Well hello again… I couldn’t stop publishing for that long. We have a new group of songs worthy of being listed as “Matty’s Music” (although that’s such an embarrassing title so maybe I should change this…) ANYWAYS, I don’t want to bore you with too much, so let’s get right into it:
5. Rina Sawayama – XS
This is a postmodern view of the interdisciplinary lens of capitalism in the 21st century. Just kidding, I don’t know what any of those words mean (sorry Mr. Dick). Although this song is a commentary on capitalism, it’s also a fun pop song! Rina is an artist who does not have enough recognition in this day and age, but her music is fantastic. It’s just really well crafted both lyric and production-wise, and a recommendation to all.
6. Janelle Monáe – Q.U.E.E.N. (feat. Erykah Badu)
I am continuing the trend of songs with actual meaning that are also just fun to listen to. This is a song about self-discovery that plays a part in the four-part concept album(s) of Janelle’s journey as an android (robot). The last verse especially has a really strong message, and the whole song is an anthem of self-confidence.
7. Ethel Cain – Sun Bleached Flies
Sorry to ruin the fun mood of the last two songs, but this song hits hard. It’s the penultimate song of “Preacher’s Daughter”, a fantastic concept album that you should read the lore to if you have free time. It’s an almost eight-minute song, but nothing feels out of place. She weaves themes of religion and self-discovery to form a message of identity which I love. It contains the thesis statement of her album, “God loves you, but not enough to save you”. It’s emotional, beautiful, and real.
8. Florence + The Machine – The End of Love
Well I started it with the last song so I may as well continue the theme of sadness (sorry!) I had this song on repeat when I had to write this super vulnerable piece for English class, and it has a deeper meaning of dread and anxiety to me. I love Florence’s use of imagery to form a message, and when she sings the chorus, her voice is so powerful. I also love a song that builds from beginning to end, and even though many of the words stay the same, her tone changes and gives the song a new meaning.
The Blue and White 