The song I’ve chosen for record club is Kaash Paige’s “’64” off of her debut EP Parked Car Convos. Kaash was 18 years young when she released this project in 2019. I found this album while scrolling on Instagram one day when I heard it in the background of the video, which led me to immediately surf the comments for what it was called. The song is very straightforward. Kaash talks about driving around her city in a ’64 Chevy Impala, picking up friends, and just having a good time. At the time when I first heard the song, I couldn’t relate at all. I didn’t have a car to go driving around in and my friends didn’t either. Now that I have a car, this song resonates with me so much more.
The tempo of this song is what sticks out to me the most. This isn’t a slow song. Or at least, this is not what comes to mind when I think of a slow song. It offers a nice in-between speed that is maintained throughout the song. It starts with a fade-in of the beat before Kaash directly goes into the chorus. Maintaining a steady pace throughout, the song carries you into the scene that she paints with the lyrics. “Cruisin’ in my six-four,” is the lyric that proves to be the most vital, as it is under-layered with, “I be riding through your city, yea” which helps to entrain listeners.
Tempo: The speed of the rhythm of a composition.
Fade: A gradual reduction/raise of the level of the audio signal
Chorus: Song Section – The chorus is intended to be the most memorable part of the song. It is repeated several times so that it sticks in your mind. Several other tricks are used to help it stick. Commonly a chorus: Contrasts with the verse, rhythmically, melodically, lyrically, harmonically, and/or dynamically. A chorus is repeated at least once, both musically and lyrically. Usually several times. It is more intense, has more energy. A chorus usually has a greater musical and emotional intensity than the verse. Lyrically: The main message and /or concept are expressed in the chorus.
There was a time when my older sister used to be obsessed with this song, every time i would go with her somewhere, she would have this song on repeat throughout the entire car ride. At the time it was annoying, but listening to it after quite some time, i realize it’s not that bad of a song. I love the overlapping of the lyrics, it creates an echo effect.
The song that reminds me of this song is Levi High by DaniLeigh ft. DaBaby. It is an upbeat song, with music fading in and out when there is a bit of action in the song. The music is still playing in the background but it is faded out when the people start talking. The singer’s voice is very airy, although the song i’m assuming was supposed to have more a hard tone effect but since the singer’s voice is light and airy, it makes the song very soothing. DaBaby brings in the hard effect when he chimes in, creating a balance to the song.
Upbeat: an unaccented beat preceding an accented beat.
Faded: gradually grow faint and disappear
Airy: light in manner; sprightly; lively
Tone: The a musical or vocal sound with reference to its pitch, quality, and strength.