Never Gonna Give You Up

It's NOT John Cena!!

Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley

This is technically for March 31, but it's past midnight so...Happy April Fools' Day!

Let's be real, I had no choice. This will always be my favorite meme. Sorry, Damn Daniel. You came the close, but King Astley is still on top.

Meme status aside, this isn't a bad song. It sounds cheesy now, but in 1987, it was a worldwide number 1 hit and best-selling single of the year. That's pretty impressive.

And doesn't it just make happy?

Feel that funky beat. Dance to it. Revel in it.

Listen to the lyrics. Imagine the tension between these two people who are crushing hard, just waiting to see who's going to make the first move. It's almost too much.

Love it or hate it, it'll be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. You're welcome.

*typical '80s fade out*

Overview:

Genre:
Dance-pop

Favorite Lyrics:
Never gonna give, never gonna give

Verdict:
You just got Rickroll'd <3

Jinx

Can't Wait For This Album

Jinx by DNCE

My cousin Carrie actually made me listen to this song before I even thought about starting this blog, and I've been in love with the band ever since. They have like four songs out, but they're all amazing. Highly recommend.

I will order the songs of the Swaay EP for you, in order of how much I like them:

Cake by the Ocean
Toothbrush*
Jinx*
Pay My Rent

*This song can sometimes be #1 on the list depending on the day.

I would've done Cake by the Ocean because it has a music video, but I feel like everyone already knows and loves that song. I wanted to bring out something you maybe haven't heard on the radio every time you get into the car.

Plus, I didn't really want to get into the meaning of that song. This is a family blog. Or is it?

Okay so first of all, do you hear that noise at the beginning there? Is that a kazoo? I don't know. Relish it.

The concept of this song is my favorite thing. It's about this guy who's head-over-heels about his new romantic interest, but he's trying to play it cool.

Normally I would think this is dumb because adults should be able to communicate their feelings, but it's not supposed to be this mature love. It's the crazy, early stages; it's puppy love. The part where you're actin' like a teenage fool no matter how old you actually are.

You know how it is when you're young: "You don't just tell a girl you like her; it makes you look like an idiot."

Plus, it's not about playing hard-to-get. It's more about how it feels too good to be true, and I don't wanna jinx it. It's like a birthday wish. Don't say it out loud or it'll never come true.

All of these references to common superstitions paint the most precious picture of a guy doing the silliest things because he's so lovesick. Fingers cross when I kiss you. Knockin' wood when I miss you. It's endearing, and I love it.

Sweet vocals, sweeter story. Catchy melody, clever lyrics. What more do you want?

Overview:

Genre:
Pop-Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Eyes closed, 11:11 - hoping you will stay.

Verdict:
Like a birthday dream

Hunting Happiness

Seek the Light

Hunting Happiness by W. Darling

Recommended by Maddie

I agree completely. The lyrics to this song are absolute poetry. I love each individual word, the phrases, and the overall meaning.

As Maddie said, the song discusses "finding fault in everything and hunting down fantasies."

In other words, it's about perfectionism.

This person is overlooking the beauty in the world, always searching for something better and never enjoying the now. There are a million cliche phrases that come to mind...Carpe diem. Stop and smell the roses. Happiness isn't about getting what you want but wanting what you've got.

But I don't know why I'm feeding you these overused sayings when W. Darling communicates this restless feeling better than anyone else I've ever heard:

I'm so caught up hunting happiness, 
I move so quickly that it can't catch me.

I can't even pick which lyrics to quote because they're all so good. If you've ever had perfectionist tendencies, you understand and you feel this haunting melody deep within your bones.

The moment I start feeling comfortable, I hear a voice in my head...

There's a reason her voice, though beautiful, sounds almost tired. Because she is tired. Tired of chasing a fantasy that doesn't exist. Tired of always listening to that voice in her head that won't leave well enough alone.

...find greener grass.

Those oohs are a lament, looking back on all those moments of "paradise" that she passed by without realizing how lovely they were.

If I could stay still, just for a minute, I'd find myself in it.
If I could see clear and count all my blessings instead of the seconds.

That bridge is as close to lyrical perfection as you're ever going to get.

But even if it wasn't, it doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful.

Overview:

Genre:
Singer/Songwriter

Favorite Lyrics:
It's easier chasing a fantasy than trusting your heart.

Verdict:
Angelic.

Girl in a Country Song

Yeah, Baby

Girl in a Country Song by Maddie & Tae

I don't even remember where I heard this song, but I immediately fell in love with it, country twang and all.

The themes are presented in a lighthearted and comical way - especially the music video - but the complaints against misogyny in country music are real and important. Of course, it's not just country music, but that's as good a place as any to start.

The whole reason it works is because of the delivery. These two women are the absolute sassiest singers I've ever heard. Maddie's voice, which, by the way, is lovely, drips with attitude. I'm not always into that thick accent, but it's perfect for this satire on "bro-country" songs.

And the lyrics are really clever in the way they call out common country song scenarios that are actually pretty gross and disrespectful to women if you think about it. I laughed my way through this song on the first listen. Even now that I've played it on repeat for a week, it puts a smirk on my face every time.

You go, ladies!

Overview:

Genre:
Country

Favorite Lyrics:
The whole thing is a masterpiece, I swear.

Aww, y'all; we ain't a cliche.
That ain't no way to treat a lady.

Verdict:
Funny but forceful

Dear No One

The Jacket Incident

Dear No One by Tori Kelly

"I really like this song just because it's pretty much the story of my life... Very relatable I think."

This is the second Tori Kelly song that y'all have recommended, and I like it even better than the last one. I should probably go out and listen to her entire album.

I agree that the song is #relatable, especially for me and my introverted self. In that respect, it reminds me of Alessia Cara's Here. 

I mean, listen.

Here:
Really, I would rather be at home by myself.

I don't dance, don't ask. I don't need a boyfriend.

Dear No One:
I don't really like big crowds.

I like bein' by myself. Don't gotta entertain anybody else.
No one to answer to.

Plus, they have the same kinda style, kinda R&B, with lots of words and long phrases. 

I also love Tori Kelly's voice. This part where she starts singing with this breathy head voice is the most amazing thing. It's absolutely beautiful.

Just like with Unbreakable Smile, I have to rave about the lyrics of this song. It's empowering to young women, telling them that they don't need a man, and they aren't going to end up alone just because they're not throwing themselves into the dating game every chance they get.

I like being independent.

I'm done lookin' for my future someone,
'cause when the time is right, you'll be here.

I'd love to have a soul mate, and God'll give him to me someday.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop / R&B

Favorite Lyrics:
I'm done lookin' for my future someone,
'Cause when the time is right, you'll be here.

Verdict: An anthem for all us young single people

Hey Everybody!

Team is Now

Hey Everybody! by 5 Seconds of Summer

"This is such a kick ass song by one of the best bands around. No one writes like they do. Really a great group of dudes making music about the real problems people face."

This sounds kind of familiar, doesn't it? You're not crazy. The melody in the first two lines of each verse are definitely taken from Hungry Like the Wolf (Duran Duran were given writing credits and everything).

I think that helps with the catchiness of the song. Sometimes it takes a while to warm up to new music, but sampling from other pieces adds in a level of familiarity, even if it's just a few bars.

I think this is one of the catchiest songs I've ever had on this blog. 

Part of it is because of the classic Duran Duran melody, sure, but that's not all. I'm just as likely to find myself hung up on the oh oh oh oh part. Or even the two-note guitar thing that plays in the intro and in the background. It should come with a warning.

In addition to being super upbeat and fun, the song serves up a really positive message. We can work this out, but only if we're all in this together. (...wait)

The lyrics are about how everyone has low points. Maybe your low point was, like in the song, when you couldn't afford to pay for gas or rent. Maybe it was last week when you had to tell your friends to go out to dinner without your broke ass. Maybe your rock bottom had nothing to do with money.

Regardless of what exactly you're going through, the idea is that everyone has troubles at some time in their lives. But we can get through it, and you know it's gonna get better.

...I just quoted the wrong song, but you get the idea.

We can all get some.
Yeah, we can all get paid.

Good times lie ahead, but until then - misery loves company. We can be broke together.

Also, it's easy to sing along. I love the separation between words, how each syllable is distinctly punctuated. (Or should I say punk-tuated?) It reminds me of the clipped way Snape speaks, but in a less Slytherin manner. And for some reason, the phrasing in the line about insufficient funds just basically kills me.

Warning: Once you listen to this song, you can't get it out of your head. I mean, you could, but why would you want to? (...I gotta stop.)

Overview:

Genre:
Pop / Pop Punk...?

Favorite Lyrics:
We can't afford to give up.
We gotta make our own luck.

Verdict:
Sounds good, feels good

I Lived

Carpe Diem

I Lived by OneRepublic

Recommended by Bryan

"That's a good one. We make Edward listen to it 24-7."

I really love the music video, which tells the story of a kid with cystic fibrosis between verses. It's touching and helps drive home the message - live for today. The boy is actually teenage OneRepublic fan, Bryan Warnecke.

But you can also listen to just the song here.

I like the sound of the song. I like the guitar strings being plucked, almost delicately. It's a nice way to open the song and serves as a lovely backdrop for the vocals.

The emotion falls into a weird in-between space that happens to be one of my favorites. Is it happy or sad? Neither, really. It's encouraging and positive, but there's a lingering sense of something darker. It seems ironic to feel nostalgia from a song that's clearly about letting go of regret, but I think there are signs of wistfulness because of that what if?

What if I don't get to come back tomorrow? What if this is the last chance I ever get to do something like this? What if I die tonight?

It gets particularly dark for a moment in the middle where I think it seems like a parent looking down at their child:

I wish that I could witness all your joy and all your pain,
But until my moment comes, I'll say
I did it all...

It's a beautiful wish for your child to live fully and fearlessly, but you have to wonder why he expects he won't get to watch his kid grow up. Sure, we all die eventually...but it feels unfair, somehow, to mention death in a song called I Lived.

We live in a society that says, "I'll get to it later." We're always preparing for tomorrow, and implication is that we see tomorrow as a certainty and an entitlement. I think most of the melancholy from this song comes from a kind of petulance. It's a positive song saying to live like there's no tomorrow, and no matter how much I agree with that, there's still a voice saying, "But there should be a tomorrow. I deserve

Overview:

Genre:
Pop Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
I owned every second that this world could give.

Verdict:
Let's seize the day.

Disco Devil 12"

She Said Rebel

Disco Devil 12" by Lee Scratch Perry

Recommended by Miranda

"I think this song is really cool because of all the added sounds on top of the music, especially the bubbles. Super funky fresh in the words of Alisa."

Interesting that you separate the "added sounds" from "the music." I would do the same thing. But I wonder, if you talked to the artist, whether he would consider these sounds to be "added...on top of the music" or simply part of the music.

Either way, I agree, the bubbles are a nice touch. My favorite addition is the scratchy (no pun intended, I'm sure) ratchet sound. I'm glad you mentioned these things - the wikipedia article says Perry was a "pioneer" with his use of "effects and remixing."

Song has some serious Caribbean vibes. I immediately thought of Bob Marley, so I wasn't shocked to hear that Perry is a Jamaican artists who worked with Bob Marley and the Wailers. This song has a similar overall sound, thanks to the beat and instrumentation; however, Disco Devil gets a little crazy once we pass the 6 minute marker or so.

This is a great song to just listen and admire what it's like. We don't have to grasp at something that's always going to stay a bit out of reach. It's better to close your eyes and lose yourself in the music and the bubbles and the sound of the voices, rather than the actual words. Appreciate that Perry is kind of a genius.

I mean, listen. It's a party for your ears, and it's awesome. And it's fun. 

Don't try to comprehend the disco devil. Be the disco devil.

Overview:

Genre:
Reggae / Dub

Favorite Lyrics:
You are a disco devil.
I am a disco rebel.

Verdict:
Funky fresh

Slit Skirts

Always Love a New Workout Bop

Slit Skirts by Pete Townshend

"It's ironic, crass, sad, and funny. Plus great to listen on repeat for a decent long run on the treadmill."

I liked this song immediately, with that dramatic intro. The part before the entrance of the vocals sounds like it could be "the thinking song" on a game show, like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

The lyrics are an interesting combination of poetic and conversational. The flow of it all sounds like he's chatting with a friend and awkwardly choosing words just to make sure the ends of sentences rhyme. 

But the themes take it a little deeper. I think I caught references to birth control and miscarriages, homophobia, and unfaithfulness. All of which have one common theme: relationships that just aren't working.

As a young, idealistic person who's never entered into a serious relationship, let alone seen one grow stale, I can't really relate to this song. I don't want to relate to it. In fact, it terrifies me. 

This line in particular is raw and painful:

And I know that when she thinks of me, she thinks of me as him.

Followed immediately by this sassy accusation:

But, unlike me, she don't work off her frustration in the gym.

(Seriously, take a second to appreciate that perfectly-crafted shade. Calling this chick out for cheating while explicitly stating that he's better than her...and also kind of implying that she's letting herself go. Early '80s #indirecting.)

And, I mean, the song starts out with the line I was just thirty-four years old. Who wants to believe that they'll be regretting everything by thirty-four? Not me.

No one respects the flame quite like the fool who's badly burned. 

I guess I have to get burned all by myself. Can't take anyone's word for it. How "millennial" of me.

But you know what we're here for? That chorus. It's catchy as hell, and the person who recommended this song got it right. This is a motivational work out song like no other.

Do you want to be afraid to wear slit skirts before you hit 35? No? Then keep running, b****.

Overview

Genre:
Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Can't pretend that growing older never hurts.

Let me tell you some more about myself. Same.

Verdict:
Now I'm scared of growing up (as if I wasn't already), but it's a good jam.

does he not look like a smoother nicolas cage?

Beth/Rest

LOL How Did I End Up Writing An Essay?

Beth/Rest by Bon Iver

Recommended by Kim

"Bon Iver is without a doubt my favorite band ever. I remember seeing them live back in 2012 and just how magical that whole experience was. I think Bon Iver is one of those bands where the music isn't necessarily all about the lyrics. Don't get me wrong; Justin Vernon is a genius lyricist, but the instrumental elements truly transport me to a different place. I think Beth/Rest in particular has some really awesome things going on instrumentally. It's got this smooth jazz feel, but then again an almost country western vibe with some of the guitar riffs. In some weird way, it all comes together harmoniously and takes me to a peaceful place."

Bro, I am right on that page with you about the lyrics. This song tells its story through general emotion rather than the specific words. And I feel you about the mix of genres, too. Sounds awesome.

The music has this dreamy quality, with the long notes underneath everything, then the guitar riffs going off on their own tangents and the vocals sounding like echoes coming from somewhere off in the distance. The layers give it such a dense texture, I feel like I could swim through it, or float in it.

This song sounds the way I'd imagine mind-reading would sound. The vocal line isn't as clearly in the foreground as I'm used to for music that has lyrics. I feel like if you went into someone else's head, you could try to follow one train of thought (i.e. the lyrics), but you'd keep getting caught up in other feelings and images (i.e. the rest of the music).

So about the lyrics. First of all, you've got vocals that aren't just supported by the instruments, but also quite often competing with them. This makes it a little hard to make out every word. Then, once you kind of figure out what he's saying (I cheated. Thanks AZ Lyrics.), you realize you don't have to make out every word, at least not to enjoy the song.

These lyrics are poetry. It's more about aesthetics and feelings than prose, you know? I could analyze the text, but luckily they've conveniently set it to music that can probably convey the emotion just as well if not better. Eventually, I can look up hawser and coffer and soffit and hocked and axiom, but I don't have to do that in order to enjoy the song.

The last words are spoken at about 4 minutes, and we're here for another minute after that. So I think it's fair to say we can just close our eyes and feel the song. Feel the words, even, without trying to understand them. I think the parts we're meant to connect with will stand out.

Do you listen to the guitar and try to understand it? Nah, you just surrender to it.

Overview:

Genre:
Soft Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Our love is a star.

Verdict:
catch that feelin'

7 Years Old

Nah, There's Just Something In My Eye

7 Years Old by Lukas Graham

Recommended by Carly

"Has a nice story...Ana's fav atm, and she won't stop playing it next door."

It is a nice story.

Man, I can't deal with these songs that deal with growing through the different stages of life. I cry like a baby every time. 100 Years by Five for Fighting. Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin. The Best Day by Taylor Swift. I cannot keep it together during any of those.

And now this.

Great.

It really is a good song, though. The delicate piano intro is beautiful, and Graham's vocals are soulful and pure. There's a great flow to the lyrics, and you can feel a lot of emotion from his voice...You can tell he's singing from the heart. He wrote this song about a year after his father died, once he could finally process it.

Soon, I'll be sixty years old. My daddy got sixty-one.

It's almost funny how sad these kind of songs make me feel. With the exception of Cat's in the Cradle, none of these songs are actually sad. They're nostalgic, but I mean...everyone grows up. We might as well get used to it.

Even though this song is about Graham's late father, it's generally positive. It celebrates the love and support that he always felt from his dad, doesn't dwell on the man's death.

Remember a life and then your life becomes a better one.

Overview

Genre:
Pop Ballad

Favorite Lyrics:
I only see my goals.
I don't believe in failure.

Verdict:
Makes you miss...everything...

Okay but why did he need a wife at eleven years old.

Ghost

Same Song Title, Different Song

Ghost by Sir Sly

Anonymous Recommendation

"There's just something about this band and their songs that always hits home to me."

I feel you. I like the sound of this song, but I can't quite put my finger on what I like about it. Is it the melody? The mellow vocals? The synth underneath it all?

This song in one word: cool.

Not cool like "cool story, bro." Not cool like "omg, that's so cool!" More like...the girl that sits in the back of class with her headphones in all the time and seems kind of unapproachable but then when you finally talk to her she's actually pretty nice and smiles at you but not in an overly friendly way. You know? Cool.

I think all the different sounds in the background are the biggest factors in creating the overall mood for the song. It starts off with this deep bass that almost sounds like the whir of an engine, and the humming continues underneath almost the whole song. It's warm and calming. A massage for your mind. Or ears.

I really don't get the lyrics here. I guess it's literally a ghost? A drunk guy talking to the ghost of someone who died in a plane crash? I don't know. It doesn't matter. Just focus on the sound of the synth and let the words flow in one ear and out the other.

Lots of repetition (i.e. you're a ghost) makes it easy to give into the vibe and let go. The Get up. Save face. section particular is incredibly relaxing if you just listen and don't think too much.

Awesome recommendation!

Overview:

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Was I too drunk to say what I said to you?
Was I too blind to go and see straight through you?

Verdict:
strangely soothing

Hate to See Your Heart Break

Here's to My BFFs

Hate to See Your Heart Break by Paramore ft. Joy Williams

Recommended by Michelle

"I felt guilty about requesting Neil Diamond song so as an option this song has special memories attached to my Bella too because we saw it performed live, front row, center stage. She even spoke to my Bella and left quite an impression on me."

That's so awesome! Going to see music performed live is the best thing ever. I've always thought that if you leave a concert and you don't feel like the artist you just saw is your new favorite, then they did something wrong.

In Hayley Williams' own words, this song is about "close friendship between two women who share their stories with each other, and who lift each other up and understand one another." x

It really warms my heart that the two ladies singing together here have been actual real life best friends for years, and the way they laugh together in the music video is adorable. Plus, this fondness comes out in the way they sing. Both of their voices are beautiful alone, but the harmonies they pull off are exquisite.

I love the song. I love the picture painted in the first verse:

The dullest knife just sawing back and forth
And ripping through the softest skin there ever was.

Anyone who's had their heart broken can read that and feel this person's pain. That sympathy is one of the main emotions that I get from the song. It's the sympathy of someone who's been there before, the sweet sympathy of someone who wishes they could take some of your pain onto themselves.

I love the overall sound of this song. The voices, as I mentioned already, are gorgeous and full of emotion, and the instrumentation is delicate and lovely, especially the violins. Beautiful.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
For all the things that you're alive to feel,
Just let the pain remind you hearts can heal.

Verdict:
This song is the opposite of heartbreak.

What Side of Love

What Side of Love by Parachute

Recommended by Grace

"I have been a fan of this band ever since early high school. As you can believe I have listened to their past 3 records too many times to count. This is one of the first songs they released from their new album, Wide Awake, and it is easily their best song to date. I love the production of this one! The gospel choir also adds an interesting depth to the song!"

Grace, I always see you posting about Parachute! I can't believe I never took the time to check them out until now.

I agree about the gospel choir. Adding a choir in general always adds depth just because there are so many voices. It seems like the sound is filling up a bigger space. I also feel like it makes a song sound friendly and welcoming, almost like the addition of multiple voices besides the lead vocalist invites you to join in and sing along.

The organization of the music in relation to the text is also awesome.

The song starts out with the title phrase What side of love are you on? and the lyrics remain in second person for the verses and the chorus.

It's not until the end of the bridge that the vocalist sings Don't give up on taking sides with me. Immediately, there's a change in mood.

There's a change in tone because now it's personal. Up to this point, the song could have been about anyone. It could have been a general "you," advice about love for anyone and everyone. But with that command, or plea, not to give up on me, you realize this guy is singing these lyrics with someone special in mind.

Reflecting this shift toward intimacy, the music softens. The drums back off, and there's just a gently held chord for a second or two. Mainly vocals and a piano for a phrase. Then the beat kicks in again, and we come to my favorite part.

I don't have the best ear for this kind of thing, but I believe there's a modulation when the chorus jumps back in. That is, the song changes into a different key. It's awesome. The higher key combined with a little more of that gospel choir makes it sound positively triumphant.

It feels like a celebration. Like an arrival. An answer to the question posed throughout the song.

The positive side, of course.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
If black and white turn into grey,
Maybe love is just the same.

Verdict:
heart eyes emoji

Real Love

Was Not Expecting the Ending to This Video

Real Love by Florrie

Recommended anonymously

This is such a "summer song."

I say this partially because of the line burning like the hottest sun, love...

But also because you can hear "summer" in every aspect of the song. The beat is peppy and fun. The lyrics are playful and aggressively positive. Her voice sounds like it was made for pure, glorious, unapologetic pop like this. And those whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-whoas in the chorus are so catchy.

I can imagine blasting this on the beach, drink in my hand and sea salt in my hair. I can feel the sun shining, getting hot on my shoulder, but a nice ocean breeze keeps it comfortable. Bare feet and floppy hats and oversized sunglasses and the smell of sunscreen.

Do y'all get these vibes, too? Or am I just projecting my daydreams onto the song? The weather has been so nice lately...

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
All the little things, it's the smell of your cologne.
Lying next to me, I breathe you in and I'm at home.

Verdict:
I expect to hear this everywhere this summer.

March to the Sea

No Relation to Sherman, I Trust

March to the Sea by Twenty One Pilots

Recommended by Catie

"The beat: is rad.
The song: is sad."

I love the poetry there. Thanks, Catie. Poetic like the song lyrics. Nice.

Anyway, I started listening to this song, and I was like "This is supposed to be a rad beat?" The sparse chords behind a single melodic line? I guess simplicity really does it for some people...

But then it kicks in at about 1:18. You've still got the steady rhythm of the chords, which I figure maybe represents the march to the sea, but now you also have this wild drum beat that just goes off.

And I was like "Ah, yes. Rad."

Speaking of "ah," my favorite thing about this song is the backing vocal line. It sounds like the distant echoes of human voices, which broadens the soundscape and gives the song a cavernous feel. Haunting. It matches the text.

I see a spaceship in the sky
And hear a voice inside my head.

Inside my head with my counterpart.

Can't you just imagine that maybe on some level those background voices are chanting follow me instead?

It's aliens, it's the voice inside your head, it's God...it doesn't matter. The point is that you choose not to fall in line. Because how sad would that be, ignoring the beauty around you, following everyone else, living for approval, or maybe never really living.

We all do it, at some point. Fall in line. But it's good to listen to the other voices when we can.

I've heard a little Twenty One Pilots before. Stressed Out, of course, is all over the place these days, and now I know this one. I'm into it.

Overview:

Genre:
Let's go with Electro Indie Pop.

Favorite Lyrics:
I ask myself the question
Why I fall in line.

Verdict: 
Don't try to be something you're not.

what even is the verdict part of the post anymore? what was it ever?

Ultralight Beam

Click to watch performance of "Ultralight Beam" on SNL

Kanye for President

Ultralight Beam by Kanye West ft. Chance the Rapper, The-Dream, Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin

Recommended by Crews

I admit that I didn't catch the vibe the first time I listened to this song. It felt experimental, like it was jumping all over the place. (This was before I heard the rest of the album.) I'm just used to the usual "verse 1 / chorus / verse 2 / chorus / bridge / chorus" formula that you hear on the radio all the time.

But I truly appreciate it now. The form, while unexpected, really isn't that confusing. I realize now that someone had to organize the pieces to complete the puzzle, and it's part of the art.

I also like it better now that the religious themes throughout the piece have become clearer. If you're paying attention, it's obviously a song about God, from the lyrics to the actual gospel choir; however, you can't possibly capture the significance of some of these words and phrases with just the first casual listen.

It reminds me of high school English. Specifically, we studied The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot in my senior year Lit class, and it took an entire semester because every line had a hidden reference. If you read the poem without understanding the allusions, you felt like you were reading nonsense.

I'm not trying to compare Kanye West to T.S. Eliot, and many lines of this track actually can be taken at face value. The point I wanted to make is that you have to be engaged to truly appreciate Ultralight Beam.

The title itself is a reference to Saint Paul the Apostle, who was blinded by a celestial light - an ultralight beam, if you will - accompanied by the voice of God. 

If you're interested, check out this analysis (without annotations by Chance the Rapper). 

The entire piece is a lot more cohesive than I originally thought. The recurring gospel chorus unites the whole thing, despite the disjointedness that comes from featuring so many different artists that seem to kind of be doing their own thing.

The track is also united by the overarching religious theme. Each artist tells a different story, but each is a story of an individual's connection to God. It's actually quite beautiful, since faith is such a personal thing.

It's a triumphant, soaring track, and it can be mesmerizing if you let it into your soul.

Overview

Genre:
Kanye West

Favorite Lyrics:
Deliver us loving. You know we need it.

Verdict:
takes you higher

Side Note; I think I've become a big fan of Chance the Rapper. 

Fire Away

You Were Crying At the Airport

Fire Away by Chris Stapleton

Recommended by Manny

"Love this song. Great lyrics and meaning. Shows a man's love for his wife and his willingness to take whatever to show his love for her. This video draws attention to mental illness and a potential eventuality that it may cause. Please watch the video and see if you cry like I did, and tell me what you think about this song and the video."

I did, in fact, cry like you did.

I used to look at music videos and think, "it's just a tiny little film, why shouldn't it take 1/10th the effort of a full-length film?"

But now I've come to the conclusion that music videos are a deceptively difficult art form. You have about 5 minutes, give or take, to engage the audience with little to no dialogue (because, you know, the song is playing). That's not easy.

The video for Fire Away pulls it off flawlessly. By the end of the 4 minutes 23 seconds, I felt like I knew these two main characters, and I was so invested in their story that I couldn't hold back tears. It was just so beautifully crafted, juxtaposing the happiest times of the relationship with the very worst.

Furthermore, as Manny mentioned, the video brings up a topic that our society tends to just gloss over far too often: mental illness. It's real and painful, but we have to talk about it to end the stigma associated with it. I think it's great that more public figures are starting conversations.

Huffington Post actually has a glowing review of the song and video (here) that goes into a serious discussion on the culture surrounding mental health and suicide in the United States. It's worth a read.

(highlight to view spoiler): [ How nice would it be if this girl and her significant other knew where to go to reach out for help with her mental illness? The ending could have been completely different.]

The song doesn't mention mental illness as specifically as the music video, but if you're looking for it, it's there.

It's there in the way you load up your questions like you'd load up a gun. The way you choose the words that cut like a razor. The way I wish I could say that I've never been here before, but it's clearly an unhealthy cycle that neither of us knows how to end.

If you look at the lyrics, there actually aren't that many of them, yet the song still tells a complete, evocative story. I admire that.

Then you have the music. Nothing flashy, just an understated guitar accompaniment and drum beat supporting a simple, soulful melody.

It's a great song that's enhanced by a great music video.

Overview:

Genre:
Country

Favorite Lyrics:
Your love might be my damnation,
But I'll cry to my grave.

Verdict:
Takes aim at an important societal issue

Hymns Mash-Up

And My Spirit Reborn

Hymns Mash-Up by Anthem Lights

Recommended by Jill

The medley includes the popular Christian hymns "How Great Thou Art," "It Is Well," and "Great is Thy Faithfulness." I already loved this arrangement, but I can only imagine how much more I would have enjoyed it if I had been previously familiar with the hymns.

I'll have to go listen to them. Maybe go to church.

Worship songs often seem to be full of a certain sense of majesty. I don't always connect with Christian rock and other modern genres of worship music (I always feel like religion is supposed to be practiced in a sacred space with candles and Latin), but I can always get behind a simple arrangement like this.

The human voice can be so amazing, and these guys from Anthem Lights really know how to use theirs. The harmonies are balanced and lovely.

This part where it transitions from How Great Art Thou to Great is Thy Faithfulness  is my favorite.

I love how the one voice goes up on great, and I get chills after the moment of silence, when all four voices come in ever so quietly. It's beautiful.

I like the piano accompaniment, too. It sits nicely in the background, never overpowering the vocals. This is perfect not only because we get to hear the guys' voices, but also because it allows the listener to focus on the text which, in a hymn, is quite important.

Overview:

Genre:
Worship

Favorite Lyrics:
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Verdict:
Amen.

Punchin' Bag

A Series of Tones: Song 72 
(Tryna Up That SEO)

Punchin' Bag by Cage the Elephant

Recommended by Kim

"I like a girl who stands up for herself, and this song narrates exactly that. She's done taking this guy's s**t. Down with the oppressive patriarchy who thinks it can get away with the mistreatment of women...I digress. Not sure that it really is the feminist song I want it to be, but it's still a cool jam about a badass girl."

According to an interview on Digital Trends, this song was first written because the guitarist Brad Shultz was being a little argumentative with singer Matthew Shultz. It wasn't until later that the protagonist was changed from being Cage the Elephant in the studio to "a battered woman" escaping a broken relationship. 

Good idea. New story is infinitely more compelling. Not sure whether that helps answer the question of whether or not it's a feminist anthem, but it's an interesting note. Songwriting is such a crazy journey.

The sound of this song is just about as badass as the girl it talks about. It's deep and heavy and full. It seems like it would be incredible to hear this song live. Somewhere kind of intimate but big enough to feel the energy surging through the crowd.

Like, I dunno, The Georgia Theatre. It gives me Athens vibes.

And this guy's voice is unique, and I like the way he sing-speaks the lyrics, especially the way he sing-yells I'm not your punchin' bag.

It's just...cool. You know? 

Chill. 

Cool.

Plus, as if we need another reason to add this song to all of our playlists, the lyrics include several instances of my favorite thing in the world - repetition:

Heaven help ya, I'm telling the truth.
Heaven help ya, she's coming for you.
Heaven help ya, the girl likes to fight.

Last time, last time you're ever gonna -
Last time, last time you're ever gonna - 

Last time, last time you're ever gonna -
Last time, last time you're ever gonna -
And, of course I'm not your punchin' bag.

Good stuff.

Overview:

Genre:
Punk Blues / Alt Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
Heaven help ya, the girl likes to fight;
Afraid of nothing, and she carries a knife. 

Verdict:
Meet me at the next Cage the Elephant concert  

Famous Last Words

I See What You Did There

Famous Last Words by My Chemical Romance

Recommended by Michael

"This is one of my favorite MCR songs. Idk it just sounds good and feels good..."

The melody in the chorus is great, but before that, the first thing that really stood out to me was the strength of the guitar, so I'm glad it was in Guitar Hero II. Great game.

Next, I always have to mention this when it happens: the title isn't mentioned in the lyrics. This is never done arbitrarily. It's standard to grab a line from the chorus, so coming up with a completely separate (but, you know, related) title is a way of driving home the meaning of the song. In this case, it's about the end of a relationship. "Famous last words."

Also on the topic of lyrics, I think the repetition of certain lines is really effective:

First: But where's your heart?

Then the song repeats to change that part a couple times, finishing with this awesome vocal slide upwards on the word "change." Very cool. I'm so into it.

Plus, okay, apparently the making of this music video was incredibly intense. Wikipedia says that the drummer "sustained second and third degree burns" that "later resulted in gangrene," and the lead singer "tore muscles in his leg and foot" that left him hospitalized for like a week.

So in case you're thinking the song is a little overdramatic, keep in mind that the band doesn't just look and sound hardcore - they live hardcore. That's dedication.

For the record, I think the song is the perfect level of dramatic. Heartbreak is rough no matter what, so I hear. It's not easy listening, but it's big and loud and powerful and, like, good.

Overview:

Genre:
Punk Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
'Cause I'm out here on the other side
of a jet black hotel mirror.

I am not afraid to keep on living.
Verdict:
Straight out of middle school