Hello TBAW, so happy to see you are back and alive! With the revival of this magnificent website, I would like to, well I guess not revive as it never existed in the first place, but I’d like to begin a new tradition. Every week so often, I’ll post a list of songs that have shaped me into who I am, or resonate with me now, or something I’d recommend.
With that being said, let’s get to the first batch of songs:
Fiona Apple – I Want You To Love Me
This was the song that made me realize the power that music has to make me feel something. It was the first Fiona song I listened to (and she’s one of my favourite artists right now). The whole album “Fetch The Bolt Cutters” is a masterpiece and single-handedly got me through school last year. Her use of language is such a highlight (“And I know none of this will matter in the long run / But I know a sound is still a sound around no one”). I love how raw and authentic the song is.
Beyoncé – Don’t Hurt Yourself (feat. Jack White)
When I first heard this song I was in shock. Mouth agape, eyes wide open, my whole body was in a state of surprise. You have to understand, that this song was the first time I’d seen Beyoncé in her non-cliché pop-type state. A trend that may come out in later reviews is just how much I love Beyoncé’s music, and this song invigorated my love for her. And that ending, “If you try this sh*t again / You gonna lose your wife”. Combine that with the music video where Beyoncé
throws off her wedding ring… it was a cultural reset.
Lana Del Rey – A&W
I remember when this song first came out. I was sitting down in one of the music rooms at lunch with my friends, and I remember putting my AirPods in and just blasting the song. For that first month of its release, I played it so often that every small guitar strum, piano note, and word was ingrained in my mind. This was completely robbed at the Grammys, but it’s Del Rey at her best.
It’s a beautiful song that takes you through an emotional journey, and one I’d recommend to anyone curious about her music.
SOPHIE – Immaterial
Now, if any of you readers have heard this song before, please send me an email because we need to talk. SOPHIE was one of the most talented musicians and changed the industry in ways I don’t think we’ve noticed yet. Immaterial is SOPHIE’s magnum opus. It’s an electronic, hyperpop smash that redefined what production means.
The Blue and White 