Monthly Archives: February 2019

“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Backstreet Boys (DNA, 2019)

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I seriously cannot get enough of this album, or this man-band considering its been twenty-five years and these boys are still rising on the charts. Who would’ve thought all of those “I<3Brian” headers on my school binders would still be relevant today?

This single is part of the group’s ninth studio album and they clearly didn’t come back to just swagger around in matching denim ensembles. They came to bring their A-game and give today’s pop charts what it’s looking for- an electronic love song to rock out with nostalgia on the brain.

Right off the bat with the first chord progression, the piano sample automatically reminded me of 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Want You Back” and plays consistently throughout the song giving it a cool, synthesized dance vibe to the classic BSB “cookie-cutter boyband” style of music. It’s clear to see that the boys are really trying to branch out with their music style and sampling from other artists and genres to further evolve their music on this album, to reflect who they are as a band today- equal parts funky and fresh.

“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is that song that you can turn all the way up and dance like nobody’s watching. Much like Elton John’s song of the same name, they’re talking about not leaving them heartbroken because love is something they value deeply and if this girl we’re to break their hearts, they don’t think they could handle it because “its the only one that they got”.

In an interview with Billboard, member Howie Dorough had commented on the dance movement shaping their sound and the production going into this comeback track, “Something we’re really known for is our signature harmonies, our great melodies — stuff that just makes you feel something and moves you. Hopefully, with the right team around us and producers, we’re able to do that and stay relevant.”

I really think he hit the nail on the head. Stuart Crichton had worked hard to find the right song for these guys to re-emerge back on the scene with, after five years apart. This song definitely made me head bop in anticipation for the rest of the album, and their future singles seeing as how “[their music is ageless] as long as you get it done right, you can fit in anywhere”

Backstreet’s back, alright!

-Genna Dara

“Bad Habit” by Ben Platt

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By Danielle Bulhoes

Broadway actor and singer Ben Platt’s new single “Bad Habit” was released earlier this month to usher in his upcoming solo album coming out in March.

Known for his role as Benji in the 2012 smash musical hit Pitch Perfect and his Broadway role in Dear Evan Hansen, it can’t be denied that Platt has got some serious singing ability. And with the release of his single “Bad Habit”, there is no doubt that this guy is freaking talented.

Platt starts us off with a soft piano melody, keeping with it until he finishes his first round of the chorus and then the beat picks up as the piano is joined by percussion, guitar and what sounds like a backup choir. As the music builds, so does Platt’s voice. When the song reaches its crescendo. Platt just starts to belt and he makes it seem like the easiest thing in the world. He pulls it back for a hot second before showing off those pipes again, and it is glorious.

In an interview with Huffington Post, Platt said that he sought inspiration from artists like Carole King, James Taylor and Adele when he was putting together his new album. “Bad Habit” is very much in the vein of Adele. Fantastic vocals from Platt dominate the track, showcasing his range and the depth of the emotion behind the lyrics and in his voice.

Platt explained that his new album, Sing to Me Instead, is an amalgamation of all the different relationships that he’s had and what’s he’s learned from each of them. “Bad Habit”, specifically, is sung from the perspective of someone looking retrospectively at a relationship that they have gotten out of and realizing that it’s someone they can’t seem to escape. There’s an attraction and comfort to someone that might not be the right person for us, but there’s an [undeniable] connection where you can’t help but go back again and again.”

Thanks to “Bad Habit”, I can definitely say that I’ll be checking out Sing to Me Instead when it comes out this upcoming March.

Ariana Grande, “Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” (Thank U, Next, 2019)

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(l-r) Ariana Grande, Pharrell Williams, and Mrs. Doubtfire

By Allesandro Rotondi

Ariana Grande has some bangers, there’s no doubt about that. Tunes like “Into You” and “No Tears Left to Cry” are ahead of the pop curve. However, “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” is something from a different bag. Her latest album thank u, next was heralded for being made by her in two weeks. Let me rephrase that for you: her ten producers (fact), and umpteen songwriters finished the album in two weeks. Ariana herself probably rolled up to the studio for a hot three days of recording sessions, tracked for fifteen or twenty hours, and called it a night.

Ariana herself is a good singer, respectable performer, and acceptable songwriter (if the tracks accredited to her are trustable), though at times she sounds like Lady Gaga getting over a sinus infection. However, this track has six songwriters and three producers. A name that popped out to me right away was Max Martin. If you don’t know Maxey, he’s the ghostwriting babysitter of every Nickelodeon child actor turned pop superstar. He’s great at writing melodies, but I just can’t get on board. It might be his beard, or perhaps it’s the bubblegum pop about teenage drama and cheap sexual innuendos that he crafts in such an ingenious way. Take Katy Perry’s lyrical masterpiece “Bon Appétit”, for example. However, it’s probably just the beard.

Maxey and Ari’s team stay within their comfort zone and formulaic style. They know what the radio wants, and know where the money’s at. And all the big boys on the top floor of Universal Music love ‘em for it. But from a musical standpoint, this bubblegum is stale, and has been chewed far past its flavourful peak. Kudos to Lady Gaga for going jazz. I hope one day Ariana breaks free of her shackling production team and makes a folk album, or an a capella choral work like her beautifully layered gospel-esque backing vocals on “God is a Woman”.

Finally, my message to you, Ariana: break up with your producers, I’m bored.

Chad Brownlee, “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere” (Single, 2019)

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By Chelsea Ives

Fellow Canadian Chad Brownlee has made a sweet comeback with the release of his newest single, “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere” just in time for Valentine’s Day, and all those lovebirds out there who like to make sappy playlists on Spotify (unless burning CD’s is still a thing?) for their significant others. On January 4, 2019, Brownlee released his second major label single since his latest album was released in 2016. Brownlee’s single, “Dear Drunk Me” from 2018, bumped him up into the number 2 spot in the Canadian country music charts and gained him his recent recognition.

Chad Brownlee is a mix of old-school country ideals with new school country sound. Picture Tim McGraw meets Luke Combs’ down-to-earth vibes, with Kane Brown’s sweetheart songs and themes, all mixed together in a big ol’ batch of Miss Bell’s sweet tea. “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere,” is a hopeful, inspiring song about taking chances to find love – with a slow build into a fun, fast-paced beat. The song starts with the classic country twang which builds into electric guitar and tambourine which makes for a classic yet fun sound.

 “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere,” definitely has a different flavour from his last single in 2016, “I Hate You for It”. Brownlee shows that he has grown up a bit. The song truly shows Brownlee’s musical ability – he isn’t going to be another Florida Georgia Line, with pop-country superficial sing-alongs. Brownlee shows he’s seriously a grassroots country boy looking for love.

He is currently finishing his first major label debut album, and so far, the title of the album has not been released, leaving much to the imagination of his fans. Although if “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere” is an indication of what’s to come, it’s safe to say I’ll be waiting expectantly for some more heartfelt and authentic country music from Brownlee.

Chad Brownlee’s 2019 Single, “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere”

Khalid’s hot new single “Talk”

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El Pasoan R&B singer Khalid (Photo Credits: Twitter @thegreatkhalid)

Is it even possible for Khalid to create one song that is NOT amazing?” —Seriously, this 20-year-old knows exactly how to please the ears of anyone. Khalid’s unique vocals and his style of music even has my boss (a heavy rocker) absolutely love his music. Every single that this young man has been in or has released is just amazing! One thing that is unique about Khalid is that although he has done many colabs with multiple artists such as Normani, Billy Ellish, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, ect… he still somehow maintains his unique R&B chill vibe.

Recently, Khalid has joined with Disclosure to produce his new album set to release in April 2019. The first song that has been released from this album is called “Talk”. This hot new track is a combination of Disclosure’s known electronics and Khalid’s style of contemporary R&B. In this sizzling track the synthesizers are faded in the beginning, but not enough to overpower the mellowness. This beat not only has me feeling a type of way, but it is super catchy! The beat is a smooth R&B bounce that is incorporated with just enough electronic blemishes, which perfectly match to Khalid’s lyrics. The lyrics ease their way smoothly into a hot new relationship taking things nice and easy. Khalid mentions that he dreams about getting an attractive girl in his bed, but instead of moving things too fast he asks her “Can we just talk” to get to know each other better —ah such a gentleman! Just the thought of this track has me blushing and bouncing.  Although Khalid might take things easy in his relationships he is not slowing down anytime soon in his music. I’m excited to see what Khalid’s sophomore album has in store for his fans this coming April.   

-Maria

Alice Merton “Funny Business” (Mint, 2019)

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This pop tune will most likely inspire it’s listeners to dance or at least move around as it’s upbeat tempo made me want to. “Funny Business” by Alice Merton is an interesting track due to the phrase “funny business” which is not only the name of the song, but also a phrase consistently mentioned in the chorus. Furthermore, the chorus is perhaps what makes this song, as the tempo switches gains speed everytime it appears and it becomes the pop sensation it is. The song switches from Merton’s verses, which usually are about the doubt her assuming lover has in their relationship, back to the chorus which is Merton assuring this person that she is loyal and in other words doesn’t do any of this funny business. Personally, I love the message of the song, because most of us have certainly had relationships here and there where are significant other wasn’t fair to us, and it’s reassuring to hear Merton spread hope.

The song also has an interesting music video to accompany it, which follows the perspective of somebody who is in a relationship of some kind, and throughout the whole music video seems happy as can be (evident through his fantastic dancing) yet at the end walks in on his apparent “girlfriend” with another man, leaving him with roses and a broken heart. As mentioned it’s relatable because a lot of us have had something like this happen to us and we know how much it hurts. Yet Merton finds a way to make us look back on those times with a less bitter attitude, primarily because of the pop sounds of the track but also because of her reminder that there are people out there who will remain loyal even if it doesn’t seem like it.   

Alice Merton, “Honeymoon Heartbreak” (Mint, 2019)

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By Michaela Maxey

Alice Merton is the millennial we’ve all been waiting for, and it was worth the wait to get the masterpiece that is her debut album Mint. This album advocates for living life the way you want to, not how you should. But more than anything, this album explores Merton’s personal life as she was constantly moving due to her father’s job (and I’m talking 12 times in 25 years). So it is no surprise that she became an expert at saying goodbye and dealing with this feeling of loss.

“Honeymoon Heartbreak” is emotionally driven and is the only slow song on this album. This song interestingly starts with no sound until about seven seconds into the song. It’s almost a bit unnerving, and I’m checking to make sure I actually hit play. Then, only her voice. No loud crash of drums or strums of guitar, rather a soft croon that draws me in as she recounts the story of a relationship gone sour. It isn’t until about fifty seconds into the song that the guitar and drums join in, all working in harmony with Merton’s wide pitch range that seamlessly transitions between high and low notes. As she sings, “My homeless heart is still hoping/my homeless heart is still holding you”, I realize that although this recounts a relationship, it also works like “Homesick” where her heart is ‘homeless’ as she longs for the people/person she had to leave behind. As she sings, “You let me go, my honeymoon heartbreak” I can’t help but tear up, why would he let her go? Why would he let her leave?!

It’s feelings like these that make Mint so great as although it’s personal, it’s so relatable. We can listen to “Honeymoon Heartbreak” and think of our first love, but for Merton this heartbreak has happened ten-fold as she learned how to say goodbye all too well.

Toro y Moi’s “Ordinary Pleasure” (Outer Peace, 2019)

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By Mina Wiebe

Oddly enough, this funky tune pulls you in with bongos—yes, bongos—before layering the beats with basslines. I was unsure how to feel at first, mainly because I was confused; it felt like a hippie drum circle had been interrupted by some groovy, 70’s disco band. But within seconds the rhythms became cohesive, and suddenly the two instruments thrived off one another.

The song is a toe-tapper at the very least, and I wouldn’t put it past listeners to want to dance to this bubbly tune. But labeling it as a mere “dance-song” doesn’t quite feel complete. The bounciness of the bass paired with the smooth and cool vocals of Chaz Bear (also known by his stage name Toro y Moi) creates this strange yet fascinating strain that is simultaneously upbeat and laid-back.

Sure, it’s a song you can dance to (my mind immediately imagines John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever” doing his disco finger dance—you know the one I’m talking about) but it’s also a song I’d be content to listen to on a road trip or a casual hangout with friends over drinks.

The seemingly effortlessness behind Bear’s satiny voice makes you listen to the lyrics. The repetitive “Maximize all the pleasure, even with all this weather/ Nothing can make it better” initially confirms the idea that it’s strictly a dance-song; the singer himself is telling you to maximize your pleasure, and as the perky bass plays you can’t help but take pleasure in dancing along.

But as Bear’s smooth voice continues to earn your attention, the singer delves into some deeper topics when he examines a contemporary world that is too loud and “[m]akes it hard for [him] to feel what [he’s] thinking”. When you actually listen to the lyrics, you almost question if you should be dancing to it.

I can’t tell if Bear is telling us to ignore dark feelings by maximizing our pleasure, or if he believes the two simply coexist as a part of our reality. Regardless, the track seems to embrace a disenchanted world with an optimism relayed through disco.

Alice Merton, “Mint” (2019)

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By: Julia Ristoska

“Learn to live” is the opening track on Alice Merton newly debut album called Mint. She definitely introduces the album with a bang as she sings,“they’ve got fire// well I’ve got lightning bolts.” Merton comes on full force ready to fight all her fears, as she told Billboard that Learn to live is about “facing my fears and not be scared of everything. It reminds me that if you’re scared of everything in life, you’re not actually gonna live.”

Fear really has the power to trouble one’s mind and prevents one from taking up on opportunities. Merton does not let her fears steal her spotlight, I mean literally she is up on stage now promoting her new album. This takes a lot of courage, since writing this album is equivalent to her personal diary. She touches upon many topics from facing fears, feeling lost, finding her place in society and tackling everyday life’s issues. All these topics revolve around her journey on “learn(ing) how to live” in such a fast paced world.

She starts off by introducing the opening track with simple heavy strums of the guitar that gradually gets more complex as the layer of drums hit in. The constancy of the guitar strums gives that  “here I’m coming for battle” tempo. Merton’s strong voice comes in and captivates my attention. Unconsciously I realized myself humming along and next thing you know I’m bursting out “ I WANNA LIVE WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES!” I mean who doesn’t? These lyrics are so relatable, and the music is upbeat making it a perfect album to have a karaoke session in your car.

Sometimes we need a song like this to remind us to live in the present. It is easy to constantly think about the past or worry about the future. Life is full of questions, and it can be quite frightening. Yet, Merton tells us to not let those demonic thoughts control our lives.

Rather she tells us it’s time to armor up and get ready for battle.

Toro y Moi’s “Freelance” (Outer Peace, 2019)

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If I could say anything about “Freelance” by Toro y Moi’s most recent album, is that it is a musical mixed bag. The production of this track plays with so many shaky synthesizers, heavy basses, and truthful lyrics, that listening to it feels like a whirlwind of sound that left my head spinning thinking “what just happened?” amongst other things.

Turns out I wasn’t far off on my assumptions. This single definitely packed a disconnected kind of funky electronic-pop sound, with gravelly backup vocals, intentionally sounding like a scratched CD. It’s plain to see that Chaz Bear really wanted to experiment with new sounds- different from that of Toro’s typical sound- and use the 30 minutes of the album to construct an ode to those people who will use technology in a positive way, by creating art and spreading joy with it.

The lines in the last verse, “I can’t hear you, maybe you could change your tone/ People tend to listen when they see your soul” highlights an important message that is significant to remember, to remind listeners that even though you may feel (artistically) blocked or alone at times, that you can still express yourself using art to speak out against the ugliness in the world.

While I could appreciate the message Bear was making about self-expression, this track was musically all over the place and hard to focus on the message due to the deafening instrumentals in the background. On a lighter note, if you’re looking for an energetic dance song to play when your friend passes you the AUX cord, then this might be the song you’d want to blast.

-Genna Dara