In the second semester of my first year, of my undergraduate degree in Behavioural Science we had been given very specific case studies that needed to be completed.  I still remember, for my Chaining Assignment, I opted to teach a pseudo client how to prepare a sandwich; not just any sandwich, a butter, peanut butter, strawberry jam, and hazel nut spread sandwich.  Truth be told, I would have also added cream cheese to it as well -- if it had been in my fridge. I am sharing this story for you to understand how it is that I write my reviews; on a myriad of occasions, I’ve explained that I do not write typical music reviews. I do appreciate everything associated with the genesis of a track from the moment it is a mere melody to being placed on streaming platforms like Apple Music or Spotify. I find that when I focus on the motion that the music evokes, I am more in touch with all the different components which housed the internal metallic cogs of a song. 

Now that being said, my sandwich anecdote was not written in vain; it goes back to my musical tastes and philosophy.  I have always said that I could go from Classical to Hard Rock to Pop to Rap Fusion to Contemporary in a picosecond.  The variety appeals to me, in the fashion that my sweet tooth still desires when I walk into ANY candy section -- regardless of the store. This week, I have decided to select five songs that are by no means similar to each other. The one thing that they have in common, they prompt me to want to sing the lyrics.  The moment I hear a song, if that song opens the door to my voice, it is an instant and intense love affair. 

James Droll, 434 

A fascinating intro that leads one into a rabbit hole of mystery with crisp notes. At about 0:47, the power of this song hits like a bunch of Looney Tunes black anvils being tossed in the sky for fun and then BOOM! The consistency in notes, completely in sympatico with each other. I don’t know if any of you have seen the adaptation of Puss in Boots with William Shatner, it is truly my favourite iteration; that was my first thought when I heard 434. The musically of this track hooks me at the beginning of each bar with a steadfast beat. It reminds me of a call and answer dance between two lovers, in this instance the lovers are the lyrics and instrumental segments, respectively. There is such a powerful consistency enmeshed in the melody. Like the call of a taiko drum or even a dance.  I feel the consistency of cadence, it sounds like the first note of each bar is emphasised with precision and purpose. 434 reminds me of a Celeration Chart, which basically means that there are so many components layered on top of each other, the best part of music blended together everywhere all at once; yet riddled with a true sense of precision that one cannot deny. There is a tranquility in the cleverly manipulated cadence throughout 434. As I mentioned before, 434 manifests the air of a tethered mystery of which I relish. Imagine a puppeteer, controlling a puppet, with strings of music chords, that is the best way I can explain how this song makes me react. 

Jared Harper, Picture

A genuinely sweet track, the vibe is playful. I would have to admit it is smile inducing, the lyrics of the track allow for such lush emotion encased imagery. I like the overall pace of Picture, from a music theory perspective, I feel that it is important to note that I felt three different tempos in this track the first is from 0:00 to 1:07 steady then pick up until 1:26, where the pace goes back to the original until the "oo" and “tell me baby” take over. Picture’s composition is nothing like Hopeless Devoted from the Musical Greece; however, for me it evokes the same emotion. (I am actually listening to Hopelessly Devoted to make sure that my comparison is accurate, I was right!) There is this quality to Picture that also reminds me of a romance from the days of old.  Where individuals longed from just the gaze of one picture, and love letters.  The imagery of a cemented moment in time, something printed, not digital; tangible, tactile – able to be held and hugged. This song makes me want to slow down and enjoy the simplicity of something like an image and a memory tethered to it. How it is purposeful within its intent. I would recommend that you listen to Picture while you are driving into sunset with your one true soulmate.  There is such a beautiful quietness that offers layers of complete shyness. 

Juice WRLD, The Light

I don’t know what it is about Emo RnB and all of the visions that come to my mind when I listen to this genre. How I know, with the first beat that a song is going to be truly impactful. I relish the consistency of this perfect metronome-maintained beat. I am such a fan of these kinds of melodies; you know those moments when quiet reflection ensues? It is in those times I will listen to my ultimate FAVOURITE — music fusion. It is remarkable, according to Bossi (2022) currently there are 3,000 unreleased Juice WRLD tracks have not yet seen the light of day. I have enjoyed Juice WRLD’s music from the very moment it was introduced to me by my husband and children. The lyrics in this one completely and utterly have hooked my heart through the thick part of the organ. The music and lyrics set me in a perpetual state of tears, not the sad kind – tears where you had no idea how much someone really loved you. As a Poet, I gravitate to the origin story that was the inception of a song; what happened for these lyrics to make their way to fruition. Can you imagine for a moment, loving someone so much that when they perish your soul will crumple and transmutate to ash, that type of eternal love is not an illusion.  It is one that is riddled with such a sense of acceptance and truth which radiate throughout The Light.

KAAZE, Why

Oh, hell yeah!  Stop doing what you are doing. Press play and listen to this Why right now; I have to be honest this specific section was quite difficult for me to write and focus on.  Not because I did not adore the music; quite the opposite, because, I literally had to get up and start dancing. In fact, I DARE you to listen and NOT dance.  Oh Goddess, how I ADORE Deep House; although I am listening to a digital recording on my Spotify, Why has the feel of old-world vinyl.  There is an authentic manic warmth to this song that beckons one to either hit the dance floor and enjoy, or simply have a drink with your true soulmate and talk about the impact of Why they entered your life in the first place.  The build up to the multiple Why’s in the centre at about 1:27 is so addictive to sing; this song captivated me in a fashion that is the best possible ear candy one could get. Ok, my obsession is tracks that discuss elements that were completely unplanned; because I think this component occupied throughout Why.  It is remarkable, if we as humans engaged in dialogues with those that we adore prior to them wrecking the relationship a lot of quarrels would never come to fruition. A myriad of surprise elements from musicality to tempo, to the honesty and vulnerability expressed in the lyrics make Why such a lush powerful track. Why was co-written by iLO (whose music I have had on endless repeat the last few weeks. LITERALLY!), Joe Keogh, Rhys Fletcher, and Lucan Mills. 

Jack Vallier, Insomnia

Funny story, a few months ago, I received a query for a private hire at The Camden Club, which we posted on socials and the website.  I could not believe that someone who I had on both my iTunes and Spotify (yes, I have both! I would honestly not have it any other way. What I like on Spotify, I equally like on iTunes.  ONE CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT MUSIC. And, plus if one goes down there is a backup!) The first song of Jack’s that I heard was “Change your Mind”, it has been on my play list since 2017.  When Insomnia came out back in March, I was champing at the bit to write a proper review. School had me tied up until recently. Insomnia breaks my heart with sincere emotive lyrics. I have to admit, the theme of love will never tire with me like ever, there is something about falling in love with someone, and finally letting them go when they’ve completely annihilated your core that is just simply painful. They never really disappear from our lives.  The guitar chords are beyond delicate yet powerfully placed. I think, with decades on this Earth I will always follow the course of the hopeless romantic. The memories of a tortured heart “are you still sleeping well, lying with someone else?”. The elements of a previous lover and the impact they have on one’s life post wreckage once they are gone. Pain will always ensure. 

Thank you for reading, please like, follow, share, and enjoy this week’s offering.