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Melodrama

Artist: Lorde

Year:  2017

Genre: Pop, Alternative, RnB

Melodrama is one of the most critically acclaimed albums of its decade. With the album peaking at number 1 on the Billboard 200 albums scoring a whopping 91 on Metacritic and an 8.8 on Pitchfork ranked 460 in Rolling Stone’s Greatest Albums of All Time bagging awards such as Album of the Year in 2017 at Aotearoa Music Awards and even being a Grammy nominee for Album of the Year. But what makes Melodrama so special and adored by the critics and the people? 

Melodrama is about a house party. According to Lorde, when you’re at a party there may be a good song playing that will get you feeling good and dancing but there are also moments where you just stare at the bathroom mirror feeling empty and looking horrible. One of the reasons for the mood switch for the album is because Lorde wrote Melodrama after her first real break up but she denies that it’s a breakup album she even stated that it explores the good and bad about being alone. The album is produced by Jack Antonoff who is well known for producing albums for artists like Lana Del Ray, Taylor Swift and Kevin Abstract to name a few.

Green Light was the chosen song as the album's single. It’s a well-made pop song with a chord progression that’ll hook you it’s vibrant, electrifying, and exciting but at the same time, you can feel the desperation in the song with the chanting of “I'm waiting for it, that green light I want it” meaning waiting for the go signal for her to get over the person. 

Sober, contrary to its title, is about not knowing what to do when not intoxicated. Lorde compares love to drugs which has been an uncommon analogy but Lorde adds a darker twist to it. The song is an emotional journey with her singing, whispering, and talking all throughout. Like as the lyrics say “You’ll be dancing with us” it really will get you dancing but the echoing of the haunting question “What will we do when we’re sober?” will keep you thinking. 

Homemade Dynamite gives off a carefree feel. It's the type of song that will get you swaying with it and will get you singing along to the chorus. The track takes you back to spending the last days of your teenage years without a single care for the world. This song is also about Lorde meeting a stranger that is as eccentric as her at the party and hanging out with them. 

The Louvre starts with strumming of a guitar then you hear the kick of the drum in “A rush at the beginning” as if the listener also gets to experience the rush Lorde is talking about. At the drop, “Broadcast the boom boom boom boom and make them all dance to it” feels as if we’re also dancing. The song gives off a feeling of being in a new relationship is a “rush at the beginning” and you “get caught up, just for a minute”. The feeling is euphoric as if only wanting to spend time with a person all the time like the lyric “blow all my friendships to sit in hell with you”. The feeling is beautiful and relationships might go south but it's still ethereal like the lyric “But we’re the greatest they’ll hang us in the Louvre down the back but still the Louvre” as stated. 

Liability is a mellow ballad and is the beginning of the mood switch of the album Lorde has talked about. In this track, Lorde becomes honest and vulnerable as she talks about the burden of being a celebrity. She feels like a liability to her friends, family, and her lover. The line “So I guess I'll go home into the arms of the girl that I love, the only love I haven't screwed up. She's so hard to please, but she's a forest fire. I do my best to meet her demands, play at romance. We slow dance in the living room but all that a stranger would see Is one girl swaying alone, stroking a cheek”. This signifies that she only has herself; the plot twist of this line is quite brilliant. Lorde made the audience think she actually has someone, maybe a friend or a girlfriend but she was actually referring to herself. 

Hard Feelings/Loveless is a track that is split into two parts. Hard Feelings being about struggles in a failing relationship and Loveless being childish. Hard feelings open with the line “Please could you be tender? And I will sit close to you. Let's give it a minute before we admit that we're through”.It is a direct implication that the relationship is dying and this is her last wish to her soon-to-be ex. When breaking up, the phrase “No hard feelings” is often said signifying that they don't really hate each other despite breaking up but in the chorus, Lorde talks about how she actually feels these hard feelings, mainly the bitterness and anger that they split up. In the second verse, Lorde finally finds herself taking care of herself; she now puts as much energy into loving herself as she put into her past relationship. The song also mentioned when lovers drift apart, it's as if everybody already knew and you are the last to know of it and when Lorde said “It’s time to let go of this endless summer afternoon”, she was also talking about how she realized that their relationship is falling apart along with winter now coming in. In Loveless, Lorde becomes cheeky and mad at her ex because he now feels bad that he made her feel bad due to the breakup. She taunts him “Bet you want to tape my mouth shut” because now that they have broken up and Lorde is a singer she would now be making songs about him. 

Sober II (Melodrama) is the interlude of the album. Lorde narrates what has happened at the party so far. The song is very hypnotic with the distorted vocals and the use of strings to add a dramatic effect to the song.

Writer in the Dark is a very emotional song. It gives you goosebumps even. The song has layered vocals and Lorde's singing becomes desperate and pained in the chorus. Lorde refers to herself as a writer in this song because she’s a singer who writes her songs. She asks her ex-lover in Liability if he regrets being with her, who is an artist and now writes about him, carrying along their past relationship. She expressed how she tried to make herself small to him because he hated her fame. When Lorde said, “I am my mother's child I’ll love you ‘til my breathing stops I’ll love you ‘til you call the cops on me.” it meant that despite them not being together anymore she’ll still love him forever and how love makes people crazy. But despite that during the hardest part of their relationship she found a superpower being that she now no longer needed others to find comfort she now finds comfort on her own and in her writing. 

Supercut sounds like a fun song you could use at parties. Although it is about reminiscing about a past relationship and only seeing the good memories in it just like a supercut, Lorde expresses that she feels like she’s still tied to her ex through their memories. She expresses this with the use of “ribbons” as a metaphor. As she looks back on her memories in her relationship she thinks of things she could've done to save it. Lorde conveys this in the lyrics “In my head, I do everything right. When you call (I’ll forgive and not fight)”.

Liability (reprise). If in Liability Lorde thinks of herself as a burden to her loved ones, in Liability (reprise) she realizes that she’s not. When she repeats the line “But you’re not who you thought you were”, it shows as if she realizes she's not a liability and she internalizes the idea of others thinking she was one. The song gives off a feeling of triumph and relief. It does not have much production because this song gives off a sense of clarity. 

Perfect Places is a perfect song to end the album. It’s a sudden burst of energy I could even compare to it like a star shining bright one last night before it enters supernova. And with perfect places being the last song in the album, it means that the house party is now finally coming to an end. Based on the song and how this is set in a party, perfect places is not really a place but more of a feeling. Lorde asks the question “Are you lost enough?” meaning are you lost in whatever vice one is taking. The vices previously mentioned are supposed to bring you to “perfect places''. In the chorus she says “Now I can't stand to be alone” and according to the artist, herself, she dreads being alone because she could hear her thoughts so she parties a lot. In the line “It’s just another graceless night” it signifies that despite the party goers not having issues with taking their substances,  they still feel slightly ashamed for taking it and referring to it as graceless act. And at the end of the song Lorde finally asks “What are perfect places anyway” signifying the end of the party. 

As one of our professors said “Always start with a BANG and end with a BOOM” and that's what Melodrama did with opening Green Light and ending with Perfect Places. With Lorde being a lyrical genius and Jack Antonoff being a musical genius and making one of the best albums, I could see why the album is well loved. Personally I found comfort in this album especially during the pandemic where I revisited albums I used to listen to and I would do anything just to listen to this album for the first time again. Melodrama has touched the depths of my soul with Writer in the Dark, Liability and The Louvre being my favorites. To conclude Melodrama is a masterpiece of an album and I think everyone deserves to listen to it at least once. 

This is Eswen K. and you’re listening to Melodrama.

Review written by Eswen K.

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PHASES

Artist: Chase Atlantic

Year: 2019

Genre: Pop, RnB, Alternative

Chase Atlantic is an Australian Alternative R&B Band, formed in 2011. It consists of 3 members namely Mitchel Cave, Clinton Cave and Christian Anthony. Their album “Phases” (2019) is what got me to be a fan of them. Phases talks about Mental Health and the hardships and baggage that goes along with it. Depression, anxiety –  you get the gist! This contains 12 songs and each of them talks about different perspectives an individual could see in life.

The first is the Intro where you would only hear instrumentals, warming and anticipating you up to keep listening so you could get to the next song.

The second is a song called “Phases” which is my number 1 favorite on this album. Simply because of the line “Feel like I’m going insane, I’m going through phases.” Which some of us could really relate to in different types of situations. We go through phases, we panic, we don’t know what to do and it catches us off guard. Also another line from the song, “What’s the point of love if it’s not real?” that I heavily agree on. It shouldn’t be called love if it’s all just words and no feelings.

EVEN THOUGH I’M DEPRESSED. Though, as it may sound misleading from the title which already gives off a very dark vibe, the lyrics will tell you otherwise. Well, some. “I’m caught on the fence, I’m either happy or I wish I was dead. My life is a mess, I kinda like it even though I’m depressed.” Dark, isn’t it? But to me, that’s reality. Sometimes it just isn’t positive and sometimes it is.

I DON’T LIKE DARKNESS. Again, one of my favorite songs in the album. Because the “light” in this song is talking about an individual. “Please don’t leave this house, I don’t like darkness. I don’t want to see you out, I don’t like darkness.” This song also portrays the loss of a loved one.

STUCKINMYBRAIN talks about how an individual could be in their head so many times that it’s eating them up, drowning them, sinking them to rock bottom which completely makes one be surrounded with dark clouds. A storm inside their heads.

The Phases album speaks about toxin intake and how it calms and washes the individuals problems away (which I do not ever recommend though). Overall, this album is the one I relate to the most. From the beats, their voices, the saxophone, everything. Just a slight heads up, it’s explicit. 

This is Angelica O. and you’re listening to PHASES

Review written by Angelica O.

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in bloom

Artist: Saito Soma

Year: 2020

Genre: Emo-Rock, Alternative Rock, Japanese Indie, Jpop

Saito Soma (斉藤 壮馬), one of the prominent and well-known voice actor and artist in Japan. Born on April 22, 1991, Soma is currently 31 years old with over hundreds of characters he voiced. Soma is an artist signed under 81 Produce as a voice actor, while Sacra Music is his music label. He specializes in vocals, lyrics writing, and guitar. He officially has over 7 singles, 2 albums, and 2 EPs (extended plays) wherein he showed his skills in writing as he is a Literature Major. Last December 23rd of 2020, Soma released his 2nd album called “in bloom” that contains 11 tracks. The said album reached a spot in peak charts, placing 5th.The genres that prominently surfaced in the album was Emo-Rock and Alternative Rock. 

First in the list is carpool. The song starts with a good play in strumming of guitars and bass that gives off the melancholic vibes from the very beginning. The verses of the song are well played wherein it gives the impression of the story. As the chorus comes in, it gives the emotion of longing and missing someone important or close to you. Maybe your lover, family, or best friend. Although the instrumentals are optimistic, the lyrics speak the opposite. The bridge and outro made use of the traditional rock that makes the song perfect. Additional to the instrumental and lyrics is Soma’s angelic voice. He was able to execute the emotion he’s been telling in interviews through the song using his ability in doing a good sounding falsetto.

Second would be Schrodinger Girl (シュレディンガー・ガール)  which kicks in with a groove. Drums, bass, guitar riffs – you name it! Schrodinger girl gave more than enough justice in portraying a good use of these instruments mentioned. A perfectly intense track that knows how to play tempos and tone of voice. Falsetto and vibrato mixed together gives the marvelous touch of the song. Job well done , Soma! 

Third, Vampire Weekend. One of my personal favorites in the album. The 3-minute and 25-seconds long music is a very great song to bop with. To be honest, this is the first kind of song that Soma had crafted that portrays all his appeal and personality in real life, which is why it is the most enjoyable song. Seductive, charismatic, alluring – anything that speaks of the energy that Soma gives in his looks and personality. The balance in funky guitar riffs, minimalistic EDM, and an intense, punchy bassline provokes the sexiness of the song while Soma’s voice added to the masterpiece. His perks as a voice actor gave him the privilege to play his sweet, sexy, and innocent side at the right timing and scene in the song. Overall, this song could hypnotize you as it is addicting even on your first listen. Mic drop to this song! 

Kitchen (キッチン)  comes next on the list. If I'm being honest, this song would be my least favorite. The song did not properly justify the vibe that the album exhibits. The energy has a loophole to the others, giving it a huge gap for me. Kitchen is a song that I may listen to, but not on a daily basis. Most likely, this song is a good way to energize a person who wants to cook something at midnight. Soma did save the song with his amazing vocals in which he used legato and crescendo. Overall, this song never shined so much for me – totally overshadowed by the rest. 

During the rainy seasons, Petrichor (ペトリコール)  is the best song to play!  The jazz, fancy sax, groovy bass, and classic piano enables the beat of the song. The melody may seem very happy and joyful under the rainy clouds, but don’t be fooled by Soma’s ability in hiding dark lyrics under the coat of the sweet melodies. Overall, a recommended song to play during rainy days as the title means the earthy smell of the rain. 

Contrasting to Petrichor is Summerholic! The song is best played during the summer. The playfulness of the instruments, especially the tambourine in the background and vocals were executed properly to let the listeners feel the energy that this is definitely a summer-worthy song! Soundscapes of the songs may even transport you to a beach or on a typical summer day in your room, eating watermelons or playing your guitar.

After all the good times in Summerholic!, Palette (パレット)  changes the game, turning a full circle for the angst it upholds. One of the heaviest songs that Soma managed to craft, palette plays with your emotions.It is loud, but at the same time, sad and hunts all the feelings of defeat, pain, and giving up. Yet, by the last chorus, after all the negativities it made you feel, Soma always reminds you that there’s hope in everything. There will always be a palette to color your days as seasons continue to change. In totality, the song is a good representation of how the old you takes a glance back to your childhood. The overall emotions were balanced properly. The emo vibes and the raw, polished vocals hints the feelings mentioned perfectly, leaving this song a great review. To tell you frankly, upon my first listen to this track, I can’t help but shed a few tears due to the heaviness of the song and the way Soma made use of low and mid tones totally grabbed the opportunity to thrust the overwhelming emotions. Palette would be the best song for you to listen to in the background if you feel like reminiscing or revisiting things you wished to experience again. Highly recommended to listen to palette during a rainy trip! 

Bookmark brings symphonic hits, upscale brass, groovy guitar riffs, and ephemeral synthesizers and has to be one of the songs that best plays the perfect bass lines. The song also consists of rap, which Soma excels in since long before and it is also a collaboration with rapper J. The song is smooth and dynamic. The soundscape of the song best represents the bonding that could be seen in a sleepover or party with friends and simply capturing the moment as if a bookmark to be remembered and revisited indeed. 

One of the mellow songs Soma has ever made is Canaria (カナリア). As if a bird caged in, the song is pretty much twisted and dark. The expressionistic acoustic slowly works its way into being more and more intense, giving off a dramatic effect. Similar to palette, this song also carries heavy emotions (though lighter than palette). Adding Soma’s use of chilling tones gives the melancholic feeling after. Pretty haunting I must say.

Isana (いさな) , which means Whale in English, is a song that I personally use every time I feel down. The 8-minute long song exhibits psychedelic rock. The piano that begins the song sets the mood of pulling you into the deep seas. Slowly, the song envelops you to dreamy melodies of piano and reverb basses. The song gives you the feeling of dullness later on, as if showing you a world of darkness. Chorus comes in as if light repeatedly says one same line in them, “You are in bloom, I meant to say I love you,” This song is more of an experimental one, but turned out to be a masterpiece. Call me biased but Isana overall is majestic! By the end of the song, it gives you a satisfied feeling that we, as humans, are still growing and blooming and that we shouldn’t be worried about our journey as we have our own pacing. Like whales, we may encounter heavy waves during our life or we might swim to our worst experiences for a while, but we always have to know that there will always be someone who loves and is proud of us.  

Closing the album would be Saigo no Hanabi (最後の花火), or translated as The Final Fireworks. This song unexpectedly unlocks a new side of Soma. The romantic Soma is born. A funky, wah-wah guitar riff and city soundscapes is also a first in Soma’s music career. The song is overall refreshing to listen to. Vibratos were exceptionally pulled by Soma in this concept, making it  the best closing song to the album. 

In final consideration, in bloom by Saito Soma is a highly recommended album that is worth investing time to listen to! The plays with the different instruments and the variety of vocals gives every song a unique yet enjoyable feel. Every song can also be connected one by one to see the full picture that is being painted by Soma for the in bloom album. The stories incorporated in the song shows how creative and intelligent Soma is as an artist and as a writer. In bloom should be considered a candidate for album of the year! 

This is Stella W. and you’re listening to in bloom.

Review and Poster done by Stella W.

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Mayday Parade

Artist: Mayday Parade 

Year: 2011

Genre: Pop Punk, Pop Rock

Mayday Parade is an American band that focuses on genres of alternative rock, emo, emo pop, pop punk, pop rock, and rock. Their songs are mostly about the different adventures of love. Their album “Mayday Parade (Deluxe Edition)” is the album that hit me the hardest. Out of all their albums, the songs in this compilation have the best beat, stories, dynamics, and the genre punk rock really shows. There are 14 songs in the album and every single one of them has a wonderful story and good beat. My favorite out of the 14 selections is “Oh Well, Oh Well – Acoustic”. This song is in acoustic, the acoustic guitar strumming with the 2 voices with the wonderful punk rock tone just sounds so good! A 4-minute and 43-seconds song is full of lines that totally delivers the message of the story. My favorite line is “And I’ll be what you need, you can call me anything, just as long as we’re still friends”. This line could relate to the people who have a mutual breakup, showing that a well-decided decision with your partner will end in a good way while still being friends. There would be no awkwardness especially when at times both of you are in need of help and company, each of you can be one’s shoulder or a helping hand. You’ll get to understand that there is no amount of hate that could destroy everything you’ve had together. 

This is Cedrick C. and you’re listening to Mayday Parade. 

Review and Poster done by Cedrick C.

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Still Still Stellar

Artist: Hoshimachi Suisei

Year: 2021

Genre: Jpop, Anime, Vocaloid Utaite

Suisei is an expert at using her vocals as a variety of tools. Except for one song、 "天球、彗星は空を跨いで"、 where her vocal at the hook is too weak for me to steer the upbeat band sound. The other songs, in my opinion, were all well-performed and complimented the instrumental nicely. Furthermore, some of her own lines were powerful and focused, just enough to convey the journey she's been on. The overall soundscape was competent but not "innovative" or "experimental," and the engineering team worked hard to bring each instrument to life. I can say that the production was good, 

In conclusion, I think it was a fantastic project, and I could tell she was enthusiastic and full of energy throughout the entire album. Although I'm not sure what she'll do next as an artist, I hope to hear more songs from this comet soon. Hmm... Perhaps I owe YouTube's auto-play feature credit for this experience.

This is Nico L. and you’re now listening to Still Still Stellar 

Review and Poster done by Nico L.