#top40of2016

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #1

#1 - Bruno Mars - 24K Magic

Well, it looks like our journey has finally come to an end, and who better to send us off than Bruno Mars? Bruno has done an excellent job at progressing his sound from Meghan Trainor levels of happy cheese, to giving us some authentic feel good tunes. Uptown Funk was in my top 5 last year, and 24K Magic has just enough more punch and irreverence to land him at the top of my list. Could Bruno Mars be the Michael Jackson/Prince of our time? Someone made a comment like that to me after last year’s Super Bowl halftime show, and I laughed it off. I mean the first album was grocery store radio. The second was somewhere between that and some real fun. He’s great and always has been, but where’s his “Off The Wall”? Where’s his “Thriller”? Well, my friends, 24K Magic is about as good as it gets if we’re talking classic funk and soul with a modern twist. Everything bout this album is great. Like any other Bruno Mars project, it’s short (9 songs deep). But every track is a smash. From influences like the Gap Band, New Edition, James Brown, and of course Michael Jackson...it’s all there, and not a bit watered down.

If you’re looking for the family friendly schmaltz of “Just The Way You Are”, this song and album is probably not for you. This isn’t for the kids (even though they’ll be singing it anyway). It’s almost like Bruno is going to retread all the classic eras of music that we love until he has to start covering himself (which will be really strange). This reminds me more of the beginning of West Coast hip hop than anything else. California Love, anyone? Bruno is rapping for about 80 percent of the song, which is a welcome change that really fits the attitude of the record. The talkbox bits are great. The breakdown is slammin. It’s all about partying, dancing, and having a good time with your homies and some “bad bitches and their ugly ass friends”. It’s wild, but it’s fun, and trust me...we need way more of that these days.

Thank you all for following me through this journey of music. I’ll see you again at the end of the year.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #8

#8 - K. Michelle - If It Ain’t Love

K. Michelle. The girl can really sing. Period. I don’t care that she hasn’t really been accepted in R&B at an A-list status. I don’t care that she came up off of a reality show (and I’m not talking American Idol/The Voice). This song is proof that she’s got it. “If It Ain’t Love” is a country-tinged soul ballad where Kimberly pours her heart about the ups and downs of her relationship.

To loosely paraphrase: 

‘It’s really bad. It’s really good. But if it ain’t love, I don’t know what is’. 

It’s a sentiment you’ve probably heard before from this genre of music. But she really puts her soul into it. In contrast to the bulk of ballads you can get off of Adele’s recent album (I’m only throwing minor shade...again), not only can you feel her emotion, but the music is fresh. Maybe it’s because we just followed 8 minutes of country music, but the country influences on this kind of R&B record...I don’t recall ever hearing before, and certainly not any time recently. K. Michelle has spoken about  (peep that interview link btw) how she wants to ultimately venture in that direction, and how she grew up listening to the Judds and whatnot. I really hope this is as far as she takes it, because her actual country track off of this album was...ehh. Plus I wonder how serious the market is going to take her if she keeps putting out tasteless tracks like this (and treating them with videos). The album this song comes from is one is a VERY mixed bag, but the highlights outweigh the lowlights, and even when you come across those, she doesn’t sacrifice the points she wants to get across/her personality for mediocrity, and I can respect that.

At any rate, I wish this song HAD been a single, because it’s a great record. It’s one of those records that has the potential to be a vintage soul song, but it’s likely to never see the light of the charts. That’s one of the reasons why I rated it so high on this list. I hope that whatever direction she chooses to go in, she continues to make quality music. 

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #12

#12 - Alicia Keys - Illusion of Bliss

I have been and will always be a fan of Alicia Keys for being able to inhabit the space of Soul and R&B with the swag of high class art. She really does write/co-write the majority of her music as well as songs for others. She can give you a hip hop banger, or some authentic jazz. She was trained on classical piano, so she incorporates that as well. She doesn’t flaunt her sexuality all over the place, but is still sexy, and she’s been in the game for 16 years. She dropped an incredible album this fall called HERE, and had an amazing visual companion to go with it that speaks to the human spirit. But it went unnoticed (probably because ya’ll were still stuck on Beyonce). I’m linking it RIGHT HERE, and if you are a human being you should give it a view (whether you like her music or not).

Illusion of Bliss is all about the blues. This song wouldn’t have sounded out of place in the recent Luke Cage series on Netflix. It’s soulful, it’s raw, it’s gritty...and it’s real. The main character of the song is a 29 year old addict. Alicia really embodies the despair and lack of self control that this woman feels. She’s crying out for help but wonders will anyone hear her before it’s too late. It’s a haunting and emotional ride, but it’s worth taking.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #13

#13 - Rihanna - Same Ol’ Mistakes

These days praising popular artists for doing “alternative” songs is hardly praise, because it’s the thing to do now. Everyone is trying to appear different and eschew radio formats no matter what their genre is, and it’s actually a good thing for the climate of music in general, because it means we’re getting to hear a wider variety of music in mainstream and underground circles.

When I first heard “Same Ol’ Mistakes” I had no idea it was Rihanna. It sounds nothing like any Rihanna song or feature she’s ever been on. Eventually, I got around to listening to the full album and looked at the album credits. Apparently this song is a cover of “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” by the band Tame Impala. When I listen to the original...it sounds...very similar. In fact, note for note and sound for sound, the production track in both versions are exactly the same. And obviously, Justin Parker (the band frontman) wrote the lyrics, so the only thing to pit one song against the other are the voices. In my opinion, I’m rocking with Rihanna on this. The dreamy, ethereal quality of the sound suits her voice on this much better than it does Justin’s. His voice almost fades into the background of the mix like it’s barely even there. I really fell in love with this track when I started to listen to the lyrics.

“Finally taking flight I know you don't think it's right I know that you think it's fake Maybe fake's what I like The point is, I have the right Not thinking in black and white I'm thinking it's worth the fight Soon to be out of sight Knowing it all this time Going with what I always longed for”

The song is about self doubt, freedom, change, and a lot of emotions and thoughts that take place during introspection. These are lyrics to speak to my soul and my progression. As I continue to grow older, I latch on to songs like this because they help me focus my mind on where I’d really like to go.

Sidebar: Rihanna has definitely improved as an artist and vocalist. Current Rihanna has come a long from those pitchy days back in 2006. Kudos to her.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #18

#18 - Marina and the Diamonds - Blue

This song is really catchy. Plain and simple. I keep going back to it because it feels good. I’ve always admired Marina’s ability to do pop music without sacrificing the lyrical ability she has as a writer. All of her songs, even the more dance themed ones like this, take an honest an unapologetic look at the subject matter she’s tackling. Whether it’s human sexuality, religion, or depression, she pulls no punches. On top of all of that, her vocals have an ethereal quality to them that make them more interesting than say, your Katy Perrys or Taylor Swifts.

This song is about a casual relationship. A “hook up” if you will. But she’s bored with the guy. Yet she can’t stand to be alone. She has low self esteem. She lacks dreams and imagination. She wants to find all of that in this guy. She’s not finding any of it, and even though she admits to not being in love with him, she keeps coming back because she’s scared of being alone. How real is this?! I mean, most people probably go through this at one point in the stages of dating, but it’s embarrassing to admit. No one wants to fess up to being this shallow or empty. Marina’s keeping it real, and despite the sugary, happy production she’s singing over, she’s dealing with some internal struggles here. It’s a interesting track, the melody is great, and it’s definitely worth a listen.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #19

#19 - Panic! At The Disco - Death Of A Bachelor

What do you get when you mix the sound of Frank Sinatra with the swagger of Freddie Mercury and throw it on top of some Beyonce-esque production? You get this song. Mind you, Panic! At The Disco is an alternative punk rock band. There’s not another song in their discography that sounds like this. The days of no genre are here, my friends, and this song is a perfect example of it. This isn’t some shameless bid to snag a radio hit. It’s the genuine love of styles outside of your wheelhouse being expressed through experimentation. Brendon Urie nails it on the vocals here, as usual. His interpretation of Sinatra is dead on, but it sounds so fresh surrounded by all the modern sounds here. There’s a live horn section throughout this thing that really takes it over the top as well. The lyrics speak of the end of his lonely days as a bachelor and the beginning of life with his wife. It’s a fresh track, and I’m really sorry that it didn’t become a massive hit, because it deserves that sort of recognition. I’ve been playing this song for a year, and it’s still got legs on it. Definitely give this a listen.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #16

#16 - Bryson Tiller - Don’t

Drake wanted to sign this guy to his OVO Sound label, and it’s pretty obvious why. Tiller sounds...well...a lot like him. I’m actually really trying to figure out how to justify him not being a Drake biter right now. To be fair, I don’t really believe that he is, but I can see how one would make the case for it. Bryson has a decent voice. He raps a little. He sings a mixture of confessional love/relationship ballads and braggadocious lyrics. His productions often have woozy old school soul samples layered behind hip hop beats. I guess I’m not making a strong case. Well, what can I say? R&B is my favorite genre, and Drake is one of my favorite artists. Simply put, if you like Drake, you’ll like Bryson.

I like the feel of the sluggish beat, I like his lyrical honesty, I like the Mariah Carey reference at the start of the second verse, I like the way the beat stops near the end and then comes back and rides the rest of the track out...if there’s a target audience for this sound, I’ve been hit. I love this thing. If you like what he’s doing here, go check out the entire album.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #2

#2 - Chance The Rapper - No Problem (ft. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne)

Alright. Enough sad songs dominating the upper regions of my list. 2016 was a rough year for many of us. Time to get happy again. When I think happy, these days, I’m thinking Chance The Rapper. Chance The Rapper has an odd sounding voice for a rapper. It’s off kilter. It’s spontaneous. He can sometimes be grating to the ear depending on what kind of production he’s rapping or singing over. But then he dropped the Coloring Book tape this past summer and made me a believer. And apparently, he made the world believe as well. Chance the Rapper dropped the album as a streaming exclusive only in partnership with Apple Music (for the first two weeks of its release) and it still made it to the top ten on billboard. He also managed to garner a top 40 hit from it as well (it hit 43...close enough), which is the song we’re about to review now after I continue lavishing praise on this guy.

You don’t have to like Chance. You don’t have to like rap. But you’ve got to respect what this guy is doing for music. Chance has always released his music for free, has remained an independent artist and has helped campaign for the Grammys to recognize albums from unsigned artists. Now if you drop something on soundcloud, you could possibly win a Grammy off of it in 2018. I’m not even joking. There are many reasons to like Chance, even if you don’t care for his music.

Speaking of which, let’s actually get to that!

“No Problem” is a banger, but not merely an ignorant rap song devoid of all substance or self awareness. Here Chance is speaking on what it feels like to be an independent artist occupying the space he does right now, with the tongue-in-cheek threat that leads the chorus, “If one more label try and stop me, Its gon be some dread headed niggas at your lobby!” And also, “My shooters come for free.” 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne both show up and don’t ruin this track for me surprisingly. 2 Chainz is usually great on features, but you never know what you’re going to get with Wayne sometimes...I do wish his verse was a tad shorter and sans autotune, but, at least he didn’t make any poop references.

I highly implore you to check out Coloring Book, as it is not all fun and games, but energetic and heartfelt soulful music. The strangest part of this album is how heavily it incorporates gospel music into its sound and message. There’s literally a choir in just about every song. You hear that gospel choir in the background of this singing something that sounds like “none but the righteous”? That’s not a sample, that’s an actual choir. There are so many quotables on this album from the silly:

“I got baptized like, way early

I might give Satan a swirlie”

to the witty:

“Jesus black life ain’t matter

I know because I talked to his daddy

He told me be the man of the house

and look out for your family”

to the thought provoking:

“I don’t make songs for free

I make them for freedom”

“The people’s champ must be everything the people can’t be”

There’s even a cover of “How Great Is Our God” with a three minute intro of merely an choir singing that acapella. Kirk Franklin even shows up on the second to last track with his choir. This is church without the dogma, and it sounds great. You might not be able to appreciate all of it (it’s still a rap album), but it’s definitely one of the most interesting and captivating releases of 2016. One song from it doesn’t do it justice. You gotta check it out.

Bonus: Here’s a video of him performing at the White House. Something we will probably never see again for a very long time.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #3

#3 - David Hodges - Recover

Who on earth is David Hodges and why is he so high on this list? David Hodges used to be part of the band Evanescence. From their formation to after their first and biggest album, “Fallen”, he played piano, drums, and sang with the group. After he left, he continued to write songs for/with other artists like this one, and this one. You get the picture. He puts out solo EPs from time to time just because he can, and one full of covers grabbed my attention, intially for the Lana Del Rey cover of “Video Games”. The one that stuck with me though, was the cover of Chvrches “Recover”.

Now if you listen to the original one...quite frankly, it pales in comparison. The lyrics are the same, but the execution is just poor in my opinion. David takes this song and turns it into a heartfelt ballad of what rejection looks like. This song is what over feels like. In a relationship, when you’ve reached the point of no return...when you know there’s no going back...when it’s gotten so bad, that whatever good there was doesn’t matter anymore. That’s what this song is. It’s a scary place to be in. It’s a depressing place to be in. The fact is that there might be some hope for you, if you’re in that place. But that’s not what this song is about. This song is about going through it. And we have Mr. Hodges to thank for rescuing this song from poorly executed obscurity and bringing it to properly executed obscurity (I’m fully aware that my top40 list is likely the only place you’ll hear this, and that’s why I’m here).

If you need a moment to cry, this is to one to put on repeat until you’re done.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #4

#4 - Ty Dolla $ign, Big TC & D-Loc - Miracle/Wherever

Before we even get into this song, I’d like to direct you to a behind the scenes video of Ty’s Free TC album that I came across. It gives a lot of context to why he included the phone visit recordings of his brother from prison on nearly every track, but most of all his recording of his singing through the phone...which grounds the majority of the song “Miracle”.

This song is dripping with soul. It doesn’t get any more soulful and raw than singing through a prison phone and still sounding better than a lot of these singers out here walking free. Ty’s brother talks about his life, and his struggles as a young black man, and but still gives hope and encouragement to those listening, as well as recognizing that it’s a miracle he’s still standing to this day. Gratitude from someone doing 57 to life for a crime he didn’t commit. I’m telling you, it doesn’t get any realer than that. 

D-Loc, who I’m just assuming is someone else in the same prison where TC is at, comes through with a solid rap verse (that I really wish didn’t have to be recorded through a phone line, if only just to be a little bit clearer) echoing the same sentiments and speaking on his faith in God getting him through the tests and trials of his life.

Ty wraps it up with some sweet melodies and a short verse as well, where he recognizes hard work and determination brought him to where he’s at now. It’s a song about family, gratitude, and faith. Even without having the extra context from that behind the scenes Free TC Documentary, this is probably one of the best songs I’ve heard in life. You’ve got to hear this thing.

BUT WAIT!

Once again we have fallen prey to being assaulted by another track being tacked on behind another, although at least this time, there’s barely a pause, and it’s mentioned in the title, so you know it’s coming. If you can get over the fact the two songs are completely unrelated, and try to appreciate each one for what it is, “Wherever” will grow on you. It’s a slow jam about sex. Plain and simple. But it’s well done. The string section carries over from the previous song, and accents the track just as well, but what really makes this track outstanding are Ty’s vocals. If you had any doubt that Ty was a hack, or that he didn’t have range, or he just walks around with autotune in his pocket all the time, this track solves all of that. Ty is hitting some seriously nice falsetto notes during the majority of this song, and he’s nailing every bit of it. I mean...the dude practically sounds like Prince. I had to look up the credits to make sure it was the same guy at first. It’s a fun one to sing along to, and it kind of brings a lighter side to the heavier subject matter that colors the gratitude of “Miracle”. Ty is a really talented songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist, and it’s good to see him making as many waves as he is now.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #5

#5 - David Lang & Sumi Jo - Simple Song #3

And now for something different. This is the first time I’ve had a classical song/vocalist in my top 40 period. I watched a surreal film entitled “Youth”, that starred Michael Caine. I can’t say whether or not I enjoyed it...it was quite strange, but it was interesting. And best of all, I came away from it with this song. If you don’t like opera level vocals...and I’m talking every bit of the highest of sopranos here, then you might want to skip this one, cause Sumi Jo goes there. If you’re willing to take the ride, sink back into your chair and close your eyes as the music plays.

The only thing overly simple about this song are the lyrics, which describe a moment of ecstasy and freedom between two people from the perspective of one. It’s sensual, it’s emotional, and intimate in a way that a lot of other genres of music can’t communicate. The song is equal parts melancholy and lovely. Grand and subdued. Loud and quiet. The orchestration is exquisite. I really had to listen to this several times for the feeling of the recording to really sink in to me. Not because it’s so complex, but because it begs to be repeated. I don’t listen to classical music as much as I used to, but when I do, this will be one of my go-tos from here on out.

Here’s a clip of the actual moment where it shows up in the film (the end).

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #6

#6 - Drake - Redemption

Note: The following song is not available on youtube, because when you sign any sort of exclusivity deal with Apple Music or any other streaming service, they make sure that you can’t get it from the competition. (Try to find any of The Weeknd’s last two albums on youtube, or Taylor Swift’s “1989″, or Frank Ocean’s “Blonde” or any Prince music. Also not on youtube.) Nevertheless, I still found a link to stream it from, and I’ve highlighted it at the song title like the others.

That’s right. It’s the 6God, himself. Drizzy Drake. Aubrey Graham. If you’ve followed any of my Top 40s, you probably already know that I’m a huge Drake fan. Drake has been on every single one of them in the past 6 years, 3 of those times in my top 10, and last year in the top spot. I’m not a Drake stan.

There are songs of his I don’t like. There are times I think he could be more creative and innovative. I don’t care about the so called “ghostwriter” allegations, because (news flash) most artists create art in collaboration. Very few choose to do everything by themselves (and often times it can sound a little dry that way). I liked Views. I can relate to it, I can relax to it, I can get hype to it...it tries to be everything to his entire fan base, while stretching his reach ever so slightly. He deserved the number 1 singles last year, he deserved the million plus first week sales, and he deserved the Album Of the Year Grammy nomination. I think he’s worked hard for it, and I think the music is enjoyable. I understand that many people hate this album and/or Drake for the same reason I dislike Beyonce and don’t care about one of the biggest albums in history (Adele’s 25), but the missing link is that I can’t relate to either of those two artists right now. I’m probably the only one that would be happy to see him take home album of the year (he won’t).

So, enough chit chat. On to the music. This track is comfort food for a day of regret and reflection, particularly if you are single and just can’t seem to figure out how to get it right. Maybe you’re not in the right place to deal with commitment. Maybe those that you want don’t want you back. Maybe you feel like you’ll never be forgiven by those that you’ve hurt before, even thought you’re willing to start all over. Maybe you have exes that have sued you for sampling their voicemails in your songs and used the settlement money to open a business. If you can relate to any of those things, “Redemption” is right in your wheelhouse. There’s a lingering, warbled, and sometimes backmasked sample of Ray J’s “One Wish” in the background. If you’ve heard the song before or can recognize some of the lyrics under the melody Drake is singing, it adds an extra layer of context that I appreciate (subtle, but nice touch). Drake sings most of the song, but gets personal within the last minute rapping about his feelings and even naming names of his exes. It’s nothing new from Drake, but I still enjoy it. I can still relate. It feels just as comforting as Marvin’s Room after midnight. I don’t go into Drake albums expecting him to spit conscious lyrics about privatized prisons or cultural appropriation like Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole. It’s good music.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #7

#7 - fka Twigs - Pendulum

Now, I know that Twigs personally hates this label, but I definitely class her in progressive R&B, because her voice tends to lend itself to the qualities of the greats like Aaliyah, Mariah Carey, or even Ciara. The difference with fka Twigs is her aesthetic leans to more alternative artists like Active Child or James Blake than any of those others. I know I’m throwing a lot of names out there, but what I’m trying to say is even though she has a world class voice, she’s in a class all of her own. Her music and visuals are captivating, interesting, disturbing, and a host of other adjectives. This song caught me at the right time in the second half of the year, and it never let me go. What I like about this song, as opposed to some of her other work is that it showcases her voice, but still maintains the production quirks that set her apart from anyone else with similar vocal ability. The backdrop is a swirl of electronic sounds whizzing around her vocals that ultimately builds to a proper chorus before pulling back again for another verse.

Lyrically, the words are as stripped back as the production is. I always find that interesting....for songs to be able to contain a lot of meaning, yet when you look at the lyrics, very actual words are being said. Anyway...

She speaks about what it’s like to have put your all into a relationship and get nothing in return. Despite the fact that this is all you want, the other person doesn’t care, and only wants you for show and physicality. The way the song builds...the ebb and flow of the emotion...the distortion of the vocals on the lines, “How does it feel to have me thinking about you?”...almost as if to convey “now that you have me where you want me, are you satisfied?” This shit definitely strikes a chord for me, but the video (which I linked up top at the song title), takes it even further. The video is a physical representation of the emotions that she is conveying through these lyrics.

Twigs is definitely capable of releasing more conventional types of songs, but I definitely like the strange sort of art that she’s making, and I hope she continues down that road in the future.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #9

#9 - Kacey Musgraves - Fine/Are You Sure (ft. Willie Nelson)

This is the highest a country song has ever made it on my list in any of the six years I’ve been compiling it. The reason is country music is a genre that I don’t listen to on a regular basis (almost never). I would much rather listen to some more authentic folk music. Hell, I’ll even take bluegrass. However, I do have respect for the genre with regards to it’s biggest selling point: STORYTELLING.

In country music, the simplest of narratives can become heartfelt and meaningful if you put them in the hands of the right songwriter and behind the right voice. Kacey Musgraves is that voice (and at least a third of the songwriting here). 

How many songs have you heard about someone feeling lonely or trying to maintain until their lover gets home? This is another one of those. Yet, the way the lyrics are detailed, you get an accurate picture of what it’s like to go through her house...step into her garden...sit in her lover’s room and put her face in their clothes...it’s all simple, but very effective. Despite the fact that she is lonely, she’s content to wait until their return. You can sense that from her tone and how she phrases her words. She says she’s fine, and that’s title of the song, but if you only read the lyrics, she could be just saying that so no one would know how deeply she hurts. It’s all in the delivery. I’d like to think it’s because she’s that confident in their love and return that nothing else matters. Not even her loneliness.  Excellent stuff.

BUT WAIT!

Apparently, there’s another song here. I used to hate when artists would do this. The CD is over but yet they want to “hide” another song on the back end of the track by sandwiching a minute or two of silence in between them. Due to this technicality Willie Nelson ends up in my Top 40 as the song that follows is a duet with him entitled “Are You Sure”. I’m a little bit surprised that this is the track that got the music video treatment over “Fine”, which is clearly the better song, but whatever.

This song is a Willie Nelson original, lyrically approaching the concept of one’s lover nagging at them while they drink their life away with their friends at a local bar. Are you sure you really want to be here? Are these your real friends? Do they love you like I love you? This was probably a real treat for Kacey. Willie Nelson is a country legend. It’s a treat for us too. The arrangement is well done, and they blend well together...if only briefly. I played “Fine” so much that I ended up really appreciating both songs, and if that was the point of hiding “Are You Sure” at the end of it...well, mission accomplished. I can handle more country music that sounds as authentic as this.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #10

#10 - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes - Lullaby

Continuing with the inner child theme of the last selection, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes return to my Top 40 for a second year with pure, unadulterated, nonsensical lyrics. The lyrics are kind of a mash of things that sound really good if you’re singing them to a toddler, but otherwise make no sense when you try to analyze them. Truth be told, that’s probably the point. For a brief bit of context, the track before “Lullaby” on the album, “Perfect Time”, (which I tried to also wedge into this list, but couldn’t) was all about the evils and ills and the world that are so horrible, there’s no other way to combat them but completely turn your life over to the pursuit of loving. This track finds the narrator expressing love to his child through song. The track contains a melody full of warmth and simplicity.

Here’s a few of the lines that weren’t quite nonsense:

“If only you could learn not of man rude If only you could go on in the nude If only but I fear it will be my fault If ever my dear you act adult And sad as though my dear but when I'm gone And you have a child all of your own”

If it seems cheesy, or the sort of thing that should be on a preschool album...well, so be it. People go to music for different things. One of the key things that return to music for is to feed my inner child. And this song does it well.

[barryorchestra]

barryorchestra presents Top 40 of 2016 - #11

#11 - Family Of The Year - Dead Poets

If you listen to Coldplay, Keane, Mumford & Sons, or any other soft bands (no judgment here, I love soft bands), and you don’t listen to Family Of the Year, you’re basic and it’s time to get your clout up in the music taste game. I praised these guys and gal last year with their Loma Vista record and their inclusion in the Boyhood soundtrack. I love their youthful sound. I like the fact that they often write from the perspective of a child or recount childhood events. If you need to feed your inner child, this group is here for you!

Dead Poets (I’m assuming the title is meant to evoke the sort of struggle to find one’s self, as it was represented in the movie “Dead Poets Society”, but I could be completely wrong about that) tells a story of a young kid that’s always getting into trouble while growing up from the perspective of a narrator that knows who he is. He got kicked out of school for smoking weed in the music room. He never seems to measure up to what his parents or teachers want him to be. His parents want him to be more responsible like his brother.  The pressures and anxieties he feels drives the kid to isolate himself and run off into the woods. It’s a cool story, and the dreamy sound of the vocals and the instrumentation take your mind to the time of your life when you were younger and the world was bigger. I was never that kid, but I can relate to not necessarily turning out the way others might’ve hoped that I’d be. The feel of the song is a calm moment of clear reflection and memory. If you can dig that, you’ll definitely like this song, as well as the other work Family Of The Year has put out.