As the weather gets warmer with cherry blossom petals adding on to the beautiful scenery, our workload piles up high, highlighters run out left and right, and all-nighters become all the more frequent. All you want is a short power nap, but your hour nap become two, then four, then until the next day you wake up — surprised and horrified. It’s the same cycle each one of us goes through during this time of the year, but this time, we’re here to help you break that cycle once and for all! So take a deep breath, close your eyes, and delve into our musical stars for this issue: stars we’re sure will make the best of your spring.
Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae
A song that we’ve heard many times before but never knew the name before, this famous oldie still has a lot of words to say today with its upbeat simple instrumental of piano chords and drums. Corinne Bailey Rae’s husky and carefree voice floats on the light air as she admits “Sometimes we feel afraid, but it’s alright…The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same.” Although the future seems murky, especially as the school year comes to an end and we must look back on the path of oblivion we have created for ourselves this year, use this song to briefly take your mind away from all the pain and groove along with this classic song. There is nothing more relaxing than a soothing voice repeatedly telling us, “You’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.”
No Promises – Cheat Codes (feat. Demi Lovato)
From the beginning, the variety of sounds with echos imitate the sounds we hear in seashells, setting a very summery ambiance to the song. Demi Lovato’s high yet husky voice fits in perfectly with the background music as she sings about how she knows that “it’s so easy to fall for each other” and hopes her partner will catch her because she will do the same. The song starts to build momentum until Cheat Codes takes over to sing the catchy chorus, and the climax comes immediately after — following a short pause right after the chorus, there is a switch of rhythm and different types of sounds intertwine themselves effortlessly to create an unforgettable bass drop. In the midst of your busy schedule, take some time to listen to this star. The energetic tune will hype you up for the summer that will come in no time.
It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over – Lenny Kravitz
The drumroll that starts off this tune immediately alerts all listeners of the great musical magic about to happen. Lenny Kravitz has a full group of musicians on deck, from guitars to drums to even violins who pitch in for the chorus. Although Kravitz’s voice is soft, his message is strong: “So many tears I’ve cried / So much pain inside / But baby It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” Similar to the first song “Put Your Records On,” this song forms a harmonic fusion of swinging beat instrumentals and a soft vocal. Through this songs, listeners will realize that pain is shared by everyone and it will, hopefully, soon end.
Push through just a few more weeks, and summer will embrace you before you know it. Good luck Tigers!
– Soomin^2