Rihanna’s crooning ballad, “Love On the Brain” gets a vamped up 80’s-esque remix. The original version serves as one of the singers most captivating songs, vocally. She squeals, growls, and moans about being in love with someone who maybe doesn’t deserve her; “You love when I fall apart, so you can put me together, and throw me against the wall.” The Gigamesh Remix takes on a happier feel, with a lighter beat as the chorus is edited to just Rihanna shouting, “must be love.” Remixed, “Brain” takes on a whole new meaning that makes you bop your head and tap your feet while paying homage to the 1985 hit, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” Gospel goes out the window, and electro pop slides in almost as if it was meant to be this way. I have now dubbed this as one of my favorite Rihanna songs remixed.
Oh My My, is the title of their latest album since their 2013 release, Native. A 16-song tracklist reminds fans just how unstoppable they are. One Republic feels like an old friend, that you’ve had most of your life. You love them dearly, they are always there for you, and whenever you start to forget or lose touch with them they come right back into your life again, for the better. They make you a better person and an even bigger fan.
This album takes a slight turn down a path we’ve never heard from this talented group. Pulling influences from electronic leaders like M83 and Miike Snow, the boys pull back from their usual rock-alt/pop sound. While listening to the album you find yourself getting lost in it (like you would any other 1R album) but this time the music is more rich and unique. The songs are heavier while the lyrical quality remains as One Republic as ever; beautiful, poetic, and slightly cliche.
Lead singer, Ryan Tedder talked about the album as a whole to officialcharts.com saying, “It’s a very diverse album, but when you start hearing some of these songs, the humanity is there – that’s what took so damn long to make it.” Songs like, “Kids,” “Future Looks Good,” and “Wherever I Go” sound like the band we know and love. Catchy choruses and a thudding array of instruments float through each verse in the most cohesive way. While “Oh My My,” “NbHD,” and “A.I.” make you realize that this band CAN succeed at electronic music. They keep a gentle balance between overboard and juuuust right. Each one still feels like it could be stripped down and played in a coffee shop. The instrumentation is still present, even though the sound has shifted. Tedder’s voice motivates you on “Future Looks Good”, singing “you are, you are the future, and the future looks good.” Which is something he’s been good at; writing lyrics with meaning that most artists can’t do their whole careers. One Republic have kept a close grasp on why they are a band in the first place; for the music.
image: the upcoming.co.uk
“Born” is one of the best off the album. A song bound to be played at many future weddings (only if they have good music taste, like me.) The lyrics make you wish you were in love; “Yeah found someone to keep my head up, yeah trading darkness for the dawn, I was born, born to love you.” The chorus is so angelic, it feels as close to heaven as you’ll ever get here on Earth. In a world full of so much disagreement and hate, One Republic manages to sprinkle our souls with pure appreciation and love.
One Republic have once again shot themselves to the top of my list. Just when you think they can’t get any better, they do. Notorious for giving you a big warm hug and reminding you that life is beautiful.
The buildup to Banks’ sophomore album is only becoming more painful for fans. Her latest single, “To the Hilt” proves to be another emotional piano ballad where Banks’ relaxed tone once again wows. Her lyrics remain as poetic as ever as she reflects on a love she once had, “All those times you warmed my hand, maybe things weren’t easy as they seem.” All Banks needs is a piano and microphone to prove her endless musicality. To the Altar can’t come soon enough and I’m already bowing down to her.
The melancholy tune off of the emotionally charged, I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It, has just been covered by singer VÉRITÉ. It starts slow and ballad-like as a female voice effortlessly plucks at your tear ducts. “I don’t want your body, but I hate to think about you with somebody else,” are some of the most heartbreakingly poetic lyrics The 1975 have put into the world and ones they should be proud of. Fans have been vibing to the song for months, claiming it as one of their favorites.
Lead singer Matt Healy conveys a sense of confusion in the song that Verte touches on in a different more light pop/female aspect that’s almost hard to describe. Her voice comes in angelic layers near the end of the song as she harmonizes and shows her vocal prowess. She seems to be a true underdog in the music scene; someone everyone should know about. She told Billboard.com, “‘Somebody Else’ is so simple, relatable and well written. I really wanted to take it into my world and reinterpret it a bit.” Covers usually end up not sounding right or being so perfect that you end up listening to them more than the original (*wink Sam Smith *wink *wink.) This one will never top the original but it is definitely worth listening to…maybe even on repeat…for a couple days…
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