Today is the day everybody, Today is the last post of Seven Songs a Week. I began this blog as an assignment for class and it quickly began to become a hobby of mine. This blog didn't seem like work because I loved to talk about my favorite songs, I will say that blogging everyday is quite tedious though. I might have to start a "Five Songs a Week" or maybe even a "One Song a Week." All of my previous posts are still available to be read and always will be. You can follow me on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube for more pop culture opinions and just me in general. Before I go, I would like to share some stats about my posts.
Out of a total of 30 songs reviews...
The most common rating I gave to my song reviews was...
Today's song is from an upcoming album and era I am very excited for, today I am reviewing "Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat featuring SZA. I found out about Dojac Cat after she released her song "Mooo!" three years ago and I was hooked by the lyrics of the song and Cat's bodaciousness. I always appreciated Cat's ability to effortlessly fit on an feature and song. Her second studio album "Hot Pink" was one of the best albums from last year and fans are giddy for her next album, "Planet Her." Cat first teased "Planet Her" as the destination of her performance at The VMAS and eventually confirmed the title via twitter. It wouldn't be until last month in April that she would release the lead single.
Single Cover for "Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)
Doja Cat begins the song describing all the things her and her lover do together but she want him to well...kiss her more. Cat admires kissing more than she admires the love making and cuddling, Kissing is the first thing that somebody does, Cat even calls it "...principal..." but she wants more than just a peck. Cat wants a long wet tongue kiss she even shares "Boy, you write your name, I can do the same." as in the movement of their tongues and if that isn't obvious she sings "All on my tongue, I want it." Cat begins the next verse with the very direct phrase of "I feel like f------ somethin'" but that begins with a kiss, which she finds "...corny..." She wants to be koi at first but then she doesn't care because she wants her man. Cat once again mentions spelling out a name with "Sign first, middle, last on the wisdom tooth." The song turns into cunnilingus and how often Cat receives it. SZA begins her verse and says "give me a buck, need that gushy stuff" meaning she also need kissing and when she gets it, it feels like getting paid. She only wants kissing however, when asked to "...push the limit..." she tells her lover "...you ain't good enough." Her lovers really lover SZA but she doesn't love them back as spending time with them feels like "...jail." SZA describes how her body is a "...holy grail..." and how she's gonna leave the relationship because she knows her lover is lying to her. The song continues again with Cat's pleading.
The video for “Kiss Me More” truly brings out the concept of “Planet Her” and what it will be. We see a astronaut, played by Alex Landi, arriving on Planet Her after crash landing and ignoring his warning not to go to the planet. We see a silhouette of two woman with levitating balls and more of Landi walking aimlessly. He finds a a canoe and the sound of the Doja Cat’s voice. She rides the canoe as Doja and Sza are on a bed together. We see the giant Doja, she is pink and awesome. She distracts Landi and we see her in a mansion. She blows a kiss to Landi, he is dizzied with the beauty in front of him and in a tree as SZA begins her verse. SZA is on her own island where Cherry Blossoms are always in bloom. Landi reaches a mouth at the end of the river, sees a fruit, picks the fruit, eats it and is allowed access to enter the mouth. He wakes up stripped of his uniform in Cat’s and SZA’s shared bed and they begin to share him. By the end of the session, Landi notices that he’s disappearing. He finds himself in a pink cryogenic tube with the initial warning repeating as he wakes up. Cat and SZA are surrounded by other men in tubes as they play video games and eat snacks, mirroring Landi’s journey. SZA notices the new specimen and wonders what “earth” is, he tries to get their attention but they only have two words to say to him “Shut Up!”
I really like "Kiss Me More," the song may not have much meaning but it sounds great and is the perfect summer song. I have to admit that when I first heard this song, I wasn't too keen on it. It isn't necessarily lead single potential but it's cute.
I give "Kiss Me More" 4 sexy doctors on TV of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Kiss Me More"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Today's song a throwback to the 1980s with the legendary Ana Gabriel with her smash hit "Simplemente Amigos" which translates to "Just Friends." This is a song that Latinos would group into a category called "canciones de señora dolida" which translates to "songs of a hurt woman. Theses types of songs are typically power ballads with strong female voice singing about their pain, makes sense doesn't it? Latina moms will usually play theses songs when they are cleaning and my mom is not exception. My mom is always cleaning so these songs are always playing but that isn't a problem, I love these songs! There has always been a rumor on whether Ana Gabriel is a lesbian ever since the beginning of her career with the way she dresses and this song specifically, leading "Simplemente Amigos" to become a gay anthem. Ana Gabriel and Juan Gabriel were always rumored to be gay with neither confirming nor denying the claims. Juan Gabriel once responded to these claims with a simple statement that is still referenced to this day "...lo que se ve, no se pregunta..." which translates to "you don't ask about what you can see" or "you don't ask about the obvious." Ana Gabriel responded to her claims saying that she has never been seen with a woman in public but she is always surrounded by them, like her mother or sisters.
Album Cover for "Tierra de Nadie"
"Simplemente Amigos" was Gabriel's first single of her "Tierra de Nadie" (No Man's Land) and lyrically focuses on a forbidden relationship between her and a lover. Gabriel says that the way her relationship is hidden has become a day to day thing. Gabriel can't even speak to her lover in public and once they get suspicious, she says that they are "just friends." Gabriel feels something sparking but she must fake a goodbye at the end of the night. Gabriel wishes to scream her lover to the highest of heights but for now they can only be in and make love behind closed doors. After making their love Gabriel and her lover make more and she remembers what a shame it is that her lover isn't accepted. Gabriel describes the looks she and her lover give each other in public, they are saying anything but their look to each other speak a thousand words. Once again, people get suspicious but their "just friends." Gabriel repeats her desires to have a public relationship but she must keep it behind closed doors because her love just isn't accepted.
The video for “Simplemente Amigos” is first of all, very dated, but it follows Gabriel and her violin playing boyfriend. Gabriel walks down the streets wearing a headscarf and sunglasses, shielding her identity. They are showing in bed together with Gabriel’s earring in the violin case. The video continues with more violin playing, Gabriel hiding herself and glamour shots from her. Eventually, making it to the bedroom again. We see why Gabriel’s earring is in the case at the end because she throws it in their herself at the end.
I honestly believe that the song is about a lesbian relationship, what other kind of relationship would it be? It wouldn't be a Romeo and Juliet store because Gabriel and her lover seem to be of a legal age, legal age of consent is lower in Mexico even and I don't believe the Gabriels are feuding with any family. I really enjoy the potential lesbian representation in Mexican music as the Latino community can be very homophobic. The song isn't necessarily my cup of tea because I prefer some of Gabriel's more dramatic songs like "Quien Como Tu" or "Luna."
I give "Simplemente Amigos" 4.2 gay icons out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Simplemente Amigos"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Today's song is one of my favorite songs from my childhood, "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland. This song and era really is so interesting for me because Furtado created an entire new persona that was sexy and different from her bohemian self with "Whoa, Nelly!" or "Folklore." We would never really see this vivacious personality again as Furtado went back to her former sound after the "Loose" era. I remember listening to "Maneater" after my oldest brother told me how great it was and I was hypnotized the song and I kept listening to it. I would feel the same way when listening to "Promiscuous" with the back and forth between Furtado and Timbaland and of course, the hook. Timbaland apparently seemed to be the man behind Furtado's new image, sound and the production that turned this song into such an earworm.
Single Cover for "Promiscuous (feat. Timbaland)
The lyrics are a metaphorical ping pong game between our promiscuous subjects. Timbaland wants Furtado for the night but she won't budge. The iconic intro begins with Furtado asking Timbaland "Am I throwin' you off?" which he denies, allowing Furtado to act up. Timbaland begins to flirt with Furtado and notices she's all alone without a man. Furtado essentially tells him that he won't find a wife this late in the night and to give up. Timbaland knows because all he wants is a piece of Furtado. Furtado isn't surprised by that but she wants to know that if by morning, Timbaland will still respect her. Timbaland gives her a maybe and wonders why respect is such a big deal if she's alone. He's interested in her because she "[seems] so innocent" but Furtado wants to take her time with this relationship. The chorus begins and Timbaland reveals that her knows her reputation and isn't wanting more than a night with the "..promiscuous girl..." Furtado knows his reputation too and is primed and ready for the "...promiscuous boy..." Timbaland calls out the tease but Furtado doesn't care because she can play games all night.
Furtado begins with some poetry, flattering Timbaland and he flirts back. Furtado them says that she is out of Timbaland's league but her can still get some love if he can "...handle it..." Timbaland compare himself to Thomas Crown from "The Thomas Crown Affair" Furtado is pleased and wants them to get busy as soon as possible. Timbaland then responds how he wants to be in a relationship with her but she cheekily replies "...so does everybody else." Timbaland then lets Furtado know that the relationship can be secret while the sex life is public but this offends her as she asks "What kind of girl do you take me for?" Timbaland responds as the chorus begins again. Each of them realize what they've said by the bridge and are telling each other "Don't get mad, don't be mean." Timbaland tries to win her back and say he actual does want a relationship with Furtado but right now she just want him in her bed. Timbaland doesn't need any more explanation and teases Furtado as she's ready to take him for a ride. Timbaland and Furtado are matching vibes and melodies by the end of the song and we can imagine what happens at the end of the night
The video for "Promiscuous" isn't too special, it's exactly what you think it would like like though. The video features Furtado and Timbaland in the club dancing and speaking to different men and women with different colored scenes. Something I really like during the second verse is that they are calling each other on the phone, people always compare the song to a chat on the phone with Furtado and Timbaland even calling the song "The Blackberry Song" in reference to the phone popular at the time.
Timbaland is truly a god when it comes music production, he brought Furtado to a new extreme and was the background for music during the 2000s. It's a shame that Furtado never mad music like this again but music is forever and so is Furtado and "Loose."
I give "Promiscuous" 5 text messages out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Promiscuous"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Today, I am reviewing on of my favorite songs to come out of the "RuPaul's Drag Race" franchise and one of my favorite contestants from the show, Aja (who uses they/them pronouns). I have been following Aja on Instagram even before they were on my television and dressing in Harajuku fashion mixed with urban street wear. Aja finally got on TV on the ninth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and quickly become a fan favorite. Aja even went on to release ballroom and vogue music and an entire EP after they competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars". Both the show and EP "In My Feelings" find Aja in-between their former cute, cutthroat aesthetic and their new spiritual Santeria practitioners aesthetic. With their newer songs about their religion, They sample classic music about the gods, much to my and my mother's liking. My mother liked their song "Chango" so much that she used it as a ringtone. But that's for another day because today's song is "Ayo Sis"
EP cover for "In My Feelings"
"Ayo Sis" references their catchphrase on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and would eventually be used for anything Aja. "Ayo Sis" the song is about strong women throughout history and comparing themself to the women. Aja references their fans and how they are "multiplying" like "mitosis." Describing their fans as feminine, strong like "metal," genre and material. Aja also describes their fans feisty and ready to fight and the naming begins. Aja "...stay getting fly like Amelia..." referencing Amelia Earhart and Aja's swagger. "Cruising on these bitches, me llamo Celia." referencing the act of looking for anonymous sex and the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, although I don't think Aja is using the term "cruising" in this way. "Put my face on a coin...I’m Susan B" Aja once again brags about her importance while referencing the Susan B. Anthony who was put on the one dollar coin for her achievements. Aja then blends three lines referencing Nefertiti, former queen of Egypt. Tina Turner and Diana Ross. On the Nefertiti line, Aja references her status, their status and their career as they are all queens. Aja begins the next line mixing "Nefertiti" and "Tina" together as they get "turnt like a boss" referencing Turner's last name, partying and Diana Ross as she is the subject of the next line. "Leading The Supremes like my name Diana Ross" references Ross' career with The Supremes and American Horror Story as "The Supreme" is the head which. Aja leads the Supremes so they are above the highest rank. "Monroe, Kennedy, Hillary Clinton. I’m the first lady played by Tilda Swinton" references Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy and Hillary Clinton who are all very important women in political history. Tilda Swinton is an important groundbreaking actor. "I’m winning, I’m Venus and Serena." referencing Venus Williams, Serena Williams are their achievements in tennis. "Latina señorita imma channel Miss Selena." is a nod to Selena Quintanilla and Aja's latinx identity. "Imma put a spell on you, Annie Lennox or Nina" references Aja's Santeria and "I Put a Spell on You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Both Annie Lennox and Nina Simone have covered "I Put a Spell on You" in their own styles. Aja ends the verse referencing their wealthy and the former name of singer, Marina. The chorus is mostly Aja continuing the party and shouting out their fans with an "Ayo sis"
Aja is "...just getting started..." with the "...chase..." cause their "...winning the race." Aja then again references more women, starting with Laila Ali, the famous boxer. "...I’m a knockout." references the Ali's career and her and Aja's beauty. "Doing big things for a beauty school dropout." references the song from the musical Grease and the fact that Aja dropped out of high school to do drag. Aja continues referencing beauty with reality tv star and singer, Amara La Negra. After referencing the poet Sappho, Aja slickly references her feud on "RuPaul's Drag Race" with another drag queen named Valentina. During an argument with Valentina, she calls her Linda Evangelista sarcastically, she references the fight with the line "Why would I be Linda when I could just be Naomi?" as in Naomi Campbell. "I could be Wonder Woman dipping on them like Leiomy" referencing the DC Comic and the Leiomy Maldonado who is known as the "Wonder Woman of Vogue." Aja continues the dance references stating that their a "Bad gyal, me gwan wine like Rihanna." speaking in Jamaican Patois, as Rihanna is Caribbean and essentially saying that they are going to dance like her. "A dangerous woman fifty shades of Ariana" references Ariana Grande and her album "Dangerous Woman" and the book "Fifty Shades of Grey." "Chilling with Lupita mujer afro-mexicana" is referencing Aja's status once again about how they are friends with Lupita Nyong'o and her Latina identity. Aja continues flaunting their status and how their "Hot saucing with Beyoncé..." while referencing her Lemonade album. Aja then references the Nicki Minaj and Cardi B feud with finishing off the verse stating how their changing the world like Marsha P. Johnson.
The final verse is Aja defending their gender and sexuality. Aja calls themself a "...feminist f----- with a lot of sex appeal." Aja shares the criticism they receive during their come up but silences the haters stating their "making so much money that [their] cash flow is obscene." Aja continues to brag but they don't think they are referencing their song "I Don't Wanna Brag" and finishes the song with how much women inspires them.
Aja released the video for "Ayo Sis" as a double feature with "B---- I'm Kawaii." Aja wasn't sure which video to make a video for and after being inspired by Missy Elliot, Aja decided to release two in one. "Ayo Sis" is the second part of the feature, They wake up in their bed after the nightmare that is "B---- I'm Kawaii." Their girlfriend asks them if anything is wrong but Aja just tells her that it was a bad dream. The video begins with Aja out of drag with them in bed with their girlfriend or clips of her on a rooftop with their girlfriend. The second verse begins showcases Aja in drag with their boyfriend in bed and at the same rooftop party at night. Near the end, clips from the "B---- I'm Kawaii" are cut in between
I really appreciate when a "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestant is good at their craft, there are very few contestants that are good at singing or rapping and Aja is one of them. I also really appreciate the duality between Aja and their imagery because with drag artists, it's usually in drag or out but Aja does both. Aja doesn't really do drag anymore but the music still hits. My favorite Aja project continues to be their first album "Box Office." I also really appreciates a song that lists people like "Just Playing" by The Notorious B.I.G. and "Barbie Dreams" by Nicki Minaj
I give "Ayo Sis" 4.5 strong women out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Ayo Sis"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Today's request is something that is was very happy to see, the revival of pop rock. Along with Machine Gun Kelly, Willow is bring back the 1990s or 2000s with her new song "Transparent Soul." I've always been interested in Willow since "Whip My Hair" because that was one of my favorite song growing up, along with "21st Century Girl" and "Fireball." I always thought that Willow was talented, she got a Nicki Minaj feature at the age of eleven and was one of the first people to collab with SZA. Most of her juvenilia has been deleted for in favor of her new, edgy and mysterious image.
Single Cover for "Transparent Soul (feat. Travis Barker)
"Transparent Soul" is Willow arguing with a lover because she knows of the lies she's been told. Willow begins with "I don't...know if’s a lie or it's a fact." to whatever she's been told by her lover. Willow knows about the lies through her lover's friends after bribing them. Willow describes how her lover makes her feel and warns her lover to "...[run] like The Flash." once she sees her lover. Willow then calls her lover, fake, untrustworthy and a "snake" which reminds her of someone she's met before. Willow knew something was going on with her lover as he has a "transparent soul" and she lets him know "I can see right through." Willow is still questioning her relationship once again saying "I don't...know if it's paradise or it's a trap." The relationship is going too well and Willow wonders "they're treating me like royalty, but is it kissin' a--?" Willow knows that her lover did something wrong and so does she so she wonders why her lover treats her this way. Willow then calls her lover "...vain..." and "...a pain..." like another girl she once knew and everyone can see her lover's ways. Willow once again knew something was going on with her lover as she has a "transparent soul" and she lets him know "I can see right through." By the bridge, Willow realizes what is happening in the relationship and why she's treated the way she is, her lover is scared of her.
I really loved this song and I am very glad that this sound is coming back. Apparently, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as Jada Pinkett-Smith created rock and metal music back in the 1990s with her metal band Wicked Wisdom. This songs reminds me alot of Knockout by Lil Wayne and early Paramore. I really hope that pop rock comeback and be led by people of color and by the looks of it, that is indeed the case. "Transparent Soul" doesn't have a music video but it does have a "performance video" which I will link below alone with some of my other favorite pop rock songs by people of color.
Today we've got another song about a bad relationship, I swear this isn't on purpose but it's not a bad theme. This song deserves way more recognition than it gets because it and the artist are so ethereal and talented, today's song is "Orbit" by Nao. Yet another artist I found from COLORSxStudios, Nao hypnotized me with her voice and lyrics that I just had to listen to her second studio album, Saturn, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2019.
Album Cover for "Saturn"
I believe that "Orbit" is about Nao beginning a new relationship but her form relationship is still hurting her. The song is Nao speaking to new or potential lover on, what I believe, is a date. "It's just you, it's just me. I lost you in dreams." references how it just Nao and the date and how she's been lead astray by her ex as dreaming about being lost can be considered that. "Please don't catch, let me break into pieces of hate. Still I'm soaring." This lyric can reference the title and theme of being dumped or being released into orbit. The date has become all about as Nao's ex as she says how its "...kind of sad..." how her date reminds her of her "...love that [she] once knew..." Nao can see how the date is going as knows it isn't going well so the lyric goes to "...you remind me of a love who outgrew me too." Nao drops the chorus with "he released me into orbit" referencing how alone and far away from the rest of the world when the relationship ends. Nevertheless, Nao "...found a way to navigate..." to her current courter. Nao still talks about her ex in the second verse, she describes the way her ex broke up with her. The breakup took place at midnight after a dinner after a romantic vacation as their is mention of a hotel and, well, midnight. The ex might not have any money as he says "Please pay my bills before you lose your head over heels" which I take as Nao's ex dropping the news as they are leaving the restaurant or hotel. Nao's ex doesn't seem to be the sympathetic type either with lyrics like "Take care you don't slip to a new realm" as he underplays Nao's feelings and his nihilistic claims of "...I release you...I don't need [you.] If I lose you, I lose you. You can give me the voodoo." Nao's ex then quotes D'angelo saying "how does it feel?' before releasing her into orbit, as if he didn't know. Something I really liked about this verse is the distorted effect and lower register that Nao sings this, portraying a masculine voice and strange, demented aura around it.
The bridge is what I believe to be everything that Nao said to her ex while broken up "Please don't say you're desertin'....Don't leave me revolving....Please don't lie like the last time...Left me barely holding on...Won't do this again." I can't help but think this has happened before, the entire song and date. This makes me think that Nao will usually take about her former lovers driving away her current lovers but it could also be seen as her pleading with her ex. After another pre-chorus and chorus, Nao ends the song with the reason she is on the date because, as she puts it, "I gravitate to you."
I'm not sure if I guessed the correct meaning because the song is not what I thought it was, the lyrics make it seem that Nao has a habit of being overdramatic and a chatterbox. The song is great though and so is Nao's voice. This song never received an official video but it did receive a COLORSxStudios video and a live performance video which I will link below.
I give "Orbit" 4.5 mentions of space out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Orbit"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Keeping with the accidental theme of bad breakups and relationships, We have "Beetlejuice" by Mariah the Scientist. "Beetlejuice" has quickly become one of my favorite new school R&B songs because of how poetic the lyrics are and Mariah's seductively sweet voice. I also really like Mariah's name and the song's name, Mariah's name coming from the fact that she studied to be a biologist before dropping everything to move to Atlanta to make music and the song title referencing the 1988 film of the same name.
Single Cover for "Beetlejuice"
Mariah sets the song up as an arguement between her and her ex after his help becomes toxic, much like Betelgeuse in the film. Mariah describes the relation as "bittersweet" and how it began professionally as they were each other's muse but her ex eventually broke her heart or "...[painted her] blue." Mariah possibly received a tattoo with her ex on Jamaica Avenue, which is a shopping district in New York and it may have been worth it because Mariah tells her ex that "You make me feel what no other man could do." "Lust and desire. You lure me to the flame" Mariah references two of the seven deadly and how her ex leads her to "[his] fire," referencing the devil and further concluding that her ex isn't a good person. Her ex proposes marriage to "...Miss Mariah..." "With [his] last name" saying "it might sound a little nicer." Mariah credits her ex's charisma or "game" but she then warns the ladies listening that "he always wanna play" alluding his cheating and an actual game. Mariah loves her ex but knows that he isn't a good partner as he can "...take [her] to [her] grave." Mariah then mentions her ex lying to her and his sacreligious apology of "even Jesus forgave" gaslighting Mariah, making her seem the bad guy and she does resulting in her and him making love. The two lovers listen to Frank Ocean's second album "Blonde," specifically "Godspeed." "Godspeed" is a song which where Ocean wishes his ex the best after a relationship, which Mariah finds ironic as she doesn't nor does she believe her ex does. "Then you'll take me to the peak of your mountain and then you'll tell me to drink from your fountain" refers to the fact that Mariah's ex only gets to his climax and doesn't wait for Mariah to reach it. Mariah begins to realize the wrongdoings and calling it "...silly..." and "...weak..." of how he "...[did her] wrong..." but she'll "...buy [his] excuses..." and her father gives her some advise to not play dumb and end the relationship before anything new happens because he can only imagine how she'll be with new news if she's still made at old stuff. Mariah remembers the time in Atlanta where she saw her ex with a new woman without her knowledge. Mariah felt like that she was on an "isolated planet" and "[she'd] rather die than be abandoned by [him]." Mariah loved her ex for who he was as he didn't have any money only "sugar" and "honey" but if her ex never loved her, she doesn't care because she remembers that everything he did to her.
The video for "Beetlejuice" features Mariah the Scientist cosplaying as Betelgeuse with her projector against the world. Her Jamaica Avenue tattoo is clearly visible in the video within the first 30 seconds of the video. The way the video is shot mirrors the way the Betelgeuse is shot in the original film. I particularly enjoy the shot of Mariah with the lyrics projected on to her because besides it being a striking image, The lyrics add up with the lyrics being sung at the moment.
I'm surprised on how much the song deals with religious themes as well and how little it deals with "Beetlejuice" even if it is the song's namesake. I really like how she only says "Beetlejuice" three times, referencing how someone needs to say his name three times to summon him. This song is so beautiful and so is Mariah's voice, its a shame that she doesn't really make music after being called out for her support of Tory Lanez after he shot Megan Thee Stallion that resulted in her deleting her Twitter account. All i can hope is for her to apologize and release another album.
I give "Beetlejuice" 4.7 cult classics out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Beetlejuice"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Today, we have another Lady Gaga song. This song is the one that made me become a lifetime fan over because of the dread the song and video give off, Today I am reviewing Paparazzi. This song reached the Top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and is a top five pop song in my opinion. I remember watching this video the day it came out and being so shocked by the amount of death in the video and the VMA performance that came before it. I remember watching the performance and being so shocked by the beginning with Gaga speaking "Amidst all of these flashing lights, I pray the fame won't take my life" and I instantly understood that she was speaking on fame and how it treats its stars. This idea would go on to become a sort of thesis statement for Gaga's career. I would also like to issue a content warning. The following article contains mention of blood, abuse, death and suicide.
One of the Single Covers for "Paparazzi"
In an interview, Gaga described "Paparazzi" "[a struggle of] balance [in] success and love." Gaga begins the song by describing herself as the paparazzi or "crowd" and she's "c-comin' out" out a relationship. With the new relationship Gaga continues the paparazzi metaphors stating how she "got [her] flash on..." and how she "[needs] that picture of you..." with "you" being the new lover. The relationship should be "...magical..." and "...fantastical..." like a picture from the paparazzi should be. Gaga then mentions "leather and jeans" which would become an iconic look for her and she would call it "garage glamorous" but she's "not sure what it means. Gaga once again describes herself as a paparazzi with the way she follows her lover "...until [her lover] loves [her]..." and this isn't the best way to describe a relationship as the relationship between paparazzi and celebrities are very toxic. Gaga loves her "...boy..." and "...[promise she'll] be kind." and won't stop until he is her's, not unlike a paparazzi trying to get the shot. Gaga then compares herself as a groupie with "I'll be your girl backstage at your show...'cause you're my rock star." The relationship seems to go sour with the "...shadow..." being "...burnt..." which references a used piece of film and Gaga's "purple teardrops" which could either be joy or sadness. The lyric "Loving you is cherry pie" has become a sort of double entendre for Lady Gaga fans. The lyric means that loving her man is easy but she needs to be careful because the mess pie can make, Gaga fans believe that Lady Gaga has an allergy to cherries which makes the relationship toxic. The lyric would be excellent if not for the fact that there is no source claiming that Gaga is allergic to cherries, all I can find is a tweet from a Lady Gaga fan twitter. Gaga and her man dance during the bridge and even though the relationship is fake or "plastic," they "still have fun"
The video from "Paparazzi" begins Gaga's short films as videos and is one of my personal favorites. We begin outside viewing a beautiful mansion and it’s garden. Eventually, we are in the mansion viewing it’s flowers and architecture. Gaga is in a room speaking French with her lover, played by Alexander Skarsgård. It is a very passionate and gawdy scene as Gaga is surrounded by luxury items. The action moves to the balcony where we see someone taking pictures of Gaga and Skarsgård. Gaga becomes frightened and asks Skarsgård to let her go and he does, off of the balcony. We then get some glamour shots of Gaga as she becomes farther and farther in front of a spiral, referencing "Vertigo" by Alfred Hitchcock. before reaching the bottom in a bloody mess surrounded by paparazzi trying to get the shot. We then transition by newspaper as we see Gaga coming out of a limousine needing a wheelchair. The song begins as her servants help her. Cut between the entire video are shots of Gaga on a couch singing the song. Also between the scenes are flashing images of dead models in glamorous crime scenes , following the very glamorous and gawdy nature of the video. Gaga begins to walk using a brace in a golden metallic bodysuit while more servants and dead models appear. Suddenly, a group of people, known as, Snake of Eden, appear on the couch with Gaga and they begin to make out as we see more models. The next scene is Gaga dancing with dancers in a ballroom as she wears a ruffled bodysuit.
During the bridge we find Gaga in front of flashing lights with with dogs who were prominent in this era of her career as we see more models. The chorus comes back and so does Gaga and Skarsgård. A maid offers refreshments to the unhappy couple. Once the maid leaves, Gaga goes to pour her and Skarsgård a drink, poisoning him in the process. He notices and dies, Gaga makes a sarcastic shocked face at the camera before leaving her glasses on Skarsgård and a confession to the police. Time passes and the police arrives. The following scene shows Gaga being escorted by the police while the paparazzi continue to follow her, she wavea goodbye and the video ends with Gaga’s snooty mugshot. The video actually has a sequel in the form of the “Telephone” music video.
I've already explained how much I love this song and the video but I don't think enough could be said about either. I do find it a bit strange that Gaga glamorizes and appropriates disability however.
I give "Paparazzi" 5 tragic celebrity stories out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Paparazzi"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Today's song is a very interesting one, This song broke the record for the most Spotify streams in a single day, debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and has a whole bunch of drama behind it. I was drawn to "Driver's License" after seeing everybody on Twitter and TikTok talking about how good and raw it is. When I saw the video for the first time, I was brought somewhere and instantly fell in love with the song. I thought it was so much emotion for a first love, especially for a 17 year old but i'll never know Rodrigo's ex like she did.
Single Cover for "Driver's License"
The story behind "Driver's License" is the ending of Rodrigo's relationship with fellow "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" cast member, Joshua Bassett. It was always rumored that Rodrigo and Bassett were dating during the filming of their TV show because of their great chemistry. Bassett eventually released a song titled "Common Sense," which many believed was about Rodrigo but Bassett contradicted the claims after the music video for his "Anyone Else." Many people also believed "Anyone Else" was about Rodrigo until the video portrayed Bassett's love interest as blonde with long nails. People began to think that Sabrina Carpenter and Bassett were in a relationship, which was further confirmed after the two were seen lunching together and spending Halloween together. Everything would be revealed on January 8th 2021 when Rodrigo released "Driver's License"
Rodrigo begins the song describing how she gained her license, which was something Rodrigo and Bassett always wanted to celebrate together as driving was something intimate that they did together. Instead of joy, Rodrigo feels despair. Rodrigo describes her drive as she "...drove through the suburbs. Crying 'cause you weren't around," "you" being Bassett. The second verse is the most controversial verse of the song. "you're probably with that blonde girl, Who always made me doubt. She's so much older than me She's everything I'm insecure about." Many believe this verse reference Carpenter as she is blonde and four years older than Rodrigo. Other people believe that "blonde" was used so the song flowed better. Even though Rodrigo and Bassett "we weren't perfect" she couldn't imagine ever loving someone else. She then wonder what's going through Bassett's mind as she "just can't imagine how [he] could be so okay now that [she] gone." "Guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me" references "Anyone Else" and how Rodrigo believes Bassett's song is meaningless because "'Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street" Rodrigo sings. Rodrigo's friends seem to be neutral about the whole situation as she describes that "...all my friends are tired of hearing how much I miss you..." but she knows that "they'll never know [him] the way that [she does]." The part that follows is my favorite part, the bridge. "Red lights, stop signs" referencing the ending of Rodrigo's relationship. Rodrigo describes her feelings with "Can't drive past the places we used to go to? 'Cause I still...love you..." and "God, I'm so blue, know we're through." Rodrigo remember all of the good times and places she had with Bassett but "[he] said forever, now [she drives] alone past [his] street."
The video for "Driver's License" released the same day that the song did. The video has the bedroom pop aesthetic with it's D.I.Y. video and dark lighting. The dark lighting and empty road show how lonely Rodrigo is without Bassett. Rodrigo walks down his street, alone, she stands by a lamp pole, alone and remembers some memories resulting in her realizing that she is all alone. More clips of Rodrigo alone follow throughout the video. One of my favorite things in a music video is when the visuals match the lyric, beside the obvious shots of Rodrigo in a car or walking alone, we see Rodrigo singing to herself in the dark and Rodrigo hanging out of a moving car with her head blowing in the wind which is my favorite shot.
I really appreciate "Driver's License" for its emotion and sound. I also really love the bridge. However, The lyrics aren't that compelling and the relationship seems very one-sided which makes the relationship seemed destined to end.
I give "Driver's License" 4.1 vague songs targeting vague people out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Driver's License"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Today's song is my favorite song from one of my favorite new school rapper, Rico Nasty. Rico Nasty is a Washington D.C. based rapper, who i love so much. I love how she is so effortless in mixing metal and Hip-Hop, a genre that Nasty calls "Sugar Trap." I first found out about Rico Nasty when I watched her video for her hit single "Poppin" and its accompanying Genius Verified video. I fell in love with Nasty's vivaciousness, attitude, sound, fashion and her covers for "Key Lime OG" and "Sugar Trap 2." The covers consisted of child-like anime drawings of Nasty, which reminded me of art that would also be on YouTube lyric videos or burned on CDs as the album cover for when we used to do that. I never seen anybody embrace this kind of art, nor have I heard anybody mix rap and metal while making it still sound cutesy and feminine.
Single Cover for "Roof"
"Roof" is a stand-alone single released on January 29th, 2019 and the lyrics are not too complex. "Roof" deals with money, status, haters all while Nasty drives her car. Nasty's starts "Roof" referencing Batman and his Batmobile because her car looks like it and people call her "Rico Bruce" because of it, as Batman's true name is Bruce Wayne. Nasty shares how her coupe is a Drop Top, referencing the roof in "Roof" and she doesn't commit with the lyric "It's a new day, I need me a new boo." Nasty then "[counts] blue faces," referencing the color of the 100 dollar bill. After referencing the dollar bill, Nasty references another blue symbol which is Blue from "Blue's Clues" Nasty threatens the listener and once again shares her wealthy status with her diamonds and how she's "ballin' on em, Calliou" referencing other children's show and how "ballin'" sounds like balding. Nasty continues the verse speaking on her beauty, drug use and how the person she is speaking too sleeps around a lot as she calls them a "rollercoaster" because they always get ridden. Nasty tells her hater to get a job and to stop worrying about her job, which she is very good at. However, Nasty does give her hater some advice on how men should treat her with respect if she will sleep with them. The chorus is Nasty reiterating her status and how she doesn't care about her hater because she sleeps around. Nasty continues bragging about her money and status with showing her body while people are mad at her, she doesn't care however because she's "smilin' on my way to the bank like I just walked out the dentist." She threatens her hater once again while also while talking about her success. The rest of the song is essentially just more flaunting and threats.
The lyrics may be problematic and slut-shaming but where the song really shines is with the video. The video begins with a computerized head and voice recalling "the ballad of Rico Nasty." Nasty paints herself as a sort of god or deity while the voice claims that "She shall one day walk among our mortal coil. To bring forth light to the nasty mob..." which the name of her fanbase. Luckily, the video portrays the day that Nasty has risen while tribal women await her arrival in a desert. After arriving via comet, Prophet Rico Nasty begins her ballad. After the first scene, we see archive footage of pageant contestants followed by Nasty tearing through the image metaphorically and literally. To match the "I look good in every angle," Nasty is in a sort of security room but all the cameras are footage are of her. What follows is Rico Nasty in various vaporwave-like locations and outfits cut with Nasty in godly images like her in the sunlight while people bow to her.
In hindsight, this song probably wasn't the best to dissect but I just love it and Nasty so much, this song should have definelty should have been part of her mix-tape "Anger Management." I remember watching the video for "Roof" everyday because it was just so striking and awesome. The video is still her best one in my opinion and the song lyrics bother me a little after realizing how much slut-shaming there is, but one may consider it to just be something mean to say to something you don't like. I recommend checking out other songs like "iPhone," "OHFR?" and "Rojo" which are some of my other favorites if you enjoyed Nasty's sound.
I give "Roof" 4.3 Genius Verified videos out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Roof"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
Take Care,
Jonathan
Single Cover for "Key Lime OG (feat. Shy Glizzy) [Remix]"
Today's Song is "Praying" by Kesha. "Praying" is Kesha's first release after four years since her lawsuit against her former producer and head of Kemosabe Records, Dr. Luke. Kesha sued Luke for sexual abuse and battery among other things and to be released from her contract with him. Unfortunately, Kesha's lawsuit, first appeal and second appeal were all denied in court as for a lack of evidence and, according to the judge, Kesha acting "unreasonably” and that “every rape is not a gender-motivated hate crime." With the help of artists like Zedd and the social movement of #FreeKesha, Luke would be dropped as head of Kemosabe Records and Kesha would continue releasing music with his termination.
Single Cover for "Praying"
"Praying" is an open letter to Luke and how Kesha feels for him and what she hopes happens to him in the long run. Kesha begins the song by addressing the gaslighting and bullying she faced from Luke. Kesha continues with "...after everything you've done, I can thank you for how strong I have become" because Luke "...’brought the flames...put [her] through hell." Kesha "had to learn how to fight for [herself]" and what I interpret has her saying that she hasn't told the half of what Luke has done with "we both know all the truth I could tell." Kesha hopes that Luke is praying for his forgiveness and that he changes as a person and finds peace, because she can't. Kesha then states that she is proud of who she is, even after Luke's relentless body shaming and her visit to rehab. Kesha continues describing how ugly she felt after Luke's statements about songwriters wouldn't give Kesha songs because of her weight. "I found a strength I’ve never known" sings Kesha "I’ll bring thunder, I'll bring rain..." and how when she's finished, Luke's career will be over. Kesha sings the pre-chorus and chorus once again before crossing the bridge. "...sometimes I pray for you at night...Someday, maybe you'll see the light" Kesha explained these lyrics in an interview saying that "If you’re resentful, that’s like drinking poison, and it does nothing to
the other person, it’s just like you’re poisoning yourself. So it’s
really the best thing can do, is just forgive and heal and move on." However, Kesha does hope for payback because "...some things only God can forgive." before letting out a scream full of pain. Kesha repeats then chorus with the most emotion so far and ends the song on a bittersweet tone.
The video for "Praying" begins with Kesha lying in a coffin, referencing her career at the time and the pain she went through. Kesha describes her state of being with a monologue "Am I dead? Or is this one of those dreams...that
seem like they last forever? If I am alive, why? If there is a God or...something, somewhere, why have I been abandoned...What is the
lesson? What is the point? God, give me a sign, or I have to give up. I
can’t do this anymore. Please just let me die. Being alive hurts too
much." We see Kesha on what seems to be a broken boat in the middle of the ocean, laying motionlessly and referencing her feeling of abandonment. The song starts as Kesha leaves a sort of dressing room. to go to the Salvation Mountain. The rest of the video contains religious imagery in a sort of Baquiat-like while Kesha evades, prays and plays piano.
I was so shocked to find out that Kesha because I thought that she had won and I was a big supporter of #FreeKesha. It's great to see that Kesha is back and making music for all of us to enjoy once again, Unfortunately, so is Dr. Luke. Dr. Luke, sometimes known as Tyson Trax, continues working in the music industry for newcomers like Saweetie, Doja Cat and Kim Petras but today is about Kesha and not Luke. "Praying" is such a great song, I love how it oozes emotion and it truly deserved the Grammy over "Shape of You." The "Rainbow" era was such a great one and I wish that Kesha still made music like it but I'll always be able to listen to it so, no big deal.
I give "Praying" 4.9 beautifully sung ballads from pop stars out of 5
I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Praying"? Leave a comment and a request for Saturday down below.
I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.
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