#musicmatebeckontheassistboy

[musicmat3]

Stuck on two VERY different albums...

So because I am queen of the scattered brained kids, I always find myself listening to very different music all the time. I can easily connect to different sounds and things with no problem.. but I am going to get my shit together and analyze both of them for yous guys right quick. 

First to bat is MY DAWG, Active Child. GUYS. This man. Okay. Words. He obviously has a little James Blake influence but he is soooo different in so many ways. His voice, first off is honestly not the strongest voice I’ve ever heard.. He allows his voice to crack and he shows his imperfections which is sooo brave to me. His newest album “mercy” is chalk full of beautiful imperfections. His floaty and unpredictable style is to die for. He put his whole heart into this album and it is soooo melancholy but it is so unbelievably beautiful – haunting. “Darling” is my favorite on the album. It is the most simple (i LIVE for simplicity when it comes to music like this) AND TOO WONDERFUL. His lyrics and background vocals on this and every song are heart wrenching.. He brings you back to a moment when you lost your love you know? and then “Midnight Swim” happens..the most unique song I have

EVER

heard. It makes me feel feelings and there are no…words. no lyrics.. no vocals.. just music. Music that to me signifies a switch in mood… The album gets lighter? The lyrics are still pretty weighted but the music just lifts.. He’s musically really smart… and obviously classically trained because “Stranger” is something other worldly. Other really important songs are “Temptation”, “Too Late”

*open mouth sobs*

and “These Arms”

This album is intimate. This album has soul. This album is heavy with a touch of freedom. This album is gold. So beautifully done, Active Child.

Next is Grand Romantic by Nate Ruess. This is his debut solo album! Nate Ruess was the lead singer of the band fun. I’m not sure where the future of the band itself lies to be honest.. but I am really into Nate’s solo stuff. Not only is Ruess’ range absolutely bonkers but he is a real life songwriter. His lyrics are amazing… in the words of the Sandy Cheeks “..he has such a way with words ::sigh::”. Every song on here can be a hit, for sure. Grand Romantic has an underlying musical theme of modern 60s - 70s steady rock. It’s so incredibly created. Let’s start right smack in the beginning, fucking shall we? Grand Romantic’s intro is short and sweet and every choir kids fantasy. I swear. The harmony hit me like a truck and brought me right in the middle of my sophomore year of high school when we sang “Come to me, O my Love” by Allan Robert Petker… random I know.. but its less mediocre than a bunch of hs kids.. lmao. It then goes into “AhHa” which is SO MUCH FUN. It’s angsty as hell and sooooooo rock n’ roll. His voice brings me so much joy..  Anyway, this project is the epitome of being love drunk. He means every word to me in “Nothing without Love” its such a BEAUTIFUL declaration of love that whoever he wants to “rest in their light..” HAS to be swept off of their feet after this song ends. The emotion he is giving me in “Take It Back”.. (All I can literally think about is how amazing this is going to be live.. If Nate Ruess is ever in my town I’m going.) There is also killer guitar solo that will bring you to your knees! My personal favorite is “What This World is Coming To” with Beck on the assist, boyyyyy! This song is where my soul lies. It makes me feel like I am in a laying in a field of really tall sunflowers in the moonlight.. holding my baby’s hand.. not saying a word.. just.. there.. in peace..together. I’m baffled on how Nate can get his voice so high and SO ON PITCH. He’s an alien.  But “Great Big Storm”, “You light my fire” and “It Only Gets Much Worse” are other amazing songs you can listen to on this album.  Nate Ruess… May the vocal gods be ever in your favor… I hope you never get vocal nodes because my life would end with your voice. I cant wait for new music already! 

I’m also super sure I’m really feeling this because I am super in love right now. Hi, Sammie! haha. <3 Get to listening to this stuff, kids! Love, Fran.