When I Fall in Love Cuando Me Enamoro ft. Juan Luis Guerra by Enrique Iglesias "Because there's more to Enrique Iglesias than 'Hero.'" You're right; there's a lot more to Enrique Iglesias. Cuando Me Enamoro is from his ninth studio album. NINTH. And he has released another one since then. I didn't realize the guy was such a prolific artist (x). This track served as the main theme for a telenovela of the same name, which built up its popularity. It was Iglesias's highest charting Spanish single at the time, at #89 on the Billboard Hot 100 (x). Aside from that, it's just a nice song. I mean, listen to it. Just listen. Nothing I say can do justice to Iglesias's smooth, soulful vocals or the irresistable beat. Gotta love that syncopation. There's something about the sound of this trackc that gives your spirit a little hug. I don't even know if it makes me happy or sad; it just makes me generically emotional. It's like...a mood-neutral tug on the heartstrings. It also weirdly reminds me of the Eagles? I don't know, maybe it's the oohs.
The lyrics are also pretty sweet. (Read them + English translation here.) Some nice lines that mention stars and the moon, which is cool because space. And there's something about being, like, shipwrecked in the middle of love or something. That's kind of relatable.
Anyway, I feel like my life is better now that this song is a part of it, so thanks. Overview: Genre: Latin, Pop, Bachata Favorite Lyrics: Sonrio cuando me enamoro Verdic: forever bailando to this
A Good Night's Sleep is About Quality, Not Quantity The Darkest Side by The Middle East
Recommended by Kim C.
"A hauntingly beautiful song by one of my favorite bands. Full disclosure: it's not very uplifting. Sorry!"
Don't apologize, friend. I wouldn't want to listen to anything uplifting, anyway, because of finals. Pitchforkcalled this track "a simple, finger-plucked acoustic affair with alternating and harmonizing vocals that lend the hushed track a sense of beleaguered hope." That's accurate. I love Jordan Ireland's voice; it's smooth and gentle. Bree Tanner's voice, with all its frailty, surprises me each time we get to her solo section, but I've grown to appreciate it. The character of her voice fits the song. My heart breaks when her voice does at the end of her second verse. It just breaks off until the end of our color TV is nothing but a whisper. When you really get into it, though, the song is actually...almost hopeful. What was that term? "Beleagured hope." It's about some really, really rough times, but at its core, it's about resilience. The first scenario is about a mother contemplating suicide. The second is about a father giving up on his dreams. But what do lyrics say to connect these two scenarios? Love. Because the mother doesn't end it right there on the bathroom floor; she stays strong for her children. And when the father sells that old guitar, he does it to give his family a better life. A few verses later, the song even references the time that Jesus died on the cross for all of his children. If you're a Christian, you recognize that as the ultimate expression of love. I guess we usually talk about love in a more positive light, but it's a struggle. Love is hard. Plus, it says that it's the darkest side of my heart that dies when you come to me. And if the darkest side dies, then what's left? The brightest side. So...yeah, you don't really want any of your heart to die. But if life has darkened it so much, then maybe it's not so bad to cut it loose. We'll ignore the next part where it's like "if you leave me I'll kill myself." To paraphrase. Because then, yeah, it wouldn't be quite as hopeful. If you actually go to YouTube to watch the video embedded above (here) and click "show more," you'll find a blurb about the song that was apparently written by the songwriter himself, Rohin Jones; however, I'm not going to quote from it here because it's rather lengthy and exceptionally sad. Also, I couldn't find the article from which she pulled the quote, so... Anyway, good luck to everyone who has finals coming up. This song doubles as excellent study music. To everyone else, I hope you're getting into the holiday spirit. It's that time of year again :-) P.S. I don't know why the video is the way it is, but it's the best I could find. Don't watch, just listen. Overview: Genre: Indie Folk / Ambient Favorite Lyrics: Love was those dark clouds on the Friday. It was a holy shaking earthquake, And you were stuck up the tree. Verdict: mood
"If I got married in a chapel of some kind with amazing acoustics, I would hire a small ensemble to sing this as I processed down the aisle. It's absolutely gorgeous!" This is a truly beautiful piece. The poetry itself is a perfect blessing for a wedding, sweet and optimistic and formal but not to the point of insincerity. It feels warm. Nothing could make it better except to be set to fitting music. Whitacre's composition is, for the poem, appropriately solemn. The pace is slow, so that you might appreciate every note. The harmonies weave a thick tapestry of sound, and the melody soars, at times, way up into the heavens. More than anything, I'm weak for the dynamic shifts. How can you not get emotional whenever it grows from a soft, soft section, where the voices are gossamer like light through a stained glass window, to a fortissimo wave of sound that swells to fill the entire room? It's magical. If you like this, you should definitely check out some of Whitacre's other stuff. The things he does here with the pandiatonic clusters and the homorhythm are found throughout many of his works, so they often have a similar sound. We did a piece of his, Sleep, back in high school, and we struggled so much when we split into like seven vocal parts. I can't imagine trying to sing something Aside from his compositions themselves, Whitacre is a pretty cool dude. He's known for these "virtual choirs" where he connects singers from all over the world by accepting online video submissions and layering them to create one cohesive performance. It's quite something. Here's one of his virtual choir videos. The piece is Sleep, the one I mentioned above.
Overview: Genre: Choral Favorite Lyrics: May this marriage be full of laughter, our every day a day in paradise. I am out of words to describe how spirit mingles in this marriage. Bonus:
Y'all, Keep Sending Songs This Water Tastes Like Alcohol by Noise of Rumors
"I'll be honest I couldn't decided between this song and The Conclusion to submit so why not both?" If you remember, The Conclusion was that song I covered here like five days ago. It was a solo project by Cyn Electric, who is now the lead vocalist for this band Noise of Rumors, which she founded.
Cyn's voice is a little grittier on this track, and the guitars are a lot more intense. Whereas The Conclusion was pretty solidly between pop punk and alt rock, This Water Tastes Like Alcohol is heavier on the "rock" classification. It's energetic, to be sure, but not in that bouncy pop way. I was skeptical of this strack at first, thinking it was too much...something. But it grew on me. I like the frantic pace, the woahs and yeahs, and especially the electric guitar. Yeah, those riffs are cool. There's a lot of charisma here, and I see how they could have convinced No Doubt to notice them and let them open for a concert. Keep rockin'. Overview: Genre: Alt Rock Favorite Lyrics: But that's a risk you've gotta take for rock 'n' roll. Verdict: could've done without the faux-rap bridge, but the instrumental during that section is good
CRUISR BRUISR Throw Shade by CRUISR "fun jam that reminds me to shade myself from the haters B)"
This is an awesome jam. I love everything about the music and the lyrics, from the beginning to the end. (Although, honestly, even if I didn't like it, how could I throw shade at a song that so clearly doesn't care what I think about it?)
I'm digging the quirky intro, where it falls into complete silence between bursts of bouncy instrumentation. It sets the mood perfectly for a song that is equal parts sass and savagery.
Actual quote: You're dead to me.
I have to play the devil's advocate here and point out that CRUISR is kind of throwing shade here by publicly shaming the person who threw shade first. The hypocrisy of it all! But at least they didn't namedrop. Keeping it classy.
The bridge makes it clear that they're going to miss whoever it was that said these nasty things about them, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I'm proud of them for cutting this toxic relationship out of their life. No one has time for that kind of unnecessary drama. Overview: Genre: Pop Favorite Lyrics: If you wanna throw shade, well, honey, I'll see you never. Verdict: I'm about to blast this on New Year's Eve. RIP in pieces, 2016.
I was going to try to find a Thanksgiving-themed song, but:
a) I didn't think I would find anything good. Thanksgiving doesn't do music like Christmas does.
b) I do these posts so late that I figured it might not be Thanksgiving anymore by the time I published it....and it's not as cute or funny the next day.
So I went for this song 'cause it's been stuck in my head for the past 3 days, ever since I did the entry on Telephone Line. I know they don't really sound alike, but there's a series of like four notes that have the same melody, and I can't stop merging the two in my head.
And anyway, this is a good song. When it came out seven years ago, it was Green Day's highest-charting single since 2005. It also garnered critical acclaim and was even nominated for two Grammys in 2010 (x).
You probably already know it just from general radio play and such, but it's also possible you heard it in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. It was on that soundtrack.
Less prominently, it was in the television series The Vampire Diaries and the game Rock Band.
It's a solid rock song with powerful guitar lines and "big power-pop chord changes" that keep you invested throughout the five and a half minutes of the song.
I think it's easy to write the song off as another break-up song bemoaning the end of a relationship that doesn't seem to be working anymore. I know I thought that's what it was about the first time I heard it. But the band has confirmed that it's actually a song about patriotism, and critics have called it a "sophisticated protest" (x).
Glad to hear it wasn't using the struggles of our armed forces as a metaphor but was genuinely addressing anti-war sentiment, PTSD, and the treatment of veterans in this country. Important stuff.
UPDATE: I'm not crazy! Wikipedia cites another blog that says "the chorus sounded more like ELO's 'Telephone Line'.
Overview: Genre:
Alt Rock Favorite Lyrics: Does it take your breath away and you feel yourself suffocating? Verdict:
takes me back to 2009
Okay But Then What's the Sixth 일곱 번째 감각 (The 7th Sense) by NCT U
It's been a minute since I took a recommendation that wasn't in English, man. I hope I can find a good translation.
Before we get into that, let's just go ahead and appreciate the sound. It's got some pretty smooth R&B vibes, man, with a solid rap section. I can dig it.
The lyrics reveal a dark story. At first, it seems like it might be the simple heart-broken pining of a man forced to take it slow with a girl who rejects his most forward advances...but it's not really focused on the potential relationship. It mentions some kind of connection through dreams, but it's more about this guy's personal issues.
We don't learn exactly what went down to make him feel so upset, but we hear all about his suffering: guilt keeping him awake, night after night.
Maybe this sounds overdramatic, but listen, it's not. If you want true melodrama, read this.
Also, if dream-clairvoyance is the seventh sense, then what is the sixth sense? We skipped a number. Real talk: there are 7 members of the band NCT, and I'm not unwilling to believe that they chose the number seven for no other reason than this.
Anyway, enjoy.
Overview: Genre:
K-Pop / R&B Verdict: a long-ass ride
"I get a little No Doubt vibes when I listen to Cyn's music. She has a great sound, and I'm not sure if she's still doing solo stuff, but she is in a band called Noise of Rumors now. " I'm glad you mention the No Doubt vibes because one of the first articles I came across when researching Cyn Electric is this one with the punniest title: "There's No Doubting the Passion of Pop-Rock Band Noise of Rumors." It's about how Noise of Rumors actually opened for No Doubt once upon a time.
Cyn Electric said they were probably chosen because Gwen Stefani and company saw “ the passion within us all to achieve something greater than anything or anyone could have imagined.”
But yeah, I hear Gwen in her voice. Same style, similar power level. Controlled but free. Energetic. The song itself is fun and flirty. The melody bounces around playfully, and it's kind of delightful. I enjoy that part where it jumps up to head voice during the repeated line, what you mean to me. It's a good time. That same article I quoted above lists other inspirations cited by Cyn Electric for Noise of Rumors: Neon Trees, The Neighborhood, Muse, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I'm going to say she's probably not doing a lot of solo stuff, since her website looks like this, and her YouTube channel uses a Noise of Rumors icon. But who knows what the future holds. Overview: Genre: Pop Punk / Alt Rock Favorite Lyrics: Don't act like you deserve it. Verdict: That "No Doubting" article was posted in MySpace. It's fitting because pop punk is associated with the same emo crowd as MySpace, but Cyn Electric actually has a future.
800 588 2300 Telephone Line by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
"I remember buying this album (A New World Record) with my birthday money shortly after receiving my first personal phone call from a girl wishing me "Happy Birthday." Her name was Pam, and I remember feeling flushed when my mom came with a smile to tell me I had a phone call. She stood there as I received my greeting and nearly passed out from a combination of embarrassment and pure infatuation.
This song came at a time when I first began my hobby of talking on the phone to girls, which I continued all through my teen years, going so far as begging for (and receiving) my own private home phone number and having that number listed in the name space on the back of my senior jersey (an '80s thing). So to this day, every time I hear this song, I momentarily get weak in the knees remembering my first personal phone call..."
I feel so bad!! I received this request months ago and saved this post as a draft and forgot to schedule it until today. Thanks so much for the song suggestion and story to go with it.
These days, when a song opens with Hello, you expect it to be Adele telling you that it's me, so it was a nice change of pace to hear Hello, how are you? (Although, real talk, Adele asks this same question in one of her verses.)
The two songs actually have a very similar theme, and it goes deeper than the telephone parallel. They're both about an ex-relationship in which one lover is still invested, while the other has moved on.
Despite the disappointment in the lyrics, the song actually sounds quite pleasant.
I love the choral doo-whop, dooby-doo, doo whops, or whatever those syllables are. The layers of voices are weirdly comforting.
Maybe it's just sadness that softens it, but I prefer to think of it as being filled with a gentle hope, even though the odds are that if she hasn't picked up by now, she never will.
Even though ELO is an English band, they thought "it seemed obvious to Jeff Lynne to use an America ring tone during the song" (x).
To get the sound on the beginning, you know, the American telephone sound, we phoned from England to America to a number that we know nobody would be at, to just listen to it for a while. On the Moog, we recreated the sound exactly by tuning the oscillators to the same notes as the ringing of the phone.
The sound shows up first in the intro and recurs throughout the song. It's probably too obvious, but I really wouldn't want it any other way.
Fun Fact: "The group's name is an intended pun based not only on electric light (as in a light bulb as seen on early album covers) but also using "electric" rock instruments combined with a "light orchestra" (orchestras with only a few cellos and violins...popular in Britain during the 1960s)." (x).
Overview: Genre:
Progressive Pop Favorite Lyrics: Well, can't you just let it ring a little longer? Verdict:
don't wanna let go if holding on sounds this sweet
This is a bit more subdued than Survay Says, and as such it's a bit more my speed. It keeps the pop in pop punk, but you can tell from the song title alone that it hasn't lost its edge. It's still got the guitar-led accompaniment and emo lyrics.
It's enough to take you back to that teenage angst while sparing what's left of your hearing.
Compared to Survay Says!, Henry Menzel says the difference is that Keep Flying is "not ska." He says, "Anyone who liked Survay Says! will like Keep Flying. Change needs to happen sometimes but it's not a bad thing" (x).
I really love the new sound, and I'm excited to hear that "the spirit for the new band is the same" (x).
The slow guitar intro eases you in nicely, but this track really shines toward the end when the horns join the fray. It was unexpected and fresh. You're jamming to the power chords and then suddenly it's like...trombone? What? Cool.
Despite the whole "nightmares" thing, it's actually a positive track about having confidence in yourself and finding your own path. Enjoy.
Overview: Genre:
Pop Punk Favorite Lyrics: I'm not discouraged enough to shut up yet. Verdict:
I'm lovin' it.
1, 2, 3 Break! We All Become ft. Ashley Barrett by Darren Korb "I just really like the progression of this song how it starts out quiet with piano and seems to get more synthetic and loud as it goes on." The track is the main theme of the game Transistor, the entirety of which was composed by Korb. Barrett's vocals are featured on several songs from the soundtrack. Korb used a huge variety of instruments to create the sound he wanted for the soundtrack, including "electric guitars, harps, accordions, mandolins, electric piano, and synth pads" (x). On this track in particular, I am most drawn in by the vocals and the energetic percussion. I, too, like "the progression" of the song. There's an obvious build, not only in the dynamics but also in the passion Barrett instills into her vocals. It gets bigger and bigger until finally - nothing. Barrett scales back to a sweet falsetto, and the last lyric lies unfinished at we all become - BTW: If you've played Transistor and want to think about the lyrics in the context of the game, I recommend reading the Genius annotations. (warning: spoilers) Overview: Genre: "Old-World Electronic Post-Rock" according to the composer himself Favorite Lyrics: When you speak, I hear silence. Verdict: plucky
It's Been 84 Years Love on the Weekend by John Mayer
Recommended by Kim C.
"I feel so blessed to have new music from John. Such a chill and sweet vibe :)"
I'm sure Kim would say that anything from this artist is a blessing, but this is particularly delightful because it's Mayer's first new music since a cover of "XO" in 2014...And the blessings are likely to keep coming. Mayer himself publicly said "I do think next year is the year of more music coming than I've ever put out in one year" (x).
I hope he's right and 2017 is the year of new music. I'm done with realizing things.
Anyway, this track is fitting for tonight since, I mean, It's a Friday; we finally made it. Or I guess it's Saturday now, but whatever. That's still the weekend.
Love on the Weekend is a "guitar-based return to pop music," but it's a very soft pop (x). Relaxed, gentle. Tender maybe. Very nice.
I was worried about the title because I expected it to be about cheating or something, but it's actually a wholesome ditty about being a grown-up with adult responsibilities during the week and being excited to see your lover on the weekends.
Of course, those parts about finding messages in the bottom of bottles and hating each other's guts doesn't sound 100% healthy, but um. It could also be about a long-distance relationship.
(Like, 2 hours away, maybe.)
I always love Mayer's smooth voice, and this is no exception as he croons sweetly over light percussion and an acoustic guitar. It's a lovely "welcome back" after the 3-year drought.
Overview: Genre:
Pop / Pop-Rock with Bluesy Flair Favorite Lyrics: I hate your guts 'cause I'm loving every minute of it.
If you've ever had a crush, this is pretty relatable. Verdict:
it's actually been 3 years (x)
Just Took A 16 Hour Nap "Stranger Things"Cello Medleyft. Adam Caulfield and Katherine Pernalby Nicholas Yee
Originally by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein
Recommended by Kim C.
I feel like everyone and their mother was telling me to watch this show over the summer, so you're probably already familiar with this soundtrack. Enjoy listening it in this form.
After binge-watching the whole thing in like two days, I admit I wasn't familiar with every track covered in this medley, but it's still a good time. I love watching people play instruments, and the cello is particularly beautiful, both to watch in action and to hear.
I've only ever played solo piano pieces and sung in a chorus where everyone watched the same conductor, so it amazes me when people are able to keep tempo with each other like this.
I wish they had the percussionist doing the heartbeat sound during the title track on-screen; however, that's a critique of the video, not the piece itself. If it turns out that they're just making the noise on their cellos or with their feet I'll feel dumb, but I don't think so - anyone catch that?
Anyway, if we're getting into the video, we should just appreciate their commitment to '80s fashion.
Who else got Lord of the Rings vibes from the pizzicato that starts here? I was ready to pop over to the Shire.
Overview: Genre:
Instrumental / Soundtrack Verdict:
main theme is the best part
Things I Need to Say Show Me Potato Salad! by Survay Says!
"It's rare to find a Ska punk band this good anymore. They have some pretty good messages in their songs, too. Unfortunately, Survay Says! has disbanded but a few of the band members have split into another band called Keep Flying, which has a slightly different sound."
I'm okay with this song. I really like the message about moving forward - not sure why it's called Show Me Potato Salad, because it's more about working hard and dealing with problems.
And being a loner (by choice? Maybe, not sure).
Nothing to do with the tasty tubers.
Though the sound is a little on the rough side for my usual tastes, I don't hate it. I can sing along to the melody, and the guitars are v cool. The kazoo (?) is a questionable choice (kazoos are always questionable), but I can dig it.
Overview: Genre:
Ska punk / Pop punk Favorite Lyrics: Only I can stop me. Verdict:
rock on
Say You Liked Her Before She Was Cool Breathe In by Frou Frou
"Most people know of Imogen Heap because of her song Hide and Seek but most people don't know about this other band she was in which is unfortunate because she's really great." Okay, I hope this doesn't offend you, but I had to laugh when I saw what you wrote about this song because it sounded so hipster. "Most people don't know about this other band." But you somehow managed to do it without sounding like an annoyingly pretentious music snob, so thanks for that. It's worth noting that the song you mentioned that helped "most people know of Imogen Heap" peaked on the U.S. Pop 100 at #91 back in 2005, which isn't even that popular (x). (I mean, it's not that popular compared to Closer ft. Halsey by The Chainsmokers. But even Adele's Hello isn't that popular compared to Closer. So still definitely a success.) In any case, you're right: Imogen Heap is "really great." I was disappointed when I first looked up this band, because I read that Frou Frou disbanded way back in 2004...but they (Imogen Heap and Guy Sigsworth) came back together to record a song for the Shrek 2 soundtrack. As of 2015, Wikipedia says they're looking forward to future collaborations, so keep an eye out. They've been known to circulate tracks online.
I love Heap's unique voice, and she sounds as great on Breathe In as I've ever heard her. The track is upbeat and catchy, with a lot of cool sounds in the techno accompaniment. It's nice. Fun Fact: Breathe In was Frou Frou's first single. It became a minor hit in Asia. Overview: Genre: Electronica Favorite Lyrics: And God, I'm good at it. I'm so spot on. Verdict: I didn't like her until after she was cool.
Dreaming of Thanksgiving Break Reflections of a Dream, Part 2 by Aviators
"This is one of those songs I like to throw on when I need things to be a bit tranquil. It just relaxes me."
Whoever sent in this song specifically suggested the "Finally Home Mix," so that's what I embedded.
I knew I had to talk about your song this week as soon as I saw your description. I absolutely "need things to be a bit tranquil" tonight after working on this giant group project all weekend. And this track didn't disappoint.
Not only does the sound of the music calm you down, but the lyrics are also quite comforting during hard times, even if it's just school-sponsored anxiety.
There are clear skies further down the road in our lives. You were meant to be so much more than you might think.
The discrete chords in the intro separated by silence set my soul at peace, and the rolling triplets that come in later are nothing short of soothing. I can't help but relax as the track ambles along at its own deliberate pace.
Not to mention the guy's voice is velvet.
If you can't get enough, there's also a lovely orchestral arrangement on the band's YouTube account, and it just sparkles.
Overview: Genre:
Indie Favorite Lyrics: It's hard to see the sun on a rainy day. Verdict:
bridges the gap between the peace I want and the stress I have
"Aunt Cherie introduced me to this song by putting it on a slideshow for my 50th birthday. It made me cry. It summed up our whole relationship. After checking out the song You and I that you reviewed today, I thought I might give you a softer version of a similarly-titled song that meant a lot to me... interested to hear what you think about this one." It took me approximately 12 seconds to figure out that I liked this song. I'm always a sucker for that homorhythmic texture. These two voices (Dallas Greene and Alecia Moore) sound beautiful together, and the harmony adds something interesting to the repetitive lyrics and simple acoustic accompaniment. Also, this track is clearly a love song, and the way the two voices almost never venture off on their own is an excellent fit for the lyrics. They just hang in there like they belong together. Despite being very sweet and romantic song, You and Me has a haunting tone to it. I guess it's like how loving someone can give you shivers, sometimes. Or maybe it's just to highlight the depth of the feelings, instead of throwing it in a basic major key without any kind of fun harmonic structure. Allmusic points out that this the "sparseness" of the accompaniment "suggests intimacy," and I think the same could be said of the minor key that gives it those haunting vibes.
I love this part where the guitar drops out and leaves the two voices to sing a cappella. But it's okay, because they have each other. "A partnership of equals" (x)
Fun Fact: Both artists that make up this folk duo are better known by their other stage names. Dallas Greene is the man behind City and Colour, and Alecia Moore often goes by the name P!nk. Overview: Genre:
Folk Favorite Lyrics: You can be flawed enough but perfect for a person. Verdict:
you need both together
So Sorry, Uncle: I Tried You and I by Exit Mindbomb "You said you were excited to review songs you haven't heard and I have plenty of those." Thanks, dude. Keep 'em coming. (Note: If you click the link attached to "Exit Mindbomb" above, you can hear a cleaner version of the song on their website.) Okay, so...this song isn't really my style, but hear me out. If I'd heard it about eight years ago, it would have felt right at home in my iPod. Sure, it would have been on the edge of the darker side of my music tastes, but it would have fit nonetheless. The opening of the track features soft, heavily filtered vocals, but it quickly picks up with heavy guitars and vocals that toe the line between singing and screaming. Eventually, there are sections that cross that border quite clearly. The track is volatile, fluctuating between quiet phrases and wild ones. It sounds passionate. And it sounds angry. This is compounded by the language: I feel like f***** it away and maybe saying some s*** - s*** I know that I'll regret if you would ever admit it. What does that even mean? I don't know. It all moves towards a logical conclusion, though. The track runs all over the volume scale, but it really has on distinct arch that builds up to the final passage, which is a barely-intelligable bout of screaming that ends in maniacal laughter, which cuts off quite abruptly. It's a pretty good representation of anger, tbh. It begs you to think about what is happening, but then gives up and literally says f*** it before launching into a sarcastic rant about how everything is normal...as it never could be. I'm...still not that into it. But I can appreciate what they're doing here. It's some kinda sound. Overview: Genre: Progressive Rock, Alt Rock Favorite Lyrics: How did we become so comfortably numb? Verdict: came into my life at the wrong time
Close Second Love Like You by Rebecca Sugar and Aivi & Surasshu Pieces of this song play during the closing credits of each episode of Cartoon Network's Steven Universe. Like the show it comes from, Love Like You is simple and pretty and heartwarming. It explores the themes of self-esteem and - of course - love, whether it's romantic or platonic or familial. I personally always think of my parents when I hear this song because they think far too highly of me and love me unconditionally. I wish that I knew what makes you think I'm so special.
That uplifting message combined with Sugar's sweet voice over the soft piano puts me in a good mood every time. Overview: Genre:
Indie Pop Favorite Lyrics: If I could begin to be half of what you think of me, I could do about anything. I could even learn how to love. Verdict:
I just adore it.
Songfacts says the lyrics are about a couple that broke up and are lying about the feelings they still have for each other. And, like, okay. I buy that.
BUT the music video tells the stories of a few would-be couples who are most certainly not being honest with themselves, and they end up regretting the fact that they didn't make a move. And I like to think the song is about them, next time. Character development.
We can all use a little more honesty in our lives. I believe in little white lies, but keeping a bunch of secrets never does anyone any favors. You've gotta express yourself, or you'll be passive agressive and stressed. And full of regret, probably.
(Not that I take this song's advice, but you know. It would be nice.)
The sound is typical pop punk, so I'm down. It's guitar-led and upbeat and the lead singer Will Pugh has that kind of voice - you know, the genre-specific, whiny-ish-but-still-pleasant tone. Good stuff.
P.S. This band is from Conyers, Georgia! Gotta love locals.
P.S.S. If you recognize the song, maybe it's because you watched John Tucker Must Die. It was on that movie's soundtrack.
Overview: Genre:
Pop Punk
Favorite Lyrics: And don't waste time getting to the point, 'cause I'm - I'm patiently waiting. Verdict:
pining
"She has a fantastic sound and deserves more attention."
I always love to read what the artists say about their music. In this case, Gish says "i kept adding more shit to this and i still dont like it despite all the layers of bs." Not promising.
But I guess it paid off to set the bar low, because I was pleasantly surprised by this track.
The accompaniment seems a little confused at times, especially at around :12 when the second guitar first joins in with that repeating riff. But your ear gets used to it, and the sound starts to feel cleaner as other sounds layer on top of it.
Especially the vocal line.
Gish's voice is sweet, and the lyrics are sweeter.
I read it as a song about a girl who has a crush. She spends all her time watching this crush, trying to get close to them...but they're always in another room. You know? Like...it isn't necessarily on purpose, even. It's just fate or God or whatever.
Or maybe it's not about the narrator. It doesn't matter if this "I" person has a crush or not; the main character is the girl in the next room. So to speak. Maybe it's a metaphor to show how lonely and disconnected this girl is. It's a study of how she's extraordinary but doesn't see it; she's always trying to fit in and be who she's "supposed" to be with that perfume and those those beautiful and brand new clothes and heels clacking on the marble. And it's hard.
Caged birds fly but she wouldn't even try. Because she doesn't know anything except the cage.
I don't know. But it's a really cute song. Makes my heart feel warm and fuzzy.
Overview:
Genre:
Alternative / Indie Folk
Favorite Lyrics:
My my I guess it's true that caged birds fly But given the chance I'm not sure if you'd try
Verdict:
even if you make shitty scrappy music, you're still making music, and if you make some album art and haphazardly glue all those songs together, it's legit - Sidney Gish (x)
"Ok, probably not the artist you might first think of when you hear this song title...well, OK you probably would NEVER guess Kid Rock wrote a song titled Amen. I love this song and a few others that he has released later in his career because of them having more meaningful lyrics. Don't get me wrong, I have screamed along with the stereo in the car when Cowboy was playing, because I truly am a Kid Rock fan. I have seen him countless times here in Atlanta, and like my niece have hit the road to see one of my favorite artists play in another town. This song, however, speaks of relevant topics in today's society and expresses opinions much like my own on these subjects. I am interested to hear your take on the song, the artist, and the topics addressed in the lyrics...I will be waiting patiently..."
Kid Rock has said that this is the best song he has ever written, inspired by his "frustration with social issues." He said "I think I have the ability to bring people together by speaking the truth. At least I've had people tell me that I do that" (x). That last quote seems appropriate given last night's results.
He wrote the song in response to a challenge from his producer to come up with "something more than a lap-dance soundtrack" (x). I guess that's why these songs from the latter part of Rock's career have "more meaningful lyrics," as my uncle pointed out.
So Rock headed over to his friend's Malibu beach house and penned the words it's another night in hell. Amazing.
Speaking of the lyrics, there's a part here where I couldn't for the life of me figure out what he's saying. I went over to good old AZLyrics and:
Which, um. What?
So I went to MetroLyrics, and it said the same thing.
This is confusing, I know. I was trying to figure it out myself, so I did a little research. I compared the album version with the live version and that's what I concluded based on what I heard.
There's a rumor that the English translation of the Japanese lyrics is "If you can understand what this means, it means you have time. Go out and have sex." Someone who claimed he had a Japanese friend who translated the lyrics posted that on Extreme Kid Rock, but nobody knows how true it is. I guess nobody will know for sure until KR speaks on the topic.
I don't think anyone knows the full story on the Japanese lyrics other than KR himself.
I'm going to be real with you - I do not buy this. I do not buy the idea that Kid Rock randomly inserted Japanese lyrics into this song and then just...never commented on it.
That reminds me of the time I went to see my school perform Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, and all of the music was Mumford and Sons. But they never mentioned this creative decision, not even in the program booklet thing.
Overview: Genre:
Rock Favorite Lyrics: Give a little bit more than you've got to give. Verdict:
from the album Rock n Roll Jesus
"Solange's head voice is hypnotic and Kelela's harmony takes it to a-whole-nother level. Honestly, you should listen to the entirety of her new album titled A Seat At the Table; it's very meaningful, genuine, and authentic."
I agree with your vocabulary choices here: There's nothing catchy about the quiet voice that carries on with a rambling melody over the sparse accompaniment, yet there's still something about it that draws you in - hypnotic is a good word for it.
The tone of the track is intense and pensive, and you have to be in the right mindset to fully digest it. This isn't mainstream; this isn't pop. This isn't even entertainment, not primarily.
Scales, and the entire album from which it comes, is art, and it doesn't necessarily have to be enjoyed in order to be appreciated. (I'm not saying it can't be enjoyed - but it certainly isn't as easy to consume as many of the manufactured hits we hear on the radio.)
On the topic, Solange says:
A Seat at the Table for me is an invitation to allow folks to pull up a chair, get very close and have these hard uncomfortable truths be shared. It's not going to be pretty, it's not going to be fun, you may not get to dance to it, you're not going to breathe easily through it, but that is the state of the times that we're in right now. (source)
Scales takes on such themes as racism (your world is kind, but your world ain't blind) and, on a related note, cultural appropriation (look on the TV; they all want to be me). (x)
The big message, though, is a warning "against letting others determine your self worth," especially when the streets say you're a king and the world says you're a failure (x).
Fantastic Variations on a Theme of Knightly Character
I wrote about this piece for class last semester, and it seems like it would be a shame to let all that thinking and writing go to waste. Plus, it's a nice, long composition that's easy to throw on for a killer study session.
Don Quixote is a tone poem, which means that it was created to tell the story of a written work. In this case, it's based on Don Quixote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.
If you read up on it, the piece is composed very thoughtfully. It begins with the statement of the theme, followed by ten variations that correspond to chapters of Cervantes's novel, and finishes with an epilogue.
Each instrument is tied to a certain character. Sancho Panza is represented by the solo viola, Dulcinea by the oboe, and Don Quixote himself by the cello. The rest of the ensemble, made up of not only traditional orchestral instruments but also strange noisemakers such as wind machines and odd techniques on brass that mimic the bleating of sheep, build the scenes in which the characters live.
When it was first performed, the piece was given a hard time for these experimental sounds, but I think it aged well.
If you're familiar with Don Quixote, I highly recommend listening to the whole piece and trying to follow the story. Hint: Variation I depicts the famous windmill scene.
