Dreamy compositions with crunchy accents that could push one through to another dimension.
Read my track-by-track breakdown and learn about this playlist’s “artist-to-watch,” BLESSED, below.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
1. BLESSED – “Liar, Liar”
“Liar, Liar” is mysterious, atmospheric, and stirring. The buzzing guitar chord progression is key to its darker, ethereal tone. I chose it to kick off the playlist since it builds momentum, unlike any other track.
2. Chiiild, Shungudzo – “Back to Life”
Though the verses’ melody is simple and sustained at times, it really draws me in.
At the 18 second mark, we hear the striking guitar-like sound for the first time. It contrasts with the other silky elements and I visualize it as a lever being pulled impulsively. In a film or TV scene, this sound could be used to do quick, hard cuts to darker aspects of the story.
3. HONEYMOAN – “Too Much”
The silky sounds and striking guitars from the last track are also present in “Too Much.” The lyrics “We crossed the water / Can’t make it back” tie right into the playlist’s theme.
4. LCD Soundsystem – “oh baby”
This one has the most interesting percussion out of all the other tracks. James Murphy’s raw voice adds to its industrial flavor, along with that thick, buzzing synth melody.
5. Electric Youth, College – “A Real Hero”
I built this playlist around “A Real Hero.” It was dedicated to pilot Chesley Sullenburger who miraculously landed an airplane on the Hudson River. Despite the stress and intensity of its inspiration, the song sounds sweet and warm to me–– like orange sherbet ice cream.
6. Barrie – “Tal Uno”
When I do a focused listen of “Tal Uno”, I can imagine the sounds as strings of synth. Against a celestial soundscape, Barrie tries persuading someone to leave. The lyrics “I’m giving you up, I’m giving you over” speaks to this playlist’s idea of pushing into another dimension–– in this case, an emotional dimension.
7. Joni – “Orange”
I really love this one. It’s like the Vitamin C version of “A Real Hero.” The vocals are sharper and brighter, like the taste of citrus fruit. “Orange” culminates all of the aspects of playlist: dreamy synths, crunchy touches, ethereal vocals, and a build of momentum to some sort of release.
Artist-To-Watch
I first heard BLESSED while watching the Netflix Original Series On My Block. Instantly, I was moved and captivated by his voice and the song‘s arrangement.
Here’s what he had to say about his song “Liar, Liar”:
“All I remember about “‘Liar, Liar’ was my deep obsession with Kurt Cobain and how much I resonated with his pain. The song addresses my guilty conscience and is almost my confession to myself and the world.”
Listen to BLESSED’s latest album Music Is The Medicine:
