#Rap vs. Ballad

[trendingnow3-blog]

"Residente and Ricky Martin Unite in a Mesmerizing Ballad Journey: A Must-Watch Music Video!"

"Residente and Ricky Martin Unite in a Mesmerizing Ballad Journey: A Must-Watch Music Video!"

On the evening of Wednesday, 26th July, the Puerto Rican rapper and composer, René Pérez Joglar, famously known as Residente, unveiled his latest creation titled “Yearning to be a Balladeer,” accompanied by a music video resembling a short film, in which Ricky Martin makes an appearance. The monochromatic short film, running approximately for 10 minutes, is a work of art directed by Residente…

[disneyparksattractionstournament]

Disney obscure songs tournament matchups

Substitutiary Locomotion vs So Close

To Be Free vs A world without fences

The Sweetest Sounds vs Fearless

It’s Fun to Be Free vs As long as there’s christmas

There's a great big beautiful tomorrow vs It’s what’s inside that counts

Pericles of Athens vs Carrying the banner

Elena of Avalor Theme Song vs Ain't No Doubt About It

Forget About Love vs Color spectrum song

We've Just Begun To Dream' vs Boo Bop Bopbop Bop (I Love You, Too)

Stories vs Great Outdoors

(We Used To) Listen to the Land vs Little Orange Bird

High adventure vs I miss you

Riddle diddle 123 vs One Little Spark

Make me look good vs The world will know

Diggin' in dinoLand vs Trick or Treat (for Halloween)

Destino vs Ballad of Davy Crockett

The Best Time of Your Life vs Petey’s king of France

Destiny vs The Song of the Seeonee

Space Angels vs My Lullaby

Happily ever after vs Let’s Go Back to the Future

Canada (you're a lifetime journey) vs Whistle Stop (Ragtime Demo)

Once and for all vs Why Me?

Come little children vs In the Space Between

Blue Milk Surprise vs Universe of energy loop/theme

Magic Journeys vs Le Festin

Queen of Mean vs The Bear Band Serenade

One Dance vs Junkyard society rag

Wherever You Are vs Naked mole rap

He lives in you vs If I Never Knew You

Can’t back down vs Morning report

We've Come So Far vs Rolie polie olie theme

It's a Kick vs The Mickey Mouse Club

Humiliate The Boy vs Scrooge

Boo to you vs Minnie’s Yoo-Hoo

Tomorrows Child vs The Apple Song

Eglantine vs Night falls

Baloo's Blues vs Quit Playing Games With My Head

Kitchen Cabaret vs One step closer

Love (Robin Hood Version) vs Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim

Wishes vs Oo-De-Lolly (Country Western Score Demo)

In a Heartbeat vs Call Me, Beep Me

Your Side of the Line vs Promise

It's Gonna Get Weird vs Dig It

Extraordinary vs I'm Walking Right Down the Middle of Main Street U.S.A.

Remember the magic vs The Man With The Golden Touch

Follow your heart vs Evermore

Own the night vs It’s on

John Henry vs On this magic night

Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful vs We go on/Illuminations

If you had wings vs A Step in the Right Direction

Making memories vs Not in Nottingham (Prince John version)

The Spartan Anthem/Spar OTC Fight Song vs Disney Sing-Along Songs Theme Song

What’s My Name vs One Good Man

Talespin Theme Song vs Fantasmic! Main Theme

Next stop anywhere vs Snuff Out the Light

Midas Curse vs Follow the compass of your heart

Surprise in the Skies vs Welcome To The Forty Thieves

Paul Bunyan vs Grim grinning ghosts

One of Us vs Beneath the Laughing Sky

Passamaschloddy vs Shadowland

Phantom manor overture vs If we were a movie

A Whale of a Tale vs Brothers All

Chop away at my heart vs Eating the peach

The Apple Dumpling Gang vs Suitcase And A Dream

[gaslightgatekeepgirlbosscombat]

Group D, Round 1, Poll 1:

Propaganda under the cut

Morgana Pendragon

yes

Linda Monroe

Alright. So. Linda Monroe, President of the Hatchetfield Boating Society, mother of four beautiful blond boys, wife of Dr Gerald Monroe, daughter of Roman Murray. How does one begin to describe Linda Monroe? In Black Friday, she gaslights, gatekeeps and girlbosses her way into becoming a cult leader. Now, to be fair, that hadn't been her initial goal. The only reason she was headed to ToyZone that Black Friday was to buy four of these new Wiggly dolls for her sons. She didn't know, of course, that 'Wiggly' was really Wiggog Y'Wrath, an eldritch being from between universes who was planning to enter and destroy our world via the dolls. But after the queue leading into ToyZone escalates into a brawl over the doll, Linda fights harder and more viciously than anyone else. After the mob scatters and Linda is left doll-less, she is of course approached by one of Wiggly's loyal servants, who offers her the choice position of being Wiggly's prophet and forming the cult that will construct the portal for the dark god to travel into our world through. She's such a girlboss that she gets TWO villain songs - her power ballad, Adore Me, about how epic it is that she has all these people mindlessly obeying your will, and the eleventh-hour villain song, Wiggle, about how glorious it'll be when Wiggly rises to reshape the universe. She's such a girlboss that she escapes being physically restrained by our heroes by just screaming really loudly at them and breaking someone's wrist. (deep breath) And that's just Black Friday. Let me tell you about what went down at the Honey Queen Pageant. Linda REALLY wanted to win this pageant. And to win it, she'd to anything - blackmail, bribery, fabricating an entire fake Broadway audition to cause her opponent to lose her voice the day before the pageant, targeting all other opponents she considered a threat and taking them out one by one, in various ways including but not limited to: trapping them on a fake cruise that crashed on purpose in order to delay them, digging up old dirt on them to force them to drop out due to the controversy, and full-on murder them backstage (to be fair, though, that one was playing just as dirty). She wins by bloodthirstiness alone, then executes an incredible Queen B-style rap ballad to cement her victory. Too bad the whole thing turned out to be a front for determining the next sacrifice for Nibblenephim, or 'Nibbly', a dark eldritch being and one of Wiggly's brothers. Linda Monroe gaslit, gatekept and girlbossed her way into becoming a prophet for a Lord In Black - twice. And that's why she deserves to sweep this tournament. Hopefully the prize for winning this one WON'T be 'being eaten alive by a giant mouth'.

[devilsrecreation]

Potential Lion Guard songs we were robbed of AKA Characters who could have had their own song

An Ushari solo about how he’s had enough with how he’s been treated (I actually saw someone create one on DeviantArt and it EASILY could have been canon)

A Kenge song. Not a song about him, I’m talking Kenge singing a villain song about being big or something like that. Maybe hr could even have a ballad idk

I’ve said this before, but a crocodile rap battle with Makuu vs Kiburi

Pua song???? Idk what it’d be about but PUA SINGING? Yes. Just yes

I’ll take literally anything with the crocodiles tbh

How about a funny villain song starring Chungu, Cheezi, Goigoi, Tamka, and Nduli

SKINK SONG SKINK SONG SKINK SONG. EVEN IF THEY WERE BACKUP SINGERS LIKE COME ON

We’ve had Simba, Scar, Askari, and even Zazu singing, so why not Nala?

I know Ma Tembo would have a wonderful singing voice

It’d be freaking awesome to have a Sumu song

[darlingandmreames]

@inception30daychallenge Day 8: What songs/artists are on Eames' main playlist?

I feel like Eames is one of those people who says he listens to a little bit of everything and does actually mean it. There are, of course, some genres he likes less than others- he's not a huge fan of metal (though he has a few songs on there thanks to Arthur), he's very picky about country, he has to be in a very particular mood for opera. He's got a couple particular soft spots too, specifically 80s ballads, old school rap (he's got opinions about the East Coast vs West Coast rivalry), and electronic eurodance.

Anyways, if you get Eames drunk and give him the aux cord, these two songs WILL make an appearance

[clydesavage-thefox147]

SEASON FINALE AND SONG PREDICTIONS

So with Thomas dropping the fact that there will be 6 SONGS in the Season Finale, I'm going to talk about what songs could be possible and/or what I'd(and what I assume others) hope for.

First talking point is: how many times has each side actually sang in the series? Well, if you count actually singing instead of "speak-singing", Virgil has sang 2 times with "New Year's Lies" and "Incomplete". Logan has sang 1 time and that was during the "Crofter's Musical"(if you don't count the brief lines he sang in "12 Days"). Patton has sang a total of 2 times, once in "12 Days of Christmas" and once during "Incomplete". Roman's sang the most out of the main four, 3 total times with "Incomplete", "Crofter's Musical", and "12 days". However, if we are counting how many songs they played a significant part in...Virgil has had 3 with "New Year's Lies", "12 Days" and "Incomplete". Logan has had 4 with "Crofter's Musical", "Incomplete", "Rap Battle" and "12 Days". Patton has had 3 with "12 Days", "Rhythm Redux" and "Incomplete". Roman has had 5 with "Incomplete", "Rap Battle", "12 Days", "Crofter's Musical" and "Rhythm Redux".

So in simple terms: Virgil sang 2 times, featured in 3 songs. Logan sang 1 time, featured in 4 songs. Patton sang 2 times, featured in 3 songs. Roman sang 3 times, featured in 5 songs.

So Roman has sang the most and has been featured the most. Logan sang once. That's just out of the main 4. Patton and Virgil are basically tied.

Remus has only one main song with "Forbidden Fruit". But he's so far the only Side who's had a full song dedicated to him. Janus never had a song in the canonical series. Yes, he did sing "Into The Unknown", however that is a cover, not an original song. He was featured in Remus's song but it more or less was a flashback scene and sang from Remus's perspective so it really doesn't count. And since Orange will be hopefully making an appearance, it's safe to say he might make a musical debut.

So, what could this all mean? Well, seeing as there will be 6 songs, 6 possibilities. But here's my hope:

1: a Janus centric song. He is the only side(minus Orange) without any official, original, canonical song. So, it only goes to show that maybe he will get his own. It would be a great way to flesh out his character. Show an emotional side, show a devious side, show a sensual side... anything about him. It would be interesting to see a burlesque like show from him or like a jazzy slow cafe swing song. Hell, we could get a reprise or revision of "New Year's Lies" or some level of a reference to it.

2: A duet of anything kind. It would be very cool to see some duos that have been at odds lately having a dueling duet. Janus and Roman, Virgil and Janus, Virgil and Patton, Logan and Roman, or Logan and Remus. Or maybe get a villain duet with Janus and Remus like a Partners in Crime kind of thing. Or maybe a duet with recently newly formed friendships like with Roman and Virgil or Logan and Virgil. I think any of this would be fun.

3: a Logan centric song. Logan has sang the least out of the main 4 and has a lot of pent up words he so desperately wants to force out, so what better way to do it than with a ballad or an aggressive tantrum-like rage song. Something that shows his true deep seeded emotions and maybe shows the corruption from Orange's influence. It could be a song from Logan in private or could be one directed at everyone outwardly. Maybe he could end up singing it under Orange's influence.

4: An Orange Side villain song. Now yes, a corrupted Logan song would technically count but it would be from Logan's perspective and issues. An Orange centric song would introduce him, his motives, his behaviors, his vibe etc. It would be perfect. If Remus can get a debut song, why can't Orange? Or, imagine a confrontational song with Logan vs Orange.

5: a Roman centric song. Roman has been having clear issues throughout the season, if not series as a whole. Insecurities with himself, fragile and broken ego, loneliness, jealousy and animosity with almost everyone. He's been on the brink of snapping and breaking down just as much as Logan has been lately. So, it's safe to say that a song from him is possible. An emotional ballad? And Villain song? And mix of both? Who knows. He has sung the most and has been featured the most so I don't think he really deserves another song honestly but then again, this would be from his perspective completely and not mixed in with everyone elses' or a duet.

6: a Virgil centric song. Now yes, I don't really see a huge possibility of this but it would be interesting to hear from Virgil's perspective on everything under the quise of a song. His dark side connection and reveal, his feelings on his neutral side balance, and his relationship with everyone. It would be a rather cool and emotional moment for him. Like I said before also, would be nice to see a duet with him and either a side he's fond of or he has animosity with. But if it's a full song on him alone, all that could be mentioned entirely.

7(bonus?): a Patton centric song. Similar to Virgil's. An emotional ballad on his recent struggles. Moving On, new relationship for Thomas with Nico, his relationship with the other Sides, his depression, his strictness/religious trauma. It would be a very strong song in my opinion. But it would be neat to see a duet too of him either with Virgil or Janus.

Now, will all these happen? Probably not but it's safe to say that the ones that are of most likelihood are a Janus centric song, an Orange centric song, a Logan centric song and maybe a Roman centric song. It's also likely that we might get two songs in one part. So say: 2 songs in the 1st part, 1 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd and 2 in the 4th. I hope that whatever songs we get are bangers and becomes huge staples in the fandom just as much as the others.

What do you guys think??

[vienecash300]

Album: The State vs DeMarea Pasquale

Artist: Squalee 2x

Release Date: 13 February 2024

This publication has waited patiently for a complete project from the enigmatic Squalee 2x. By my count 3 years of teases and leaks and snippets have served to wet the appetite of the local listener. We hear him rap we hear him sing. What will the album be like? In a word. Surprising. A single conversation with DeMerea Pasquale will reveal that he is deeper than his often goofy internet persona. Struggles with substance abuse, family issues and relationship problems are worn on the sleeve of this artist like a badge of honor. “The State” is heavily reflective of these facts. The beats mostly guitar driven mostly lack driving bass with notable exceptions. on “The Second Crash Always Hurts Worse” a simple acoustic guitar moves the beat and a feature from local artist C Klip brings us into the heavily autotuned vocals of Squalee who’s crooning is made not only bearable but rhythmic and pleasant by the effects used in production.

Sticking to the guitar-driven but this time complimenting with snare Squalee gives us “Love Sick in Springfield” a break up song that runs almost systematically through the stages of emotion associated with relationship cessation. The hook is an earworm that finds Squalee alternating keys to a remarkably listenable song.

“Letter to my Granny” has Squalee sing-rapping with slightly less vocal effect applied. A heartfelt ballad /tell all “Letter” is an outstanding example of doublet flow that reminds me of Scarface…if he used autotune.

Squalee kicks what sounds remarkbly like a YFN Lucci song on “Perky Dreaming” This song comes very close to being a traditional rap song entirely excluding Squalee’s wailing drone instead opting for a rapped hook and verses.

Springfield heavyweight Junior Pasare lends his vocals to “Menace to Society” a snare-and-bass track. He releases a rapid-fire Rod Wave style verse that gives the song a back bone while Squalee provides the lifeblood.

“Perky Eyes” is on the surface a Lil Peep inspired drug ballad. In true Squalee fashion the song is deeper than that acting as a cautionary tale to anyone listening. The drugs in this song are not glorified they are a side note as Squalee states repeatedly “I don’t really do drugs anymore”.

SKYLARPENDERGAST features on “Broken Promises” Skylar has appeared in this publication before. His unique voice of reminiscent of 21 Pilots , pleasing to the ear and radio ready.

Finally Squalee enlists the help of Big Homie Hom one of this productions favorite artists. On “Water remix” Squalee comes out kicking dope ass ad-lib laden triplets. Hom steps on the track like a dead Newport his distinctive voice marinating the track for the producer to cook it to perfection. “Dior Cypher” rounds the project out with 4 quick rap-and-go verses over a trap style beat. C Klip, Montana 2x EgoDeath and Prince Cash each deliver nasty verses one after another leaving the listener no time to breathe between them.

Ok Squalee, so waiting 3 years was worth it. This album is firstly a full-length LPwhich in and of itself is a miracle in 2024. The album is easy to play all the way through notably because it’s like listening to three different projects. The spirit of Lil Peep floats over the first few tracks like a hip hop specter. RIP PEEP THO 💯. The next few songs are a trip into a late 90s early 00s mind trip with flows directly out of that time and beats quite similar. Finally the last couple songs inflect a newer dare-I-say trappier vibe with songs that would be right in place alongside 21 Savage or Lil Yachty.

This is a helluva project. The raw emotion of the first few tracks bleeds enough anguish for a Double album. The last track being a cypher is a great way to switch up and avoid monotonous droning. Squalee, take a bow. This shit Smacks. 💯💯💯

CKlip

Jr Pasare.

[stiaral]

Starbomb and music theory 🦌🎵

CW : Strong Language

After 3 albums of greatness, it seemed like the magic of Starbomb would be a long gone memory, but miraculously in a tweet on the 27th of February 2023 our prayers had been answered ; the kings shall return.

And returned they have, with their new album Starbomb Boom: Rise of Lyrics. At the time I'm writing this post, their music video for Kiss the Elden Ring has recently been released and hopefully we'll still see new content for that 4th album.

If my username on most platforms is Starceptor it's because of Starbomb and Egoraptor (Arin Hanson), who's a member of the band alongside Danny Sexbang (Dan Avidan) and Ninja Brian (Brian Wecht) - listening to their songs on loop for years has significantly helped me become more casual with English (swears included), they introduced me to a whole new side of online and gaming nerd culture while also making me more interested in music-making in general by ensuring a place in my heart as one of my favorite bands of all time. By talking about them, I am somewhat also going back to the roots of my own motivations for making music, so I find it fitting that I refer to them in the context of my personal journey with composing.

I'm usually not a big fan of the kind of humor that Starbomb embraces but, they use it in such an over the top and self-parodic manner in their songs that it loops back to being funny again. As a celebration of their new album I wanted to go back to this awesome band in order to analyze what constitutes their musical identity.

Unfortunately, they already beat me to it :

This is usually the part where I sing the chorus out. But we haven't established what this song is all about. Then I chime in real quick for a just a second as the character delivers a line that reminds us of the joke. And I'll respond with harmonies, isn't that dope ?

This is when the song concept should heighten for effect. If you think we use that formula a lot, you are correct.

Danny said everything there, Starbomb does rely a lot on very similar patterns from one song to another. They are a self-described (in the about section of their website) synthpop/hip-hop band, and these pop influences can definitely be found all throughout this "formula" they "use a lot". Since the late 1970s, synthpop focused mainly on minor key songs, and if we take a look at the first Starbomb album :

I choose you to die / C-Minor

It's dangerous to go alone / A-Minor

Mega-Marital problems / D-Minor

Rap Battle : Ryu vs Ken / F#-Minor

Book of Nook / A#-Minor

Regretroid (my personal favorite) / Bb-Minor

Kirby's adventure in Reamland / G-Minor

The Simple Plot of Final Fantasy VII / A-Minor

8 songs in minor key, but the repetitions do not end here. Without going into much detail, most of the progressions within the first album are very common, almost cliché in pop music and well, there are some other redundant patterns...

To poetically quote this review of the first album ;

"[...] the phrase “What up b*tch?” is used so many times on this album, you begin to wonder whether Jessie Pinkman had a hand in its creation."

Point is, the instrumental at first never was the focus of Starbomb songs, the lyrics and their punchline were. But once you fall for the charm of these dumb jokes that get overextended to the full lenght of a song, you begin to love these same synthetizers you hear almost every time or even appreciate in what ways the instrumental might differ from the usual (shoutout to the chilled out groove of It's dangerous to go alone). The band is very aware of this, in fact, while all of their songs in the 3rd album sound quite unique, the one that ressembles the most the formula of their earlier songs is precisely the parody of their own repetitions : This song sucks. And from the first to their fourth album you see their progression wihen it comes to making the back-up music for their songs thematically coherent (starting at first with songs like Luigi's Ballad that alternate to a different tempo whether Luigi or Mario are singing, to reallly taking full effect with the second album onwards. For example how can't I mention one of their most recent songs Nintendo's Greatest Announcement done entirely in whispered rapping as said "Announcement" supposedly is a secret leak).

Arin is hitting that yoinky spoinkly like a champ.

If it weren't for Starbomb, well first of all I wouldn't have named myself Starceptor and therefore later on Stiaral, but I probably wouldn't have been introduced either to an awesome passion project on the internet that would have influenced me to work on my own stuff using also back-up synths and some chiptune soundfonts I'd end up playing around with on MuseScore.... Oh and fun thing the base for my fursona's hairstyle actually is Starbomb Link's cut.

Best Link design ever /hj - love what they did especially with the eye lashes.

[mytastessuck]

Starbomb: Starbomb

Eeeeeyup.

So, to ruin my credibility even further...yes, I am a Game Grumps fan. I started watching them out of curiosity in 2016 and watched them on and off for a while until I fell in the trap of those damn Sleeping Aids videos uploaded by their fans and I've been watching them semi-regularly since.

Are they perfect? Fuck no. They suck at games and Egoraptor is the bad Mike Tyson simile of previously problematic content creators. But you already know I'm a NSP fan and I like Danny's singing voice and some of Egoraptor's raps (have fun finding the ones without the n-word!) are pretty skilled and he has a genuine love for the genre and, somewhat more importantly, those games he's bad at. So there, my justification for being a Starbomb fan...despite the fact I've uploaded Starbomb songs before so this really shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone. Since the album was uploaded for free, I'm going to upload the whole thing below so feel free to read after every song so that everyone can know how to feel after every song. Now...COMMENCE THE CRINGE!

Intro

God, this whole thing is nostalgic. The guys introduce themselves and Arin does a rather impressive paraphrasing of a Fair Use segment that shows that 1. since this album is a parody and 2. they acknowledge they don't own the characters, they don't technically need to be sued. as of January 12, 2024, Nintendo and others apparently agreed.

Song Score: 7/10

2. I Choose You To Die

This is the gate: if this song turns you off, you're probably going to hate this album. Starbomb doesn't care about canon, your feelings or even making clever jokes about the franchise: they thought it would be funny if there was a story about Ash going around fucking up Pokemon, going to jail, getting bailed out and shot in the sack by Pikachu. Is it funny? By my standards...meh. It didn't really grab me. My own description of the song is honestly funnier to me than the actual song itself. I don't hate it but it's definitely not how I would introduce someone to the band.

Song Score: 5/10

3. Luigi's Ballad

Here we go, the real shit: with special guest vocalist Rachel Goddamn Bloom (Crazy Ex Girlfriend creator and star), we get crassed up versions of Mario, Luigi and Peach as the brothers fight over her in a hilarious ditty. Arin is having fun, Danny is competent and Rachel is perfect, like always...I'm actually glad that Peach didn't pick a brother at the end because, as douchey as Mario was being, Luigi didn't give an actual reason for being attracted to her. Maybe he was just as shallow as Mario only he was more devious about it? Who cares? Peach is going to fuck a mushroom.

Song Score: 9/10

4. It's Dangerous To Go Alone

A bit darker but still a well-done song (Philly shout-out! Woo! We suck less than Raccoon City!). They gave Danny the lead in this and it works, Arin's freak-out at the end as Link is legitimately chortle-inducing. Chortle-inducing I say. Sexual predation has never been (subjectively) funnier.

Song Score: 9/10

5. Mega Martial Problems

Might be my favorite song on the album. Mega Man and his wife (Roll? Some chick? Who cares?) are being given marriage counseling (sex counseling, actually) by Dr. fucking Wily and Mega Man kills robot masters to get toys to fuck his wife with, ending with Zero being killed by his Mega Dick. Arin is a good rapper and Danny manages to sing distinctly as a german doctor and Mega Man's wife (he raps a bit at the end...it's actually listenable). Seriously, if you're not the biggest Mega Man fan and if canon isn't important to you, go check this song out.

Song Score: 10/10

6. Rap Battle: Ryu Vs. Ken

Hur hur, Ryu rules, Ken sucks, hur hur. That doesn't bother me though. What does bother me is the content of Ryu's lyrics: he's supposed to be talking about how badass he is and he keeps going on about his dick? Forget canon character, if he was just some nobody he would sound like he's eight years old! Once you hear it, you won't unhear it. It's just a bit...desperate? And I can't help but feel like I'm supposed to take him seriously. This song is fine for the most part but...yeah, definitely one of the weaker ones on re-listens.

Song Score: 6/10

7. Crasher-vania

Pretty funny song about Simon Belmont committing hate crimes against the creatures of the night having a Monster Mash. Fun fact: I don't know the story behind this but Arin and Danny did a censored version of this song for a MST3K telethon. See it here:

Song Score: 8/10

8. The Book of Nook

On a re-listen, this is a competently hilariously fucked up song about Tom Nook being a dickhead mafia landlord...but I'm detracting a whole point for the use of the archaic slur "mongoloid". I guess they didn't want to use "retard" and tried to be smart about it. Sorry guys; try harder.

Song Score: 8/10 (I still gave it a high score so maybe I'm part of the problem.)

9. Sonic's Best Pal

Probably my other favorite song on the album. The perfect Sonic darkfic: Tails snaps due to his insecurity (Hey! A canonical character flaw; I'll wave as I see it fly by.), gets on drugs, fucks whores and shoots Eggman. They knew what they were going for and they got it. Kudos, Starbomb.

Song Score: 10/10

10. Regretroid

Emily Hughes (pretty neat singer and apparently a friend of Danny's...I don't know) stars as an understandably grumpy Samus against the Nice Guy (TM) Kraid in this epic star tale. Awesome tune with a hilariously dark ending (I mean...it's not like the puppies were destined for a good life if space dragons were just handing them out in baskets.)

Song Score: 8/10

11. Kirby's Adventures In Reamland

Either this or the Tom Nook song was the first song recorded for the album and, unlike Tom Nook's song, Starbomb hates this one. Me? Another "meh"....it's crass for the sake of crass but the guys are doing that the whole album so I'm not really affected by it. They spitroast Kirby and namedrop Meta Knight and Dedede. That's it. Move along, barely anything to see here.

Song Score: 7/10

12. The Simple Plot of Final Fantasy 7

Ha! Take THAT, convoluted JRPGs! Seriously, this is one of the better songs on the album and I love how they try to turn Cloud into this smooth talking self-aggrandizing asshole (not a far cry from him in canon, mind) and how they didn't call Ryu by name. He's Ninja Gaiden now. Perfect way to end the album.

Song Score: 9/10

13. Outro

Just the guys being dorks and teasing the second album (Player Select; won't be reviewing that one so I'll spoil my opinion for you: it's not as good as the first one.). It was always fun to hear them fuck around. Reminds me a bit of their Sleep Aids.

Song Score 8/10

Album Score: 8/10

Decent album. As we all know, I have shit taste so that makes my opinion superior to yours. Since this was an album review, I'll be taking a week off to unwind and come back next Friday with the typical song a day schedule. See you then.

[buff-electra-truther]

(I don’t have a ton of photos of him onhand ao here’s some really random ones)

Stex Appreciation Month Day 3: Greaseball

Fav actor: Honestly I’m not very picky on Greaseball in general so I don’t have strong preferences.  I just like as low, rich, and powerful a voice as possible for him.  Vocally I like Andreas Wolfram on the 2013 cast recording (being great at rapping in German with an Elvis inflection is one hell of a statement) and the very brief Megamix footage I’ve seen of Lashane Williams as him.

Fav song/scenes: Pumping Iron, One Rock and Roll Too Many and clowning around with Dinah in the megamix.  Honestly I liked basically everything he was in onstage irl last year, he was probably my favorite of the main characters since his numbers are almost more fun if you don’t know what he’s saying and view Elvis Train as the real protagonist for saving us from the REAL big bad: romantic ballads.

What Time Is It? is offensively bad as a song but I just love the concept of him and Electra having a rap battle and wish it was longer/more intelligent and more about beefing with each other vs fighting over some girl they both barely know. 

Fav costumes: I’m content with pretty much all of the replica ones, since they don’t vary too much

Ships/Friendships: Him and Electra as enemies with benefits especially if it plays up the irl arguments of diesel vs electric. It’s not a very deep relationship, they just want to kill each other but also make out violently.  If they joined as comrades maybe they could beat their real shared nemesis (automobiles, and Trucker Caboose as a minion of them) once and for all.  I’m way more invested in the potential of their rivalry vs the actual main plot tbh.

He doesn’t deserve Dinah (and she deserves better than him) but I don’t see them separating, they just seem too attached to each other. I definitely prefer their more recent dynamics where she’s way more assertive because it’s funny to watch her boss him around (I love Dinah harassing engines in general) 

Headcanons:  He’s practical and pragmatic, if perhaps a bit too dismissive of doing things in newer/smarter ways vs past proven ones.  Electra thinks he’s disgusting the way nonsmokers view smokers (it’s how he is about most combustion engines) but finds something alluring about his diesel clatter and how he feels alien to someone who mostly works in urban environments where it’s electric-only.  

Unpopular opinions: I’ve been haunted by the thought experiment of “what if Mykal Rand played him in another timeline?”.  He’d probably pull it off but has SUCH an un-Greaseball face that you have to just forget about him looking like Elvis and find what else works with the general vibe and themes of the character.  Which opens the door to “what else could they have done with Greaseball if he varied as much as Electra visually/character-wise?”

I think he’s fine as is and doesn’t need changing because he just works (there’s a looot of things that need fixed in Stex before even thinking about that).  But if I had to modernize him slightly, I’d make him more like Gene Simmons/KISS in general to scoot him forward about two decades.  Still a VERY visually iconic inspiration and it would barely change the vocal style, over the top macho character, and “rebel” turned rock establishment aspect.  You’d even have a free excuse to finally give him some fun makeup for once!  It would also be relatively easier to genderbend him because Gene sings a bit higher and his costumes have always tried to make someone lanky/soft look bulkier so you wouldn’t have to struggle to find actual Chadettes with the right look already. 

In a similar vein, I also like the idea of cat facepaint Greaseball the longer I think about it.  It’s such an ironic animal motif for a macho character but it suits the “cat whisker” livery of a lot of midcentury locomotives and the diesel engine purr/growl. Also ties into the KISS thing in a way that won’t lead to copyright issues lol

(I can’t really say much on Wembley Greaseball other that I’m intrigued by the concept and will draw my own idea of female Greaseball eventually (metal-leaning design based on Floor Jansen and Noora from Battle Beast).  From what I’ve seen just doesn’t seem to look/act tough enough for me and the costume is too narrow/glossy for my liking but I think the idea has potential.  I am always in favor of randomly butchifying male characters because it’s fun.) 

[sols-wild-ride]

Bad Music Bracket Round 3 and 4

Double elimination time! This week we have two match ups going at the same time! This week, we have to pick who is worse of two brackets:

At a Medium Pace by Adam Sandler vs Buddy Holly by Weezer

and

Craftycorn Song by BENJIXScarlet vs Points of Authority by Linkin Park

If this does not work out, then I will try to go back to individual matches, but I do want to try and speed through the brackets. I feel no issue doing that with these two match ups at the same time.

Judge's takes below

Sol's Picks- At a Medium Pace and Points of Authority

These match ups are being done at the same time because these are match ups of Hydrogen Bombs vs Coughing Babies.

I went with Points of Authority for the round 3 pick, not because it is worse than the Craftycorn song, but for the sanctity of the bracket. Craftycorn feels like a nothing song, and it moving forward would be an insult to other songs. It would be like voting for Bucket Head in an election. Points of Authority at least is more interesting to discuss and criticize, especially since everything in Hybrid Theory sounds the goddamn same and is so juvenile.

I have never liked Adam Sandler so him moving forward is an act of spite. Also, Buddy Holly is not a bad song.

Matt's Picks- At a Medium Pace and Craftycorn

Mr. Sandler, what you sang is one of the most insanely idiotic songs I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent music were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone here is now dumber for having listened to it. You get my vote for worst song and may God have mercy on your soul.

I’m too old for Craftycorn Song to have any relevance in my life. Give me back my aux cord, we don’t wanna hear that weird shit no more.

Adam's Picks- At a Medium Pace and Craftycorn

My vote goes to the Adam Sandler song because I like Buddy Holly. Opening your song with “What’s with these homies dissing my girl?” is the equivalent of putting “If you don’t like anime, you can swipe left” in your dating profile. You’re gonna push a lot of people away, but the ones that stay are the ones you know you’re gonna vibe with.

Have you ever been in a room where an extremely online person makes a meme reference in front of a bunch of normal people?

That’s what the Crafty Corn song felt like. I don’t understand what’s going on and at this point I’m too afraid to ask.

Joe's Picks- At a Medium Pace and Craftycorn

I can understand how someone would find Buddy Holly grating, but to me it’s a pretty enjoyable song that sits comfortably in its position among the other passable radio rock of the mid 90s and its greatest fault is being overplayed as a radio hit and meme. At a Medium Pace is essentially 3 minutes of painfully attempting to squeeze comedy out of describing unusual sex acts in Adam Sandler’s warbly comedic voice set to fairly bland romantic ballad music. The joke which had very little steam to begin with, doesn’t really have any meaningful pay off and ends up falling very flat. While I’ll admit to having a nostalgia for Adam Sandler’s comedy from my youth, this song can be left in the past. 

There’s really not much to say about Crafty Corn; the song’s flow is whack, lyrics are repetitive and dull, and the chorus is grating, with one of its only high points being its graciously short run time. Points of Authority is otherwise very much a Linkin Park song, maybe a middling song of theirs, but if you like their rock rap style you’ll probably be fine with it. But the Crafty Corn Song is just really not particularly enjoyable to listen to at all. It felt as though it was a really shallow and shameless cash grab based on some trendy thing kids were enjoying and a cursory search of the artist seems to confirm that, and is best left ignored and forgotten.

[kpopsongrecs]

Comfort Songs from Female Artists:

Heart - Taeyeon Heart is a phenomenal ballad from Taeyeon. The heartbeat-like guitar pulse is a very clever touch, and immerses you into an emotional state of mind immediately. The lovely but simple arrangement allows for Taeyeon’s signature piercing vocals to absolutely soar. The Korean title “품" means hug/embrace, a very apt title for a song that truly feels like a comforting hug. The lyrics are full of warmth and meaning. Especially the lines “You recognize the scar that I wanted to hide the most, give a kiss on it, gently pacify it and make it heal", highlighting the powerful message that the ultimate act of love is recognizing someone's vulnerability and treating it with tenderness.

LMM - Hwasa LMM might have more recognition now, since Hwasa performed it at this year's Blue Dragon Awards to pay respect to the passing of actor Lee Sung Kyun. A very touching song, it made for a very touching tribute (so thoughtfully swapped into the performance lineup by Hwasa herself). Her rich and raspy voice is perfectly soft and haunting in the verses, yet emotional and filled with power in the chorus. Hwasa's signature to her solo work is the deep and contemplative nature of her lyrics. LMM (standing for "Lost My Mind") is a perfect example of this. “Flowers bloom even in the falling rain” is a very poignant way of expressing the message of keeping resilience and strength in the face of dark times.

Breathe - Lee Hi Being one of Jonghyun’s most famous songs that he wrote, Breathe has a certain lingering perception to it. But just as Jonghyun deserves to be fully celebrated for his remarkable artistry, this song deserves full appreciation as the balm of comfort and healing it was written to be. Ultimately, Breathe tells everyone going through burdensome times that you are worthy and have permission to breathe through it all. Lee Hi is the perfect artist to deliver this, as there is a rawness and realness to her vocals, making the impact of this emotional ballad hit that much harder. 정말 수고했어요.

As Time Goes By - Yoon Mirae Yoon Mirae is a music icon in S. Korea, but very regrettably does not earn much widespread recognition for her contributions to the k-music scene from international fans. (A travesty!) Though she's most celebrated for her rapping, there is a reason why her singing voice remains in high demand for Korean OSTs. There is a rare present quality to her voice that makes you feel that she's in the same room as you, and singing to you directly. This album and track was released all the way back in 2001 so it's a rare chance that newer fans are familiar with it, but it's such a wonderful classic R&B number that instantly soothes the soul.

It Hurts (아파) (Slow) - 2NE1 An R&B-flavored ballad delivered by one of the most iconic Kpop girl groups of all time - It Hurts highlights the advantages of ballads sung by groups vs. solo artists, as every member's unique vocal color shines in the trade-off of lines, perfectly demonstrated by 2NE1 (a group so ahead of their time). It Hurts is possibly one of 2NE1’s most underrated B-side tracks and one of the numbers that best showcases their powerful and beautiful vocals (given their otherwise dance music heavy discography).

Star - Jessi Star is less of a crooning ballad and more of a mix of ballad singing with the charismatic rap we associate with Jessi. The absolute vulnerability she portrays in the vocals of this song can take you aback, given Jessi's usual outspoken and boisterous image. Yet she showcases her sensitivity so openly through her singing, which is undeniably beautiful and (no pun intended) the star of the song. The powerful rapping and lyrics in true Jessi fashion, holds nothing back while expressing the challenges of her career and life. The mix comes together in a truly underrated track from her that is equal parts strong and touching, and maybe one of her best.

[bestofanimaniacs]

Full Song Submission List

After organizing all the data, we had a total of 87 songs submitted from 180 submissions! You can see the full list down below. We did have to cut some to keep the poll manageable and I do genuinely feel a little bad I couldn't fit them all in. But, we did end up with a lot of great submissions and I'm so excited to see how these polls go!

This was the overall breakdown of reboot to original songs for my fellow data lovers out there:

65th Anniversary Introduction

A Brief History of History

A Meticulous Analysis of History

A Place Called Home

A Quake! A Quake!

Animaniacs Theme Song

Animaniacs vs Jay-Pac Rap Battle

Be a Pest

Be Like Me

Bones in the Body

Brainstem

Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue

D.I.WHY?

Dot's Quiet Time

Early in the Morning

Flat in Gay Paree

Flora Dora

FLOTUS, FLOTUS, What Do You Know About Us?

Gotta Get To The Wishing Star

Gruelsome ol' Gruel

Hello Nurse

Here Comes Attila

Here Comes the Sea!

Humans Ain't What They Seem to Be

I am the Very Model of a Cartoon Individual

I Am the Very Model of an Ancient Roman Emperor

I Ate a Rock

I'll Take an Island

I'm Cute

I'm Gonna Eat'cha

I'm Mad

I'm Nobody's Mama

I've Got a Ha'Penny

If I Could Have My Wish Then I'd Be Happy

It's New Year's Eve

Just the Same Old Heroine

L.A. Dot

Lake Titicaca

Let the Anvils Ring

Let's Try For Two

Lots to See (The Ghost of Christmas Future)

Macadamia Nut

Many Years Ago

Nice and Chubby Baby

Noel

On the Home Front We're Marching Along

Panama Canal

Piano Rag/A Guy Named Joe from Kokomo

Pinky and the Brain Theme

Purgatory, Here We Come

Reboot It!

Running From Our Fans

Schnitzelbank

Several Drops of Rain

Some of Humanity's Wins

Suffragette City

The Acme Song

The Ballad of Magellan

The Bayeux Tapestry Song

The Catch-Up Song

The Cutening

The Goodbye Song

The Hello Song

The Little Old Lady (from Pasadena)

The Magna Carta Song

The Monkey Song

The Presidents Song

The Senses Song

The Studio Shrink

The Wishing Star

There's Only One of You

Together

Typewriter Song

U.N. Me

Variety Speak

Video Revue

Wakko’s America

Wakko’s Two Note Song

Warner's Ark

We Could Try to Do It, Santa

What Are We?

When You're Traveling from Nantucket

Yakko's Big Idea

Yakko's Countries of the Early 19th Century

Yakko's Universe

Yakko's World

You Gotta Do the Schmooze

[messiisgodibeliveinhim]

NCT 127: Then vs Now

(Short analysis of the members' skills, mostly live performance, from their debut till now)

Taeil: No one can doubt his vocal abilities even during live performances. He carries the group when it comes to vocals. But he's severely lacking when it comes to his dancing skillsand stage presence. I don't understand how you could be in a hip-hop/edm based group known for it's catchy choreos and charisma for 7 years, yet not improve. Taeil is smart though, he blends in well with the group and does just enough during performances to not stand out awkwardly. But is that an excuse to not put an effort into bringing out the best of each song he's performing with the group? His face is almost dead when the camera focuses on him, no charm, no expression that suits the lyric he's singing or the overall vibe of the song. His dancing is just movements of his limbs, as if he wants to be done executing the choreo rather than care about how best he could execute it. It's been like that since debut. It's like he doesn't care to do more.

If he goes solo, I only see him singing emotional ballads rooted to one spot on the stage. That's not a bad thing, he will definitely be successful because of how confident he is in his vocal abilities. But he's not made for being group member or simply, he doesn't care about being in the group (Not to be mistaken as him not caring about the members of the group. They are two different things). It's safe to say I don't enjoy watching his fancams except when he's singing those high notes.

Johnny: Well, Johnny has improved in places..... Just not in anything specific. It's an overall improvement, I guess. He's trying, that shows. But it does come off as if he's trying TOO HARD. He's doing more when it's not really required and that might come off as a bit funny or awkward. Though, he's improved considerably in dancing and stage presence. He keeps his facial expressions loud but limited to only few. You'll understand if you see him perform live. His rapping is still.... meh. He raps the same for every song. Sometimes it fits the song, sometimes it just stands out badly. It sounds even terrible when his rap is after Taeyong's or Mark's, almost like SM is trying to set him up😬 So, absolutely no improvement in rap, though a lot in dancing and stage presence since debut.

Taeyong: Okay..... So he's already an established rapper and dancer in not only NCT, but also in the whole of kpop. He has brought a lot of fans into NCT and you can call him a veteran in the industry. His own group members and some outside rookies look up to him. He is also praised by a lot of professionals in the industry for his rapping and dance skills, including his seniors.

No argument here, his stage presence is the best in NCT. He knows how to execute the choreography on stage as well as how to look good while doing it. Unlike Taeil, he executes each movement with purpose. And his expressions are well timed and natural, and perfectly fits the vibe of the song he's performing. He's in the top 3 best dancers of NCT. He's also a really good rapper. So the title 'Born Performer' really holds up, but he had to put a lot of effort to get where he is now. The irony....!

His recent solo album 'Shalala' also showcased his singing abilities. Though not as good as Taeil or Doyoung, he can sing pretty well and bring out the emotions of the songs perfectly. Ruby, Gwando and 404 File Not Found are really good songs which shows how good he is at singing and rapping and switching between the two constantly. Also, he's absolutely improved in his song writing skill. His lyrics for the NCT songs were a bit questionable at times or downright head scratchers the other times. But he's now able to write meaningful lyrics with good metaphors and all. Also, his composing skills are exceptional. He wrote and composed all of the songs in Shalala (and wrote all and composed a few songs on his SoundCloud which are also very good).

Though he's the member who I think has improved the most in 127, I still have a few problems. His raps don't always fit the song or at times are straight up bad. For example, his rap in Love Song just takes me out of the song entirely and so does his rap in So Long by SuperM. They are just TERRIBLE! The way he pronounces the words in some songs makes me frown. He loves over stressing the 'd's and the 't's in the lyrics (Ex: OK! by NCT), and it sounds soooo freaking weird, lol! Also, he mumbles at times which is very distracting. He's a bit stiff when it comes to dancing. Though he can execute strong choreos pretty well cuz he's a dancer who's very focused on lines and angles his body makes, but when it comes to softer or smoother choreos, he doesn't tone down on the sharpness or stiffness to his movements, making it look a bit awkward.

This is what confuses me. Even though he's a really good rapper and dancer, he's not very consistent. As in, he's not good at them all the time. He's very experienced in the NCT and has a huge range in rap (comparing the songs Dark Clouds and Tiger Inside) and dance (The 7th Sense and Cherrybomb), though at times he executes the choreo a bit weirdy or his raps come off sounding awkward. But the fact remains that he's the most improved member in 127 since debut.

Yuta: I don't see any improvements to be honest, maybe vocal abilities? His voice is nice to listen to in 127 songs, but I don't think he has widened his range in singing. He's an alright rapper, not noteworthy but he does bring a good vibe to the songs. He's a bit stiff when it comes to dancing though, but again, he doesn't take you away from the performance. But, no improvement here since debut. Stage presence, well..... He has just 3 expressions, I'm-always-angry and I'm-not-impressed expressions reserved for most of the performances while Nothing-can-ruin-my-mood-today expression is solely for the Touch performances or the happy-vibe songs. That's about it. So yeah, it's pretty much meh in terms of improvement with him.

Doyoung: He has improved in vocals the most in the group and is the backbone of the group when it comes to background vocals and adlibs. With dance skills, he has improved slightly but not enough to be called 127's top 5 dancers, lol. But dancing doesn't seem to be his priority, like Taeil. Stage presence has improved considerably as well. He does the right expression at the right moment, but his body language remains the same. Overall, I see a good amount of improvement since debut, but he could put more effort into standing out if he wants to go solo in the future.

Jaehyun: He has surprised me recently with 'Perfume' performances. His dancing or stage presence never stood out to me before. But the Perfume era changed my mind. Maybe he's really happy to have debuted with the unit and be finally out of the shadows of Mark and Taeyong or maybe the choreo of the songs suits him so well, idk what exactly but he stood out 100% during the DJJ performances. His dancing was really good and his stage presence was eye catching. His vocal skills have always been fantastic and his baritone voice really stands out among the tenor vocals in 127, bringing the right amount of freshness to the songs. I still think he has improved considerably here.

In 127 though, he wasn't a..... attention grabber. His visuals yes, his performance? No. He's inconsistent when it comes to stage/camera presence. Oftentimes when the camera focuses on him, he has this 'IDGAF' ass bland expression on his face. Other few times, he does try. It's like he doesn't know what to do when he's on camera or simply looks like he doesn't wanna be there, lol.

So, I don't know if I can call his stage presence and dance during DJJ debut an improvement. It looks more like he was hiding his skills in the group and only brought them out during the DJJ debut. Though honestly, good for him, cuz he stood out the most in the group. But I have to look at the upcoming 127 comeback to see if he actually improved with 'Perfume' era or if it was a one time thing.

Jungwoo: Very much improved in dancing and stage presence. Vocals, not so much. He's been getting quite a lot of center time in the videos and stages, due to him getting better since debut. Though he does over dance at times and has a small range of facial expressions and body language, it doesn't take the viewer away from the performance. Again, he doesn't have the best voice in NCT and doesn't suit some of the 127 songs, but he's an alright singer. Taking all of this into account and the number of solo fans he has, we can see why he debuted in the DJJ unit.

Mark: Well, I don't think I have anything bad to say about him at all. He's Asia's best rapper, no kidding. And he's a really good performer. He's always been good at rapping and stage presence, but the area he's improved significantly for me is his dancing. He maintains the right energy from start to finish for all of his performances and he always gives his 100%. You can never catch him slacking. He's also a natural performer in the group, he doesn't have to try hard to bring the right energy to the songs. He is a key member to NCT along with Taeyong. Though, his solo songs haven't slapped for me, but he has a lot of time to improve, so I'm not worried at all. So, as for improvements, he's consistent when it comes to rapping and stage presence and improved a lot when it comes to dancing.

Haechan: He's improved in every aspect. Dancing, vocals, stage presence, everything. If you watch his fancams since debut, you can see the gradual change in his confidence on the mic and on the stage. He can easily go solo, no issues whatsover. He has a lovely voice and good vocal abilities, he brings the right attitude to the stage and he's 127's top 3 dancers, no questions! Idk why SM is hesitating to give him more opportunities (oh yeah, cuz it's a shit company!). I can see an overall improvement and I'm pretty sure he'll only get better.

The overall improvement ranking for each NCT 127 member-

Taeil- 2/10 (vocal improvements maybe?)

Johhny- 3/10

Taeyong- 9/10

Yuta- 2/10

Doyoung- 6/10

Jaehyun- 8/10 (based on DJJ)

Jungwoo- 5/10

Mark- 6/10

Haechan- 8/10

---------------------------------------------------

(This is my opinion, feel free to reply/reblog with your own)

[vimbry]

can you give a handful of your fave sparks songs? i only know a few but i like everything i've heard and i wanna get more into them

sure! ooh man uhhh let's see. these may be ones that you already know, but whittling down some favs in no particular order I think are:

the number one song in heaven (one of those "spiritual experience" songs to me, oddly enough given the title lmao, which is what actually got me into them, bc I heard just a few lines of the short version and fell in love with the '70s synth style. but the full build-up is glorious).

eaten by the monster of love (recommended if you enjoy witty, cynical, bouncy new wave music)

slowboat (beautiful early album ballad that I am always hoping gets its recognition one day)

dick around (very fun hectic baroque pop with fast-paced vocals and a fantastic rock build-up and twists and turns. I don't have the music terminology to describe it adequately unfortunately but trust me it's gooood)

cool places [ft. jane wiedlin] (just very adorable '80s almost bubblegum-poppy joy. video's great, too. russell and jane are cutesy-canoodling it up in front of every greenscreen effect in the world. ron is also there)

strange animal (song about writing songs/music industry/criticism, with creepy metaphorical imagery, has some fun tempo changes and patented russell-falsetto)

when I kiss you I hear charlie parker playing (great early '90s club music with not-quite-rapping, half-spoken vocals. very satisfying flow)

music that you can dance to (allegedly made as a dig at a label who wanted them to make more music in the vein of the title, somehow resulting in a genuinely likeable '80s dance track with some unsubtly mean-spirited lyrics about how they felt about the marketable suggestion vs their typical creative vision. "shut up, dear, don't be weird")

likeable (another one with half-spoken vocal in the verses, lots of overlaid operatic ones, too, alternating between a very Big fuzzy chamber pop sound, and a slightly unsettling waltz, that gives the whole thing a very tense atmosphere)

[justdalek]

Hazbin Hotel Music Ranking

Wooo, ranking time! I'll rank the episodes in a different post lol

Forgive me, I'm gonna use the knowledge that I grabbed from my dropped music minor (aka lots of music nerd talk)

I'm also gonna put out what I think each of these songs were based off of in the context of theater (my opinion, not fact in the slightest)

Happy Day in Hell (7/10)

(Based on all Broadway openers ever)

The "opening number" for the show, and Charlie's "I want" song, I think it's pretty strong. It gives the audience a great way to see the pride ring as well as locations that we are going to see later in the season. The only two things that bring it down for me is the weirdly abrupt time change to a triple meter (from what I can count the song goes from like a 4/4 to what seems like a 6/8) that feels like an unintentional whiplash effect, and the brain lyric seems a bit out of place from the rest of the song. Other than that, solid opener

Hell is Forever (9/10)

(Based on rock musical numbers, such as Fright of Their Lives from Beetlejuice)

I'm not usually a fan of rock style musical numbers, but Alex Brightman's performance knocked this number out of the park. This number also gives a great insight on how not all of Heaven is actually nice, especially in terms of their views on sinners.

Also, when the music drops out and it's just clapping sent chills down my spine, I freakn love when numbers do that

Alex, your Beetlejuice is showing-

Stayed Gone (10/10)

(Based on villain duets and talk singing, such as Master of the House from Les Miserables and Your Fault/Last Midnight from Into The Woods)

My absolute favorite number in the entire first season hands down. Vox and Alastor being petty to the max is my bread and butter. Also, the fact that this number highlights the real world thoughts of radio vs T.V./streaming is so freakn cool (saying this as a mass comm major who deals with both of these lmao).

Alastor's solo at the end is so terrifying, but uuuuugh Amir does such a wonderful job with balancing petty with sheer sadistic evil.

It Starts with Sorry (8/10)

(Based on "apology" numbers, like 'Til Him from The Producers)

This is such a cute number, especially as it's the start of Sir Pentious' redemption arc. I feel like lots of people need to listen to this song.

Respectless (8/10)

(Based on "dueling genres" such as Feed Me/Git It from Little Shop of Horrors)

I love Velvette so much here. The way that she takes control of the situation by carefully observing Carmilla while also being a #bitch was such a clever use of show don't tell. Zestial's little lyric is also smart, and a nice foreshadowing nod to episode 7. Also, I didn't think that Latin-style music mixed with hip-hop/rap would gel so nicely here.

Whatever It Takes (3/10)

(Based on power ballads such as Memory from Cats)

As I alluded to in my deconstruction of transitioning musical numbers post, this is my least favorite musical number by a landslide. I really don't like how loud Zestial's solo is (no shade at James Monroe Iglehart, I think this was the music director's choice and not his own), especially when the context is that this is a private conversation between him, Carmilla, and her daughters. Honestly, the volume becomes a consistant issue when the electric guitar riff comes in and Carmilla becomes super loud. When it's Vaggie's solo, the instrumentation feels so out of place for her as she's singing quietly. When the two come together, Vaggie is completely smothered by how loud Carmilla is singing (doesn't help that Vaggie is singing a high-ish soprano part. Carmilla is belting out the alto part with her chest voice, which is easily overpowering Vaggie belting with her head voice).

I think the kicker to the whole number is that in the context of the show at that point, Vaggie and Carmilla haven't truly met face to face, and we the audience have not known Carmilla long enough to realize that she and Vaggie have a lot in common. I do get that this number is a set up for episode 7 (which we'll get to that in a minute), but we needed just a bit more time to get to know Carmilla on a personal level as well as Vaggie to understand why they both sang this number "together"

I also dislike power ballads, and this one really did not win me over

Poison (10/10)

(Based on pop song "video" numbers, such All You Want to Do from Six)

Man, this song hits deep, especially the ending. This is a really great way of both showing and telling Angel's life before and while at the hotel when he's working for Valentino. The ending hits the hardest with him wanting an out, but he feels like he has no power nor will to leave. It's both a super catching song, and a very deep song when you understand the full context of it.

Loser, Baby (10/10)

(Based on friend number duets and "cheer up" numbers such as You're the Top and Be Like The Bluebird from Anything Goes)

This is my second favorite of the bunch. Husker spitting facts instead of sugar coating Angel's situation is such a true friend thing to do, and like with It Starts with Sorry, more people need to listen to this song. Both Angel and Husk admitting and embracing their faults is so nice to see, especially as they become closer friends after that song.

This song also has so many chromatic intervals that I love so freakn muuuch, Andrew and Sam did so good with writing this one.

Hell's Greatest Dad (9/10)

(Based on "competing" numbers such as Pirelli's Miracle Elixir from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)

The return of petty Alastor duet! With Hell's leader no less! This song's lyrics is really clever with showing that Lucifer- while he means well- doesn't actually know how to speak to his daughter, while Alastor is able to manipulate the situation by showing that he was indeed with the hotel since day one and essentially getting Charlie on his side since her dad has done really nothing aside from letting Charlie go to that meeting with Heaven a while back. The second half of the song really hits with the blood family vs found family argument, and it's a very interesting conflict idea for Charlie.

Devil Went Down to Georgia vs Piano Man made me cackle like a maniac.

When Mimzy interupts, I actually hated it when I first watched it. After rewatching the episode, I freakn love her interruption. That woman just saved the hotel from an all out brawl that was fixing to explode.

More Than Anything (8/10)

(Based on family duets like Happy/Sad from The Addams Family)

I'm kinda topsy-turvy about this song. Like the beginning kinda doesn't do it for me, probably because it is a slow start. When Charlie and Lucifer begin their duet, I almost thought for half a second that the writers were gonna pull a "they thought they were thinking the same thing but they actually don't" trope (I was thinking that Lucifer was thinking that Charlie was going to shut down the hotel after talking to him about his failed attempt, while Charlie was thinking that Lucifer was on board with the hotel idea). I'm super glad that they didn't do this trope at all, and the harmony between the father and daughter is just so nice to hear, gave me chills.

Welcome to Heaven (7/10)

(Based on "cheery" openers, such as Hello from The Book of Mormon)

The companion to Happy Day in Hell, this is more pop/contemporary style than Broadway, which is a nice genre to go against it (you could argue that it's new-age music vs old theater music). The way the music guides us along to how "great" Heaven is compared to Happy Day in Hell's was of showing how Hell can improve was such a nice subtle comparison. It's a cute intro song for Heaven.

You Didn't Know (9/10)

(Based on "realization" numbers like Defying Gravity from Wicked)

Ah, the revelation song. I do love the reprise of Hell is Forever, especially the change in lyrics to reflect what Heaven and Hell really is: shades of grey. I do wish that Emily's realization of the extermination was explored longer, even before the song (like Emily was becoming suspicious of Sera's actions).

Adam and Lute revealing Vaggie to Charlie had such a nice horror chord to it, I just don't like the still they used for Charlie (it looked rather silly to me)

Out for Love (8/10)

(Based on "motivation" numbers such as The More You Ruv Someone from Avenue Q)

The better version of Whatever It Takes, very catchy and has a nice message. Buuuut what still drags it down is that Carmilla and Vaggie's relationship was never built up (especially with Carmilla insinuating that she has met Vaggie before and realized that she's a fallen angel long before Charlie did).

The dropbeat did save this one tho.

Ready for This (10/10)

(Based off of "rally" numbers, such as Sister Suffragette from Mary Poppins)

I love a good rally song, especially since this song was hyped up before the episode was dropped. Charlie's worry that she'll fail her people is nicely sutible, but is prominent throughout the song, even with her brave face.

The musical references to older Broadway shows (mainly Rogers and Hammerstein, the Sherman brothers, Cole Porter, etc) gave my brain a nice scratch that I didn't know I needed.

Alastor and Rosie's duet is by far my favorite part of the song, especially because it's in a minor key to remind us that Alastor still has a sinister motive behind his decisions, with Rosie on board with it.

More Than Anything Reprise (8/10)

(Based on quiet "reprise" numbers, such as Proud of Your Boy Reprise from Aladdin)

Oh thank god, a quiet ballad at last. Ngl, all the ballads up to this point have been rather loud, so it's nice to have a quiet ballad that is also is shared between Charlie and Vaggie. Those harmonies got me to almost cry on the first viewing as Vaggie is reassuring Charlie that everything will be fine, even in the face of angelic death.

Finale (9/10)

(Based on all Broadway finale numbers ever)

Man, what a true Broadway closure. Charlie mourning Sir Pentious' death, Lucifer and the gang comforting her and raising her up by helping her rebuild the hotel, the Vee's trio, Alastor's solo, and the reprise of Happy Day in Hell melds so well.

Alastor's solo especially is so chilling compared to the rest of the upbeat song foreshadowing possibly his fate for later on? But it still doesn't deter the song in the slightest. The melody and the culmination of Happy Day in Hell is a wonderful send off to the first season!

All in all, almost all these song are full blown bangers! I can't wait for season 2's album to see what they do next!