#let alone pay attention to the chorus part lmao

[kotoal1011]

Full body restrained wifey because I just realized I can pause Un.dercover

[struggle-but-its-all-ocean-floor]

Feel like making a giant post of some of the new songs I've heard in the past weeks... None of them are particularly good...

Let's start with Eunbi, because I like her. As usual, her music has that kind of tacky, dated sound that somehow charms while sounding cheap. I can't tell if I hate it or like it. She hasn't topped Glitch by a long mile, but she's very consistent. I think Sabotage is as good as any of her previous releases, like Underwater, but I remember liking her albums and this one, which is just 3 songs, isn't great. Unnatural is very forgettable, Bad Blood is better but also forgettable.

Let's talk about the Sabotage MV and choreo for a sec. The MV confused me, because I'm shit at understanding the obvious, but it seemed like she was hooking up with a guy and a girl, separately, and then found out that the girl and guy were hooking up alone and that was "sabotage" lmao? The lesbian subtext was pretty much text. It was certainly a bold video. Had me hooked. The choreo was... a choice. It's mostly pretty average gg choreo, but I really don't get the choice to have her support herself on a male dancer and twerk her ass at the audience, or the choice to have her dramatically lipsync two high notes like it was even remotely realistic (hate it when idols do this, it looks so fucking ridiculous and like they're insulting our intelligence), or why the song ends with a guy twirling a chair on the floor - where does the chair even come from? Can't even remember seeing it in the choreo... Anyway, choices.

Moving on to SVT, I wanted to talk about two songs. They're doing a lot of unit stuff now, it seems. I honestly only enjoy their tts - most of their music is very mid to me, and I don't get how they're overflowing with talent. A lot of the members don't have amazing stage presence, vocals, or anything and it's the half that does that people brag about. Anyway, Wonwoo and Jeonghan did a song together, which was... not great to me. They went all out on the MV, and the song itself isn't terrible, but Jeonghan has very weak vocals and can't carry a song by himself with just another person. Wonwoo is also nothing special imo. I watched their M Countdown stage and it was pretty boring.

The performance team released a song a while back, Spell, and it was... another choice... I thought the MV was lowkey pretty ridiculous - it was well edited, had some cool visuals, but the outfits were so outlandish and it was so maximalist... I think I'm being prejudiced because that much makeup and femininity was a bit uncomfortable to me, and I would probably like the video more if it was a gg - but, Dino saying "everyday I'll give it to you" while dramatically thrusting his hips was hilarious. You have 4 guys who, imo, are not sexy, trying to make a sexy song. Their vocals also aren't anything special, apart from Hoshi's. But kudos on them for making a bold MV - especially Jun, for his cropped top, short shorts and knee high boots combo - but, performance wise, nothing about it worked for me. The song itself is okay? It's probably a grower.

I've listened to so many other songs...

WayV She a Wolf - what a mess. Some parts were good, but some of the choreo and that antidrop chorus were a disaster. Only heard the song once though. Kudos to them for nailing the Korean.

RIIZE Boom Boom Bass - I started paying more attention to them when I saw they are all adults (young, but still). Their last song was better imo, but this one was pretty decent. Very Exo instead of NCT, which is different for SM.

Everglow Zombie - I liked the song on first listen because I was expecting worse, but it's pretty plain. I feel bad for them. They had their first comeback in a year or more, they don't tour... How do they make money?? (They probably don't). I imagine they're close to disbanding even if they're pretty well known among kpop fans. I thought fans would appreciate the chiller song after Pirate, but maybe not. Kpop fans always hate it when groups "change concept", but stop liking said concepts when they become dated... Have to listen to their other new tracks.

ARTMS Virtual Angel - An okay song... Nice... But the MV was... the strangest I've seen, like it was on actual crack. Have to listen to the album.

Treasure King Kong - First time I listened to it I had second hand embarrassment and couldn't understand why 2nd gen music was making a comeback. It has a certain charm - it's very camp, very kpop - but it's also the type of song people think of when they mock kpop. Wouldn't in a million years show it to a non kpoppie...

XG Woke Up - Choreo slaps in it's simplicity, the girl always doing the chorus has sick facial expressions (that smile), the girls are actually pretty good rappers, and some verses are amazing. But XG are definitely hard to digest. It's all about shock value. A lot of their lyrics are painfully cringe, and the whole wolf concept they did was both brilliant and yikes (MV was magnetic in it's weirdness - they made the members look kinda ugly and didn't care, but it was also so cringe; definitely for the shock value - those teeth... why are idols doing this now?).

WOOAH Pom Pom Pom - Have to listen to it again, but it didn't sound great, and, wow, they really went for the sexiness, I guess. Very different for them.

H1-Key Let it Burn - Please stop with the pop rock in kpop.

There are a million other releases I could comment on, but I'll stop here.

While I'm letting it all out, Nayeon's performances have been so dull. She has bright vocals and a fun personality, but on stage she's been emotionless and stiff. ABCD is a powerful song, supposedly mature and sexy, but she's unconfident on stage. She's just doing the choreo and moving her lips. It doesn't look like she's happy, and it's not sexy or cool at all. She doesn't have the skillset to pull off this choreo and song. The MV was one thing, but live... And her performance video was bad. JYPE tried to be hip and failed.

Okay, goodbye now.

[hey-yes-hi-hello]

Hi! I’m just a little Panic! fan who’s listening to the new album and wants to share my little opinions even though no one cares 🥰 Let’s go!

Viva Las Vengeance

Okay this was the first song released and I played it about 30 times in the first 24 hours. I unironically fell in love with it- I loved the beat, the instrumentals, and though the lyrics were nonsense (like all others) I could understand them and enjoyed singing them.

Middle Of A Breakup

This song was… kinda bad ngl. I really wanted to like it but the lyrics were kinda trash (except for a few lines). The “oh shit you’re kissing my neck” part makes me physically cringe EVERY time because what even is this??? Needed a filler real bad 💀 It’s still a bop but I’m probs gonna say that about most of this album because I’m a sucker and don’t like disliking stuff. Doesn’t stop it from getting stuck in my head though-

Don’t Let The Light Go Out

I definitely liked this more than MOAB and Local God, though the verses felt a little rushed and still too high pitched, compared to the vibe the song was going after. And the way the chorus went all quiet and musicless and slow-paced threw me off a bit but oh well. I’d listen to it while driving in the rain.

Local God

It’s an okay song, but it lowkey annoys me LMAO. Maybe it’s just the way he says “local god” but I wanted to punch him in the face fr. I didn’t catch most of the lyrics but I think I just wasn’t paying attention- but I got the general vibe and it’s not awful.

Star Spangled Banger

BRENDON BESTIE WHAT IS THIS. THE CHORUS IS SO RANDOM AND UNINTELLIGIBLE AND WE CAN BARELY HEAR YOU. AND WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO RAP THE VERSES LMAOOO. AND THE SLOW “HOME OF THE FREAKS” AT THE END OF EACH VERSE IS NOT IT.

God Killed Rock and Roll

Okay I can see why people are saying it’s a Bohemian Rhapsody rip-off- he didn’t even try to hide it 💀 Even this “slow-ish” song feels rushed and- wait why is it making clicky sounds- WHAT IS THIS SOUND LOL. If this man sings another high-note I swear- You’re tryna do that gritty thing but it’s not working 💀 Want a throat lozenge?

Say It Louder

First two lines really calling yourself out huh- THE SELF-MADE ECHO MADE ME CRY LMAO. Brendon the music covers up ur voice so much what are you even saying SAY IT LOUDER. This is such a mess I’m shaking and crying rn. The chorus has an good beat (rhythm? Idk I like how it sounds) but the lyrics- hm. This slow part does not go at ALL what was he trying to to LMAO. I like the little piano (I think) in the background tho that’s cool.

Sugar Soaker

Okay I like this more than the others so far, I like the soft thing he’s doing with his voice. Ah okay glad to hear the chorus sounds entirely unique and original 😃 Idk what decade this is reminding me of but it’s something old methinks. 60’s/70’s? Bro I don’t know but it’s got a vibe- not the chorus though the chorus sucks. WTF IS THE INTERLUDE LMFAO SOUNDS LIKE A DUMPSTER FIRE. “HA HA HA HA 🥵” STFU LOL. Okay I can handle a few “come on”s but dude 💀

Something About Maggie

Let him GOOOO- shh. WOAH straight into it with “makes me want to slit my wrists 🤪” bro read the room 💀 “People say people say run awayyyy” the level of cringe is unreal- THE HIGH NOTES ARE SO RANDOM AND UNCOMFORTABLE LMFAO. My dude you have a wife leave Maggie alone-

Sad Clown

Okay I heard 10 seconds of this yesterday and I think I’m going to like it so let’s see🤞🏻 “LEAVE ME ALOOOONE” BROSKI SOUNDS LIKE UR SINGING “INTO THE UNKNOWN” AGAIN LMAOOO. Okay nvm literally the only line I like is “your majesty’s magnificent, my tragedy is imminent” it’s literally the only good-sounding line WHY WASN’T MORE OF IT LIKE THIS HUH :( Every time he screams “I’m crying” I expect him to break out Local God again LMAO. “Is this all there is?!” made me wanna neck ngl I cringed 💀 Again, this slow part is NOT IT.

All by Yourself

“You sweet little kitten” STOPSTOPSOTPSOTP- Again, too many words in verses, or trying to sing too fast. Take a breather my dude. And the chorus- it’s a clear rip-off of the original but it doesn’t fit with the song at ALL. I like what he’s trying to do with his voice but he’s failing lol. I want more soft/slow lyrics/songs :( “It’s you and me~” alright Kate Bush 💀 And AGAIN he’s trying to do the gritty thing but FAILING.

Do It To Death

I like the music at the beginning. Why do “give it a try” and “before we die” sound like they’re from Grease LMFAO. Okay this isn’t as bad as the others so far I’ll give it that- nvm where did the music go 💀 Bestie you’re AT the limit and had surpassed your stay- Nvm this just sounds like such a try hard song lmao I’m not a fan. Now it’s slow and dramatic and for WHAT. OMG NO HE DID NOT. NO YOU SHUT UP. I SEE WHAT YOU WERE TRYNA DO BUT IT JUST SOUNDED LIKE THE SONG CUT OUT AND ACCIDENTALLY STARTED PLAYING VIVA LAS VENGEANCE 💀

Overall:

Look, I went into this as a hardcore Panic! fan prepared to force myself to like these and defend them and bop along to them- but this was actual dogshit. As previously stated there were a few songs that I genuinely enjoyed and would listen to again but most of these were straight up PAINFUL. And they don’t sound like Panic! at ALL. And I know not every album has to/will sound the same and I don’t expect them to, but they all had a vibe, y’know? A Panic! vibe. Just enough uniqueness and boppiness and drama and angst for it to WORK. Pretty. Odd. and Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die both sound COMPLETELY different but they both sound distinctly like Panic! in ways I’m not smart enough to explain. This did not.

I’m a full on proper Panic! fan and this album was incredibly disappointing to me. I know I’m sounding really mean and negative here but I promise it’s just for the funny 😭 I don’t hate Brendon or anything. And if you enjoy the album then I support you 100%! It’s just not my cup of tea :) But I’m not giving up hope!

[blackberry-gingham]

wassup :) what abt a situation where john or paul is teaching you guitar or bass and you fall for them- like just the two of you alone in a room at a music store playing guitar- AGH... anyways, your writing is amazing love 🥰

DKDKSKSKSK you have chosen like the MASTERS of who would pull a move like that while giving the reader some "music lessons", honestly lmao.

Like literally both of them would do this irl, so I can't choose 😂 I guess I'll go with John for this one, so I hope that's alright! Also, I did a little interpretation of this ask. Welcome to the Beatles music store au! This can be read as either young or old John tbh, whichever you want, so I tagged for both.

Enjoy :)

---

The shop bell chimes merrily as you enter the Beatles': Music and More music store. It's a nice little place, owned by four best mates who know their stuff. You've been going for a few months now for guitar lessons, and you must say, it's been worth every cent.

Your tutor is none other then John Lennon himself, one of the four owners. He can be a bit harsh at times, but you've come to learn that teasing is really just his idea of fun. Rarely does he ever mean anything by it.

Besides, all his pushing has improved your skills better then anyone else you've taken lessons from, so you decided to stick around.

And, if all that isn't enough... Well, you must admit, you find him rather handsome. Not to mention he's charming and sweet under his prickly layers, a form of himself that very few get to know.

"Well if it isn't my star pupil!", John stands up straight from where he was leaning on the counter and exchanges some hellos with you. When the pleasentries are over, he nods towards one of the practice rooms and becones you on, "Come 'ed"

He holds the door open and you take a seat before breaking out your trusty old Fender Strat. John chooses the same old Rickenbacker he usually does and has a seat across from you.

"Now where did we leave off...", He tunes up the instrument while you do the same.

"Practicing riffs, right?"

John thinks for a moment, then remembers and agrees. Before getting to the main lesson, you always do a little warm up first. At first it was just chord progressions, but now that you're getting more advanced, you play a whole song or two together.

Sometimes he even breaks out a new one, just to switch it up, "You know, I think today we'll do one of Paulie's songs... It's rubbish of course, but the guitar part is easy enough. This one's called 'I wanna hold your hand', goes like this"

Hm, he seems to have a thing for learning love songs, you think. He's introduced you to quite a few these past weeks after all...

Regardless, you pay close attention as he does a run through of the whole song, then replays the chorus for you.

"There, think you can do just that part?"

"Seems easy", you nod and take to your Fender. With a bit of guidance on the note pattern, you make it through in one go.

"Well done! Ready to try the whole thing?"

You nod confidently, it's one of his favorite traits of yours. You never do anything half assed, and you don't seem to have any fear of failure. He loves that.

John plays through once, slowly, as you follow along to get the chords. There's a few slip ups, but nothing major. You do one more play through and then time for the main lesson.

You've been doing well on your little riffs course so far, so today John throws a tough one at you.

He plays the section again. And again. And again... But you keep messing up on the one particular chord sequence. Once again, you hit a sour note and John heaves a sigh, "No no no, like this. Here let me show you"

John stands up and puts his Rick aside before dragging his stool behind yours. He slips his strong, rough fingers over top of yours, "Now start strumming"

Your heart leaps into your throat at the whole ordeal, but you obey. As the chords come, John guides your fingers by moving his, just as though he were playing himself.

"Here, here, then here... Like that, you see?"

"Uh... Yeah, yeah I think so", you swallow and give it a try on your own. You pass through the first few hurdles fine, but from all the pressure from John's proximity, you slip up once again.

You stop playing and look ever so slightly over your shoulder.

"What's the matter, you nearly had it. Try once more"

"Actually, do you think you guide me through it... Like you just did? I-I want to make sure I have it"

Never in a thousand years would you think to ask something like that. You're normally so used to doing things on your own and John so use to you doing as you're told, especially when he says 'try on your own', that you're afraid of his response.

But, whatever you were expecting, it wasn't this...

John clears his throat and wipes damp palms on the thighs of his slacks, " 'Course", he mutters, leaning back in.

His solid chest barely grazes your upper back, and yet you can still feel his heart hammering beneath all the muscle. John's hand feels warm as it cups over yours once again, his heart continuing to flutter as he leads you through the motions.

"There... Beautif- Uh, I mean, good", John clears his throat and scratches his scalp, but nothing can distract from the blush creeping up his cheeks.

"...Are you alright?", You venture, trying to be polite, but... Well, it's almost too much to hope... It's just, you've been thinking about him an awful lot lately. More then in just your guitar tutor setting, that is.

So to even have a slight chance that he might fancy you back...

"Fine. Just need a drink... Take five, will you", he gets up abruptly and struts out of the room.

And just like that, your heart drops like a stone to the pit of your stomach. You've embarrassed him, surely. Oh why did you have to say anything! Now you've ruined everything, you must have.

True to his word, John leaves you with about a solid five minutes or so to ruminate on the debacle you think you've made. Just as you begin considering where you should go to find a new tutor, John walks back in holding two styrofoam cups of water.

You're both silent as he takes a seat, then, "Here", he hands you a drink.

You accept it, but you simply can't stand the awkward tension, "Mr Lennon, I'm sorry, I-"

John interjects, "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have walked out like that. And... also... I'm afraid I haven't been very forthcoming with you, and I can't keep it from you anymore. Er, I shouldn't, that is"

You give him a confused look, but remain silent as he takes a sip and licks his lips.

"I uh, this is very difficult for me to say, but uh... Well, over the past few weeks, I've been having some... Feelings for you... Now i'm sure you don't feel the same way, but I jus-"

Before he can go on, you hastily cut in to set him straight, "What? No no, I do!"

John snaps to attention, looking quite shocked indeed. You continue, a small smile gracing your lips. It feels good to get this off your chest, "I completely understand how you feel... I uh, I didn't want you to think I was strange or unprofessional... I was also scared you might not like me, but I understand, really! And, well, I... Have feelings for you too"

Now it's John's turn to smile, "Not like you? Who'd be daft enough to turn you away? All that talent and charm... Almost as good as me", he laughs, and you join him.

The tension has completely evaporated, and suddenly you feel as though you're hanging out with a friend instead of at music lessons, completely at ease.

John huffs one more chuckle at his joke, then looks shyly down to his hands. "Say... Would you like to, maybe...", He brushes his fingers over yours, touching ever so lightly, as though he might get burned, "Ahem, maybe... Get some real drinks? Down the street, perhaps?"

He looks up at you from under his brow, too nervous to sit up and face you in full, and he bites his lip as he waits.

Your heart absolutely melts. A second or so goes by as you rein in your emotions, and at long last you take a soft grip at his hand, "I'd love to!"

John peeks up immediately and rubs a few quick little circles on the back of your palm, although whether it's to offer thanks or to soothe himself, you don't know.

But when he holds your hand tightly, like a childhood sweetheart, as you both stand and walk out of the building...

When he chatters with you excitedly all the while you're on your little date, showing you a whole new, fun side to him that you're eager to get to know...

When he pays for your drinks, says to hell with it, and takes you to dinner too...

And when the night is upon you and he brings you back round to the store to grab your things, slips you his personal number, amd waits up with you to see you off in a taxi home...

All you can think of is, this wonderful man you feel you've just met for the first time. You can't wait to get to know him.

[tintinwrites]

Telling Pedro Characters ‘I Love You’ During Sex but it’s Accurate (I’m kidding) and I’m an Asshole to the Characters

Again, I love Pedro and all the fics you guys write, this is for fun!

Agent Whiskey

you enjoy your eight month anniversary at Denny’s, romantically eating from the same Grand Slam meal

yes he takes you there in his car like your first date but

“I ain’t done with you yet, sugar dumplin’.”

y’all go back to your place for another two minutes of sexy fun

halfway through is when he actually does a pretty good thrust and you say it: “I love you, Whiskey.”

he stops thrusting for a second and you’re like OH NO HE DOESN’T LOVE ME EVEN THO WE’VE BEEN TOGETHER FOR MONTHS AND HE’S OBSESSED WITH ME

“Oh, baby doll, I love you like a hog loves the sound of a red-headed woodpecker as it square dances in a patch of mud.”

6/10 for being in love with even if the sex is mediocre

Dave York

please don’t say it

pLeAsE dO NoT tElL dAvE yOrK tHaT yOu LoVe HiM!!!!!!!

WHY WOULD YOU LOVE THIS MAN HONESTLY

WAS IT THE SWEAT DRIPPING FROM HIS DRESS SHIRT AS HE FUCKED INTO YOU FOR 30 SECONDS

NOT EVEN SURE HOW YOU FOUND THE TIME TO TELL HIM DURING SEX BUT “I love you!”

why

anyway he kills you

-408/10 for being in love with and I don’t have to explain why

Din Djarin

he’s been alone for a long time

there is something so easy about falling in love with this intimidating, yet gentle and patient man if you’re with him

and, hell, maybe it’s only sex because you’re both lonely and you don’t know if he’d ever want more but

“Mando...Mando, I love you.”

the man doesn’t take his helmet off to fuck you and you’re still in love with him like a pining little fool

he doesn’t say anything, but he is more protective of you and more considerate with you and maybe he...

4/10 for being in love with bc the boy is a little awkward but I think he might love you too

Ezra

I am not sure how you get a word in edgewise with this man and the sonnets he recites when he’s fucking you

“Oh would that I could cut these ties that bind me. Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”

who says that when they come i would like to know please

he makes you cum pretty good tho so yes you’re gonna tell this man who is your fuck buddy? fuck acquaintance? that you love him as he rocks into you

he doesn’t even pause

“If I could love thee any more impenetrably, I think mine heart would climb out of one of my many orifices to allow your full claim upon it.”

does that mean he loves you i dont really know

4/10 for being in love with bc he’s just so confusing let’s not pretend any of us are smart enough to put up with him

Frankie ‘Catfish’ Morales

you’ve been dating him for a few months when you realize the squeezing in you that you notice whenever you see him means something else

the puppy dog eyes that follow his every move is pointed out by Pope any time he’s hanging out with the two of you

it’s not until he’s asked you to stay the night and he’s slowly rutting into you that the words tell themselves

“I love you, Frankie.”

he pauses and he lets out this charmed little laugh

“Love you too, baby.”

honestly the best sex you’ve ever enjoyed with him

10/10 for being in love with bc he loves you very much too :)

Javier Peña

oh sweetie you knew he was going to break your heart when sex became a casual thing between the two of you rather than a one night stand

Javi is grumpy and he is sad but there are times when he is too sweet and funny not to fall in love with

not to mention that he knows your body like his own and he’s the best sex partner you’ve ever been with

you don’t mean to say it you want want to say it don’t say it dont say it “I love you, Javi.”

he stops, then he keeps fucking you like you didn’t say anything to him

he immediately rolls off you and smokes a cigarette without really acknowledging you

“This was a lot of fun.” he says like you’re some random person he barely knows and you tell him to call you about lunch and he grunts and you cry

1/10 for being in love with bc maybe with some time he could be convinced but I’m not sure

Marcus Pike

it is not you who says I love you during sex

it’s Marcus

totally

he smiles at you as you ride him and just says, “I love you.”

and you love him too because how could you not love this man

lots of kissing and giggling and ooh that orgasm tho

IDK HOW TO SAY THIS MAN IS LITERALLY PERFECT!!!!!!!!!

400/10 for being in love with bc he will offer you a life and a home and a family if you want DON’T LOOK AT ME

Maxwell Lord

how

why

was it his self-obsession about his looks that made you love him?

maybe the way he liked to slam you over furniture to pound into you?

you probably say it bc he pays attention to you and you don’t know what love actually is

he laughs so hard his thrusts into you from behind are jerked and rough

he thanks you for the laugh and keeps fucking you, letting out a little laugh every time he thinks about it

-4,443/10 for being in love with bc are you kidding me have you seen the man

Max Phillips

he’s really charismatic if not incredibly perverse which is why you fall for him

it’s also possible that he um compelled you

or maybe it’s bc he turned you haha who knows

“I love you, sir!”

he totally gets off on the idea of you being in love with him that he cums right there

and then he drinks from you so oh maybe he didn’t turn you!

he does not love you back tho lmao he just likes the power of someone loving him

0/10 for being in love with bc he’s arguably not bottom of the barrel here

Oberyn Martell

everybody loves Oberyn

you’re on top of him with him doing some fancy orgasmic move to your titties

“I love you” you say bc this man can make you orgasm by licking your fucking knee so

there is a chorus of “I LOVE YOU” from all the other people in the room

it’s not really special when he says it back bc you’re not sure if he LOVE loves you or if he’s saying a general “I love my harem of people”

but then he sucks on some part of you and it’s like whatever

you’re fine with whatever bc he he can also make you orgasm from licking your chin

4/10 for being in love with bc the sex is good and he doesn’t treat you cruelly

Pero Tovar

he’s typical of his time so im not gonna fault you for being in love with him

but he also fucks you so hard i am IMPRESSED that you sound intelligible

“I. Love. You.”

robots weren’t a thing so you don’t sound like a robot but if it was modern days yes you would sound like a robot

you’re probably married so he grunts it back

so sweet

probably turns into a breeding kink kind of thing tbh look at him

7/10 for being in love with okay he will make sure you are fed with a roof over your head along with your 12 children

[taylorrepdetective]

RFI anon

“I see you kept your Let The Games Begin header when you went back to your original aesthetic! I remember Taylor liking something about that at the beginning of the Era. She really was not messing around was she? I became even more conviced when she snapped and went all pap walks last month. I sense a shift in the Force... How would you contextualize all of this if you take an in depth look into RFI 12 months after the beginning of this Era?” 

Oh boy, RFI, one of my favorite topics. I’m not sure I can answer this without writing a completely off-topic essay, so be warned.

First I’m going to talk a bit about what the song means. While this isn’t new, I still regularly see people being wowed by this interpretation of the song, so I’m going to explain it again in detail. This is one of those “once you see it you can’t unsee it” things. I believe reputation is an album telling a story. It starts in late 2013 and goes through approximately early 2017. RFI acts as an introduction to the story. The bold bass notes to start the song, and way she clears her throat at the beginning tells us to pay attention, this is something she wants to say, she’s making a statement that it’s not just a song, and it’s not just another album.

The brash, in your face parts of the song are her singing to Joe and to the listener. To Joe, she is saying are you ready to be my “boyfriend”? Are you ready for the attention and publicity, are you ready for the narrative I am going to create around our relationship? To us, she is saying are you ready for this new era, this new Taylor? are you ready for this new game? 

She tells us the narrative, how he’s a ladies’ man (remember how a The Sun called him a “panty dropper” LMAO,) how they are secret/private (ghost and phantom,) how her previous two “boyfriends” were older but childish, while Joe is mature, CH didn’t even try and TH tried too hard. She’ll keep him for a long time because he is so great. How she is so in love she is tame, her previous loves were 30% of what she has with him, she practically moved to an island for him (the whole practically living in London thing.) Burton to this Taylor, an epic love story!*

But there are lyrics sprinkled throughout that don’t quite fit. I remember being very confused by this song early on. Before I discovered Kaylor first, and then again after I discovered Kaylor. I couldn’t fit this stuff into either story. How is holding him/her for ransom and him/her being her jailer romantic or appropriate for someone like TS? And keeping him like a vendetta? Against who? ‘Like I’ll be with you for a long time just to show ‘em!’ How romantic. And Burton and Taylor were so messy and dramatic, which does not fit this low-key narrative at all.* “I see nothing better” is a backhanded compliment at best. Then there is the robber/heist language, when put in the context of what she said at the iHeart Radio listening party (theme that runs through the album, partners in crime,) how does that fit Toe? That part fits with kk, but the other things don’t.

Then there is the softer pre-chorus (“I see how this is gonna go, touch me and you’ll never be alone, lights down low, no one has to know”) and the even softer chorus (“In the middle of the night, in my dreams, you should see the things we do...I know I’m gonna be with you, so I take my time.”) The sound of this part actually evokes a feeling of privacy and intimacy. It’s like a whole other song.

Then the MV had almost nothing to do with the song. So more confusion. What message is she conveying with this song and video? Wait, two songs in one, and two Taylors. Duality. So at some point a giant lightbulb came on that this song is telling two stories: her public love story (fake) and her private love story (Kaylor).

[The “I know I’m gonna be with you so I take my time” (combined with the “I know it’s gonna be a long road” part in NYD) is one of the things that keep kaylors from giving up hope.]

Finally, it ends with Let The Games Begin. This message was emphasized with the images on her IG when the album was released.

What sort of games could she be talking about?

Well, I believe she is giving us a giant clue that she is playing games with us (fans, media, GP). That this era would be filled with clues, pieces to the puzzle that is TS. Playing with people. In a fun way mostly, not maliciously. But she is completely in control of the narrative and she’s enjoying the hell out of it. PR games. “Playing” terms are sprinkled throughout, (can I even go back to earlier eras with this? - “Love’s a game want to play?” “We go fast with the game we play”) End Game is from chess and/or means “final game”, plus A-team, and first string. Toying with them older guys. Playing someone like a violin. I don’t like your little games. The role you made me play (and actress in your bad dreams.) Switching to the other side (suggests teams.) Even magician/illusionist. I believe the games she is playing is her slow come out and hiding her closeted relationship, combined with her controlling the narrative by very, very deliberately only showing us what she wants to. Never forget the rep prologue. We focus on the part of not knowing the real TS, but there’s a lot more to it. The line about the media being wrong about the MEN her songs are about (even though they almost universally say they are about Joe.) There’s more, I could write a whole essay just on the Prologue, but I’ll stop. (You’re welcome.) Oh, and she also calls herself “Shifty Swifty” in the magazine, as the songwriter on Gorgeous. She is taking her usual game of remaking her image and narrative for each era and putting it in overdrive. Then there are all the Easter eggs in her videos. Finding those, whether or not they mean anything to the big picture, is definitely a game. 

Back to your question anon, if you’re still reading. What’s next? What have we been seeing since tour started, and especially since around July 4? As you say there has been a shift in the force. What game is she playing? We only see the part of her she chooses to show us. Early in the era she showed us herself in a way that made it seem very intimate. She wore hoodies and sweats and didn’t do her hair. She had a pimple in one of her making of the song videos for god’s sake. The pix in the magazines were private photos taken by her angel boyfriend of 4 months. Now, that she has gone public again she’s showing more of her old public self. It’s almost a mini-1989 era on display. She allowed herself to be caught galavanting on a beach with Joe (looking hot as hell.) She once said in an interview she can hide when she travels by renting houses. Instead she chose to stay at a resort. She did a daily pap walk wearing every conceivable different fashion aesthetic (looking perfectly put together each time - ugly pink hoodie notwithstanding.) She’s let us see her hang out with most of the squad, (between tour visits and her time in NYC lately.) She shared an “intimate moment” when she visited her childhood home. She let us see her going into the studio. Posted on Instagram looking flawless in bed with heavy makeup with her cat. Let’s not forget that she was doing these sorts of things during her break (not in heavy makeup lol) she just chose not to show us until some were carefully released later. Now of course we can go too far with this puzzle solving game. For example, we parse out every angle from her b-stage songs (her eye roll, what does it mean????) we examine every caption for clues (11 emojis what does it mean????) I’m sure often it doesn’t mean anything with regards to Gaylor. But let’s be real: everything she shows us has a purpose, whether it’s straight up traditional promo, or part of her game.

So what does this shift in the force mean? LOL I don’t know. But I can speculate (of course!) Never forget that she she’s playing to different audiences. The obsessive fans (me included) vs. Susan reading People at the hairdresser’s vs. the serious media, for example. I would guess that the most recent stuff in NYC and her Gilette performances were supposed to be seen by those who believe (or sort of believe) Kaylor was a thing as a response to the engagement (like she heard about the engagement before it went public.) I believe she will eventually sell the narrative that she is bi, all or most of her past boyfriends were real and she and kk fell in love when they were single. They had a thing at some point in the past (they will never admit it, but this will be accepted by many.) So her response to the engagement was to show her friends supporting her, she gave the big FU of her Curious performance, (but then followed it with the soft Ours and Change performances and KK is still doing IG likes post-engagement, so they are subtly showing they’re unbothered.) The studio visit can be setting up a timeline so that later if we hear a song that seems to connect to the engagement, we can date it. For the general public (Susan), it’s just her being more public and maybe supporting the idea that she and kk are no longer close or feuding (unrelated to Kaylor the lovers,) and the Curious performance is just another part of her soft coming out. Joe’s movie promo is coming up so it could be partly related to that (we just saw him cash in on that yesterday, and likely more to come.) For the serious media, she continues to do traditional promo, sell herself as a mature entertainer, and trying to rehabilitate her damaged image

I won’t speculate what’s next but I don’t think she’s done with her games, I don’t think we’re done with being surprised, and I seriously doubt she’s done with her soft coming out.

Let The Games Continue

______

*Someone in another anon to TTB asked about Burton and Taylor and why it’s in this song. She seems to have a bit of a fascination with the couple. I view their story as tragic and not something to be admired at all. So when she is using it in the part of the song with Joe, I think she is just being OTT and/or sarcastic. “Look at our epic love story!” Forget the fact that they were both drunks who fought/cheated on each other countless times, if you just think of the incredible love they had for each other no matter what, I guess it’s kind of romantic? But also sad because it was the opposite of healthy (especially for Liz Taylor IMO.) If you want to go farther with this, maybe she is trying to add to the narrative of her life with Joe that we see in some of the songs. The difficulty (DWOHT and fear and anxiety, but deeply in love), coupled with all the drinking references. I think she probably sees some parallels with the public fascination with her love life that Liz had. But I don’t think it’s super deep. I think she thought the lyric was clever and found a place for it.

[problematic-camren]

Thoughts on Down

This is a long-ass shit, and I’m not forcing you to read. Also, please be reminded that this is just MY opinion. We all have different opinions, and I’m here to simply share my thoughts, and not to convince you to change yours. So please don’t go to my ask pushing your opinion. I already heard yours. I woke up to a bunch of “asks” and I already know that some don’t like it, while some do.

My initial reaction:

• why is this so auto-tuned? Okay, Dinah’s voice sounds like smooth warm caramel on top of a sundae. Why is this so basic? Lauren’s adlibs tho! Why are the lyrics so generic? Oooh WFH melody… It’s gonna be a bop! Wait why is the chorus so blandly repetitive? But it’s not that bad. Why do they sound so alike?

• and picture me with my earphones on listening to the first verse, pre-hook, chorus and shit with a pensive look on my face, and disappointment running through my head like damn I wanted more…

But then Gucci Mane came in, (and I know I’m the minority in this one), but for me, the first authentic reaction the song elicited from me was his part.

Why? Because his part was so off and out of nowhere that it took me out of the rut I was in. Like imagine a flat line where the song was just monotonous, like a car cruising on a smooth freeway (not bad, but also kind of boring) but then you run into a pothole and you get jerked off your stupor…

That’s what gucci’s part was for me. A tiny spike on that flat line. A deviation that held my attention. I’m not saying it’s amazing. I’m saying that the grating sound of the bass and the randomness of it was what made me smile while listening to it. I’m not even exaggerating when I say that I was smiling the whole time I was listening to that weird bass with a tiny bit of goosebumps on my skin because I knew then that I COULD like Down without lying to myself. It was the only thing that caught my attention, aside from Lauren’s adlibs (which, girl, I wish she did more. I live for Lauren going offffff)

Don’t get me wrong though, I’m so done with these collabs with rappers, like I wanted to hear them alone, like they did with Boss (idc if you say that one is trash lmao, Boss is a bop for me. I fucking love that shit 😂), but if they really have to collab with rappers, I wish it wasn’t Gucci. Maybe Chance, or Migos damn…

But if it were up to me, I wish they would have collabed with female rappers. I still am salty that NTKG wasn’t utilized much. A missed opportunity with Missy Elliott like bitch you had to release TMG over NTKG? NTKG was at least more authentic with the sound it’s trying to project. It was old school and it owned it. Like Voicemail was reminiscent of 90’s bops and not lacing it with today’s trendy dancehall or tropical vibe. It has its own sound, and not a mix of everything generic we hear today where we hear a song and we automatically hear the edm producers more than the artist.

But OMG I digress, sorry.

So yeah, DOWN…

So after my initial reaction, I gave it a couple more listen, and then I watched the live performance, then I slept, then I woke up the next day and I listened to the audio a couple more times, watched the live several more, and here’s my conclusion:

• Down is that kind of a summer bop which grows on you. It’s not a bad song. It’s simplistic but also season-friendly. It’s probably what the label insisted on as their first release.

The reason why it probably feels lacking for me, aside from its repetitiveness, is that maybe it lacks another verse. It’s shorter than WI and WFH so it feels incomplete. There must be a reason for it. It could really be just a teaser.

• at this point in my 5h-stanning life, I’m not even expecting anything mind-blowing. All I want is for 5H to slay the charts, because this should be their era. They seem genuinely happy now and my god after everything they’ve been through (label shit and all), ALL FIVE OF THEM deserve our unwavering support.

• Sure, Down isn’t what I expected. Yes, I wanted more. I wanted more lyrics. I wanted a kickass sound. But, idk man, after several repeats, I think it’s a good enough bop.

• with regards to the vocals, I still hate the auto-tuned shit. I get that maybe they’re finally utilizing Lauren’s range, but I prefer that they don’t auto tune much because I could barely hear her rasp (which was still obvious in her live performance, despite the higher tone she’s using).

Maybe they’re doing it on purpose, making them sound the same as a symbol of their new sound’s “cohesiveness”, but I prefer old 5h where their voices are uniquely different.

• and I’m not even complaining that it sounds like WFH. I don’t have a problem with an artist using a tried and tested formula for ONE of their album’s single. It’s meant to hook the audience. It gives them that familiar sound which could make a NON-FAN recognize their older hits and draw them to the new one. Just because they said “NEW ERA” doesn’t mean that they should change their ENTIRE sound. There’s always that one or two singles that are meant to hook the general public. It’s a constant compromise a mainstream artist makes with their label.

(I mean, The Chainsmokers basically generate the same sound over and over and they’re charting as if they created music. And no, I’m not a big fan of the chainsmokers.

Point is, re-using WFH is not something unheard of. It’s a business move.)

You really can’t please everybody. Because when Lady Gaga released an album that felt authentic for her, some people criticized it and kept saying they wanted the old “Bad Romance” Gaga. When Lorde released her new single, Green Light, her hipster fanbase called her a sell-out and didn’t like that she’s deviated from her “sound” to be more mainstream and I was like bitch can’t an artist explore a different side of her artistry?

And on the flip side, can’t an artist use their old sound? My point is, Down was produced by the same people who made WFH for a reason. They are playing safe. They wanted a single that would generate enough attention like their previous ones did. Then maybe, just maybe, their next singles which probably showcase their authentic sound and lyrics will have as much impact since now people are paying attention. Because no matter how much we want them to be authentic, they’re still a girl group under a greedy ass label who needs them to maintain what their idea of a girl group music and image should be..

And while Down is not something I’m particularly excited about, it’s starting to get stuck in my head, and I don’t hate it. It’s a light summery chill song that’s good to play with your friends while sipping on your drinks by the pool. It is what it was supposed to be.

I get it, I was disappointed too. Down is a downer. But I’m not gonna judge the whole album with one single yet. I’m gonna wait.

This is why I wrote this one before Down was released:

https://problematic-camren.tumblr.com/post/161338803713/5h3

Because I knew that I wasn’t expecting much from their music. I sure hope for more, definitely, BUT stanning 5H isn’t always about their music.

And just because I don’t like a few of their songs, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve my support.

I’m supporting 5h because they represent girls who are not a standard definition of what society thinks a girl should look like or how they should act like. They symbolize us. They showed us that one can achieve their dreams through hard work, and while they have been mistreated before (by their label and by fans alike) they still kept their heads up high, with grace and maturity, and kept on spreading love and inspiration, and they kept on smiling even if their hearts were breaking. They kept striving to be the best they could be, and it’s inspiring. And to see genuine warmth from these pop stars, their love and appreciation for their fans, is something that makes me wanna stan them forever. That’s why even if i really don’t like their music, I’d still keep on stanning them, because what they shared to us, the representation they gave us, the beauty and poise they all showed us, man, even if they fucking screeched for an entire album, I’ll be fuucking putting that on loop and still support their asses.

And I know it’s blind support, but I knew what I was getting into when I started supporting 5h. I wasn’t a pop person before this, I knew I won’t love their music so much. I stan them because I like them, plain and simple.

And I know it’s different for everybody. It’s all just a matter of preferences. Some could unstan just coz they don’t like the song, and that’s totally okay. We’re free to stan or unstan whoever we want. But like I said, it’s just one song. Let’s wait for the other singles and the album.

Ideally, I would love for them to show us everything they have as artists. This is their chance to go big. They have so much potential and I would have liked to see it shine while they’re still in the group. I want the brand Fifth Harmony to leave a lasting mark in this industry. I want them to be on the same spot as TLC or SG or DC. I want them to legit deserve their title.

And Down is not it. But guess what? Down is just one single. I’m gonna wait patiently for the rest of their stuff. I ONLY NEED THAT ONE CLASSIC HIT I’VE BEEN CRAVING FOR SINCE I STARTED LISTENING TO THEM. ONE CLASSIC SONG THAT WOULD STILL BE PLAYED GENERATIONS LATER BECAUSE IT’S JUST SO DAMN RELATABLE AND HEARTFELT.

That’s all I want. And I hope I’ll find that in 5H3.

Yes, Down is empty.

But I won’t unstan just because of one song. We can be disappointed (as I sure was), but I think that 5H is worth more than a few musical disappointments.

💁🏻

[dong-hyucks]

Tease ; Jeno

Requested Characters: Jeno [NCT DREAM] / Fem!Chubby!Reader  Genre: Slight angst, fluff A/N: all body shapes are beautiful in their own way~ also i was listening to dont recall [kard] while writing this so--

Masterlists

Jeno smiled at his phone screen, arousing suspicion between the Dream members. “Jeno,” Renjun drawled, waving a hand in front of his face. His attempts to bring his attention away from his phone were futile, as his hand just got pushed away.

“What’s up with Jeno-hyung?” Jisung asked as he chewed on his fries (that he was sharing with Jaemin). “He’s been smiling like that for half an hour,” Jaemin added. The rest of the members crowded around the happy boy, their curiosity growing when he payed no mind to them. 

Donghyuk peered over his shoulder and gaped at what he saw; his best friend. Upon seeing his reaction, everyone else followed. Mark looked at Jeno in shock. “Why’re you looking at pictures of [Y/N]?” he asked. Jeno finally snapped out of his reverie, turning red at being caught. He immediately turned his phone off and placed it face-down on his lap

Chenle nudged Mark, looking at the oldest incredulously. “Really? Isn’t it obvious why he’s looking at pictures of her?” The rest of the boys nodded, leaving Mark to piece it together on his own as they went back to pestering Jeno.

“If you like her,” Jaemin began, ignoring Mark’s flabbergasted expression, “why do you tease her so much?” He then gasped, staring at Jeno in mock accusation. “I didn’t know you were that kind of person, Jeno-hyung.”

Jeno blushed harder. “Am I not allowed to like someone?” he mumbled, his words barely coherent. Donghyuk and Jisung looked up at each other, both smiling maniacally. “Since I’m better friends with [Y/N] than all of you, I can talk to her and--”

“No!” Jeno shook his head vehemently. He looked as though he was about to ignite in flames because of how red he was. Mark chuckled, patting Jeno on the shoulder, “let’s leave him be. He might want to look of pictures of [Y/N] alone.” Jeno turned to Mark with a look of betrayal, eyes wide and jaw agape.

“Hyung,” Jisung laughed, “that sounds dirty. Gross.” Despite Jisung’s words, the boys listened -- for the most part -- and evacuated the living room. Donghyuk, however stayed behind with a serious expression, unlike the one he had moments before.

“About [Y/N],” Jeno interrupted Donghyuk before he could go on, covering his face. “If you tease me about this too, I’ll explode.” Donghyuk shook his head, moving Jeno’s hands away from his face.

“This is serious, hyung. I’m not supposed to tell you this, but [Y/N] likes you too.” Jeno’s eyes lit up, looking at Donghyuk expectantly. “But recently she’s gone to me, sad and in tears.” Jeno frowned at his words, straightening up instantly.

“She’s like that because of you.” Donghyuk sighed, running a hand through his already tousled hair. Jeno’s frowned deepened, his eyes dropping to his lap. “Me?” Donghyuk nodded, wearing a frown that rivaled Jeno’s. “Don’t you know that she’s already insecure about her weight? Teasing her isn’t helping your crush on her.”

Jeno bit his lip, furrowing his brow. Donghyuk, admittedly, had not seen Jeno frown so much in a while. “I don’t mean to hurt her feelings,” he sighed, “I just never know what to say around her and I start panicking and then I--” he stopped himself dropping his head in his hands. The thought of you in tears, because of him no less, sent him in a hurricane of negative emotions.

Donghyuk pitied Jeno and rubbed his back gently. “If you want [Y/N] to keep her feelings for you, you should treat her nicely.” With a final pat on the back, Donghyuk stood. Without saying another word, he left the living room.

Jeno wasn’t at all ready when Mark announced that they were having a guest in the dorms. That guest, to his dismay, was you. Images conjured up in his mind, images of you in tears, images of you shunning him--

Even images of you telling him that you never wanted to see him again.

Seeing his distress, Donghyuk gave him a look of sympathy. “Is something wrong?” Taeyong asked, seeing Jeno’s obvious inner conflict. The members of NCT, most of whom were in the room, looked at Jeno with concern. Smiling, Jaemin shook his head, waddling through everyone to get to Jeno. “He probably just remembered a big project we have yet to finish,” he fibbed.

Yuta didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure?”

The rest of Dream, seemingly having caught up with Jaemin’s plan, nodded. They’d feel bad for lying to the older members, but it was obvious that Jeno didn’t want to deal with questions at the moment.

A knock resonated throughout the dorms, bringing Jeno’s thoughts to a halt. Mark moved over to the front door and opened it, revealing you. Jeno admired you from a distance, afraid to open his mouth now that he knew the repercussions. 

He watched in silence as you greeted the other members respectfully, being younger than a majority of them. When you turned to him, you froze. Jeno noticed and merely offered a timid smile before looking away.

The day went on, with Jeno barely muttering a word to you. You noticed his odd silence and became confused. “Donghyuk,” you whispered, not wanting the others to hear. When Donghyuk turned to you, you continued. “Is Jeno avoiding me?”

Donghyuk glanced over to your shoulder at Jeno, who was currently talking with Johnny and Jaehyun. He smiled at you, shaking his head. “He just has things on his mind, is all.”

You frowned, looking over at Jeno as well. He was smiling as he talked, making you feel a mixture of emotions. “Doesn’t look like it,” you said softly.

“Let’s watch a movie,” Chenle suddenly suggested. A chorus of answers followed, all agreeing to the suggestion. Taeyong held up a hand, “pick an appropriate one, we have children present.”

Halfway through the movie, a very pretty actress appeared on screen. “Wow,” you gasped. “She’s so pretty.” You kept your voice quiet, not wanting to disturb the others, who were seemingly entranced by the movie. “Do you think, if I tried, I could look like that too?” you whispered to Donghyuk. Jeno, who had heard you, muttered under his breath. “No.”

Unfortunately for him, you heard Jeno speak. You shut your mouth, feeling tears pool up in your eyes. You looked down at your lap, your hands shaky. You didn’t like how you looked already, but hearing Jeno, of all people, send hurtful words toward you hurt. 

Not wanting to get caught crying in front of the boys, you excused yourself and moved to the bathroom. Jeno, however, saw a single tear escape as you walked off. Donghyuk was about to get up, but Jeno beat him to it, following after you. 

The older members, who didn’t have a clue about the situation, looked over confused. “Why did Jeno follow her to the bathroom?” Doyoung asked Donghyuk, to which he explained to the best of his ability.

Before you could even reach the bathroom, Jeno caught your wrist. You looked down, not wanting him to see the tears you were shedding. “Do you need something?” you asked, trying to keep your voice level. Jeno gently turned you around, but you kept your head down. 

Lifting your chin with the touch of a finger, Jeno frowned at the sight of your tears. Sighing, he wiped them away. You looked away. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, frowning. “It’s fine,” you muttered.

Shaking his head, Jeno hugged you. “It’s not fine, I’m making you cry,” he voice was soft as he spoke, trying to comfort you even in the slightest. “I don’t mean the things I say,” he whispered into your hair, “that doesn’t make it any better, but it’s true.”

“Then why do you say them?” you mumbled, trying to get out of his grasp. Jeno only brought you closer to his chest. “I don’t know,” he sighed, “whenever I see you, I have so many good things to say to you, but for some reason I just...” he trailed off.

“I like you, if that’s any consolation,” he mumbled, burying his face in your neck. You gasped, subconsciously gripping the material of his shirt in your hands. “I know that doesn’t make up for what I’ve done, but I promise I’ll be nice from now on.”

You pulled away, making his expression drop. Maybe you had lost feelings for him after all. You searched his eyes, looking for any hint that he was lying. However, his eyes only held sincerity clouded with sadness. “I,” you began, biting your lip nervously.

“I like you too, Jeno.”

His eyes lit up happily, taking your hands in his. “By the way,” you averted your eyes once again. “Earlier, you said no. Did you mean that one?”

Jeno shook his head, squeezing your hands slightly. “If you ever wish to lose weight, I’ll support you, but truthfully,” he smiled, “I think you’re already perfect the way you are.”

The sound of numerous boys cheering and whooping surprised you. You and Jeno turned around to see everyone watching from the end of the hallway. “I didn’t know Jeno could be like that,” Yukhei mumbled. Beside him, Jungwoo nodded.

lmao the end wtf

[detective-rosadiaz]

jamzzz (the not-so-mini edition)

tagged by @blotthis TWICE! TWO WHOLE TIMES!!!!!!!!!! PUBLICLY OUTED BY THEM AS SOMEONE WHO STARTS MEMES BUT DOESN’T FINISH THEM. i tag anyone who wants to do it bc these are definitely fun to read.

----

🎶 blessings (reprise) by chance the rapper

stop what ur fuckin doing and go listen to coloring book. it’s such a good album and i just!!!!!!!!!!!! there are actually two songs called blessings, but this is the one that’s the last song on that album. and it’s just... very comforting and it makes my whole body fill with positivity, and it just... it makes me want to be kind to myself.

this is the weirdest description of a song, but i feel like... i’m being comforted by parents who love me. the soft music and the gospel choir vibes remind me of my mom humming songs to me when i was younger. i feel like my hair is being gently stroked as i fall asleep. i feel like i’m being gently kissed on the temple. meanwhile CHANCE. i feel like he’s giving me a pep talk. i feel like i’m getting comforting words of wisdom from my dad. IT JUST FEELS SO NICE like if a song could hug you and tell you you’re safe and encourage you to keep going.

ps. chance’s singing voice makes me feel like i’m drifting through clouds.

p.p.s. the part where you hear him chuckle during “i used to pass out music, i still pass out music” kill me

🎶 sleepover by hayley kiyoko

firstable, this mv made me gayer than i’ve ever gayed before. secondly, the part where she’s singing “c’mon let’s sleep in my bed (my bed my beeeeed), can i just be in my head with youuu” and she’s harmonizing on the “you” I DK I JUST REALLY LOVE THIS PART and when it comes on in the car i’m always singing the background vocals. speaking of background vocals: when you hear her just saying the “my head my head my head my head” softly in the bg it’s like... MAN idk but i feel like this whole song perfectly encapsulates being alone with your thoughts wrt unrequited love. it’s like one giant echo of all the possibilities of being together that could happen, but don’t. which, to me, is what it feels like to be in your own head. but at least this song is upbeat and catchy

🎶 never got away by colbie caillat

i feel like i should preface all songs with this, but i open at a coffee shop and the first 30 mins to an hour of me being at work can sometimes feel very... 3am feelies. and sometimes on the car ride there or when i’m setting up the pastry case and trying to Wake Up & Be A Person, i will hear a song playing in cafe and it gets me semi-emotional. it’s like my body still thinks this is the middle of the night, even tho it’s actually my morning.

BUT ANYWAYS, I DIGRESS. the first thing i could even hear when this song played was the chorus. the opening verse was too soft to hear across cafe, but the chorus picked up and i just...even without knowing the words it sounded gentle the way soft acoustic songs do, but the vocals have that... desperate pleading sound?? and i mean that as a compliment. idk how to describe it, but when i walked over to the lil speaker and heard the chorus for real on the second run through, i literally felt my heart clench. this song makes me hurt the way sheryl crow’s “favorite mistake” does, but like.............. in a better way. 

🎶 안경 (glasses) by IU

i love this song when i first heard it, but i don’t think i actually looked up the translated lyrics until like... months later. i just remember really liking all the dips in the song. it reminds me of story telling. which is hard to explain but-- you know what, i just realized why. okay BEAR WITH ME. so the music reminds me of a horse trot, which reminds me of travelling, right? which........... don’t judge me but THAT reminds me of the singing travelers from that a:tla episode with the badgermoles and star-crossed lovers that met in the tunnel. so anyways there’s ur six degrees of separation from STORYTELLING lmao.

listen to this song and tell me you’re not doing all the “aahhhhhhh ahhhh ohhh ohhhh-- OOooOOooOOoo [DRAMATIC PAUSE].” anyways, lyric meaning aside, i’ve never felt more like a lone lesbian on a horse in the desert than i do while listneing to this.

🎶 love$ick ft. a$ap rocky by mura masa

this is a really good car song! i mean, it’s good for any occasion, but specifically i feel like the song is in its element when it’s blasting from my car on a sunny day while i’m speeding out of the parking lot at work. i actually haven’t listened to a lot of mura masa songs, but the ones i have always remind me of summer. is it bc of the steel pan drumming??????? maybe. probably.

the lyrics are also fun to sing along to. WHICH I FEEL IS A SUMMER SONG REQUIREMENT. quesiton 1: can the song lyrics be sung to loudly and dramatically? if yes, continue to question 2. if not, then ur song ain’t a summer jam. it’s got VOICE DISTORTION (but you actin young WHEN U HELLA GROWN). it’s got the “visit italia, be my senorita” line which honestly i’m stealing for the next girl who dates me. DEBIT CHARGE, KERMIT THE DROG, MARGARITAS????????????????????????? but he should see the way she dance on me, wishin i ain’t have no pants on meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

bonus fact: this song and the Another Round podcast have forced me to consonantly make airhorn noises whit my mouth at all times.

here are some honorable mentions of songs i;ve recently put on repeat and now have 9,230,842,930 plays each in my library:

redbone by childish gambino -- a good song to sensually dance to

faded by julian mae (2on by tinashe remix) -- hip and up beat and great to listen to when you feel like mindlessly jammin

t-shirt by migos -- hoenstly one of my co workers got this stuck in my head and now i just like it

diamond by f(x) -- a song i personally slept on when i first listned to 4 walls. traveler is still my #1 but this is definitely a close #2

hard times by paramore -- i can’t beleive i still live inside paramore’s ass and i can’t beleive i was hype for this song after half a listen

get out of my house by hyunA -- shout out to my favorite highkey dumpling blogger for turning me onto this song in the first place. IT’S SO GOOD, even if it is mellow and sad

girlfriend by n*sync - #THROWBACK bc i still love listening to nsync and also if this song ain’t so gd #relateable then idk what is

you & me by marc e. bassy -- the video is not worth paying attention to but the song is fun to sing and makes my petty side a lil bit happy

upside down by diana ross -- honestly name one bad thing about this song. appreciate your disco divas gdi!!!!!!!! they gave us the bops we did not deserve

view by shinee - recently rediscovered and it’s still a jam