Style

We Were On A Break

Style by Taylor Swift

Recommended by Harold

"This song just speaks to me. What a great writer Taylor is! And so accomplished at such a young age. Bravo. Brava!"

I think most of us are familiar with this song. It was all over the radio and high up in the Billboard Charts. And once you hear it, it stays with you. It's catchy and fun, and it's a bit less innocent than Taylor's previous music. (Just like the rest of 1989. It's a great album. Grammy-winning, you know.)

I mean, remember when she was shyly watching Drew in Teardrops on My Guitar? And now here she is, with some guy who takes me home, lights are off, he's taking off his coat.

Like, okay, yes it's just his coat. But why are the lights off, hm? I think we know. And just listen to how breathy her voice is! I see you. Go for it, girl.

Taylor comments on her character development in relation to this song:

It's basically one of those relationships that's always a bit off ... The two people are trying to forget each other. So, it's like, "All right, I heard you went off with her," and well, I've done that, too ... My previous albums have also been sort of like, "I was right, you were wrong, you did this, it made me feel like this"—a righteous sense of right and wrong in a relationship. What happens when you grow up is you realize the rules in a relationship are very blurred and that it gets very complicated very quickly, and there's not a case of who was right or who was wrong. (x)

That's so real, I love it. Honestly, nothing is black and white.

The line she mentioned is one of my favorite parts of the song, as far as the story goes. You've got this on-again, off-again couple. They aren't really together, but they're still keeping tabs on each other. Maybe they're even trying to be "just friends." But then in a moment of weakness, the girl calls the guy out for seeing someone else. 

She probably tried to be casual about it, like hey so...you and emma...

And he was probably like, lol i mean its no diff than u and jon

And then, I guess, they probably went home together and regretted it the next morning because What ARE we? What even IS this?

I'm very invested.

But more than anything, I just like the way this song sounds. 

That intro has some funk to it, and the piano chords during the pre-chorus are super comforting. The vocals are awesome, especially during the first pre-chorus and the end of the second verse. That breathiness gets me.

We're upbeat and jamming throughout the whole song, but when we finally arrive at the repeated Take me homes of the bridge, it just takes off. It's ecstatic. It's the on-again part of the relationship, where they're like "This is a bad idea, but I don't care."

I should just tell you to leave 'cause I know exactly where it leads, but I watch us go 'round and 'round each time.

Even if you've never been in that kind of relationship - and, honestly, it sounds super annoying and unstable and confusing - I'm sure you've witnessed one like it. Your high school lab partner who always came into class with new boy drama. Your favorite celebrities. Ross and Rachel.

Good jam.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Could end in burning flames or paradise. (Honestly, what's the difference?)

Verdict:
I can never tell if I really relate to Taylor Swift songs or if I just wish I did.
Alternatively:
This song will never go out of style.

There are several sources that suggest this song is about Taylor's relationship with Harry Styles, and there are some reliable context clues. But I definitely shouldn't get into that. Attach your own meaning to the song; it's more fun that way anyhow.

Michicant

Good Winter

Michicant by Bon Iver

Recommended by Kim C.

"Hi hello I have a challenge for you, and it's a little lengthy, so write about this one when you have some extra time. I'd like you to listen to three versions of Michicant. First I want you to listen to the original by Bon Iver. Then listen to Kina Grannis' ukulele cover. And lastly, have a go at Mree's version (the video is nice to watch itself). I'm giving you this challenge because 1) I have a deep love for this song, 2) Kina and Mree are two of my favorite singer-songwriters and their different takes on the song are interesting and 3) I don't think you've had any covers on this blog? And I figured you wouldn't back down from a challenge. Hope you enjoy!

P.S. Sorry this is so long but Justin Vernon tweeted about Mree's cover when she first posted it. How cool is that?!"

Listen, I did have that one cover of the Mii Channel Theme by the One Ups. And technically speaking, Blue Bayou and Ring of Fire (I know, right? Crazy.) are covers even though the cover is the most popular version of those songs. But you're right - we're lacking in the cover department.

This is the second Bon Iver song that you've recommended (the first can be found here). I like their chill vibes. It's dreamy, like you're floating in a cloud of sound. It's musical impressionism, where you're not really hearing anything clearly. 

Like the lyrics. You're not sure what Vernon is saying, and once you do make out the lyrics...you're still not sure what they mean. It's poetry.

I like how he says 4 long minutes end, and the song is about 4 minutes. Good stuff.

Michicant by Kina Grannis

I dig the ukelele. Makes it kind folksy. It still has the same relaxed vibe, especially with the way she layers the background vocals over the top. 

She does her own arrangement, and it's a little shorter. Too bad, really. I could listen to 4 full minutes of this. 

Her voice is beautiful, and the emotion really comes through in the way she sings. I don't know if it's because it's just her and the ukelele that makes it feel more intimate, but this cover just sounds more expressive. Or maybe it's because I'm watching her sing versus looking at nature in the Bon Iver video embedded above. (So compare this live Bon Iver performance here.)

I think it's because the instrumentation of the original sounds more faraway. It's like Vernon is thinking about an emotional situation that happened a long time ago, and he's watching it from a more detached position.

Michicant by Mree

This might be my favorite version. It reminds me more of the original than Grannis' cover, with that detached feeling. As I listened, I realized that it's not really an absence of emotion. Just because there's some time between now and past pain doesn't mean it doesn't still hurt. It's just different.

You look back, and you have a new perspective on past situations. It's the same pain, colored with new experiences. You maybe have some new regrets or maybe you have kind of moved on, but you don't forget.

Overview:

Genre:

Singer/Songwriter

Favorite Moment:

Right after my favorite lyric, Hon, it wasn't yet the spring. These oohs from Mree's cover.

Verdict:

I have to listen more to pick a favorite, but either way these are three lovely versions of a great song.

Billion

Lion King Vibes?

Billion by Mat Kearney

Recommended by Brittany B.

"Billion was released over a year ago, and I still listen to it all of the time. It kills me that this song never got radio play because it had the potential to be a pop hit. His voice and the lyrics and the beat...ugh...this song has all of the ingredients to be a Billboard number one."

I love the opening, with the choral do do do do do do do do that sounds almost hymnal. It lifts me up immediately and only takes me higher.

By which I mean it takes my mood higher. It's an upbeat song with a very positive energy. I haven't stopped smiling since I started playing this track, and I'm on my second and a half listen.

My room mates are listening along, and they swear it sounds like Coldplay. I don't hear that so much. If we're comparing this song to other stuff, I feel more American Authors, just because of its blatant optimism (ah, young love). Remember that one song, Gonna be the best day of my li-i-ife? It was all over the radio.

But Kearney has those rap sections to break up the poppy chorus, keep it from being too much.

Speaking of the American Authors being all over the radio though, let's bring it back to what Brittany said...Girl, yes. I agree so much; this could easily have been a pop hit (I think that's why I'm so into it). I mean, the straightforward boy-loves-girl lyrics, the catchy melody...Honestly, I'm surprised it wasn't inescapable!

Hope this song brightens your night, as it did mine :)

Overview:

Genre:
Pop / Hip-Hop

Favorite Lyrics:
Seven billion in the world, Baby. I only wanna be with you.

Verdict:
cute and optimistic

I'm Han Solo

May the 4th Be With You

I'm Han Solo by Kinect Star Wars

(to the tune of Ridin' Solo by Jason Derulo)

Recommended by AdvertMarking

"This timeless classic takes international superstar Jason Derulo's smash hit Ridin' Solo and mixes it up with a twist - a Star Wars twist! Exclusive to the Xbox 360's title Kinect Star Wars: Galactic Dance Off, watch as everyone's favorite 'rebel who shoots first' dance his way to intergalactic fame in his own way! Great for the kids!"

Spoken like a true ad major, Sara.

I already tweeted the lyrics for what was supposed to be tonight's song, but when I saw this in my submission box, I had to change it up. It's only Star Wars Day once a year.

Please watch the video. If you are familiar with Star Wars at all, please watch the video and cry with me. It's too much.

I cannot believe there is a game called Star Wars: Galactic Dance Off. But listen, whoever has this game, I challenge you.

I like Star Wars, and I love Jason Derulo, so there's really nothing missing from this whole situation for me. And it's obviously not to be taken seriously, so there's not a whole lot more for me to say.

(Which is good because I really need to study for my final. Ciao!!)

Watch, listen, dance, and enjoy the last couple hours of Star Wars Day (for those of you on PST). May the 4th be with you.

Overview:

Genre:
Um. Video Game Pop Parody

Favorite Lyrics:
And since that carbonite's off me,
I'm livin' life now that I'm free.

Verdict:
There are no words.

Fuck You

All My Crew Hates All of You

Fuck You by Lily Allen

"Rarely do I think 'fuck you' can be eloquently appropriate, but Lily's lyrics have a great message, and it's really fun to sing along to the chorus."

I thought about censoring this one, or at least the post title, but you know what? It's 3:00am, and I've spent the past two days studying for a final that I'm taking in five hours. So yeah. Fuck you.

Not you.

Just like. In general.

Anyway, I still wouldn't call this song eloquent, but I agree that the message is pretty good. And it absolutely is the most fun thing to sing along to if you're frustrated.

First of all, there's interest generated in the dissonance between the sound and the words. Musically, you've got that bouncy, upbeat piano accompaniment underneath Lily Allen's adorable accented voice. But then the lyrics are straight-up salty. Like, super salty.

Second, it's fun because it's...naughty. I kind of hate that word, but it's accurate. This song drops hella F-bombs, which is unexpected and pretty rude. And that makes it more fun. Don't ask me why. It's like that teenage rebellion concept.

Apparently, it was originally written to make a political statement. Wikipedia has conflicting reports about it bashing a certain U.S. president or a British political party.

But, like, aside from the social progressivism (e.g. love wins), I think this song is more fun without the political baggage. I prefer to think it's about a bad breakup, romantic or otherwise. Or maybe it's the end of a semester, and you can finally stop seeing your a****** lab partner. 

Or, most likely, it's even shallower than that. Maybe you're just in a bad mood today and don't want to talk to anyone.

No one wants your opinion.

I like how the song uses the plural first-person. It's not just me who thinks you suck; it's me, Brittany, Louisa, Jess, and Amber.

'Cause we hate what you do, and we hate your whole crew, so please don't stay in touch.

Savage.

Let's end on a largely unrelated quote from Lily Allen herself: "We are the youth, we can make coolness for our future, it's up to us. Go green and hate hate."

Not sure if saying F You approximately a million times over the course of 3 minutes is the best way to promote the message of "hating hate," but whatever. It's better than keeping it all bottled up.

Overview:

Genre:
Dance-Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Please don't stay in touch.

Verdict:
Who watches their language when they're angry, anyway?

I gotta write the next post ASAP to get the F word off the top of my homepage.

Lost Stars

Always Reminds Me of My Uncle

Lost Stars by Adam Levine

Recommended by Cathy

"It's romantic, hopeful, tragic, and - like Adam's voice - beautiful."

I know, right? That falsetto is way up in the atmosphere, I swear...

It was actually written for Begin Again, which is a really adorable movie and worth watching. It was nominated for an Oscar at the 2015 Academy Awards, where I'm pretty sure it was performed live. 

I also remember Adam performing this on The Voice with Matt McAndrew at some point (here). This Matt kid has an amazing voice, but it still kinda gives you a new appreciation for Adam's talent when you hear them sing that I thought I heard you out there crying part side by side.

This song always makes me cry. I love the simple guitar + vocals at the start, but when the piano comes in during the chorus, it's almost overwhelmingly emotional. And that's without taking into account the passionate vocals or the heart-wrenching lyrics. 

Listen I just really love this song okay.

God, tell us the reason youth is wasted on the young.

It's such a paradox, right? But it's also something we can all relate to. Even if you choose to live without regret, I think we can agree that there are things we would do differently if we could go back. Even if the only thing we would change is to enjoy things more, not take them for granted.

I'm a sucker for anything related to feelings of nostalgia. It's a generational thing.

This song is about searching for meaning even though sometimes it seems like everyday is nothing but a step closer to the end. It's about feeling deeply even if it hurts and moving forward even if it seems pointless. It's about new love. It's about hope.

It seems like it touches on every single one of my favorite heartstrings, and my soul accepts it.

Overview:

Genre:

Pop

Favorite Lyrics:

Don't you dare let our best memories bring you sorrow.

Turn the page, maybe we'll find a brand new ending.

Verdict:
Sad but still always gonna light up the dark

Ghost Town

I Need New Earphones

Ghost Town by Adam Lambert

“Listen to the lyric video. I love that song. So much, so much love.”

Per Pedrum's request, I embedded the official lyric video, but you can find the official music video here.

I was hyped to receive this recommendation because I love Adam Lambert's voice. I remember watching him on American Idol back when I was in middle school and being super disappointed when he didn't win.

I think the acoustic guitar in the verses is awesome. The vocals sound good - nothing flashy, which works well with the subject matter. It seems appropriate to have that quiet, hollow sound as the lyrics discuss the way he's walking the empty streets of some old ghost town and searching for trust.

The techno dance vibe that comes in during the chorus isn't my absolute favorite thing, but it definitely provides a contrast that keeps you from getting bored. And I must admit that this is the part that gets stuck in your head after the song ends.

It's just interesting how the verses are super sad (e.g. Love is a satire.), and then the chorus gets all *boots&cats&boots&cats*

I definitely don't hate it, but I'd be interested to hear a completely acoustic version, even a cover.

I'm so glad I live in the 21st century where I can find exactly that with a simple Google search:

Perfect.

Overview:

Genre:
Eurodance / Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
I tried to believe in God and James Dean,
but Hollywood sold out.

Verdict:
Love is always a satire.