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.
