Exciting, isn't it? This isn't a review of an album, rather a review of several songs a good friend of mine asked me to review. I'd like to thank him here for advertising and helping me get started. Without further ado, the reviews!
1. Remember the Name by Fort Minor
This track is pretty iconic by now, and the music video is sick. Mike Shinoda's the guy from Linkin Park who deals some pretty sweet raps and has some great lyrics. Now, the song starts with the famous riff, a synthesized strings riff that complements the beat of the music very nicely. Mike begins his line with rapid fire rhythmic delivery; he doesn't waste a single word before it transfers to his contributors, Tak and Ryu. The narration of the lyrics is probably the most intriguing aspect of the song, with each rapper adding his own take on the rap business and life in general. The overarching theme of the song is pretty evident in the hard hitting chorus. It ain't easy to be a rapper, and it takes a lot of work, and Mr. Shinoda and company get that out loud and clear. Mike's lyrics are a call to the modern generation of rappers. He knows that real rap isn't about the salary and the girls. It's about the music and the message. Where Fort Minor lacks in originality and complexity, they make up for it with lyrical taste and sense of rhythm.
2. Hands Held High by Linkin Park
You know, when I began listening to music, I was just like every teenager; I loved Linkin Park. Though I've grown away from the band, it was nice to listen to this song again from an objective viewpoint, and not as a fanboy.
This song is lyrically deep, if musically a bit dull. The dynamics of the song are lackluster in that the instrumental and melodic content is emotionally vapid. Linkin Park have largely left the days of intense choruses and emotional, grinding music, focusing on a more smooth, subdued, and somber sound. As a fan of the band, I disliked the change, but I cannot deny that it worked well here.
Hands Held High is lyrically astounding. Mike Shinoda is truly a man of the times, and he calls out to every American in this song eulogizing the sacrifices the military has made, arguably for no justifiable cause. But I'm not going into the politics, let's stick to music.
"These f***ers are laughing their way to the bank and cashing the check/Asking you to have some compassion and have some respect"
This small fragment beautifully summarizes the lyrical content of the song. Excellent work, Mr. Shinoda.
3. Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake
I'll admit I'm not a pop fan... like at all. But I've been objective here, or at least I think so.
The song started pretty promisingly, with an atmospheric electronic riff. The lyrics of the song detail a betrayal of love and the fallout of a relationship, but the music is a bit incongruous with the lyrical theme.
After the opening, the typical synthetic sounds and electronic effects kick in, giving a very sleazy sound that leads the listener to think that this will be some sort of jaunty exploit. But the lyrics emphasize completely different emotions, emotions of bitterness, betrayal, satisfaction, and vengeance. Naturally, this disparity leads to a very unconnected and odd feel for the song.
Timberlake is a unique and talented singer, but I feel like his sincerity was lost within his desire to experiment. The falsetto backing vocals and whiny vocals fading in and out give a very poor picture and have little emotional appeal. The best part of the song vocally was the end, where Timberlake shows some vulnerability with soft falsetto whimpers.
In conclusion, an ambitious song that attempts to be experimental, but falls sharply into mediocrity.
4. Paparazzi by Lady Gaga
Even I, a grunge rock fan, must concede that Lady Gaga has a fantastic voice. I recall reading that she had said she would have sung metal if it was popular, and I can't help but express some regret she sold out for the popular genre.
But in any case, personal opinions aside, I found this track to be mediocre. The lyrics are interesting enough, but I feel like the song could have had a more eerie and intense feel. Lyrics about fame and groupies go well with dark music (Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and Dirty Diana are good examples).
Gaga, however, goes for a pseudo stoner pop style of music, with an almost psychedelic feel to it. It works out fairly well (personally I enjoyed that approach, despite the lyrical incongruity), but it is greatly offset by the obnoxious beats, which should have been much more subtle to fit the airy feel of the overall music. The song is also extremely repetitive, with almost no melodic variation throughout. These flaws send Paparazzi from the realm of impressive to slightly above average.
5. Valentine by Kina Grannis
For those of you who know me, I think you'll be surprised that I thought this song was pretty good. It was short, simple, and didn't sacrifice an ounce of melody. In other words, it's a textbook classic pop song. Though it lacks originality, and the lyrics are unremarkable, it proves to be a melodic listen that was enjoyable. Great song for easy listening or just chilling.
6. Hello Seattle by Owl City
Let me tell you how much I despise autotune before I begin this review.
I find it to be an insult to the beautiful art of singing, which is an amazing method of emotional expression. The fact that Owl City uses this automatically takes them down in my book. However, I commend them for keeping the autotune bearable and listenable. It's a lot more than I can say for Brokencyde.
Subjectivity aside, the song focuses heavily on the melody and the congruence of the melody with the music, and it does this well. Both meshed together in a tight web of light, easy, accessible music. Though there is little variation in the melody, there is enough to keep it interesting, which is more than I can say for many songs I hear on the radio. Overall, a pretty good song.
7. Climax by Usher
I dislike Usher, but this song was extraordinary. The lyrics are mediocre, but if you look past that, the song is remarkable among most modern pop music.
The atmospheric synth and electronic music suits the song perfectly, fueling it along at a steady pace that builds the listener up emotionally. Usher's singing is emotional and absolutely beautiful at points, where he shows his inner weaknesses and need for comfort. I was quite surprised that he had such good control over his voice as he glides effortlessly up to emotional falsetto notes. This song is a smashing success for pop music.
8. Dance to This Song by KevJumba
To be honest, there isn't much to review here. This song is designed as a pure dance song, and it succeeds there, with repetitive lyrics and catchy electronic twists and beats. So, as a dance song, it does a great job.
9. Maplestory Start Music
This song is chill. Like, really chill. You know I was expecting some corny video game junk, but this is great. Just chill music with some pretty interesting melodic variation and really subtle dynamics.
10. River Flows In You by Yiruma
Who hasn't heard this song? Sheer piano virtuosity, identified by its simplicity but intense melodic expression. There is endless subtle melodic variation which is anchored from losing control by an easily identifiable "chorus" of sorts. The main melody is instantly recognizable and invigorates multiple emotions within a listener's soul at one time. Beyond melody, the sense of dynamics is impeccable, and truly blows me away. There is a reason this is one of the most iconic songs of all time.
11. Forgetting the Past by George Shaw
Nice, relaxing song. The piano is complemented very nicely by the wind instrument that lingers subtly in the background.
12. Little Fighter 2 Soundtrack Main Menu
Pretty sick riff with some nice guitar and organ work. The drum beat is pretty annoying, mostly because the instrument seems to have a very flat tone, but the guitar solo that kicks in about thirty seconds in is melodic and rocking at the same time. The guitar trades off melodic roles with the organ every few phrases, giving a versatile and agile melodic sound to the track. The dynamics build very nicely throughout the track, and it does not fail to entertain.
So, that was it. My first review.
I feel accomplished for once...
