Friday: Nao - Orbit

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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.

 

Take Care,

Jonathan

NAO – Orbit Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Thursday: Mariah the Scientist - Beetlejuice

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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.

 

Take Care,

Jonathan 

 

 

Mariah the Scientist – Beetlejuice Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Mariah the Scientist Releases “Beetlejuice” - RCA Records

Wednesday: Lady Gaga - Paparazzi

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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.

 

Take Care,

Jonathan 

Lady Gaga - 2009 VMA Performance from UVPHACTORY on Vimeo.

Fun fact: The “Loving you is cherry pie” line in Paparazzi is a metaphor for sickening love because Lady Gaga is allergic to cherries 🍒

— Gaga Daily (@gagadaily) April 3, 2015

 

Lady Gaga Chart History | Billboard

Lady Gaga – Paparazzi Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Tuesday: Olivia Rodrigo - Driver's License

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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.

 

Take Care,

Jonathan 

Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' and teen-girl melodrama - Los Angeles Times

Olivia Rodrigo | Instagram Live Stream | 7 January 2021 | IG LIVE's TV

Olivia Rodrigo – ​drivers license Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Monday: Rico Nasty - Roof

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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]"

Album Cover for "Sugar Trap 2"

Rico Nasty – Roof Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

How Rico Nasty Rose to Rule the Sugar Trap with 'Nasty' - DJBooth

Sunday: Kesha - Praying

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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.

 

Take Care,

Jonathan

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A post shared by Kesha (@iiswhoiis)

Timeline: Kesha’s Legal Fight Against Dr. Luke

Kesha – Praying Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Music Video Breakdown: ‘Praying’ by Kesha | Arts | The Harvard Crimson

Saturday: Nathy Peluso - Buenos Aires (Request)

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Saturday's are starting to exclusively be request from my older brother because today is a song from his latest obsession, Nathy Peluso. I found out about Peluso when she released a video for COLORS back in October, much to my and Twitter's amusement. Peluso entranced the general public with her interesting attire, accent, and attitude so much that she received a second COLORS for her single "Puro Veneno." Clearly, Peluso is doing something right because she received two Latin Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Song for today's song "Buenos Aires." 

Single Cover for "Buenos Aires"

 "Buenos Aires" references to the capital of Argentina and Peluso's hometown. Lyrically, "Buenos Aires" deals with Peluso smoking at home in the city while it's gray, cold and rainy, which bothers her. She is tired of waiting and acting like someone is looking for her. Peluso takes a jab at religion stating "¿A dónde va, eso a lo que rezamos?" translating to "Where does what we pray for go?" and "Conozco esa pesada sensación de soledad ¿Pero a quién esperamos?" translating to "I know that heavy sensation of solitude But who are we waiting for?" which may reference the second coming of Christ. She continues doubting religion with "Es domingo, no me quiero levantar" meaning "It's Sunday, I don't want to get up" as Sunday is considered the Lord's Day and is also the day people typically go to church. After the verse, the chorus has a new meaning, Peluso must be tired of all that comes with religion and begins to doubt it because she feels like she is alone in the world. Peluso turns off her phone and doesn't let anybody know and asks "¿Para qué voy a pedir perdón?" or "Why would I ask for forgiveness?" referencing religion again as she hears a call outside and doesn't know what to do about it. Peluso has become used to the town and ignores it as she states that "Puedo rebobinar y poner en pausa a lo que suceda" or "I can rewind and hit pause on what may happen" referencing the Bible and how she can also read it but it comes to a stop as it describes what should happen. I believe that "Pero a las tres de la mañana. Todos nos miramo' cuando llueve en la ciudad" or "But at 3 a.m We all look at each other when it rains in the city" is a metaphor of when something bad happens to her or somebody all religious people can do is watch as according to them, it is what God intended.

The video for "Buenos Aires" is essentially just Peluso doing what the lyrics describe, She's at home in her apartment, smoking on a rainy day. Cut between Peluso at home are childhood videos of her doing the same thing as a kid. The video is also filmed with a grainy effect and has open captions which I thank Peluso because I couldn't understand her in neither English nor Spanish. 

This song is pretty nice, it reminded me alot of Tyler, The Creator and Anderson.Paak. The sound of this song reminds me of an old Vaporwave track I used to listen to called "Beach Walk," Peluso's vocals kinda reminded me of Alicia Keys' song "Love Looks Better." Peluso is a visionary who knows her references, I like how her album cover for "Calambre" calls back to Grace Jones' "Island Life" cover but I think Peluso still has much to grow. Her voice is still very shrill leading to Twitter comparing her to Trina Vega from Victorious and Rachel Berry from Glee.

I give "Buenos Aires" 4.4 confusing accents out of 5

I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Buenos Aires"? Leave a comment and a request for next Saturday down below.

 

I listed my sources below in case you are interested in reading more.

 

Take Care,

Jonathan

Album Cover for "Calambre"

 

Album Cover for "Island Life"

Nathy Peluso – BUENOS AIRES Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Genius English Translations – Nathy Peluso - BUENOS AIRES (English Translation) Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Friday: Gwen Stefani - Cool

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I've been hearing today's song everywhere all week and after a week of hard angry song, I feel like my audience deserves a relief. I never truly listened to the lyrics because I believed this song was a retrospective on a relationship, not a retrospective on a relationship that has ended. I was just wondering the other day if it was awkward for Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal, fellow band member of No Doubt, because an entire album with hit singles were birthed because of this breakup. But, after reading the lyrics and seeing all they've been through, I know they're cool.

Single Cover for "Cool"

 "Cool" is written as Stefani speaking to Kanal about how far they have come after their breakup. Stefani tries to "remember how it felt before...[she] found the love of [her] life." Stefani tells Kanal about her comfortable, happy, life and how she's happy that he found someone. Stefani tells Kanal how "...after all the obstacles...it's such a miracle that you and me are still good friends." The general public can estimate all of the "obstacles" that Stefani and Kanal went through after listening to "Tragic Kingdom," especially "Don't Speak" and "Excuse Me Mr." Stefani does remember the hurt and pain the relationship ending caused and how it was hard to adjust but "time always kill the pain." Stefani remembers "Harbor Boulevard" and how she and Kanal have grown but are still the same. Stefani finds it beautiful how she can be happy for Kanal and how he can be happy for Stefani because they both know their "cool." 

The video for "Cool" leads me to believe that Stefani is not cool with Kanal. The video begins with Stefani's ex-lover and his new girlfriend visiting Stefani at her house. We can see that both Stefani and her ex are both nervous to see each other but that goes away when they actually meet. There's a playful familiarity between Stefani and her ex that is evident throughout the video as they stare at each other and grimace at the thought of what could have been. Between the rendezvous are match cuts of a younger Stefani and her ex doing the same things they are doing, Stefani sits, so does younger Stefani. The song begins with wistful Stefani on her bed singing out to her ex while her memories and present are cut between. More match cuts follow the video until we see how younger Stefani and her ex are drifting away as present Stefani and her ex grow closer. Finally, Stefani remembers that her memories are just memories and goes to the beach with her ex and his new girlfriend, which is the same beach that her and her ex used to spend their time at.

I honestly don't know what to think about "Cool" thematically because the lyrics say that Stefani is over the relationship but the video shows how that is not the case at all. "Cool" is a beautiful song and it is so quick with it's three choruses, however, I do find it weird that her husband at the time did cheat on her which became an album of its own. Stefani seems to be doing great now with Blake Shelton and, who knows, maybe her and her ex-husband are cool.

I give "Cool" 4.9 breakup albums out of 5

I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Cool"? 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

Gwen Stefani – Cool Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Cool by Gwen Stefani - Songfacts

Thursday: Hole - Celebrity Skin

Hello, Welcome to Seven Songs a Week

Today we have a song that always interested me as a kid, mostly because of it's lyrics.  We have the title track from American Rock band, Hole, from their third studio album named "Celebrity Skin." I used to play a lot of "Rock Band" as a kid and my favorite songs were always the ones sung by women like "We Got the Beat," "I Think I'm Paranoid" and "Celebrity Skin." "Celebrity Skin" always stood out to me because of the little things like the band's name being Hole or the sarcastic storybook delivery of Courtney Love's lyrics. The video struck me too with the hanging princesses and Love's beauty, I suppose, and the tune stayed with me but I didn't remember the name of the song. It wasn't until middle or high school that I even googling "when I wake up, in my makeup," the only lyrics that I remembered and I found it.

Single Cover for "Celebrity Skin"

The song thematically is about fame in Hollywood and what happens after it. Love begins the song asking to be made over because she's "all [she wants to] be" which is something that happened after she got famous, she gained fame and she cleaned up her image. She then goes on to mention how she's been placed under a microscope after her husband, Kurt Cobain, passed away. People say that she murdered her husband, which is all speculation, but she is studied as if she was not human which Love describes herself as "a walking study in demonology." The chorus is Love congratulating the new actor or singer or whoever that made it in Hollywood but with irony. Love sings tells the newbie that "you've really made it" in her sarcastic tone that is present throughout the song. Love continues with a reworking of Dante Gabriel Rossetti "The House of Life: 97. A Superscription"as she describes the three things a creative can be, a "Might-Have-Been," a"Never Was" or "forgotten." Love repeats the chorus again before "[waking] up, In [her] makeup." The makeup lyric can reference the fact that stars don't want to be scene without their image or literally without their makeup. Love describes her own life as she calls the subject "Wilted and faded, Somewhere in Hollywood" as "Celebrity Skin" and it's album were her comeback which charted at nine on the Billboard Hot 200 while their two projects didn't chart at all. Love calls her fame "a pound of flesh" to describe her image in Hollywood. She is well-known but she is also infamous, she is judged all the time and people still think that she killed Cobain. But that doesn't matter because "you're a star now" or Love is a star singer and actor with top billing. "Oh, Cinderella, they aren't sluts like you" could reference the gossip about female celebrities, no matter how young or innocent they are as there is always be someone talking about a woman in the public eye. Love ends the post-chorus with a question to anybody facing scrutiny in the public eye "Can you stand up or will you just fall down?"

I think the third verse speaks for it's, Love sings "You better watch out. Oh, what you wish for it better be worth it. So much to die for" as a sort of "all that glitters, is not gold." During the second post-chorus, Love realizes how hurtful fame can be as she saying that she feels used and that "It's all so sugarless." She mentions the four jobs that the public see women occupying "Hooker, waitress, Model, actress," Love has been all of these besides "hooker" but that didn't stop people from calling her one. She then says to "go nameless" because once society finds out what a women was, that's all they see her as. Love goes to describe herself again with "Honeysuckle, she's full of poison" which references that many people see her as beautiful but she is a rockstar with harsh lyrics. The lyric may also reference how many people think that she murdered her late husband, while the next one definitely mentions him. "She obliterated everything she kissed"addresses the rumors and how she feels like she is to blame for what happened to her husband. After Cobain's passing, Love finds herself "fading, somewhere in Hollywood." After all of this, Love has the fame game down to a science and is "not selling cheap."

The video for "Celebrity Skin" begins with Love falling which cuts to a chandelier falling, which I believe is a metaphor for her fame collapsing after being admired for so long. Love and the rest of Hole perform the song in a ballroom with purple clad princesses dangling from the ceiling with glitter and shine everywhere. Cut between this are scenes of Love and Melissa Auf der Maur, bass player at the time, lying in love chairs and gawking at the camera.

I love this song, I love the lyrics and I love Love's voice. The "Celebrity Skin" album an era are still extremely iconic to this day as it birthed a new generation of punks.

I give "Celebrity Skin" 4.6 has-beens out of 5

I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Celebrity Skin"? 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

Hole | Billboard

Hole – Celebrity Skin Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Wednesday: Bebe - Malo

Hello, Welcome to Seven Songs a Week

Today we have the sad tale of a relationship gone sour with "Malo" by Bebe, which translates to "Bad" or in this case it means "Evil." Bebe appeared almost out of nowhere in 2004 with the release of her hit single, "Malo" gained plenty of critical acclaim and Bebe and the song gained five nominations at next year's Latin Grammys, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year. Bebe only won the Grammy for Best New Artist and disappeared as fast as she rose up. This isn't to say that Bebe didn't make music after "Malo," she had another hit in "Ella" and she would be nominated for Latin Grammys ever five years but "Malo" remains her most successful song.

Single Cover for "Malo"

 "Malo" deals with a woman retaliating against her husband because she is tired of his abuse. Bebe frames the song as a conversation after dark that turns ugly. Bebe remembers the fear that came upon her the first time that her husband hit her. He smelled of gin and tobacco and as he entered the house, Bebe hides behind a door. Bebe no longer knows who this man is because his handsome young face is aging with the time and hate running through his blood. Bebe's husband's insecurity in his masculinity is the reason why he hurts the people he love, not because he isn't masculine but because of machismo or the sense of being masculine. Machismo has plagued the Hispanic and Latino communities for far too long, It allows men to be lazy, drink, refuse to show emotions and beat their wives. Luckily many Latinos have noticed how problematic machismo can be and are unlearning it. Bebe begs to her husband that she and her poor heart cannot take anymore abuse. Bebe tells her husband to stop yelling because the children are asleep, referencing the over 40 percent of domestic abuse cases happen in households with children. Bebe says that she will turn into a flame and burn her husband's iron fist as her bruises give her the courage to repay all that her husband has done to her.  

In the chorus, less is more as Bebe repeatedly tells her husband that he is stupid and evil. She shouts while telling him that someone doesn't harm somebody they love and that he isn't better than her or any woman. In the next verse, Bebe describes how her days are gray when her husband is around and how she feels better when he is gone. She must stay strong, however, so she swallows her pain while she cooks for her children. All this stress is causing her face to age as well, slowly but surely. She continues to call her husband stupid saying that his brain shrinks every time he calls her a "p---" or "w----." she repeats the pre-chorus and chorus before going into a coda of how her husband is an idiot and a weakling because he beats his wife. Bebe reminds her husband how he isn't better than anybody and how he is evil and will always be before smoking a cigarette and blowing it in his face.

The music video for "Bebe" isn't a complex one, it showcases Bebe, in grayscale, on stage performing "Malo" with the intensity of the lyrics. I really like how timid Bebe is during the sad parts and fiesty during the mad parts. She gives "Malo" the performance it deserves and if she doesn't do this everytime, I don't want to see it.

I really like this song and it's flamenco touch. This was the kind of music I would listen to along with Juanes and Julieta Venegas. The song also reminds me of "Date Rape" by Sublime with it's subject matter and video.

I give "Malo" 4.6 revenge tracks out of 5

I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Malo"? 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 

Bebe – Malo Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

Bebe - Malo lyrics + English translation (Version #2) 

How men in Latin America are unlearning machismo — Quartz

Tuesday: Bbymutha - Stupid

Hello, Welcome to Seven Songs a Week

Today I am sharing one of my favorite songs of recent history "Stupid," from "The Antichrist of Female Rap" herself, Bbymutha. I do have to give a content warning because this song features foul language, drug use, gun violence, murder and sexual themes. I found out about Bbymutha through the works of Bbychakra92, aka 3rdeyechakra or Hokeagay. Bbymutha is a consistent muse in Bbychakra92's work and on her old account, she created a video edit of movie witches set to "Janis Ian 'Dyke'." I immediately feel in love with Bbymutha's witchy sound, her nasally voice and her bars. I eventually found out about "Stupid" through Twitter with a video of Bbymutha singing into a makeup brush captioned "bbymutha x COLORS," which is a "unique aesthetic music platform showcasing exceptional talent from around the globe." Bbymutha would get her own Colors video six months later for her song "Heavy Metal." Nowadays, Bbymutha is focused more on her body butter business "Mutha Magick" but her music is still available on streaming services for us to enjoy.

EP cover for "Free Brittnee"

 "Stupid" is a hard rap song like from DMX or Eminem, but from a women. "Stupid" is just as bold and brash as early rap songs but for me, it's just better when women do it. The beginning of "Stupid" is Dandy Warhol getting everybody's attention as Bbymutha is beginning her performance. Bbymutha begins with threatening her enemy with some clever word play. "Split a b---- lace, put the glocky to ya frontal" which references a lace front with a part or "split" and split, something that will happen when Bbymutha pulls the gun or "glocky." Bbymutha raps about how she is "presidential" or important and well like, her opponent may also be "president" but they're a "Donald" referencing former President Donald Trump and his controversial image while Bbymutha is "Obama" or the better received former President, Barack Obama. Bbymutha then shares how she sleeps with men but doesn't catch any feelings nor does she trust the men. She then goes into how she is allowing herself to come up with her "...workin',...plottin' [and]...sexin' for a check." If someone tries to clown Bbymutha, she'll beat them up and put "numbers on his neck. However, Bbymutha doesn't share her earnings because that is for people who are insecure and people will lie about their income much to Bbymutha's dis-amusement. Bbymutha reference's the metaphor "money talks" and how she'll only talk to someone if they are wealthy, she explains how they can smoke together while she gives her lover the better option of their recreational drug. The hook can be considered as a sort of thesis statement, Bbymutha is in it for the money, won't be anyone without it and that she has no time for people who disagree with her. 

In the second verse, Bbymutha addresses her haters and how they stress her so much that she needs to smoke in order to calm down. Bbymutha doesn't give her haters the time of day because she knows she is better, that men enjoy her better and she'd rather spend her time with them than her haters. She laughs at her haters because she is doing great, financially. If someone does want to try Bbymutha, she lets her hater knows that she is "always in the trap" but to be careful because she keeps a gun on her. Or, if they want, the hater could join her and her lover in a night of fun festivities. Bbymutha shows her belief in her spirituality referencing crystals and a Vine. She ends the verse with another example of her wealth by spending a "lil money on a bad lil stripper..." before repeating the hook. 

Stupid has become a sort of mantra for me because, how could it not? I was even inspired enough by both Bbymutha and Bbychakra 92 to make my own edit to this song. I barely ever skip this song whenever it comes on my playlist because Bbymutha always gives me what I need from rap, a strong fearless woman threatening others.

I give "Stupid" 4.8 Hail Marys out of 5

I hope you enjoyed my review. How do you feel about "Stupid"? 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

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bbymutha x COLORS pic.twitter.com/VqGvg6sqE5

— muthamorphosis 🧚🏾‍♀️ (@bbymutha) May 13, 2019

​bbymutha – Stupid Lyrics | Genius Lyrics