I will admit this class is not what I first expected. I have only taken one music class before which I did not enjoy at all. This class was the complete opposite as it was definitely one of the most interesting of all that I have ever taken. I loved getting to write about a topic that I love so much, I never got a chance to do that before. I used each opportunity to write about an artist or song I loved to share with others. But also for myself as I would not get the chance to write about this specific topic as much anymore. It is always more fun to write about things that you are interested in. Despite my love for music, I found that it was not as easy for me to describe it in technical terms. This was the thing I focused on improving the most throughout the semester. This is exactly why I chose my first two assignments and then last assignments of the semester. In a way it was to track my progress from start to end.
My Record Club post was the first assignment that I wrote for this class. I did not have much trouble choosing a song. I always pick Chloe x Halle as my go-to recommendation artist because what is there not to love. I listen to “Down” all the time but still had to have it on a loop to write my post because I did not know how to write what I was hearing in technical terms. Same also goes for my performance review for BTS. I had each performance on repeat as I tried to find a way to choose what elements exactly to include without adding too much. BTS was also an easy choice as they had just done an MTV Unplugged around the same time I wrote the review. Also another go-to artist to recommend to others. I was used to talking about music in a casual setting like with friends , solely based on whether I liked it or not. This analysis of all aspects of the song was very new to me. This is why I picked my last assignment of my annotated playlist to be the last piece for my portfolio. It shows the different ways I learned new things about music throughout the semester with some new songs and improvements to go along with it.
Record Club: “Down”
For Record Club I chose “Down” by R&B duo Chloe x Halle. “Down” is from their debut album, The Kids Are Alright. At the ages of seventeen and nineteen, the title has a more literal meaning as the album is geared towards a younger audience. The themes of the album are centred on the experience of transition through the teenage years and progressing into young adulthood. I think this is why I resonate with the album, “Down” is a personal favorite of mine. I would often hear others talking about having a go-to song which calms them down, some even take it a step further and make an entire playlist based solely on moods. As someone who listens to any and everything, I never had one.That was until I found this song, as soon as I heard it, I then began to understand exactly what a comfort song is. It is like a wave of calmness washes over me as soon as I hear this song, and based on the lyrics I can see that was exactly what they were going for.
“Down” is mainly a R&B song but other elements are also present. The opening vocals in the intro are similar to those that would be heard during an opera show. These opera-like sounds are heard throughout the track. This also goes for the harmonies that the two create with their voices, which can be heard in the background. It is one of those songs where something is always going on, especially in the background. There is a mix of lead vocals that are loud and clear, while the background vocals take on a more light and airy tone. During the chorus we see a change in the tempo as the bass comes in heavy. But it is not too harsh to change up the mood of the song, instead it fits smoothly as it adds to the calming feel.
The aspect of the song that sticks out the most are the vocals. The airy tone sounds beautiful and angel-like. The main message of the song is that sometimes when life is too much it is okay to sit back and relax. This would explain why the choice of sound was more light and airy instead of with more of an edge. It is especially evident in the chorus as we can hear how the pronunciation becomes different. Instead of saying slow as is, instead they drag out the word and then pronounce it as “slooowww” before they then proceed to sing down. They are acting out the word at the same time as it is being sung. It is little things like this that adds onto the serene feel of the song. As they sing about taking a moment to relax, every aspect of the song is made to replicate that exact action. Lyric wise, “Down” is a mellow anthem about taking a moment to calm your nerves. But Chloe x Halle take it a step further to ensure that this song, from the smooth instrumentals to the soft lead and background vocal arrangements, would be the perfect one to play during that time.
R&B:Rhythm and blues. A musical style that grew out of Black American blues, boogie-woogie, Gospel, roadhouse piano/guitar duos and other influences mostly from the Southern United States.- Wikipedia
Opera:A drama set to music, usually sung throughout, originating in 17th century Italy. Opera is a combination of music, drama, scenery, costumes, dance, etc., to create a complete art form.- Glossary of Musical Terms
Harmony:A harmony is when multiple tones from multiple sources come together simultaneously, in a pleasing way. When you play all the notes of a chord, you’re creating a type of harmony. The strumming of notes on a guitar can create a harmony; an orchestra of instruments playing together creates a harmony; and two or more voices singing together can create a harmony.- Spotify Glossary of Music Terms
Bass-Name used for the largest (normally) instrument in a family of instruments. For example Bass Guitar.- Songstuff Glossary
Tempo-The pace of a piece of music is known as its tempo. Tempo can be measured by beats per minute, or bpm; classical music tempos are described by a set of terms ranging from larghissimo (very slow) to andante (a moderate speed) to prestissimo (very fast).- Spotify Glossary of Music Terms
Chorus–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 is expressed in the chorus.- Songstuff Glossary
Mellow–Reduced high frequencies, not Edgy. -Describing Sounds: A Glossary
BTS Takes The Stage on MTV Unplugged
Since 1989 MTV Unplugged has been a place for artists to showcase a more personal performance. Each show is made to resemble an intimate mini-concert equipped with a live band and vocals.MTV Unplugged has hosted countless icons in music including- Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Nirvana and the list goes on. BTS ‘recent performance on February 23rd not only crowns them the first Korean act to take the stage, but also shows the success of their ongoing musical journey.
At this point, everyone has at least heard of BTS, they have single handedly taken the world by storm in recent years. But that does not mean that everyone really knows all about the group. Based in South Korea, the group is composed of four vocalists– Jin, V, Jimin and Jungkook and three rappers-RM, J-Hope, and Suga. BTS are known for their diverse discography that contains not only the basics such as Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B,and EDM but also ventures out into Punk/Rock, Ballads,Latin Pop,Funk, House, Trap and the list goes on. If it is a genre, then BTS have probably already dabbled in it. Along with that, the group is also known for their ability to put on a show. It is not a BTS concert without fireworks, live vocals and extensive choreography along with multiple outfit changes. In this performance, to go along the flow of the show, the audience sees more stripped down and personal performance from the group as they perform tracks from their latest album, BE.
A first ever live performance of “Telepathy,” written by Suga, opens up the show with a background set decked out in all sorts of colorful older arcade games and furniture. This set up matches the funky flow of the upbeat song. “Telepathy” serves as a perfect opener to get the audience hyped up for the rest of the show as the heavy bass booms throughout the room. As the disco-esque track plays, we can see as they play around in the home arcade as this performance takes on a more playful and casual approach- a nod to the countless days most of us have spent at home due to the ongoing pandemic.
The mood does a complete switch with the next performance of “Blue & Grey.” The boys ditch the casual clothes for collared shirts and ties. The set takes on a literal meaning as a blue-ish shadow washes over them as they sing through the ballad. It was written by V and described as a result of feeling burnt out and blue,the song came as a way to relive those emotions. The instrumentals are kept simple as the main focus are definitely the vocals. The most that could be heard through the majority of the song is the soft strumming of an acoustic guitar. This is a more emotional song and it can be heard as V sings “I just wanna be happier/ Is it too much to ask.” “Blue & Grey” speaks to anyone who has ever encountered this overwhelming feeling of sadness for whatever that reason may be. It is one of those songs that we all really needed to hear during these uncertain times and was created for that reason.
This seems to be the ongoing theme for BTS for this performance. The song’s choices are picked specifically to bring comfort for those watching during these trying times. This is why Coldplay’s “Fix You” was the cover choice for this performance. The boys take a seat to solely focus on the cover. The rappers take a different approach than usual as they stick to perfecting harmonies in the background. As the vocalists take center stage to belt out an array of high and lows notes. “Fix You”is a personal song about grief that is special to the band, so it says a lot for BTS to not only perform but receive praises from Coldplay.
BTS end their performance with two of their more well-known , “Life Goes On” and “Dynamite.”The songs that have provided the group their first #1 hits. “Life Goes On” still follows the mood of the previous song. In the title track of BE, the lyrics speak about the current pandemic. As of right now as it seems never-ending, but one day the pandemic and all it comes with will end. It may not seem like it right now, but eventually that day will come. This ballad not only shows off beautiful vocals, but also raps that fit smoothly. Suga raps, “ Let me tell you with this /People say the world/ But thankfully between you and me/Nothing’s changed.” The lyrics are meant to give off a more hopeful, optimistic tone. The group ends the performance with, “Dynamite” which is arguably their most successful hit. It is an up-tempo disco-pop song that is made to bop and groove to. It is even shown even with each performance sung with smiling faces, always sounding better than The instrumentals are kept simple as the main focus are definitely the vocals. . The group likes to take a fun approach to “Dynamite” and that’s why it is the song used to end the overall performance. This retro pop hit is always a chance for the group to let loose and have fun with the performance. They left off the original choreography to instead do exactly that. Instead choosing to do whatever comes natural in the moment with smiles on their faces. With these performances BTS have sent us through an array of different emotions and here is “Dynamite” to end it all in a good place.
Early 2000s Rewind
Oddly specific music playlists have become one of my favorite things lately. I never really been big on playlists. I would usually just go to my music library of thousands of songs and just press shuffle over and over until I find a song that fits the mood. Eventually growing tired of pressing shuffle led me to finally give in and make my own mood playlists. I would usually see ones along the lines of chill vibes and party songs and things like that. It was until one day my friend asked me for and I quote, “cinematic songs to play in the background when you’re running to save your love interest’s life” that I was introduced to another way to sort music. I started to see this trend more often, from “Songs that make you feel like the main character in a coming of age movie”to” A playlist for people who are always the second option”, both of which are real. Other than how funny I find the titles, I also like how for the most part I can identify the specific moment that is being talked about. Even if it is not something I can relate to,it was probably something I saw in a movie so I can still place the feeling.
This brings me to my own playlist that I created called, “The type of music that would play in a 2000s teen movie.” I feel like everyone knows the exact type of movies and music that I’m referring to. Mean Girls, She’s the Man, John Tucker Must Die, along those lines. The time period where Amanda Bynes and Lindsay Lohan were booked, busy, and just about everywhere. Specifically songs with alternative and pop-punk elements, which were especially popular in these music soundtracks. My playlist contains an array of songs from different years that would or already have fit perfectly in them.
All-American Rejects- Move Along
I had to start off with a song that was actually played in some of these teen movies.I would consider this their brand as a music group. Was it really a 2000s teen movie soundtrack if a All-American Rejects didn’t play?“This song and “Dirty Little Secret” were the go to during the climax scene.Move Along” was always my favorite though.This song fits that moment of the main character finding a solution to the main conflict. That scene shows them growing up and moving on from the person they once were at the beginning of the movie. The lyrics are especially fitting as the chorus goes, “When all you got to keep is strong/Move along,move along like I know you do/And even when your hope is gone/Move along,move along, just to make it though.” It makes sense why this would be the most played part. This would definitely be more fitting for the end of high school to the beginning of a college type of plotline. I could see “Move Along” being played in the background during that transition scene where the main character movies into their college dorm, because everyone in movies goes away for college for some reason.I personally cannot relate but I’ve seen enough movies to know the feeling. I can physically feel the angst that this song gives off and that’s what gives it a spot in my playlist.
Rina Sawayama-Take Me as I Am
“Take Me as I Am” just screams early 2000s with the hyper pop beat. I can physically see the pink mini skirts and glossy highlights.This is the song that introduced me to the artist and after this song I was hooked. This song kinda reminds me of Kim Possible in a way. This song would be most fitting for the older Disney teen movies, especially a Kim Possible reboot. A movie centred around the highs and lows of a friend group. “So guess it’s what it takes to live it my way/So the world will take me as I am” just perfectly fits the growing into being your own person and becoming more comfortable in your skin troupe. It is very coming of age but more on the upbeat side, which is not the most common in that specific genre.This song makes me think of montage scenes of the main friend group completing their final project/mission together. More specifically, after they fight over something stupid and it’s so bad that they ignore eachother for a while.Something magically comes in and brings everyone together. They all apologize, make up and realize they’re all better together as this song plays. Specifically the last chorus because I love the note change as she gets louder throughout the song. It adds to the dramatics of the characters,and even makes it a little emotional.
Zendaya & Labrinth-All for Us
This song might not be on the soundtrack for a teen movie, but it is for t.v. show. “All for Us” debuted in the last episode of hit t.v show Euphoria to wrap up the first season. I can remember the shock I felt when I realized it was Zendaya singing in the season finale. After that it was the only song I would listen to for months on end. I remember thinking it was so unique and was trying to find more songs like it. The best element used in this song has to be the choir vocals.If you want to immediately elevate any song just add a choir in the background. It adds so much depth to the song as it gives off a dramatic flare. Similar to the show, this song would have to play during a real dramatic scene. The climactic argument scene that leaves everyone involved in tears, and it gets that far, will end relationships of any kind. This definitely plays as the main character storms out of the room crying their eyes out. Maybe after a big secret gets revealed, like “being lied to my whole life” big. It has to be dramatic as ever to fit this dynamic song.
HOLYCHILD-Regret You
It’s time for our token love song.I found one song in a random Youtube video made about underrated songs. It is very fitting because I know nothing about the artist other than I love this song and have played it on repeat every time I remember it exists.Despite the heavy beats, the lyrics reveal that this song is so soft and sweet. Based on the sound, you probably would not know it was so lovey-dovey. TIt would best fit in a romance movie. I can see it played in the background with the main couple just being all cute and in love. Specifically for when they first get together, the honeymoon phase. Also this is a summer romance, so we also have a beach, amusement park, and other fun scenes. This is the beginning of summer where you feel like you have all the time in the world,even though you know that is just not realistic. But no one wants to be realistic all the time, so we ignore it and just think of all the time for fun that is ahead.
Lorde-Buzzcut Season
I feel like I don’t even need to explain why Lorde is on this playlist. She is the literal poster child for teen angst. This is simply her brand. If she made music during the early 2000’s, she would definitely be a recurring artist on most of the movie soundtracks. The artist that you can hear the main character listening to in their room or maybe even having her poster in their bedroom. I am a very obvious Lorde fan who is waiting for the day she comes back, yes it is true. I never used to listen to albums in full until like highschool for some reason, even though I was always listening to music. So I did not have many albums that I loved in full compared to the amount of music and artists I listened to. Pure Heroine was definitely one of the few albums that I loved every song on when I listened to the full thing a few years after it came out. The first time I heard “Buzzcut Season” I thought it was more dramatic than it actually was. She opened the song with someone’s head catching on fire and I took that literally. I thought it would be a sad song. Finally understanding the lyrics later on it was more nostalgic than anything else.This ,in a way, can also be a sad feeling, longing for what once was. I think this song would be best fitting for a flashback scene of old fond memories, just like how Lorde intended. But just about any Lorde song perfectly encapsulates the different moments of angst and dramatics that we often see in just about every teen movie.
Chloe x Halle- Hazy
“Hazy” is for the not so typical teen movies.This would be paired with the more daring movies of that era.The ones that were more on the risque side. The movies that would explore in deth the world of drugs, sex and things of that nature. The innocent main character that makes friends with a reckless teen who had no adult supervision.The movie would explore their journey of growing up way too fast together. The heavy beat paired with their hauntly beautiful vocals is more fitting for something with more edge, maybe even scary. I say scary because that is exactly how the audience is meant to feel watching such young characters do typically adult things. That is the message that is usually intended for those types of movies. Yes, I am thinking of Thirteen. This movie would definitely be more drama filled and serious than the other ones I envisioned. The last 30 seconds of the song are definitely action packed and would play during a party or club scene, definitely after taking some pretty hard drugs. I also like this song because of the versatility because the last 30 seconds, while being my favorite part, feels like an entirely different song. Not in a bad way, I think it’s the best part. But just based on that alone makes me think of teenage superheroes. That specific part would play in the background of the final dramatic fight scene. It’s so perfect I couldn’t imagine anything else. This really shows the versatility that the two hold as one song can result in two completely different visions. Also you hardly hear a full song that resembles the sounds you would hear during a cartoon fight and I absolutely love it.
Wallows-Ground
When I found out the main boy from 13 Reasons Why was in a band I just had to check it out. I didn’t expect much, this was not the first time I’ve seen an actor also be in a band.I always found that I liked the actor side more. But after listening to their song “These Days” from their second ep, Spring, I fell in love with their sound and immediately wanted to hear more. It was on this same ep that I discovered “Ground” and played it on repeat for months.It is still my favorite song from them until now. This is another song that just screams moody teenagers.The monotone vocals used in the chorus was always my favorite part especially paired with the rhythmic beat of the drums. If “Regret You” shows the highs of a cute relationship. “Ground” would be greatly paired with the lows. That moment after a bad breakup and the split couple are finally in the same space again, probably walking by each other in the hallways. Both not as mad as they were before, and we all can tell the love is still there. But like the moody teens that they are, all is not forgiven or forgotten that easily.So despite it all, both continue to go their separate ways.
WILLOW- t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l
I love the fact that I just discovered this song a few days ago. It came right in time to add to this playlist. As soon as I heard it, I thought of how much of a perfect fit it would be.It is the first single of her new upcoming fifth album.This song is very reminiscent of the earlier 2000s pop-punk song that would be so prevalent in these teen movies. It can be heard in the screamo-esque voice, heavy drum beats, and striking electric guitar. I have not heard anything that has been released really that sounds like it. This song would be used in a movie where the main friend group is also in a pop-punk band together. Think Lindsey Lohan in Freaky Friday, but in this movie the band is the actual main plotline. This song would definitely be their first hit. The one that makes the public actually take them seriously or win the big competition at the end of the movie. Of all the songs the band would play,“t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l” would definitely have to serve as the biggest hit with the most screen time, nothing less.
Acknowledgements
- Professor Tougaw and my fellow classmates
- Beyoncé , Chloe x Halle, BTS, All-American Rejects, Rina Sawayama, Zendaya, Labrinth, HOLYCHILD, Lorde, Wallows, WILLOW
- 2000s teen movies
- 2000s teen movie soundtracks
