Stabbing Westward - Save Yourself

Music Appreciation

​"Save Yourself," released on April 7, 1998, is the second single from Stabbing Westward's third studio album, Darkest Days. The song achieved significant success, peaking at number four on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart and number twenty on the U.S. Modern Rock chart, marking it as one of the band's most prominent hits. ​

In a 2020 interview, lead singer Christopher Hall explained that "Save Yourself" addresses the misconception that he had answers to fans' personal struggles, emphasizing that he was equally lost and that individuals must find their own solutions. Musically, the track embodies the band's signature industrial rock sound, characterized by aggressive guitar riffs, electronic elements, and emotive vocals.

The accompanying music video, directed by Chuck Leal and Matt Donaldson, features the band performing in a dilapidated house inhabited by peculiar individuals. Throughout the video, projections of various images on sheets hanging from the walls and scenes of darkroom photograph development contribute to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere, effectively complementing the song's themes of introspection and personal struggle.

Sources:

Wikipedia 

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Stan Getz & Astrud Gilberto - The Girl from Ipanema (cover by Elise Trouw)

 

Ciara - Oh (ft. Ludacris)

Music Appreciation

“Oh” is a song by American singer Ciara featuring rapper Ludacris, released on March 1, 2005, as the third single from her debut studio album Goodies (2004). It was written by Ciara Harris, Ludacris, Andre Harris, Vidal Davis, and Doncarlos Price, and produced by the duo Dre & Vidal. 

The track blends crunk and R&B elements with a slow, heavy bassline and became one of the album’s standout singles. Critics generally received “Oh” positively, praising its beat and radio appeal; it earned awards including Choice Music Make-Out Song at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards and was listed among Pitchfork’s top songs of the 2000s.

Lyrically, “Oh” serves as an ode to Ciara’s hometown of Atlanta, with verses that depict cruising slow through the city and club scenes while showcasing local style and pride. Ciara’s verses focus on atmosphere and swagger, while Ludacris delivers a distinctive third verse boasting about cars, success, and lifestyle. The song is written in C-minor with a slow tempo that supports its laid-back but confident vibe, and its chorus emphasizes cruising and “getting crunk” in club settings.

The music video, directed by Fat Cats, reflects the song’s Atlanta roots and communal energy. It opens with Ciara and a younger version of herself watching a video player before transitioning to scenes of a block party in an alley, with Ciara and dancers performing in the street and Ciara “ridin’ slow” in a classic car. Ludacris appears during his verse, and the visual includes cameos from local artists. The choreography was central to the video, featuring intense routines and dancers linked to figures like Usher and MC Hammer. The video was nominated for Best R&B Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards.

Soruces:

Wikipedia

https://ciarapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Oh

https://www.revolt.tv/article/2024-01-06/344930/15-best-ludacris-guest-verses

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8206658/

Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day

Music Appreciation

Released on February 23, 1993 from Ice Cube's third solo album, The Predator, It Was a Good Day stands out in his catalog as a laid-back West Coast hip-hop track that flips the usual narrative of gangsta rap on its head.

Rather than focus on conflict or struggle, the song details a rare stretch of calm and luck in South Central Los Angeles, from waking up with no smog and barking dogs to cruising, playing basketball, and simply enjoying life's small wins. 

Produced by DJ Pooh, the track is anchored by a smooth sample from the Isley Brothers' Footsteps in the Dark, and its mellow groove underpins Ice Cube's narrative style, where he strings together vivid, everyday moments that culminate in the refrain that caps each verse: today was a good day.

Lyrically, the song reads like a day-by-day diary of simple pleasures -- a good breakfast, a phone call from someone special, and a Lakers win -- but with broader cultural resonance. Escaping the usual backdrop of violence and tension in his environment, Ice Cube paints an ideal scenario, one that listeners have long debated in terms of whether it reflects a real day or an imaginative composite of experiences. 

The music video, directed by F. Gary Gray and first aired in March 1993, mirrors the song's narrative beat for beat. It follows Ice Cube through the same chronological journey -- waking up, playing basketball, hanging with friends, watching Yo! MTV Raps, rolling dice and dominoes, and reconnecting with a long-time crush -- visually grounding the song's optimistic theme in everyday Los Angeles life. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

Vök - Waiting

Music Appreciation

I first discovered the Icelandic dream pop and indietronica band Vök during the height of the COVID pandemic. Their sound—an atmospheric blend of ethereal synths, ambient textures, and delicate vocals—immediately brought to mind the moody elegance of Portishead.

Vök was formed in Reykjavík in 2013 by singer Margrét Rán Magnúsdóttir and saxophonist Andri Már Enoksson. They rose to prominence after winning Músíktilraunir, Iceland’s annual music competition. Since then, the band has evolved into a trio, now composed of Margrét Rán, Einar Stefánsson, and Bergur Dagbjartsson.

"Waiting" is a single released by Vök in 2016. The song features shimmering synths and Margrét Rán's haunting vocals, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Lyrically, it explores themes of emotional vulnerability and the desire for connection. The composition combines electronic elements with ambient soundscapes, showcasing the band's signature style.

The music video for "Waiting" was directed by Glashier and filmed during a road trip across Iceland. The video complements the song's ethereal quality with visuals that reflect the band's Icelandic roots. The imagery captures the serene and mysterious landscapes of Iceland, enhancing the song's emotional depth.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.stereogum.com/1864365/vok-waiting-video-stereogum-premiere/news/

https://grapevine.is/music/2016/03/10/9946180/

https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/track-by-track/track-by-track-vok-on-figure

https://news.northeastern.edu/2016/08/09/a-monster-look-at-one-students-global-co-op-in-icelands-music-scene/

https://atwoodmagazine.com/vok-2017-interview-figure/

https://www.subvrtmag.com/spend-the-love-with-mystical-icelandic-electro-pop-vok/

https://indiepulsemusic.com/2019/02/10/icelandic-electro-dream-pop-band-vok/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Hatari/comments/bvxu52/introduction_to_v%C3%B6k/

https://creative-commission.com/project/david-garrett/music-video/glashier

https://glashier.co/tag/music-video/

https://www.nordicmusiccentral.com/live-review-vok-iceland-the-deaf-institute-manchester-13th-march-2023/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18940118/

https://www.kexp.org/read/2016/04/14/song-of-the-day-vok-waiting/

Alaska y Dinarama - Ni tú ni nadie

Music Appreciation

Alaska y Dinarama solidified their cultural impact with Ni tú ni nadie, a track included on their second studio album Deseo carnal. Although the album was released in 1984, Hispavox and Polydor issued the song as its second single in February 1985. 

Written by Carlos Berlanga and Nacho Canut and produced by Nick Patrick, the song later appeared on the compilation Grandes éxitos (1994). Alaska has noted that Canut drew inspiration from 1950s Hollywood film noir, lending the song a dramatic emotional tension beneath its pop surface.

Musically, “Ni tú ni nadie” is rooted in pop but incorporates elements of baroque and progressive pop, marked by elegant melodies and layered arrangements. Alaska sings in a notably low vocal register, reinforcing the song’s mood of restraint and resolve. 

The lyrics, delivered in the first person, explore the fallout of a painful relationship and the struggle to survive a breakup, insisting that neither the former partner “nor anyone else” can change the narrator. Structurally, the song follows a verse-chorus format, enriched by ringing bells, Alaska’s audible sighs in the instrumental bridges, and even a French horn—part of Deseo carnal’s broader use of wind instruments.

Commercially and culturally, the song was a major success, becoming Alaska’s second number-one single in Spain. It was proposed as Spain’s entry for the 1985 OTI Song Festival, though the idea was rejected by the selection committee. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.discogs.com/release/216465-Alaska-Y-Dinarama-Deseo-Carnal

https://elpais.com/noticias/alaska-dinarama/

https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20200209/movida-madrilena-cuando-espana-dio-salto-del-blanco-negro-color/2000000.shtml

https://www.hhv.de/en-US/records/item/alaska-y-dinarama-deseo-carnal-pink-and-blue-vinyl-edition-1167982?srsltid=AfmBOop207-A5OxyARRRfE3MhTgk2DaUHMsFdOapE27w2O7P7b6Lm_-D

Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know

Music Appreciation

Released on February 4, 2011, "What You Know" is a single by the Northern Irish indie rock band Two Door Cinema Club. Written by band members Alex Trimble, Kevin Baird, and Sam Halliday, the track appeared on their debut studio album Tourist History. 

While it wasn’t a chart-topper, it gained steady popularity and eventually peaked at number 64 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of the band’s most recognized songs thanks to its infectious energy and widespread use in media.

Lyrically, "What You Know" explores themes of uncertainty and emotional detachment in relationships, delivered with a sense of upbeat resignation. The track’s crisp, guitar-driven arrangement—built on rhythmic riffs and a tight drum pattern—epitomizes the clean, danceable indie pop sound that defined early 2010s alternative music. The chorus stands out for its catchy hook, layered vocals, and shimmering synth textures, offering listeners both a feeling of immediacy and introspective distance.

The music video, directed by Lope Serrano, enhances the song's dynamic tone through bold, stylized visuals. Featuring six Spanish dancers—Patricia Suárez, Laia Santanach, Naya Monzón, Alicia Atienza, Adriana Barrabés, and Marina Cardona—the video is set in a minimalist studio space with vibrant color schemes and choreographed routines. 

Among the video’s most striking elements is the inclusion of a freestanding bathtub, a visual nod to Blur’s “Country House” video. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.reddit.com/r/twentyonepilots/comments/gsu057/i_recently_found_a_song_called_what_you_know_by/

https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-200-best-songs-of-the-2010s/

https://unmask.us/songwriters-t-z/two-door-cinema-club/

https://imvdb.com/video/two-door-cinema-club/what-you-know 

The Flying Lizards - Money

Music Appreciation

The Flying Lizards' offbeat cover of "Money (That's What I Want)" appeared on their self-titled debut album released in February 1980, following its initial single release in mid-1979. Originally written by Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford and first performed by Barrett Strong in 1959, the song went on to be recorded by The Beatles in 1963. 

The Flying Lizards version, masterminded by David Cunningham, embraced a deliberate eccentricity -- sharp, minimalist beats and experimental instructional textures combined with found-sound processing -- to deconstruct the classic into a quirky new wave anthem.

Deborah Evans-Stickland's deadpan vocal delivery -- flat, precise, and detached -- became a defining feature of this hit, transforming it into a cult favorite often heard in media reference to "money," from news broadcasts to film soundtracks. 

In the 1979 Jeff Willis-directed music video, filmed in an nondescript house, Cunningham appears playing with tape machines and effects boxes behind Evans-Stickland, whose emotionless recitation heightens the song's ironic mood. Their stage-toy setups--homemade audio gear, cardboard props--mirror the track's studio-built oddness, cementing their roles as pioneers of avant-pop satire. 

To this day, that stripped-back cool continues to underline every cheeky commentary on cash.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://rock-reflections.com/blogs/videos-lyrics-facts/the-flying-lizards-money

https://www.stevepafford.com/money/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Michael Jackson - Remember the Time

Music Appreciation

Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time" was released on January 14, 1992, as the second single from his eighth studio album, Dangerous. The song was a collaborative effort, written and composed by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, and Bernard Belle, with production handled by Jackson and Riley. This track exemplifies the fusion of R&B and new jack swing that characterized much of Jackson's work during this era. 

The inspiration for the song's lyrics reportedly came from co-writer Teddy Riley, who was moved after hearing Jackson describe "falling in love with the woman he just married." This personal anecdote translated into a nostalgic narrative within the song, reminiscing about the early stages of a romantic relationship. Musically, "Remember the Time" features a blend of rhythmic beats, melodic harmonies, and Jackson's signature vocal style, creating a track that is both danceable and emotive. 

The accompanying music video, directed by John Singleton and choreographed by Fatima Robinson, is set in an imaginative portrayal of ancient Egypt. The nine-minute short film features notable appearances by Eddie Murphy as the pharaoh, Iman as his queen, and Magic Johnson as a royal servant. The storyline follows a mysterious sorcerer, portrayed by Jackson, who entertains the queen and ultimately engages in a captivating dance sequence with the palace servants. 

Filmed in January 1992 at the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot, the video was lauded for its elaborate production and innovative special effects. Upon its premiere, it garnered significant attention and was praised for its creative storytelling and visual grandeur. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

Maroon 5 - Sugar

Music Appreciation

“Sugar” is probably one of my favorite Maroon 5 songs, largely because of its sweet lyrics, upbeat tempo, and memorable music video.

Released as a single from their fifth studio album, V, on January 13, 2015, “Sugar” was written by Mike Posner, Adam Levine, Dr. Luke, and Jacob Kasher Hindlin, with production by Ammo and Cirkut—two producers known for radio-friendly, high-energy pop hooks. The collaboration brought together seasoned songwriters and Maroon 5’s evolving style, which by this era had shifted from funk-pop toward sleek, electronic patterns designed for broad commercial appeal.

Lyrically, “Sugar” is a straightforward plea for affection, using sweetness as a metaphor for intimacy and emotional closeness. The lines highlight yearning, desire, and the comfort found in a partner’s presence.

Musically, the track blends disco, funk, and modern pop, driven by falsetto vocals, a tight rhythmic groove, and a bright structure that makes it instantly recognizable. The arrangement uses clean guitar lines, crisp percussion, and layered harmonies that push the song into dance-pop territory.

The music video, directed by David Dobkin—best known for Wedding Crashers—became a major part of the song’s popularity. Styled as a series of surprise wedding performances across Los Angeles, the video captures the band appearing unexpectedly at real receptions, energizing the crowds and creating a sense of spontaneity and joy.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/maroon-5-sugar-history

https://www.allmusic.com/album/v-mw0002680091

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4402216/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09R8_2nJtjg

Cannons - Fire for You

Music Appreciation

Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, Cannons is an indie-pop trio composed of Michelle Joy (vocals), Ryan Clapham (guitar), and Paul Davis (keyboards, bass). Clapham and Davis had composed music together since they were teens, and they recruited Joy after seeing a Craigslist post in search of a vocalist.

The band released early projects—including the EP Up All Night (2014) and the debut album Night Drive (2017)—before putting out Shadows in 2019, on which “Fire for You” first appeared. The track later became a breakthrough single, boosted by its inclusion in the Netflix series Never Have I Ever and helped the band sign to Columbia Records 

“Fire for You,” officially released as a single on January 8, 2021, is built on themes of longing, heartbreak, and the tension between attachment and letting go. Its lyrics like “I was on fire for you / Where did you go?” encapsulate the intensity of emotions when someone feels deeply invested yet emotionally abandoned. 

Musically, the track blends dreamy synth-driven production with pulsing beats, atmospheric textures, and R&B-influenced rhythms. Some commentators note staccato guitar stabs and shifting dynamics that mirror the emotional push and pull in its narrative. 

The music video for “Fire for You,” directed by Ryan Rundle, visually dramatizes the emotional journey depicted in the song. In the video, Michelle Joy appears in a wedding dress and rides in the backseat of a convertible, wearing smudged running eyeliner, while Clapham and Davis drive across a desert toward a remote skating rink where the performance takes place. Intercut scenes show her burning keepsakes and remnants of past love, visually echoing the song’s themes of letting go and emotional catharsis.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.pmstudio.com/music/music.html?page=20201002-12172

https://zevenwrites.wordpress.com/2020/12/26/fire-for-you-cannons

https://www.discogs.com/release/24488117-Cannons-Fire-For-You

https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/zrropr/cannons_fire_for_you_electronic_pop

https://www.reddit.com/r/videos/comments/1isx6qb/cannons_fire_for_you

George Ezra - Budapest

Music Appreciation

English singer-songwriter George Ezra has described Budapest as his first attempt at writing a love song. Featured on his debut studio album Wanted on Voyage, the track was released on December 13, 2013. Co-written with Joel Pott and produced by Cam Blackwood, it quickly became a breakout international hit, earning widespread acclaim for its warm, folk-rock charm.

Built on the first three guitar chords Ezra ever learned, the song’s narrative name-drops Budapest—though Ezra himself had never been there. The title, he has shared, was inspired by a missed flight to the city after a night out in Malmö, Sweden. Musically, Budapest is composed in F major with a tempo of 128 bpm, pairing its upbeat rhythm with Ezra’s rich baritone to create a distinctive and inviting sound.

The official music video, directed by Rob Brandon, premiered on YouTube on April 21, 2014. It depicts a motionless crowd dressed in varied styles and accessories, interwoven with shots of Ezra performing and occasionally crowd surfing. Gradually, the crowd springs to life—sharing moments of playfulness and movement—before freezing again as Ezra stands still. The closing scene, a quiet celebration on the ground, serves as a visual metaphor for human connection awakening from stillness.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://sonichits.com/video/George_Ezra/Blame_It_on_Me

https://www.catchy.ro/budapest/113547

https://kids.kiddle.co/Budapest_%28song%29

https://www.thissideofsanity.com/music/songs/bu/budapest.php 

https://www.thissideofsanity.com/music/songs/bu/budapest.php

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6705890/

https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/08915df2-9f09-4285-82c7-8febd383acf9

Camila Cabello - Never Be the Same

Music Appreciation

I'll be honest, it was Camila Cabello that I was a fan of when she was in the girl group Fifth Harmony. Her looks, sensuality, and voice attracted me. So, naturally, I became a bigger fan when she went solo and debut her studio album, Camila, in 2018.

On December 7, 2017, Camila Cabello released “Never Be the Same” as a promotional single ahead of her debut solo album Camila. The song was written by Cabello alongside producers and writers including Noonie Bao and Sasha Sloan as well as Frank Dukes and the production duo Jarami. This creative team helped shape what became one of Cabello’s most successful solo tracks.

Lyrically and musically, the track presents a mid-tempo ballad grounded in pop and electro-R&B elements. The lyrics convey love as an addictive, almost drug-like experience, with lines such as “Just one hit of you, I knew I’ll never ever, ever be the same," underlining the sense of surrender and transformation that the protagonist experiences. 

The official music video, directed by Grant Singer and released March 8, 2018, marries polished fashion-forward scenes with raw, intimate hotel-room footage of Cabello. In contrast to the couture shots of Cabello standing on cliffs, submerged in water, or encased in oversized glass boxes, we also see her in a white robe in a hotel room telling the cameraman “Stop, turn it off,” suggesting a tension between public image and private self. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.iheart.com/content/2018-03-08-watch-camila-cabello-shine-in-her-dazzling-video-for-never-be-the-same

https://www.thefader.com/2017/12/07/camila-cabello-new-singles-never-be-the-same-real-friends

https://camilacabello.fandom.com/wiki/Never_Be_the_Same

Igo = Better Be Alive

Music Appreciation

Released on November 18, 2022, “Better Be Alive” marks a standout single from IGO’s debut solo album. Written by Igor Walaszek and Jakub Jaworski, the track captures the dynamic energy and genre-blending style that has come to define Walaszek’s work. 

Best known as one half of the electronic duo Bass Astral x Igo and for his collaborations across Poland’s music scene, IGO uses this track to further shape his solo identity—balancing rock vocals with electronic textures that feel urgent and reflective.

The accompanying music video, directed by Michał Oziewicz, brings the song’s spirit to life through a surreal and visually striking narrative. Featuring Polish freestyle dance duo Nicole Hoff and Oskar Szymkowski—known as LOCZNIKI—the video follows Nicki, a video game NPC who wakes up to the unexpected messiness of the "real" world. 

What begins as an isolated journey gradually transforms into a liberating experience of movement, culminating in a final dance sequence that includes LOCZNIKI, IGO, and a cast of dancers. The choreography, rooted in the popping style, conveys both disconnection and awakening—mirroring the track’s emotional arc.

Sources:

https://iglorecords.com/

https://loczniki.com/

https://youtu.be/OeZxVdOzgb8

R.E.M. - Radio Song

Music Appreciation

Released on November 4, 1991, "Radio Song" served as the opening track and fourth single from R.E.M.'s seventh album, Out of Time. Lead singer Michael Stipe wrote the lyrics, expressing his frustration with the staleness of mainstream radio. 

Stipe invited KRS-One, leader of Boogie Down Productions, to contribute to the track, adding a hip-hop flair that contrasted with the song's critique of radio content.

The composition of "Radio Song" blends alternative rock with hip-hop elements, a testament to R.E.M.'s experimental approach during this period. The track features jangly guitars characteristic of Peter Buck, alongside funk-inspired basslines from Mike Mills. KRS-One's distinctive interjections and rap verses infuse the song with an unexpected dynamic, reflecting the band's willingness to push genre boundaries.

The accompanying music video, directed by Peter Care, showcases the band performing in a minimalist setting, interspersed with abstract imagery, and emphasizes the song's themes of media saturation and the search for authenticity. 

While not achieving significant commercial success, the video was appreciated by fans for its artistic approach and alignment with the band's critique of mainstream media. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7789986/

https://www.murmurs.com/t/rem-music-videos-that-make-you-say-why-tf-is-this-a-video/1294 

Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer

Music Appreciation

I was ten years old when I first saw a man with a dazzling smile, frizzy hair, and a leather-clad presence soar across the stage like a rock ‘n’ roll superhero. Watching Bon Jovi in action was nothing short of mesmerizing, and for this confused kid, it sparked a lot of unexpected feelings—part admiration, part awe, and maybe even a little bit of a crush. Whatever it was, one thing was certain: Bon Jovi had a way of making an impression.

"Livin’ on a Prayer" is one of Bon Jovi’s most legendary songs, co-written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child. Released on October 31, 1986, as the second single from their third studio album, Slippery When Wet, the song quickly became an anthem of perseverance and resilience. It tells the story of Tommy and Gina, a working-class couple doing their best to push through hard times while clinging to their dreams. With lyrics that spoke to the blue-collar struggles of the 1980s, the song struck a chord with fans, rocketing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing Bon Jovi’s status as a rock powerhouse.

Musically, "Livin’ on a Prayer" is the perfect storm of hard rock and pop energy. It opens with Richie Sambora’s signature talk box riff, an instantly recognizable sound that sets the stage for Jon Bon Jovi’s soaring vocals. The song builds dynamically, starting with a steady verse before bursting into a fist-pumping, sing-along chorus that feels like pure adrenaline. That final key change? A moment of rock magic that turns any crowd into an arena of die-hard fans belting their hearts out.

The music video, directed by Wayne Isham, captures that same high-octane energy. It starts in black and white, showing the band rehearsing in an empty venue, before exploding into full color as they take the stage for a full-throttle performance. With dramatic lighting, aerial shots, and Bon Jovi’s signature onstage theatrics, the video perfectly encapsulates the band’s electrifying presence. A mainstay on MTV, the video only added to the song’s legendary status, making millions of fans feel like they were right there in the front row, screaming every word.

Sources:

Wikipedia

IMDb

https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/06/20/story-behind-song-livin-prayer/11103409/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Portugal. The Man - Live in the Moment

Music Appreciation

Portugal. The Man’s “Live in the Moment” was written by the band’s core members—John Gourley, Zach Carothers, Kyle O’Quin, and Jason Sechrist—and released as a single on October 30, 2017 from their eighth studio album, Woodstock (2017). This upbeat track marked another creative chapter for the band, blending their signature style with a refreshing call to seize the day.

Musically, “Live in the Moment” marries buoyant rock energy with pop and subtle psychedelic hints, resulting in a catchy groove that invites listeners to let go of their worries. The lyrics encourage embracing the present, a theme that resonates with the band’s playful yet thoughtful approach. The composition’s vibrant rhythms and engaging hooks perfectly echo the carefree spirit of living in the moment.

The music video, directed by Aaron Brown and produced by the creative agency Wieden+Kennedy, brings this philosophy to life in a delightfully unconventional way. It features a surreal police chase starring a giant puppet skateboarding atop a car—a whimsical narrative that captures the band’s offbeat humor. Filmed in Portland, Oregon, the video was well-received for its inventive concept and light-hearted execution, further cementing the song’s fun, irreverent vibe.

Sources:

Wikipedia

Yael Naim - New Soul

Music Appreciation

"New Soul" is a song by French-Israeli singer Yael Naïm from her self-titled second album Yael Naïm, which was released on October 22, 2007. It explores the perspective of someone who considers themselves a “new soul”—arriving in the world to learn how to “give and take,” encountering joy and fear, mistakes and misunderstandings, and coming to terms with life’s ambiguity.

On the composition side, “New Soul” is built on a light folk-pop / indie-folk framework with simple instrumentation, clear melody, and that memorable “la la la la” hook that helps make it catchy. Its popularity in the U.S. surged when Apple used the song in the debut commercial for the MacBook Air in early 2008. That exposure drove digital sales and radio play, helping it reach No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it her biggest U.S. hit.

The music video complements the song’s theme with a whimsical, somewhat surreal concept. It starts with Naïm moving into an empty apartment, covering the walls with forest/lake wallpaper, unpacking furniture and photos. The people in the photos appear in those settings in real life; then the walls peel away, the floor becomes a raft floating on a lake, the furnishings travel with her, and others join her by boat. 

Sources:

Wikipedia 

https://momentmag.com/yael-naim-a-new-soul-comes-of-age/?srsltid=AfmBOoqv0UvqrB1in008_CGaFGpN4nre7yKLcr9Pf2BaFGV_s2r9gals

https://music.apple.com/us/song/new-soul/652880801

Max Frost - Adderall

Music Appreciation

Matthew Alexander "Max" Frost (born 1992) is an American singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Austin, Texas. He began playing drums around age four, and guitar by age eight, growing in a musical environment that blended vintage soul/R&B, blues, and hip-hop influences. 

Over the years, he has released EPs such as Low High and Intoxication, signed with Atlantic Records, and become known for writing and producing much of his material himself.

One catchy song in his catalog is Adderall, which came out in October 14, 2016 as a single. Adderall uses the metaphor of the drug to explore themes of anxiety, pressure to perform, sleeplessness, and the highs and lows that come with trying to stay "on" in creative and academic life. Frost has said that the song draws on his own experience using Adderall during high school/college, where it helped alleviate procrastination but also led to unrest, imbalance, and what he described as a "worn out" state. 

Musically, the song blends pop-structure with indie/hip-hop-tinged production, a driving beat, vocal hooks, and Frost's characteristic merging of vintage tonal textures with modern rhythm. The song builds a tension between urgency (in lyrics and delivery) and moments that feel like crash and withdrawal.

The Adderall music video was directed by Tough Town. It was filmed largely in an ice cream truck driving around the streets of Los Angeles. The visual concept leans into contrast: Frost wanted something that avoided being "too dark" but still captured both sides of what the song is about -- the energy, the heightened state, the crash. The ice cream truck serves as a surreal, perhaps ironic vehicle -- it's cheerful and whimsical, juxtaposed with the song's darker internal reality.

Sources:

Wikipedia

maxfrost.net

https://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/interview-max-frost-discusses-new-music-video-for-adderall/article/481303

https://wolfinasuit.com/2016/12/20/music-video-recommendation-adderall-max-frost

https://insertsonghere.wordpress.com/2017/04/27/adderall-max-frost

Harry Styles - Music For a Sushi Restaurant

Music Appreciation

“Music for a Sushi Restaurant” is a track by English singer-songwriter Harry Styles from his third studio album Harry’s House. Written by Harry Styles, Thomas Hull (aka Kid Harpoon), Tyler Johnson, and Mitch Rowland, the song was officially released to hot adult contemporary radio in the U.S. as the third single from Harry’s House on October 3, 2022. 

Harry Styles has said that the idea for the song came while he was in a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles. He and his collaborators thought about how “strange music for a sushi restaurant” felt, and it became a fun starting point for writing a song meant to capture that contrast in mood and setting. 

Musically, the song leans funk-pop with playful touches: flat brass, energetic rhythm, falsetto vocals, a bit of scatting, and free associative lyrics. The lyrics mix food imagery and cooking metaphors with relational desire and admiration.

The music video was directed by Aube Perrie and released on October 27, 2022. In the video, Styles is first found washed up on a beach as a half-human, half-squid creature. He is transported by fishermen to a restaurant called Gill’s Lounge, intended to be served as sushi. As the video proceeds, Styles unveils his voice, takes over the restaurant, turning it from a sushi restaurant into a lounge and performing in it. But during the performance he loses his voice; the video shifts as the owners drag him away and eventually transform him into sushi. 

Sources:

Wikipedia 

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/a40059341/harry-styles-music-for-a-sushi-restaurant-lyrics

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/harry-styles-harrys-house/

https://storyofsong.com/story/music-for-a-sushi-restaurant/

https://www.hercampus.com/culture/music-for-a-sushi-restaurant-meaning-harry-styles/

https://lbbonline.com/news/harry-styles-stars-as-a-sushi-restaurants-singing-squid-merman-in-latest-music-video