash. Billie Joe Armstrong responded, "You can take us out of a punk rock environment, but you can't take the punk rock out of us."

But, like. Does anyone care if nobody cares?

Overview:

Genre:
Pop Punk / Alt Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
I just wanna be free.
Is there a possibility?

Verdict:
The multi-section thing is actually pretty cool.

LABOR V2

Happy Belated

LABOR V2 by Jaden Smith

Recommended by Kim C.

"I've decided that I like Jaden. He's a pretty cool dude. I think his sound needs a couple more years to mature, but his lyrics are already there. Good track. I like his work so far."

This track was released on YouTube in celebration of Jaden Smith's 18th birthday, and he seems to be enjoying his coming-of-age, if you will. After all, this is the first time he's put any curse words in his lyrics (x).

The long-awaited track is pretty lengthy at 6 minutes, and the intro is nearly 2 minutes long. After moths of teasers for new music, what's a few more minutes of waiting to hear Smith's voice?

Then you've got a similarly long, jazzy outro.

Kid takes his time.

Except when it comes to spitting sentences. There's not even a chorus or anything - he just lays down these lyrics in one long go that "feels like free-flowing word association" (x).

The themes range from confident reflections on how grown Smith himself has become (18th birthday, remember?) to calling out Miley Cyrus for her wild phase during her late teens to fashion to race relations. It's a journey.

Anyway, I like this guy, too. Brave and well-spoken. Read about his open-minded fashion choices (and the reasons behind them) here.

Overview:

Genre:
Jazzy Hip Hop

Favorite Lyrics:
Peter Piper picked a golden pencil from a shoulder,
turned a lyricist into a soldier.

Verdict:
This is how I'm celebrating my next birthday.

Only You

And You Alone

Only You by Yazoo

Recommended by Mom

"This song makes me think of my sophomore year in college when I lived with my friend Liz....this is one of those songs we sang and danced to every time we heard it...it's soooo 80s! But this song came on the speakers as we walked  around the Bellagio hotel a couple weeks ago when we were celebrating your 21st birthday, and it just made me laugh out loud as it made me think about the fun times back when I was close to turning 21 myself! 😊"

I've noticed a recurring theme with these song recs - people like music that reminds them of happy times. And why wouldn't they? I'm sure in 20 years, I'll be thinking back to the year when I listened to nothing but Hotline Bling and What Do You Mean?

Dramatic as it is, I like this song a lot.

Vince Clarke wrote a melody that "has a sweet, yearning quality, elegantly arranged...in a fashion that links several different monophic synths together to give the tune more depth and melodic substance."

This, combined with "gentle and romantic lyrics" as well as a "perfectly understated vocal performance, soulful yet dignified," makes for an incredible piece of music that transcends generations (x).

I think one excellent marker of a truly timeless piece is the existence of covers.

Sure, an original recording can last for decades, but if it's truly amazing, you'd expect younger artists to pick upon the track. In the case of Only You, we have a bunch of other wonderful versions.

The Flying Pickets released a mostly a cappella (plus a few synthesizers) arrangement only a year or two after the original came onto the scene. It replaced the tech-y intro with a sweet, repeating ba da da dum. I find the arrangement to be rather dissonant and cluttered, but it sounds like it comes straight from the heart.

In 1997, Enrique Iglesias released a Spanish version of the track. He later covered the song in English, as well, for his Bailamos Greatest Hits album.

Perhaps the lyrics are so simple, I find the song to be even more enjoyable in Spanish. After listening to the song in English, I'm not worried about losing anything in translation. I just focus entirely on the melody and Enrique's vocals.

Finally, we have the version by Kylie Minogue and James Corden.

This version threw me off because I forgot the James Corden - the hilarious host of The Late Late Show - actually has a good voice, but it's honestly really good.

They turned Only You into a Christmas song, of all things, and they made it work.

The harmonies here are stunning, and their voices are filled with all the warmth you could ever need during the holiday season. They don't change the lyrics to reflect snowflakes or fireplaces or anything, yet you somehow feel season's greetings. Don't ask me how.

Hope this journey was as enlightening for you as it was for me.

Overview:

Genre:
'80s Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
It's like a story of love - can you hear me?

Verdict:
absolute sweetest

Welcome to the Black Parade

Thanks Obama

Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance

"MCR is making a comeback???? I don't have words :D"

This track is not only one of the most popular singles from the album, The Black Parade, but it is MCR's highest charting single on the Billboard Hot 100. It also made its way into the Top 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll, according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (x).

I think the song is best appreciated with some context. The Black Parade is a rock opera, which means that it "tells a coherent story, and may involve songs performed as if sung by separate characters in a drama, as in classical opera" (x). It's even more involved than a concept album, which might only maintain an ambiance or find cohesion in some abstract, artistic form (x).

The narrative in The Black Parade is based on a character called "The Patient." The album discusses his death and the memories of his past life. 

Welcome to the Black Parade, the fifth track on the album, touches on the events of the entire story. Even the music video is important, having been cited by lead singer Gerard Way as "the definitive video for the record" which "summed up the album."

Guitarist Ray Toro said of The Black Parade:

The intention was to make something that was classic, something timeless, something that 20 or 30 years from now, parents could play for their kids and say, “This is what I was listening to when I was your age. Check it out, it’s still f***ing cool." We wanted to make a record you could pass down. There’s a lot of music out now that doesn’t feel like that. (source)

I dig it.

Anyway, now that the journey of the album is covered, let's talk about the journey of the song, because there certainly is one.

You start out with that iconic piano refrain. It's slow, almost hesitant. It's gentle and lonely and broken and haunting.

Then the layers start adding up, one by one.

The piano. Then it's piano and vocals. Then it's piano and vocals and a guitar. Then suddenly you're listening to the full band, and you're all suited up and ready to join the black parade.

By the end of the song, it's frantic and powerful and anthemic, and you no longer feel so alone.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop Punk / Alt Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
'Cause the world, will never take my heart
Though you try, you'll never break me


Verdict:
MCR will carry on.

Ol' Man River

Why is the River a Man?

Ol' Man River by Paul Robeson

Recommended by Martha

"This song was popular when I was growing up. All my friends used to sing it when we were in high school, so it brings back a lot of good memories."

I know how it is to have incredible memories attached to a certain song. Especially when you haven't heard that song in a while. It's like...you hear it, and you're transported back to that time when it was everywhere.

This particular song would, I guess, transport you way back in time.

Ol' Man River was originally written in 1927 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II (yes that Hammerstein) for the musical Show Boat. It "contrasts the struggles...of African Americans with the endless, uncaring flow of the Mississippi River" (x).

Despite the song being about the hardships very specific to the black American community, this song has been covered by a huge number of artists, including the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland.

Here we all work while the white folk play. Hmm.

Anyway, the sound of the song is very calming. Murray Horwitz told NPR, "a strong part of the song's appeal lies in its insistent rhythm. The pulse is like the pulse of the river itself" (x).

He continues:

As in the best of musical theater works, what's happening in the music tells you something different than what's happening in the lyric," he says. "Because even though the lyric is somewhat despairing, the music is absolutely exultant in the end. And so even though the character Joe is being realistic about his prospects, something inside him is still aspiring, still triumphant. And I think that's one of the things that makes it a big hit. (source)

You can definitely find that triumph in this version by Bing Crosby, but he's missing the "insistent rhythm" that should set the song apart.

But the musicality is unique in other ways as well.

The song is notable for several aspects: the lyrical pentatonic-scale melody, the subjects of toil and social class, metaphor to the Mississippi, and as a bass solo (rare in musicals, solos for baritones or tenors being more common). (source)

Nice.

Overview:

Genre:
Showboat

Favorite Lyrics:
I'm tired of livin' and scared of dyin'.

Verdict:
Vintage

Famous

Twitter is the Wilderness

Famous by Kanye West

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past 24 hours, then you realize there's been some drama between Taylor Swift and the West family. I mean, Kanye and Swift have been feuding since the 2009 Grammys, but there's a new thing. You can find a synopsis of the situation here.

Whether you side with Kim K. or Tay - or if you've just set up a hammock in the shade - you should probably know this song. Even the music video (not embedded because it's NSFW) is controversial.

Plus, I got a lengthy and beautifully dramatic description from the Anon who recommended it. I'm putting their thoughts in italics instead of quotation marks to make it easier to differentiate between their words and mine.

Famous is really the perfect song encapsulating Kanye's career. It is also Kanye's best storytelling song.

I assume you're not talking about Snapchat storytelling.

Throughout Kanye's career, he has been broken and wounded by pain related to fame (his mom's death, etc.) which has hardened him. When we think back at early Kanye, though, there are a ton of people who wish he would return to that innocence and earnestness, but Kanye knows that he can't.

:(

When Rihanna sings the chorus, it is actually Kanye.

The perspective, they mean. When Rihanna sings, it is actually Rihanna. Even Kanye cannot mimic Riri's vocals.

It touches on his understanding of the public disliking him (Man, I can understand why it might be kinda hard to love a girl like me.) because of his actions, but I think the point that he's trying to get across is that fame (get it haha Famous) has yanked that innocence out.

And then out of nowhere, this insane claustrophobic but also mesmerizing and seductive beat comes out (fame) and snatches that innocence. We're thrown off guard by the beat, just as Kanye was with fame.

I love the idea of fame itself being represented in the song as a certain sound. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on exactly when that part begins. Are you referring to the beat that jumps in directly after Rihanna's sections?

If so, I think there's poetry there. After Rihanna's second verse, it starts up after the line Wake up, Mister West, which would be appropriate. That also fits with your narrative of Rihanna's chorus representing Kanye before fame.

We, the audience, see Kanye trying to reach higher and higher in his lyrics to overcome fame's flashing lights, and he's touched on this before with Forever, etc. (What did Kanye want forever that he'd become dejected by in that song? Fame.)

Okay, true. This might not be as accessible for those of us who aren't super familiar with all of Kanye's discography, but the point is that Kanye's storytelling does not end when the song ends. His story is cohesive because it's the story of his life.

One overarching theme is fame. It's the paradox of craving it but also suffering from its consequences. It's the mystery of something intangible yet powerful. He's jaded yet insatiable.

The fame has turned him into this monster because there's so much pressure. (The pressure is why Swizz Beatz is on the sidelines, commanding Kanye to reach up and overcome.)

It's also Kanye's consciousness, the thing that has always driven him to go against all odds and succeed when nobody believed in him. (Wake up, Mr. West.)

Then boom, the beautiful sample.

This man is the king of sampling.

Kanye has overcome this fame, and Swizz is now celebratory (Can't stop us now.) - Insanely mesmerizing and uplifting sample. This is the reward of fame, getting through the struggle has eventually given him a wife and children.

I would argue, though, that his wife and children aren't the reward of fame. I think he's still struggle with fame is continuing, but he has figured out to deal with it in a way that allows him to also do things - such as start a family - that allow him to feel fulfilled.

This also relates to the music video. The sample is when everything comes into focus with beautiful colors, etc. after being disturbing and unsettling.

But the part that ties everything together and is truly one of the best moments of Kanye's career is that ****ing Nina Simpone sample at the end. The graveled, beautiful voice at the end. Older, knowing. It harkens to Rihanna's original chorus immediately, and you can't help but compare the two.

This works two ways. In one, you can see that the young, innocent, clean side (voice) is gone, but you also see that through the struggle and the journey, there has arisen true greatness that will be arried over the years (Nina's voice).

Then the end: I just wanted you to know. It's to the audience again but also to the people who despise him, to those who Kanye had previously addressed in Black Skinhead.

Except now, instead of anger and lashing out and posturing (a lot of Yeezus), there is a deeper honesty that Kanye has found. True confidcnce is knowing that you have the ability to overcome. 

While Yeezus felt like Kanye making dangerous music because he was worried that he wouldn't be able to ride his Truman show goat through the wall, now things are different. He (Nina) has that deeper knowledge that everything will turn out alright, and I felt that there is a contentedness in it.

Honestly, like, I felt a lot of this when I originally heard the song at MSG. Absolutely blew me away.

Chainsaw

One More Reminder You're Gone, You're Gone Tonight

Chainsaw by Nick Jonas

"I recently discovered this song and cannot get it out of my head! I love the way the lyrics just mesh and slide into each other. The message of the song is pretty depressing but so real and said in a beautiful way. "

I agree that the content of the song is depressing, but I also think there's a ray of hope shining through it. Sure it'll take a while, but at least he knows he's gotta find a way to be okay eventually. Right now he's thinking through some violent, unhealthy ways that he could deal with his grief - chainsaws and alcohol and rebound flings - but it's gonna get better.

Maybe I'm being overly optimistic. Easy for me to say, right? I'm not the one with my heart broken.

As for the comments on the beauty of the lyrics - I feel you. I love the slant rhyme between sofa and close for as well as china and reminder. Some call half rhymes like that "lazy," but I think it sounds a lot more natural, especially in a song like this.

Nick Jonas calls this track "one of [his] most vulnerable songs of the album" and "the most personal song [he] has ever written." It was based on his breakup with Olivia Culpo (x).

As such a deeply personal song, it would probably do really well if it was stripped down completely. You hear those chords in the beginning...now imagine that's all you hear underneath Nick's vocals. Him and a piano. Highlight the vulnerability.

Then at the bridge - complete silence. Nick's voice, a cappella.

I'm just saying.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
We gotta find a way to be okay.

Verdict:
Breakups are complicated.

It's Been Awhile

A Long While

It's Been Awhile by Staind

Recommended by Sherry A.

"This song is powerful. One of my favorites."

I'm not familiar with Staind, but I've definitely heard this song before. Apparently it's their "most successful" and "best-known" track - as well as the only non-metal song on this album, so that makes sense (x).

I agree that the song is powerful.

The guitar and slow, heavy drum beat form the perfect backdrop for the lead singer's passionate vocal performance.

Singer Aaron Lewis wrote this track from reflections on his own past, including references to his drug abuse and failed relationships, both romantic and familial (x).

Like any good song, however, the music transcends the concrete subject matter as each individual hears it. You don't have to have had an addiction or gone through a divorce to understand the feelings of inadequacy discussed in these lyrics.

No one should ever have to relate to that line It's been awhile since I can say I love myself as well, and yet I'm sure most people have felt that way at some point.

The strongest thread running through this song, though, is responsibility.

The consequences that I render.
I stretched myself beyond my means.

I've gone and f***ed things up just like I always do.

As f***ed up as it all may seem to be, I know it's me.
I cannot blame this on my father.

I hope he's found his way back to that place where he can hold his head up high. I'm sure this song has helped others find their way back as well.

Overview:

Genre:
Post-Grunge Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
It's been awhile,
But I can still remember just the way you taste.

Verdict:
tw feelings

Artist Spotlight: Kamran & Hooman

Tonight's post is a little different.

I received not one, not two, but five song recommendations from a single artist. There were a couple different ways I could have dealt with this. I could have listened to the tracks and chosen the best one for my blog, or I could have spread them throughout the rest of the year.

In order to maximize new song exposure while also (hopefully) avoiding artist fatigue, I settled upon an "Artist Spotlight." 

About the Artist:

Kamran & Hooman are a sibling duo that perform in in both Persian and English.

"Okay but seriously, these brothers are one of my favorite Persian bands and really some of my favorite artists in general...Also...Kamran and Hooman are freaking gorgeous." - Ciera D. 

Now, the music.

Fereshteye Nejat (Saving Angel)

"This song is one of their most beautiful to date. At its core, it's a cheesy love song, but the lyrics are so beautiful...Although some heart and feeling is definitely lost in translation from Farsi to English...It's basically about how much someone's significant other means to them and how they saved them from their darkest time. Kamran & Hooman are pretty much calling this love their savior or guardian angel who brought them back from the brink.

And, as if the lyrics weren't enough, the music and composition is fabulous." - Ciera D.

You arrived like a miracle.

Khaali (Empty)

(song begins at 1:17)

"This is my second favorite ballad from this duo because, once again, the lyrics are so beautiful. And, again, some is lost in translation. But the gist of the song is that the singer feels empty without the love of his life in his world anymore, and he's spent all this time trying to convince her how much he loves her and how important she is to him. 

But what really does it for me is the music video: the story there is of a young child who misses his grandpa, and the whole video revolves around the family's love for their dad/grandpa/father-in-law.

Also, they hit some pretty crazy notes in this song. Super incredible." - Ciera D.

They definitely do hit some crazy notes. This track in particular highlights the ends of words and phrases. Focus on the vocal majesty of those riffs. These guys complete mini riffs beautifully, bending the note slightly in ways that we don't hear often in Western tradition.

Man Ageh Nabasham (If I Wasn't Here)

"This one has really nice lyrics, too. I keep saying that about all these songs, but it's true.

But the reason I like this song is the beat. Like, when they sang this one live at the concert I went to recently, the whole club was jumping. No joke. And they sing it with such emotion. Seriously, I love these guys." - Ciera D.

I hear what you're saying about the beat from the first second of this song. I'm imagining strobe lights and smoke and a general rave atmosphere. It screams for a remix with louder bass and more cowbell funky techno sounds.

20

"Once again, a good 'dance to the beat' song. This is their newest song, and I love it so much. It makes me wanna dance. I couldn't find an English translation, but this track doesn't really need one because it's all about the beat.

Quick cultural note: In Iran, the grading system is on a scale from 1 to 20, so when they say you're a 20, that means they're the highest mark you could get in school. It's like calling a girl here an A+."

This is my favorite out of the five. That beat is fun and draws from Latin styles. It sounds like Salsa, right? I dig it.

Man Toro Mikham (I Want You)

"Okay, last Persian rec for tonight. This is literally one of the most recognized Persian songs in Iran, and the brothers haven't even set foot there since 1983. If you go to any Persian party or gathering or wedding, this is the first song they play to get everyone up and dancing.

It's just such a dance-y song for us, you know? Like, the beat is on point, and it's one of those songs that's so easy to sing to your friend, your significant other, the hot guy you've been eyeing across the room...whoever. Like, it's an unspoken thing where every Iranian in the world knows the lyrics to this song - it's so instantly recognizable.

The whole song is basically repeating how the singer wants you because you know his heart and his soul and you're kind. He doesn't want the other girls, the most beautiful girls and the most legendary girls who are out of this world. He only wants you." - Ciera D.

Okay, first of all - I feel a little affronted that he wants me, but he doesn't think that I'm one of the most beautiful girls or the most legendary girls who are out of this world. I mean, please.

But, yeah, I'd dance to this at a wedding. I hate when you're out on the dance floor and they play a song that is impossible to dance to. Yikes.

So what do you think? Do you feel well-versed in Kamran & Hooman? I don't know that I'm going to do anymore of these, but I enjoyed it. This is way more comprehensive than the singles situation that's been going on.

Hella Good

Thirsty Thursday

Hella Good by No Doubt

"Gwen's sultry voice and that beat are everything."

With a glowing review from even the notoriously savage Urban Dictionary, this track clearly reaches out to a multitude of music lovers. It also received widespread kudos from more prestigious publications, which you can peruse to your heart's content here, and charted well.

Whether you know the name or not, you've heard this song. Unlike many popular songs, you'll recognize it well before the chorus. It's "that beat."

There are very few situations that would not be improved upon with the addition of Hella Good. It strikes that delicate and rare balance in which it is undeniably sexy but also safe to listen to with your grandparents.

I mean, it's just about dancing, right?

We all know that's not true, but none of the lyrics are explicit. Plus, despite there being a vaguely inappropriate word in the titular phrase, it's actually pretty easy to miss the hella unless you're already acquainted with the slang term.

That's very different from a real curse word, and that was an important distinction back when this song came out in 2002. I mean, I was 6.

And here I am 14 years later. Keep on dancing, indeed.

Overview:

Genre:
Funk Rock / Dance Punk

Favorite Lyrics:
Your love keeps on coming like a thunderbolt.

Verdict:
deserving of standing ovations

No Vaseline

Forget Subtweets; Come @ Me

No Vaseline by Ice Cube

Recommended by Robert E.

"Love old school battle rap, and this is the ultimate battle song. Aimed at his former crew and manager, Ice Cube holds nothing back. On its own the song is quite crude. For those that know the history the song is one slam after another."

I'm glad you sent this in because I have no experience with old school battle rap. If you asked about diss tracks, the only one I could name would be Drake's Back to Back.

You're right that this is named at "his former crew and manager," and it's no secret. He straight up name-drops N.W.A. at about 30 seconds into the track. For the record, they started it.

Anyway, this is a little vulgar for me, but I have to admit some of these lines are incredibly clever. Plus, the fact that it's battle rap is a pretty good indicator that it wasn't going to be easy listening, and the name No Vaseline gives a clear sign that we're looking at some sexual innuendo.

I like the beat, the rhythms, the rhymes. I like the way it jumps right into it without any intro whatsoever. And I respect the straightforwardness - this is not subtle shade. This is past passive and straight into aggressive.

Again, not my style of communication. But I can appreciate it.

I'm less appreciative of the politically incorrectness, though I'm sure some would tell me to stop being oversensitive. Which, you know, whatever.

Interestingly, when this song appears in the Death Row Greatest Hits album (Death Row Records is a record company), word "Jew" is censored (x).

We're not asking Ice Cube to mask the reality of the streets. By all means, flag the social problems, but don't exploit them by turning a professional spat between a former manager and an artist into a racial dispute. (source)

In response, Ice Cube said, "It's wrong for the rabbi to call me anti-Semitic. I respect Jewish people because they're unified. I wish black people were as unified."

Unfortunately but unsurprisingly, I found no comment on the ubiquitous use of homophobic slurs.

P.S. If you really want to understand this song, I suggest watching Straight Outta Compton. It's a very well-acted biopic that addresses subjects that are still relevant today. Plus if you dig this song, you'll dig that whole soundtrack.

Overview:

Genre:
Hip Hop

Favorite Lyrics:
Callin' me Arnold, but you been-a-dick.

Verdict:
need some ice cubes for that burn

Black Magic Woman

When You Do That Voodoo

Black Magic Woman by Santana

Recommended by Kim C.

"This one is for my dad who loves Santana. Also have you ever attempted this on the hard Guitar Hero level? Not easy my friend. Not easy."

Honestly, I have never attempted anything on the "hard level." I'm just out to have a good time.

This song, originally released as a 1968 Fleetwood Mac single, was written by Peter Green. He's an amazing guitarist - 38th on Rolling Stones' Top 100 and 3rd according to Mojo - and it shows in the instrumentation, with the bluesy riffs between the vocals (x).

The track took off to become a classical hit two years later, only after Santana covered it (x).

A mix of jazz, Hungarian folk, and Latin rhythms, the Santana arrangement has more character. It was created out of a "hippie ethos" and the "recreational activities of that time and place" (x/x). A bunch of musicians sharing a communal living space in San Francisco in the mid 1960s. You know.

More specifically, this version differs from the original in its addition of Caribbean percussion instruments, altered chord progressions, and complex polyrhythms. The mood-setting introduction is almost a minute and a half of conga drums, timbales, and simple guitar and bass riffs (x).

Another quirk: Santana's Black Magic Woman is typically (as in the recording above) played as a mashup with Gypsy Queen by Gábor Szabó. The Hungarian jazz musician is said to have been a major influence on Carlos Santana's guitar playing (x).

Overview:

Genre:
Psychadelic Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Got me so blind I can't see
that she's a black magic woman.

Verdict:
It puts a spell on you.

The Sun Song

The Blog Post

The Sun Song by Michael Tolcher

"I just LOVE this song...my favorite Tolcher song! Reminds me of when my kids were little and we loved supporting our friend and his new album."

This song always reminds me of that book series Maximum Ride, by James Patterson.

You know when you listen to an album for the first time, and you play it on repeat for a while, and that becomes the soundtrack for a certain era of your life? Like how I was really into Taylor Swift in freshman year of high school, and now anytime I think about 2009, I hear Hey Stephen in my head.

Yeah, well I was introduced to Tolcher's album I Am around the time I as reading Maximum Ride, and this song fit particularly well because all those characters had, um, wings to fly away.

Regardless of its connections to any books, I like that line: I'm not afraid; I have my wings to fly away.

Since we're on a roll with the optimism this week, I'll compare tonight's track to yesterday's. Rick Astley says that the angels will take care of you; Tolcher, rather, asserts that you can take care of yourself.

While I wouldn't say Tolcher's song is free from religious undertones - on the contrary, the lyric asking to be shown a path seems to directly address some sort of god - it's more generally spiritual.

The Sun Song is reminiscent of that quote about how a bird is unafraid of falling not because it trusts the branch but because it trusts its wings. I like the idea of a guardian angel, but I like even more the idea of being my own savior.

I get lost in the verses, but the message told in the chorus is clear and positively empowering.

As far as sound, I'm never disappointed by a guy and a guitar. At least, not when the guy's vocals sound as good as Michael Tolcher. More impressive - as I'm sure you can tell from the video above - he can even do it live.

The studio version of this song has a little extra going on in the way of production, but I'd rather not get into that since I embedded the acoustic performance. If you want to hear it, buy the album ;)

Fun fact: Michael Tolcher has opened for such acts as Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, and Hanson (x).

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Show me a path, and I'll be led.

Verdict:
so the drama

Angels On My Side

More Than a Meme

Angels On My Side by Rick Astley

"He's still never going to give you up, he's just coming back with a new song this time. A tad repetitive, but the dancing's entertaining."

Let's keep that positivity from last night flowing.

Pop is almost always repetitive, and it doesn't have to be a bad thing. That makes the songs "sticky" and easy to learn and fun to listen to, immediately. If something is worth saying once, it's worth saying again.

And if a song is worth listening to once, it's worth listening to again and again and again...

I see some redundancy in that whole hope is for the hopeful and faith is for the faithful business, but those gems were probably not worth saying at all, even the first time.

Regardless, this song is catchy and positive. Optimism is always more effective if you say it a lot. Haven't you ever seen that self-esteem exercise where you repeat positive affirmations to yourself in the mirror? You're supposed to say the same things every morning.

Maybe try just singing this song to yourself everyday. I'll try it and report back.

We all know and love that 1987 hit that became an internet phenomenon, but I feel like Rick Astley is underappreciated as a legitimate artist.

Back in the day, he received a bunch of negative press saying that he was "a 'puppet' of Stock Aitken Waterman." This image persisted even though he wrote five of the tracks on his album (x).

Frustrated with the industry and interested in starting a family, he took a hiatus from music between 1993 and 2001.

But now he's back and better than ever.

Angels On My Side is on his most recent album, 50, which was released this year (2016) on the day after my birthday (June 10). The album, which debuted at No. 1 in the UK, includes 12 tracks that were all written and composed by our favorite more-than-a-meme-singer-songwriter aka Rick Astley.

If reading about that comeback story while listening to Angels On My Side in the background doesn't make you smile, you are truly hard-hearted.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Sometimes I just don't feel like waking up,
Wanna stay inside my dreams.

I got angels, you got angels.

Verdict:
I can see 'em.

What a Wonderful World

Only Love Can Do That

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Recommended by Mom

"Just love this song and would like to hear whatever info you come up with about this one..."

A bit of history:

Intended as an antidote for the increasingly racially and politically charged climate of everyday life in the United States, the song also has a hopeful, optimistic tone with regard to the future, with reference to babies being born into the world and having much to look forward to. (source)

Yeah, and this song came out in 1967. So let's think about what we're really saying when we say, "Make America great again."

Anyway, I think that's a beautiful reason to write a song, and it's (unfortunately) just as appropriate in 2016 as it was back then.

There's nothing but peace and love when you listen to this song.

I appreciate the simplicity of the lyrics, hinting at how it's the little things in life that can sometimes mean the most. Trees and clouds. Flowers and rainbows.

He sings fondly about hearing babies cry. He romanticizes something as casual as friends shaking hands, and you realize that we sometimes take those little moments for granted. He makes you wonder why there's so much hate out in the world.

That simplicity is reflected, too, in the music. Beneath Armstrong's signature growl, it's rolling triplets and strings that mimic the melody. Nothing complicated.

This was the best-selling single of 1968 in Britain, yet Louis Armstrong accepted only $250 when he recorded it, to ensure that the orchestra got paid (x). Sounds like Armstrong was singing straight from a kind, generous heart. Gives you hope, doesn't it?

Live and love.

Overview:

Genre:
Traditional Pop
Is "non-instrumental wedding music" a genre?

Favorite Lyrics:
I see friends shaking hands, saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, "I love you."

Verdict:
The world we wish we lived in.

Bonus:

A video posted by kim crine (@kimcrime) on Oct 23, 2013 at 6:59pm PDT

Hands to Myself

Heart Emoji

Hands to Myself by Selena Gomez

"This song is just so catchy! Can't get it out of my head!!!"

This song is a massive comeback story for me.

When I first listened to Revival, I was underwhelmed with the whole album. Months later, I am still not crazy about all of the songs, but I am entirely in love with all of the singles. If anyone else feels the same, we can call that a success for Selena.

Even though I love this song now, I didn't think it was particularly special when I first heard it. I mean, we've got some breathy vocals, a catchy but not entirely infectious melody, and a very understated accompaniment.

To be fair, I heard it for the first time in a commercial. I think it was for Pantene.

Okay, guys. The Wikipedia article for this song is super long and extremely complementary, so maybe I'm missing something. But one thing I will never argue with:

 Some critics viewed the song's "I mean I could but why would I want to?" line as one of the best moments in pop music in 2015.

That line changed my life.

Rock on, Selena.

Overview:

Genre:
Dance-Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Your metaphorical gin and juice

Verdict:
party song