And here's the world in music this week, with a few snippets or so of information. Stick with me.
Hunter Hayes has broken the Guinness World Record for the most concerts played in multiple cities - and he did this all while helping to raise awareness of child hunger. Makes me wonder why Justin Bieber didn't turn out this great. Oh yeah, he's kind of an asshole.
Eminem released his video for "Headlights" on Mother's Day, mostly shot from the first-person perspective of his mother, Debbie. Watch the video here.
K-pop boy band B.A.P. have listed their Top 6 songs. The list includes Eminem, Chris Brown, and Stevie Wonder. Check out the full list here.
And in other K-pop news, EXO-K's Overdose EP has entered the Billboard 200 at number 129. The title track is also the biggest-selling K-pop single in America, currently at #2 on Billboard's World Digital Songs chart.
Pentatonix, winners of The Sing-Off Season 3, have joined RCA Records. RCA president Tim Corson is reportedly "thrilled" to have the band on the label. "Their musicality and vocal abilities have enabled them to create innovative original songs as well as re-create some of today's biggest hits."
Stevie Nicks is in the midst of finishing up a new solo album. The album includes tracks that she has written and recorded through the years, but never made it onto an album. The album is currently titled 24 Karat Gold: Songs From the Vault.
Finally, Rob Zombie is releasing his first concert DVD, entitled :The Zombie Horror Picture Show". Check out an exclusive video premiere here.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Flashback Friday: "Old Rivers" - Walter Brennan (1962)
Hey, a new look! And an old song.
Today we're going back not 10, not 25, but 52 years! Back when actors made songs and they didn't end up embarrassing themselves.
Walter Brennan was a lot more well known for his acting career than his music career. But here we have his biggest hit, peaking at number 5 on the Hot 100. That's a hit! So it's worth analysis.
The song isn't about aged tributaries, as you might imagine. It's actually about an old man named Rivers. And it's a really sweet song about Walter Brennan as a kid meeting old Rivers and befriending him.
He had a one-room shack not far from us
And well, we was about as poor as him
He had one old mule he called Midnight
And I'd trailed along after them
It's also a fairly sad song, as (spoiler alert) old Rivers dies at the end. But honestly, it's not that sad of a song because the old man seems resigned to death, even embracing of it.
He'd say, one of these days
I'm gonna climb that mountain
Walk up there among the clouds
Where the cotton's high
And the corn's a-growin'
And there ain't no fields to plow
But they do deliver the news to Brennan rather harshly.
Down at the end my mama said, ''Son
You know old Rivers died.''
"Oh. Oh, thanks mom."
The song's okay, I guess. I suppose you would need to be born in a different time to really appreciate it, but I do get the message and it's told rather well. I just can't say I have a personal connection to it, which pushes it away from being a song I really like. It's nice to step in the way-back machine, though, away from Jason Derulo and Chris Brown and such.
Today we're going back not 10, not 25, but 52 years! Back when actors made songs and they didn't end up embarrassing themselves.
Walter Brennan was a lot more well known for his acting career than his music career. But here we have his biggest hit, peaking at number 5 on the Hot 100. That's a hit! So it's worth analysis.
The song isn't about aged tributaries, as you might imagine. It's actually about an old man named Rivers. And it's a really sweet song about Walter Brennan as a kid meeting old Rivers and befriending him.
He had a one-room shack not far from us
And well, we was about as poor as him
He had one old mule he called Midnight
And I'd trailed along after them
It's also a fairly sad song, as (spoiler alert) old Rivers dies at the end. But honestly, it's not that sad of a song because the old man seems resigned to death, even embracing of it.
He'd say, one of these days
I'm gonna climb that mountain
Walk up there among the clouds
Where the cotton's high
And the corn's a-growin'
And there ain't no fields to plow
But they do deliver the news to Brennan rather harshly.
Down at the end my mama said, ''Son
You know old Rivers died.''
"Oh. Oh, thanks mom."
The song's okay, I guess. I suppose you would need to be born in a different time to really appreciate it, but I do get the message and it's told rather well. I just can't say I have a personal connection to it, which pushes it away from being a song I really like. It's nice to step in the way-back machine, though, away from Jason Derulo and Chris Brown and such.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Top 10 Thursday: Top 10 Kanye West Songs
No matter how much of a hip hop fan you are, I have the feeling that you will never love Kanye West as much as Kanye West loves Kanye West.
This man has redefined celebrity arrogance. The guy got called a jackass by the President of the United States. Obama hasn't even called any Fox News broadcasters jackasses, at least not on record. Kanye West is a whole new level of jackass.
I mean, he interrupts Taylor Swift. He said that George Bush doesn't care about black people during a Hurricane Katrina pledge. He posed as Jesus on the cover of Rolling Stone. The guy knows no boundaries. And despite all evidence to the contrary... the guy's a genius
Yeah, I would be lying if I said I wasn't a Kanye West fan. He's definitely superstar-worthy, as you can't really find an artist anywhere like Kanye West. He has a different style, different lyrics, and he puts his songs together beautifully. And I'm counting down the Top 10 times where he has done so, starting with...
10. "Power"
Best to start off a powerful artist with a powerful song, and right from the title you can tell that this is going to be a humdinger. Between the sampling and Kanye's lyrics addressing his recent media missteps:
They say I was the abomination of Obama's nation
Well that's a pretty bad way to start a conversation
Indeed. This song brings Kanye back into the public's good graces, just for being a stellar piece of music.
9. "Through the Wire"
This is how awesome Kanye West is: he breaks his jaw in three different places, and still records this song with his jaw wired shut. I love the spoken interludes during the chorus in particular, which sound off-the-cuff and real. The sampling of "Through the Fire" is brilliant as well, with "through the wire" being taken quite literally.
Kanye, as you may have gathered from the first two entries, is very good at incorporating sampling into his music. But what if you can't get the legal rights to a sample? You get another talented singer to sing the relevant lyrics. That's exactly what Kanye did with Syleena Johnson's voice and Lauryn Hill's song, proving that Kanye West can solve problems easily, and will do what it takes to make a song sound perfect.
7. "Big Brother"
I decided not to include Jay Z and Kanye West songs from Watch the Throne in this list (although if I did, "Otis" and "No Church in the Wild" would have been strong contenders). But it's impossible to deny Jay-Z's influence on Kanye West, and nothing details it more than this song. What I like about this song is that it conveys mixed emotions, which is exactly what Kanye feels. It's not all happy, and it's not all resentful either. It's a very real song.
6. "Hey Mama"
Of course, if you really want Kanye to say what's on his mind without any bullshit, you listen to him rap about his mother. This song is why I've never really completely bought Kanye West's egotistical jackass persona. Deep down, he's just another guy who loves his mama. Kanye details a really sweet story about growing up with his mother, almost reverting to childlike states in his lyrics.
Can't you see, you're like a book of poetry
Maya Angelou, Nicky Giovanni, turn one page and there's my mommy
He calls his mom "mommy". Awww.
Even more touching than this is his 2008 performance at the Grammys in tribute of his recently deceased mother. I don't cry often, but this makes me come close.
So after sensitive Kanye, what's next?
5. "Gone"
Well, how about some classic-sounding Kanye with a killer beat and an awesome Otis Redding sample? Yeah, that sounds about right. I'm mostly surprised by Cam'Ron here, who I mostly know from mediocre early 2000s songs. While he's still the weakest rapper on this track, he holds his own better than he ever has. Perhaps he was brought up by the power of Kanye West, or possibly the power of the beat, which is also the power of Kanye West.
4. "New Slaves"
All in all, I wasn't really a huge fan of Kanye's latest album, Yeezus. Maybe it just went over my head, or maybe it was all pretentious fluff. But if there was a bright spot in the album, it's this blistering criticism of not only racism, but also hip hop culture and buying the same brands. It's like if Kanye West wrote "Thrift Shop", for Christ's sake. The whole thing devolves into nothing short of nonsense at the end, but somehow it's all worth it to hear Kanye's interesting take on hip hop and race relations today.
3. "Can't Tell Me Nothing"
This is the type of song that nobody but Kanye could have performed. Kanye at this point has suffered so much scrutiny for being himself, and he not only acknowledges this, but spits right back in his critics' faces with this:
La, la, la, la, wait till I get my money right
la, la, la, la, then you can't tell me nothing right
There's just nobody with the amount of money that Kanye has, and the brash personality that Kanye has to pull this off. But Kanye pulls it off with aplomb, as he should. He also shows a hint of vulnerability:
The drama, people suing me,
I'm on T.V. talking like it's just you and me.
I'm just saying how I feel man,
I ain't one of the Cosby's I ain't go to Hill man
I guess the money should've changed him,
I guess I should've forgot where I came from
But you can't tell Kanye nothing, especially after hearing this.
2. "Monster"
Barring Rick Ross, the rappers here show that they can be amazing if they try. It's a rare Kanye song that doesn't include samples, but it has a charging influx of star power that screams "I don't need a sample". And when Nicki, Jay and Kanye let loose, you just have to sit back and enjoy. My God, this song is amazing. But not as amazing as my #1 pick, which is...
1. "Diamonds From Sierra Leone"
"Monster" didn't need a sample, but "Diamonds" needs the sample to bring it all together. Not that this is a knock at the song. Rather, I simply mean to highlight Kanye's intelligence as an artist and rapper. Not only is this my very favourite Kanye West production, but Kanye comes full force with his lyrics here.
After debris settles and the dust get swept off
Big K pick up where young Hov left off
Right when magazines wrote Kanye West off
It's the quintessential Kanye West song, detailing the critcism he's taken and blowing his arrogance to full force. And I love it. Kanye West, man. Questionable personality, freakin' genius musician.
This man has redefined celebrity arrogance. The guy got called a jackass by the President of the United States. Obama hasn't even called any Fox News broadcasters jackasses, at least not on record. Kanye West is a whole new level of jackass.
I mean, he interrupts Taylor Swift. He said that George Bush doesn't care about black people during a Hurricane Katrina pledge. He posed as Jesus on the cover of Rolling Stone. The guy knows no boundaries. And despite all evidence to the contrary... the guy's a genius
Yeah, I would be lying if I said I wasn't a Kanye West fan. He's definitely superstar-worthy, as you can't really find an artist anywhere like Kanye West. He has a different style, different lyrics, and he puts his songs together beautifully. And I'm counting down the Top 10 times where he has done so, starting with...
10. "Power"
Best to start off a powerful artist with a powerful song, and right from the title you can tell that this is going to be a humdinger. Between the sampling and Kanye's lyrics addressing his recent media missteps:
They say I was the abomination of Obama's nation
Well that's a pretty bad way to start a conversation
Indeed. This song brings Kanye back into the public's good graces, just for being a stellar piece of music.
9. "Through the Wire"
This is how awesome Kanye West is: he breaks his jaw in three different places, and still records this song with his jaw wired shut. I love the spoken interludes during the chorus in particular, which sound off-the-cuff and real. The sampling of "Through the Fire" is brilliant as well, with "through the wire" being taken quite literally.
8. "All Falls Down"
Kanye, as you may have gathered from the first two entries, is very good at incorporating sampling into his music. But what if you can't get the legal rights to a sample? You get another talented singer to sing the relevant lyrics. That's exactly what Kanye did with Syleena Johnson's voice and Lauryn Hill's song, proving that Kanye West can solve problems easily, and will do what it takes to make a song sound perfect.
7. "Big Brother"
I decided not to include Jay Z and Kanye West songs from Watch the Throne in this list (although if I did, "Otis" and "No Church in the Wild" would have been strong contenders). But it's impossible to deny Jay-Z's influence on Kanye West, and nothing details it more than this song. What I like about this song is that it conveys mixed emotions, which is exactly what Kanye feels. It's not all happy, and it's not all resentful either. It's a very real song.
6. "Hey Mama"
Of course, if you really want Kanye to say what's on his mind without any bullshit, you listen to him rap about his mother. This song is why I've never really completely bought Kanye West's egotistical jackass persona. Deep down, he's just another guy who loves his mama. Kanye details a really sweet story about growing up with his mother, almost reverting to childlike states in his lyrics.
Can't you see, you're like a book of poetry
Maya Angelou, Nicky Giovanni, turn one page and there's my mommy
He calls his mom "mommy". Awww.
Even more touching than this is his 2008 performance at the Grammys in tribute of his recently deceased mother. I don't cry often, but this makes me come close.
So after sensitive Kanye, what's next?
5. "Gone"
Well, how about some classic-sounding Kanye with a killer beat and an awesome Otis Redding sample? Yeah, that sounds about right. I'm mostly surprised by Cam'Ron here, who I mostly know from mediocre early 2000s songs. While he's still the weakest rapper on this track, he holds his own better than he ever has. Perhaps he was brought up by the power of Kanye West, or possibly the power of the beat, which is also the power of Kanye West.
4. "New Slaves"
All in all, I wasn't really a huge fan of Kanye's latest album, Yeezus. Maybe it just went over my head, or maybe it was all pretentious fluff. But if there was a bright spot in the album, it's this blistering criticism of not only racism, but also hip hop culture and buying the same brands. It's like if Kanye West wrote "Thrift Shop", for Christ's sake. The whole thing devolves into nothing short of nonsense at the end, but somehow it's all worth it to hear Kanye's interesting take on hip hop and race relations today.
3. "Can't Tell Me Nothing"
This is the type of song that nobody but Kanye could have performed. Kanye at this point has suffered so much scrutiny for being himself, and he not only acknowledges this, but spits right back in his critics' faces with this:
La, la, la, la, wait till I get my money right
la, la, la, la, then you can't tell me nothing right
There's just nobody with the amount of money that Kanye has, and the brash personality that Kanye has to pull this off. But Kanye pulls it off with aplomb, as he should. He also shows a hint of vulnerability:
The drama, people suing me,
I'm on T.V. talking like it's just you and me.
I'm just saying how I feel man,
I ain't one of the Cosby's I ain't go to Hill man
I guess the money should've changed him,
I guess I should've forgot where I came from
But you can't tell Kanye nothing, especially after hearing this.
2. "Monster"
Barring Rick Ross, the rappers here show that they can be amazing if they try. It's a rare Kanye song that doesn't include samples, but it has a charging influx of star power that screams "I don't need a sample". And when Nicki, Jay and Kanye let loose, you just have to sit back and enjoy. My God, this song is amazing. But not as amazing as my #1 pick, which is...
1. "Diamonds From Sierra Leone"
"Monster" didn't need a sample, but "Diamonds" needs the sample to bring it all together. Not that this is a knock at the song. Rather, I simply mean to highlight Kanye's intelligence as an artist and rapper. Not only is this my very favourite Kanye West production, but Kanye comes full force with his lyrics here.
After debris settles and the dust get swept off
Big K pick up where young Hov left off
Right when magazines wrote Kanye West off
It's the quintessential Kanye West song, detailing the critcism he's taken and blowing his arrogance to full force. And I love it. Kanye West, man. Questionable personality, freakin' genius musician.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Watch-for-it Wednesday: "Stay With Me" - Sam Smith
Today, we're looking at a song by Sam Smith.
No, no, wasn't that last week? Sorry, here he is, not as a featured artist, but on his own, with "Stay With Me".
"Stay With Me" is a song about a guy who's so attached to his girlfriend that he never wants to let go.
Now I got you in my space
I won’t let go of you
Now, hold on a second. That was from "Latch", a song about the same thing. Oh boy. Well, I suppose there's worse ways to become typecast. Isn't that right, Lil Jon?
TURN DOWN FOR WHA-
He's probably going to butt into at least one review a week. Okay, so yes, "Stay With Me" and "Latch" are essentially the same song, but they sound a lot different. Whereas "Latch" was upbeat and pounding with excitement and passion, "Stay With Me" is more somber and longing.
Oh, won't you stay with me?
Cause you're all I need
Sam Smith's voice seems well suited for both, leading me to believe that while he may have a one-track mind when it comes to his subject matter, he can do different styles quite well. "Stay With Me" isn't the greatest song ever or anything, but it has its place in Slow Ballad Land. A nice-sounding love song that-
This ain't love it's clear to see
What? Then... what is it?
Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand
Wait a minute. Wait a minute! "One-night stand"? Oh, I was wrong about this entirely. This guy wants sex. And that's not even me saying that, that's him saying that! "This ain't love, it's clear to see." And it's clear that he wants to see more of your delicious booty!
And deep down I know this never works
But you can lay with me so it doesn't hurt
Oh, this guy is crafty. The casual listener might dismiss this as a slow love ballad, but now I'm seeing it for its true colours. This guy is a pickup artist in disguise.
At least, I hope that's the case. Because otherwise, this song seems confused and mismatched.
If this is the case, though, what do I do with Sam Smith's straightforward contribution to "Latch"? It's not like that song was stupid, but it wasn't deceiving, either. This is a whole new side of Smith I'm seeing, and it's only the second song I've heard with him.
Oh, I hope I'm right. God, I hope I'm right. Because if I'm right, this song is brilliant. If I'm wrong, it's poorly thought out. I'm going to give him and myself the benefit of the doubt and assume I'm right.
Hot 100 Success:
Will he have it?
It's hard to say. His soft ballad side, even if it is a clever ruse, is falling out of favour compared to his dance side. It all depends on which side he feeds, because I don't see more "Stay with Me"s becoming popular soon.
Should he have it?
I think I need to listen to more of the guy's stuff before I make a decision on the artist as a whole, but for now, I'm intrigued. Sure, I'd like Sam Smith in the Top 50. Stay with me.
No, no, wasn't that last week? Sorry, here he is, not as a featured artist, but on his own, with "Stay With Me".
"Stay With Me" is a song about a guy who's so attached to his girlfriend that he never wants to let go.
Now I got you in my space
I won’t let go of you
Now, hold on a second. That was from "Latch", a song about the same thing. Oh boy. Well, I suppose there's worse ways to become typecast. Isn't that right, Lil Jon?
TURN DOWN FOR WHA-
He's probably going to butt into at least one review a week. Okay, so yes, "Stay With Me" and "Latch" are essentially the same song, but they sound a lot different. Whereas "Latch" was upbeat and pounding with excitement and passion, "Stay With Me" is more somber and longing.
Oh, won't you stay with me?
Cause you're all I need
Sam Smith's voice seems well suited for both, leading me to believe that while he may have a one-track mind when it comes to his subject matter, he can do different styles quite well. "Stay With Me" isn't the greatest song ever or anything, but it has its place in Slow Ballad Land. A nice-sounding love song that-
This ain't love it's clear to see
What? Then... what is it?
Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand
Wait a minute. Wait a minute! "One-night stand"? Oh, I was wrong about this entirely. This guy wants sex. And that's not even me saying that, that's him saying that! "This ain't love, it's clear to see." And it's clear that he wants to see more of your delicious booty!
And deep down I know this never works
But you can lay with me so it doesn't hurt
Oh, this guy is crafty. The casual listener might dismiss this as a slow love ballad, but now I'm seeing it for its true colours. This guy is a pickup artist in disguise.
At least, I hope that's the case. Because otherwise, this song seems confused and mismatched.
If this is the case, though, what do I do with Sam Smith's straightforward contribution to "Latch"? It's not like that song was stupid, but it wasn't deceiving, either. This is a whole new side of Smith I'm seeing, and it's only the second song I've heard with him.
Oh, I hope I'm right. God, I hope I'm right. Because if I'm right, this song is brilliant. If I'm wrong, it's poorly thought out. I'm going to give him and myself the benefit of the doubt and assume I'm right.
Hot 100 Success:
Will he have it?
It's hard to say. His soft ballad side, even if it is a clever ruse, is falling out of favour compared to his dance side. It all depends on which side he feeds, because I don't see more "Stay with Me"s becoming popular soon.
Should he have it?
I think I need to listen to more of the guy's stuff before I make a decision on the artist as a whole, but for now, I'm intrigued. Sure, I'd like Sam Smith in the Top 50. Stay with me.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
CanTunes Tuesday: "Higher" - Classified ft. B.o.B.
Ah, Classified. Canada's answer to Eminem. MmmmpphhhHAHAHAHAHAHA
No, I don't think Classified's necessarily a bad rapper, but he sure doesn't do much for me. He's goofy, but he's not goofy enough. It's like if Macklemore recorded "Thrift Shop" and it just went "I shop at a thrift store, I buy things, it costs less so yay me." He has had his fair share of serious songs, but they get overshadowed by songs like this:
If you don't feel silly singing this chorus, well, then I guess we don't share any DNA.
Between his songs about pay day and his songs about ninjas, I'm a little confused on how to receive his newest single, "Higher", a song where he decides to do something he hasn't done before: sound like every other hip hop artist.
Yep, that's Jackie Wilson's "Higher and Higher" on the chorus. That song had an aura of class to it, an aura of coolness. What does Classified do with it?
Know when I'm feeling down and out I'm feeling out of commission
I call you up in a minute you come on over I hit it
Well, there you go. "I have sex with this girl." Right in the text.
I was the one that said he's never going to do it but did it
Yeah your love is addictive without the hugging and kissing
"To add to my previous statement, I hate displays of affection that don't involve sex." We're off to a good start.
The rest of Classified's verse isn't very noteworthy, save for this line:
I'll love you 'till you're gone and you're nothing but ashes
You're smoking girl
Did... did you just try and turn cremation into a compliment? God, what was the first draft?
I'll love you til you're gone and there's nothing but a tombstone
You're my rock
Okay, let's stop thinking about that line before I creep myself out.
And that's my problem with Classified. His lyrics are barely interesting enough for analysis, but also silly enough that you can't take him seriously. He's the worst of both worlds.
Thankfully, on this track is also B.o.B., a well-known American rapper who I actually really like. In addition to just seeming like an all-around genuine nice guy, he's also got a fun personality and a great flow. So maybe he's here to show Canadians how rap is done. We used to have a handle on it. Let's see what he does with his verse.
Well, my mind is in lift when the climate is this
You give me the type of high the type of high I will miss
When you light up I can't explain how much excitement I get
Ugh, boring. BORING. Maybe this would be better if B.o.B. actually sounded as excited as the lyrics convey him to be, but here he just sounds bored. Is there going to be nothing worthwhile here, either?
Travel to California, I catch a flight for your scent
I'm sorry, you do what now?
Travel to California, I catch a flight for your scent
O...kay. Seems kind of over-the-top and stalker-ish, but... okay. What is she even doing in California? Is she taking a vacation from you? Does this girl even want to be with you? Also, back up to Classified's verse.
I love the way that you taste and leave your scent on my clothes
This... this girl must have some scent, if it's worth catching a flight for and mentioning in two different rapper's verses.
Well, say this for those lines: At least it gives the song something interesting. Yeah, this is a song about a girl with a distinct scent. The scent of love. Or Chanel No. 5. It could be Chanel No. 5.
You know, even for Classified, this song is a waste. He might be a goofball most of the time, but hey. I'll take it over this. He even managed to make B.o.B. boring. B.o.B! The guy who collaborated with Rivers Cuomo in 2010!
Here's to Maestro Fresh-Wes making a comeback sometime soon. Until then, get your act together, Canadian hip hop.
No, I don't think Classified's necessarily a bad rapper, but he sure doesn't do much for me. He's goofy, but he's not goofy enough. It's like if Macklemore recorded "Thrift Shop" and it just went "I shop at a thrift store, I buy things, it costs less so yay me." He has had his fair share of serious songs, but they get overshadowed by songs like this:
If you don't feel silly singing this chorus, well, then I guess we don't share any DNA.
Between his songs about pay day and his songs about ninjas, I'm a little confused on how to receive his newest single, "Higher", a song where he decides to do something he hasn't done before: sound like every other hip hop artist.
Yep, that's Jackie Wilson's "Higher and Higher" on the chorus. That song had an aura of class to it, an aura of coolness. What does Classified do with it?
Know when I'm feeling down and out I'm feeling out of commission
I call you up in a minute you come on over I hit it
Well, there you go. "I have sex with this girl." Right in the text.
I was the one that said he's never going to do it but did it
Yeah your love is addictive without the hugging and kissing
"To add to my previous statement, I hate displays of affection that don't involve sex." We're off to a good start.
The rest of Classified's verse isn't very noteworthy, save for this line:
I'll love you 'till you're gone and you're nothing but ashes
You're smoking girl
Did... did you just try and turn cremation into a compliment? God, what was the first draft?
I'll love you til you're gone and there's nothing but a tombstone
You're my rock
Okay, let's stop thinking about that line before I creep myself out.
And that's my problem with Classified. His lyrics are barely interesting enough for analysis, but also silly enough that you can't take him seriously. He's the worst of both worlds.
Thankfully, on this track is also B.o.B., a well-known American rapper who I actually really like. In addition to just seeming like an all-around genuine nice guy, he's also got a fun personality and a great flow. So maybe he's here to show Canadians how rap is done. We used to have a handle on it. Let's see what he does with his verse.
Well, my mind is in lift when the climate is this
You give me the type of high the type of high I will miss
When you light up I can't explain how much excitement I get
Ugh, boring. BORING. Maybe this would be better if B.o.B. actually sounded as excited as the lyrics convey him to be, but here he just sounds bored. Is there going to be nothing worthwhile here, either?
Travel to California, I catch a flight for your scent
I'm sorry, you do what now?
Travel to California, I catch a flight for your scent
O...kay. Seems kind of over-the-top and stalker-ish, but... okay. What is she even doing in California? Is she taking a vacation from you? Does this girl even want to be with you? Also, back up to Classified's verse.
I love the way that you taste and leave your scent on my clothes
This... this girl must have some scent, if it's worth catching a flight for and mentioning in two different rapper's verses.
Well, say this for those lines: At least it gives the song something interesting. Yeah, this is a song about a girl with a distinct scent. The scent of love. Or Chanel No. 5. It could be Chanel No. 5.
You know, even for Classified, this song is a waste. He might be a goofball most of the time, but hey. I'll take it over this. He even managed to make B.o.B. boring. B.o.B! The guy who collaborated with Rivers Cuomo in 2010!
Here's to Maestro Fresh-Wes making a comeback sometime soon. Until then, get your act together, Canadian hip hop.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Monday Musings: How Important Are Lyrics?
Hello, everyone! Today I'll be focusing on a seemingly important part of music: the lyrics. But really, how important are lyrics these days?
One of the hit songs right now has like ten words in it, and half of them are indistinguishable. That leads one to believe that maybe lyrics are not as important as one might think. However, the lyrics of songs also come under critical analysis when they are prominent. You all remember "Blurred Lines":
If you do, then excellent. I'm trying to wash it out of my memory forever, but it still goes to show how much lyrics matter when picking a song to like. Or do they? Because "Blurred Lines" was the #2 song of 2013.
Here's my theory: lyrics are not important for a song's popularity, but they are important for a song's respect. "Blurred Lines" got by on its Marvin Gaye sample, and "Turn Down for What"'s success comes from the people who like that style of music, not because Lil Jon is some kind of poet.
But neither song garners much respect. "Blurred Lines" is notoriously hated as much as it is liked, and I don't see anyone praising "Turn Down for What" for its socially conscious themes. It's the music that makes them popular, but without good lyrics, they fall short from being respected. This doesn't mean that you can't like a song with bad lyrics, but it's pretty hard to respect it, unless you're respecting it ironically, to which I praise you ironically.
One of the hit songs right now has like ten words in it, and half of them are indistinguishable. That leads one to believe that maybe lyrics are not as important as one might think. However, the lyrics of songs also come under critical analysis when they are prominent. You all remember "Blurred Lines":
If you do, then excellent. I'm trying to wash it out of my memory forever, but it still goes to show how much lyrics matter when picking a song to like. Or do they? Because "Blurred Lines" was the #2 song of 2013.
Here's my theory: lyrics are not important for a song's popularity, but they are important for a song's respect. "Blurred Lines" got by on its Marvin Gaye sample, and "Turn Down for What"'s success comes from the people who like that style of music, not because Lil Jon is some kind of poet.
But neither song garners much respect. "Blurred Lines" is notoriously hated as much as it is liked, and I don't see anyone praising "Turn Down for What" for its socially conscious themes. It's the music that makes them popular, but without good lyrics, they fall short from being respected. This doesn't mean that you can't like a song with bad lyrics, but it's pretty hard to respect it, unless you're respecting it ironically, to which I praise you ironically.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
"Fancy" - Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX
I give up. I give up. This blog will be the death of me if I don't get out while I can.
To the few ladies and gentlemen that have read my blog since October, I thank you for your support. But this... I just have no idea where to go with this.
I mean, it's just not music. There's nothing I can say except that. It's not music. It's an abomination. No, I'm out. I'm out. It was nice knowing you, Blogger community.
...
...
All right, let's do this.
This lovely Barbie doll goes by Iggy Azalea. She's had minor success in the US with singles like "Work" and "Bounce", but this is her first honest-to-goodness Billboard hit. It's called... "Fancy".
And that guest voice on the chorus is Charli XCX. You might know her from this:
Yes, it's the "I Love It" girl! So, that pretty much seals the deal, right? Because "I Love It" was terrible, right? Right?
...
Actually, I loved "I Love It".
I loved everything about "I Love It". It was the sluttiest, trashiest, and most brainless hit of 2013, and I mean none of those as pejoratives. I don't care, I love it.
But why do I love it? Why do I love this
I don't care
I love it
I don't care
and hate this?
I'm so fancy
You already know
They both guest Charli XCX and both seem equally vapid. Why do I prefer one over the other? How can I even tell them apart?
Well, it's very simple actually. You see, one of these songs has a soul. And believe it or not, it's the one about crashing cars into bridges.
I got this feeling on the summer day when you were gone
See? Right from the beginning, if the pounding beat didn't convince you already, this song conveys a hard-hitting, headstrong feeling. What does "Fancy" do?
Well, "Fancy" has an uninspired beat with an uninspired rapper.
First thing's first, I'm the realest
Drop this and let the whole world feel it
So, if you wanted to hear a white girl try to sound like Drake, well then... here you go.
I don't have a problem with the idea of white girls rapping... but every time I hear it, my skin crawls. Every time it happens, it sounds soulless. People might make jokes about how white girls should only rap about Starbucks, but you know what? I'd actually prefer that to this! Yes, please immerse me in the Starbucks culture. I'd rather have that than Iggy Azalea trying to give herself street cred.
Takin' all the liquor straight, never chase that
"Ooh, look at me. I don't mix my alcohol with anything. Do I get to make gang signs yet?"
Let's also take a look at what each song does with the guest vocalist. Charli XCX's style is mostly suited for heavy synths in her music; that's what she does. She also does a lot of fun electro songs. "I Love It" goes the ultra-smart route and does both. What does "Fancy" do?
Some boring beat and some ultra-cocky lyrics that don't match Charli at all.
I'm so fancy
You already know
I'm in the fast lane
From L.A. to Tokyo
This isn't fun. This isn't enjoyable. This is just bragging.
That's all this song is. It's bragging. And if you're going to brag about yourself, you'd better be talented. Charli XCX at least has an edge over Iggy Azalea in that regard.
Let's talk about her voice, first of all. It's like a parrot squawking at me. Charli's part may not be good, but it least it's a welcome change from WHO DAT WHO DAT. And her lyrics are just... weak.
Still stunned, how you love that
Got the whole world asking how I does that
Rhyming is hard! Good thing I can contort grammar to make it sort of rhyme.
And my flow retarded
Isn't there some kind of unwritten agreement worldwide that we would stop using that work unless we wanted to look like gigantic assholes?
She also talks about "haters" and can't touch this, and whatever. Like a gangsta MC Hammer?
Okay, I'm done. I can take brainlessness. But I can't take soullessness. If you're going to be stupid, at least have fun doing it.
To the few ladies and gentlemen that have read my blog since October, I thank you for your support. But this... I just have no idea where to go with this.
I mean, it's just not music. There's nothing I can say except that. It's not music. It's an abomination. No, I'm out. I'm out. It was nice knowing you, Blogger community.
...
...
All right, let's do this.
This lovely Barbie doll goes by Iggy Azalea. She's had minor success in the US with singles like "Work" and "Bounce", but this is her first honest-to-goodness Billboard hit. It's called... "Fancy".
And that guest voice on the chorus is Charli XCX. You might know her from this:
Yes, it's the "I Love It" girl! So, that pretty much seals the deal, right? Because "I Love It" was terrible, right? Right?
...
Actually, I loved "I Love It".
I loved everything about "I Love It". It was the sluttiest, trashiest, and most brainless hit of 2013, and I mean none of those as pejoratives. I don't care, I love it.
But why do I love it? Why do I love this
I don't care
I love it
I don't care
and hate this?
I'm so fancy
You already know
They both guest Charli XCX and both seem equally vapid. Why do I prefer one over the other? How can I even tell them apart?
Well, it's very simple actually. You see, one of these songs has a soul. And believe it or not, it's the one about crashing cars into bridges.
I got this feeling on the summer day when you were gone
See? Right from the beginning, if the pounding beat didn't convince you already, this song conveys a hard-hitting, headstrong feeling. What does "Fancy" do?
Well, "Fancy" has an uninspired beat with an uninspired rapper.
First thing's first, I'm the realest
Drop this and let the whole world feel it
So, if you wanted to hear a white girl try to sound like Drake, well then... here you go.
I don't have a problem with the idea of white girls rapping... but every time I hear it, my skin crawls. Every time it happens, it sounds soulless. People might make jokes about how white girls should only rap about Starbucks, but you know what? I'd actually prefer that to this! Yes, please immerse me in the Starbucks culture. I'd rather have that than Iggy Azalea trying to give herself street cred.
Takin' all the liquor straight, never chase that
"Ooh, look at me. I don't mix my alcohol with anything. Do I get to make gang signs yet?"
Let's also take a look at what each song does with the guest vocalist. Charli XCX's style is mostly suited for heavy synths in her music; that's what she does. She also does a lot of fun electro songs. "I Love It" goes the ultra-smart route and does both. What does "Fancy" do?
Some boring beat and some ultra-cocky lyrics that don't match Charli at all.
I'm so fancy
You already know
I'm in the fast lane
From L.A. to Tokyo
This isn't fun. This isn't enjoyable. This is just bragging.
That's all this song is. It's bragging. And if you're going to brag about yourself, you'd better be talented. Charli XCX at least has an edge over Iggy Azalea in that regard.
Let's talk about her voice, first of all. It's like a parrot squawking at me. Charli's part may not be good, but it least it's a welcome change from WHO DAT WHO DAT. And her lyrics are just... weak.
Still stunned, how you love that
Got the whole world asking how I does that
Rhyming is hard! Good thing I can contort grammar to make it sort of rhyme.
And my flow retarded
Isn't there some kind of unwritten agreement worldwide that we would stop using that work unless we wanted to look like gigantic assholes?
She also talks about "haters" and can't touch this, and whatever. Like a gangsta MC Hammer?
Okay, I'm done. I can take brainlessness. But I can't take soullessness. If you're going to be stupid, at least have fun doing it.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Weekend Wrap-Up (May 4-10 2014): RiRi, Rap, and R&B
It's that time of week again! So, what happened this week?
Nicki Minaj has released a new song featuring Soulja Boy. The song is called "Yass Bish!!", and hints at Minaj dropping a single from her upcoming album, The Pink Print. To hear the song, click here. Warning: this link contains Soulja Boy.
Avril Lavigne has recently gotten some media attention that wasn't "Hello Kitty"-related: she reportedly charged $400 to take photos with fans in Brazil. The caveat: fans were not allowed to touch Avril, and in fact had to stand at least an arm's length away from her. To be fair, after being attacked by a crazy fan in Brazil, I'd be taking precautionary measures too. It's too bad the situation ended up so... awkward.
Ariana Grande's new single "Problem" featuring Iggy Azalea is creating buzz as having the potential for having one of the biggest digital sales debuts ever, working to best Flo Rida's "Right Round" back in 2009, which had over 600,000 downloads.
Monica Lewinsky is firing back at Beyoncé for a not-so-flattering lyric in her song "Partition". Lewinsky takes issue with the lyric "He Monica Lewinskied all on my gown", saying that it should be "Bill Clintoned" instead, since the stains on Lewinsky's dress were not her own. Okay, next piece of news before I gross myself out.
Rihanna's Instagram account has recently gone AWOL. It has reportedly not been deleted by Instagram, leading the conclusion to be drawn that Rihanna did it herself. She should probably be back soon, as her Twitter account still appears active. So, for you people not getting your Rihanna selfie fix, take heart at the notion that it probably won't be long before her Instagram is up and running again.
Lorde will be performing her new single "Tennis Court" at the Billboard Music Awards, marking the first time the New Zealand singer will perform the song on television.
Finally, John Legend's "All of Me" has recently reached #1 not only on the Hot 100, but also on the Adult Pop Songs Chart. His song is the first R&B ballad to crown the chart since Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day", 18 years ago!
Nicki Minaj has released a new song featuring Soulja Boy. The song is called "Yass Bish!!", and hints at Minaj dropping a single from her upcoming album, The Pink Print. To hear the song, click here. Warning: this link contains Soulja Boy.
Avril Lavigne has recently gotten some media attention that wasn't "Hello Kitty"-related: she reportedly charged $400 to take photos with fans in Brazil. The caveat: fans were not allowed to touch Avril, and in fact had to stand at least an arm's length away from her. To be fair, after being attacked by a crazy fan in Brazil, I'd be taking precautionary measures too. It's too bad the situation ended up so... awkward.
Ariana Grande's new single "Problem" featuring Iggy Azalea is creating buzz as having the potential for having one of the biggest digital sales debuts ever, working to best Flo Rida's "Right Round" back in 2009, which had over 600,000 downloads.
Monica Lewinsky is firing back at Beyoncé for a not-so-flattering lyric in her song "Partition". Lewinsky takes issue with the lyric "He Monica Lewinskied all on my gown", saying that it should be "Bill Clintoned" instead, since the stains on Lewinsky's dress were not her own. Okay, next piece of news before I gross myself out.
Rihanna's Instagram account has recently gone AWOL. It has reportedly not been deleted by Instagram, leading the conclusion to be drawn that Rihanna did it herself. She should probably be back soon, as her Twitter account still appears active. So, for you people not getting your Rihanna selfie fix, take heart at the notion that it probably won't be long before her Instagram is up and running again.
Lorde will be performing her new single "Tennis Court" at the Billboard Music Awards, marking the first time the New Zealand singer will perform the song on television.
Finally, John Legend's "All of Me" has recently reached #1 not only on the Hot 100, but also on the Adult Pop Songs Chart. His song is the first R&B ballad to crown the chart since Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day", 18 years ago!
Friday, May 9, 2014
Flashback Friday: "Sugar" - Flo Rida ft. Wynter Gordon (2009)
Uh, Flo Rida!
...
He... he exists! Yep, that Flo Rida sure does... exist! But other than that, what else does he do?
Yeah, not that much from what I've seen. All he appears to do is guest rap with crappy verses on songs with great choruses. Wait... he's not the guest rapper on all these songs? He fooled me.
Suffice it to say, Flo Rida has not exactly carved out a distinct personality for himself. And yet... his songs are inexplicably popular. Well, not inexplicably. You see, Flo Rida is good at one thing and one thing only: Having catchy choruses in his songs.
That's the part that sticks in your head in Flo Rida songs: the chorus. Half the time he has no part in even singing the chorus! Whenever there's a guest singer on his songs, they always outshine Flo Rida. Always.
Today I will look at Flo Rida's least popular hit, but still popular enough to be called a hit. It's called "Sugar".
No, not quite. Here it is:
Okay, so here is the catchy chorus of this song:
Da double dee double di
Da double dee double di
Da double dee double di
Rrrrrrgggghhh.... GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT!
Okay, this is just cheating. Of course a song's going to sound catchy if you use one of the most earwormy tunes known to man as your chorus!
To be fair, though, that's not the entire chorus of this song. In fact, let me post the lead-in to the Eiffel 65 rip-off, to provide a little context:
Da double dee double di
Da double dee double di
Well, I tried. I tried to provide context, but I'm only working with the source material I have.
Okay, this went from cheating to just being lazy. Instead of finishing the chorus this time, Flo Rida just inserts the nonsense from "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" and hopes it would works. And you know what? When listening to the entire chorus... it doesn't. It really doesn't.
In fact, I actually like the chorus before it rips off Eiffel 65. Maybe if he had finished it, or hell, just ended it right there, this song would be a lot more tolerable. When the chorus of a Flo Rida song doesn't catch my ear, there are literally no redeeming qualities to the song.
But in the interest of providing a well-thought-out opinion, let's see what Flo Rida has to say anyway.
...
He... he exists! Yep, that Flo Rida sure does... exist! But other than that, what else does he do?
Yeah, not that much from what I've seen. All he appears to do is guest rap with crappy verses on songs with great choruses. Wait... he's not the guest rapper on all these songs? He fooled me.
Suffice it to say, Flo Rida has not exactly carved out a distinct personality for himself. And yet... his songs are inexplicably popular. Well, not inexplicably. You see, Flo Rida is good at one thing and one thing only: Having catchy choruses in his songs.
That's the part that sticks in your head in Flo Rida songs: the chorus. Half the time he has no part in even singing the chorus! Whenever there's a guest singer on his songs, they always outshine Flo Rida. Always.
Today I will look at Flo Rida's least popular hit, but still popular enough to be called a hit. It's called "Sugar".
No, not quite. Here it is:
Okay, so here is the catchy chorus of this song:
Da double dee double di
Da double dee double di
Da double dee double di
Rrrrrrgggghhh.... GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT!
Okay, this is just cheating. Of course a song's going to sound catchy if you use one of the most earwormy tunes known to man as your chorus!
To be fair, though, that's not the entire chorus of this song. In fact, let me post the lead-in to the Eiffel 65 rip-off, to provide a little context:
My lips like sugar
My lips like sugar
This candy got you sprung
This candy got you sprung
So call me your sugar
So call me your sugar
You love you some
You love you some
I'm sweet like
...
So... just to clarify... you're sweet like
Da double dee double di
Well, I tried. I tried to provide context, but I'm only working with the source material I have.
Okay, this went from cheating to just being lazy. Instead of finishing the chorus this time, Flo Rida just inserts the nonsense from "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" and hopes it would works. And you know what? When listening to the entire chorus... it doesn't. It really doesn't.
In fact, I actually like the chorus before it rips off Eiffel 65. Maybe if he had finished it, or hell, just ended it right there, this song would be a lot more tolerable. When the chorus of a Flo Rida song doesn't catch my ear, there are literally no redeeming qualities to the song.
But in the interest of providing a well-thought-out opinion, let's see what Flo Rida has to say anyway.
Hey, I've got a mouth full of cavities
What?
Hey, I've got a mouth full of cavities
...One line in! One line in and Flo Rida has already failed me. Bravo, sir. You've officially set the suck bar to a new low. Sorry, Chris Brown. Looks like you'll have to try a little harder next time.
Okay, so "Eric," you may ask. "What's so bad about the 'cavities' line? It's part of the sugar metaphor! It's actually quite clever!" Well, here's my rebuttal:
If you're going to use sugar as a metaphor for getting it on, then you don't mention a grossly negative thing about sugar! I mean, what was his next line? "And a bloodstream full of diabetes"? It sort of rhymes, anyway.
I look at the "cavities" line and if I see "sugar" as a metaphor for sex, or at least a descriptive word for how it feels... or tastes... then I can only assume that "a mouth full of cavities" just means Flo Rida's packed with STDs from this girl. Was that sexy in 2009...?
But the worst part about Flo Rida's verse is that this is the only thing even worth mentioning. Nothing else is worth a second look. Nothing. What a waste.
So ironic that a song called "Sugar" leaves nothing but a bitter taste in my mouth. The only thing I like about this song is part of the chorus, but I can't forgive the total annihilation of the chorus with Eiffel 65. And I don't even hate "Blue (Da Ba Dee)", but inserting it into another song immediately destroys any credibility it might have had. This song sucks a big fat lollipop. See, that's a bad thing. I tried to go with the sugar meta- oh, just forget it.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Top 10 Thursday: Top 10 Movie Soundtracks
Wow, the movies. I'm really hung up on the movies, aren't I?
Well, it's not hard to do, given that movies play a very big part in the common North American life. They tell stories, they captivate you, they pull you in and never let go. And a big part of why movies do that is the soundtrack. So today, in honour of soundtracks, here are my Top 10!
Well, it's not hard to do, given that movies play a very big part in the common North American life. They tell stories, they captivate you, they pull you in and never let go. And a big part of why movies do that is the soundtrack. So today, in honour of soundtracks, here are my Top 10!
10. The Graduate
When you're ordering a soundtrack for your movie, a good thing to remember is to go heavy on Simon & Garfunkel. That's exactly what The Graduate did, and it truly paid off for the film and for the duo, skyrocketing the soundtrack to the top of the album chart and raising the profile of Simon & Garfunkel.
9. The Bodyguard
Yeah, sing it, Whitney! It'd be a crime for me not to include this soundtrack on the list. Not only is it the best-selling soundtrack of all time, it helped turn already-superstar Whitney Houston into a viable movie star. Of course, the soundtrack is carried by the song above, but that's perfectly okay in my eyes. Whitney's magnum opus on a soundtrack is just what it needs to get it this far.
8. Magical Mystery Tour
Roll up for the magical mystery tour! Not the film, which was a complete flop, but the soundtrack that came with it. Magical Mystery Tour remains one of my favourite Beatles albums, and that's not a differing opinion from the public. The soundtrack was far more well received than the film, nearly earning The Beatles a Grammy for Album of the Year in 1968. Only The Beatles could have their soundtrack outshine the film it appears on.
7. Frozen
Perhaps I'm still reeling off of love for the movie, but Frozen's soundtrack is damn good. Not only does it have "Let it Go", but "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "For the First Time in Forever" are both equally solid tunes, if not better. Kristoff's song "Reindeers Are Better Than People" is also a sweet little song. Between all its songs, Frozen is probably Disney's sweetest soundtrack yet, actually. Makes me want to build a snowman. No, no it doesn't. Good riddance, winter.
6. Saturday Night Fever
If you're going to make a dance film with John Travolta, it better have some jivin' tunes. So you should call in the recently disco-turned Bee Gees, who will be more than happy to supply you with plenty. Before disco died, this movie helped to peak its popularity in the late 70s with its jive talkin' and alive stayin'. And stay alive it does, as the soundtrack has been added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry. Disco may be dead, but Saturday Night Fever lives on.
5. Titanic
Say what you want about Celine Dion. Hell, I don't even particularly like Celine Dion. Seriously, say what you want. Too much fluff, and not enough substance for me. But "My Heart Will Go On" is fantastic for Titanic's soundtrack. James Horner creates a masterful soundtrack to frame the movie, going from wistful and dreamlike to to intense and throbbing to sad and remorseful. There's a reason Titanic won so many awards, and there's a reason why Best Original Score was one of them. This movie and soundtrack are masterpieces alike.
4. This is Spinal Tap
This is Spinal Tap was a brilliant satire of the hard rock and heavy metal bands at the time, and the soundtrack says it all. With songs like "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight", "Big Bottom", and "Gimme Some Money", the soundtrack made the movie. In fact, it was so spot-on that it left many wondering if Spinal Tap were a real band. I figure they may as well be.
3. 8 Mile
A movie starring Eminem is obligated to have a forceful, pounding soundtrack, starring Eminem as well. And 8 Mile certainly doesn't disappoint, with not only Eminem, but also 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Rakim, Nas, and many others contributing blistering rap songs to the soundtrack. 8 Mile rocks as hard as its star's premise promises, and its songs help to move along the tale of B-Rabbit.
2. The Lion King
Seriously, is there a single song from The Lion King that isn't good? You have to give Elton John credit for making the greatest Disney soundtrack of all time, bar none. Obvious choice? Yeah. But I also feel it's the right one. The chilling sinisterness of "Be Prepared". The unbridled optimism and fun of "I Just Can't Wait to Be King". The classic "Hakuna Matata". The Lion King truly is king when it comes to Disney music.
So, it takes a lot to top The Lion King. But I think that a soundtrack that has not one, but two of my favourite 80's jams deserves it. And there were a lot of rockin' 80's soundtracks. But this one, I feel, stands head and shoulders above the rest. Here it is, my number 1 pick for the best movie soundtrack:
1. Flashdance
Flashdance accomplished everything it said it would in the title; it was flashy, and it was dancey. And of course, this includes the soundtrack. Who doesn't like "Flashdance"? Not only that, but it also includes "Maniac", one of my other favourite songs from the 80's. Actually, '83 was just an all-around good year for music. And Flashdance's soundtrack was the centerpiece of it all. What a feeling!
And that's my list! Agree, disagree? Other soundtracks worth mentioning? Leave 'em in the comments, people! Ciao for now.
3. 8 Mile
A movie starring Eminem is obligated to have a forceful, pounding soundtrack, starring Eminem as well. And 8 Mile certainly doesn't disappoint, with not only Eminem, but also 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Rakim, Nas, and many others contributing blistering rap songs to the soundtrack. 8 Mile rocks as hard as its star's premise promises, and its songs help to move along the tale of B-Rabbit.
2. The Lion King
Seriously, is there a single song from The Lion King that isn't good? You have to give Elton John credit for making the greatest Disney soundtrack of all time, bar none. Obvious choice? Yeah. But I also feel it's the right one. The chilling sinisterness of "Be Prepared". The unbridled optimism and fun of "I Just Can't Wait to Be King". The classic "Hakuna Matata". The Lion King truly is king when it comes to Disney music.
So, it takes a lot to top The Lion King. But I think that a soundtrack that has not one, but two of my favourite 80's jams deserves it. And there were a lot of rockin' 80's soundtracks. But this one, I feel, stands head and shoulders above the rest. Here it is, my number 1 pick for the best movie soundtrack:
1. Flashdance
Flashdance accomplished everything it said it would in the title; it was flashy, and it was dancey. And of course, this includes the soundtrack. Who doesn't like "Flashdance"? Not only that, but it also includes "Maniac", one of my other favourite songs from the 80's. Actually, '83 was just an all-around good year for music. And Flashdance's soundtrack was the centerpiece of it all. What a feeling!
And that's my list! Agree, disagree? Other soundtracks worth mentioning? Leave 'em in the comments, people! Ciao for now.
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