Song Of The Day

Song of the Day

Day #22

Today’s pick is Simmer by Hayley Williams from her 2020 album Petals For Armour. Hayley Williams is known for her work as the leading lady for the generation-defining band Paramore, but her solo projects are also worth the hype, as she is an amazing vocalist and songwriter in her own right. The alternative track Simmer was her first solo release and is an excellent showcase of her talents. Churning percussion and moody strings pull the track along, however Williams’ vocals are the true star of this track. For example, the best moment of the song is during the second verse where it breaks into something softer between a charged chorus. Williams enunciates the lyrics “and if my child needed protection, from a fucker like that man, I'd sooner gut him” at 2:08 with such soft but brutal anger it's electrifying. The emphasis on the lyric fucker is such a spine-tingling moment in particular, as it's said with such conviction but surrounded by butter-soft vocals. The track's lyrics are personal, about female rage and gender norms, how we are encouraged to repress extreme emotions and project something softer, literally using “petals for armour”. The layering of breathwork and lyrics like “give in” or “control” adds to this point, where Williams is struggling to channel calm while being placed into the vice grip that is being a woman in the spotlight or music industry. It's an emotionally charged and vulnerable track that has you enraptured by the first line: “Rage is a quiet thing”.

“How to draw the line between wrath and mercy?

Gotta simmer, simmer, simmer, simmer, simmer down”

C H O N K

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #11

Today's song is Lover/Friend by Kaytranada featuring vocals by R&B artist Rochelle Jordan. Released in 2023 and part of his 2024 album Timeless, the Canadian artist/producer is known for his buttery dance tracks blending disco, house, funk, R&B and hip-hop. Lover/Friend feels uniquely modern yet nostalgic. Curating a relaxed feel that is still engaging with its bright and textured sound. With vocals that float over a bouncy beat, it’s zesty and blissful.

“Heard you wanna be my lover

Wanna be more than friends

Heard you wanna be my lover

And you can't pretend”

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #9

The shuffle gods blessed me today at the right moment in my fanfic so today's pick is Cloudbusting by Kate Bush. It was featured in the 1985 album Hounds of Love, and frequently in my mum's car growing up. The song was inspired by Peter Reich’s 1973 book A Book of Dreams, and the lyrics relate directly to scenes/quotes featured within. As a kid however I was simply struck by its dramatic tone and lyrics divining better things onto the horizon. This song is hypnotic as it rhythmically marches forward, swells, and whisks you along towards a grand climax. The song ends with the sensation that you're on the edge between annihilation and transformation. Due to its invigorating quality, and whimsically projecting during long drives, it has always encouraged strength or positivity in the face of adversity within me.

“Cause everytime it rains

You’re here in my head

Like the sun coming out

Ooh, I just know something good is gonna happen

I don't know when

But saying it could even make it happen”

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #10

Guess which dumbass stayed up all night watching the step up movies on youtube: This oneeeeeee.

Today's choice is the 2006 banger Get Up by American RnB artist Ciara featuring Chamillionaire. You cannot judge me for this one mysterious internet force. I am aware that the 2000s spawned a lot of objectively bad Hip Hop/RnB but this hip twister is not one of them and I will die on my hill. Featured in the 2006 film Step Up and in their album Ciara: The Evolution, this one will make your body move. This song is sexy and fun plus the lyrics flow over a funky and multi-faceted backing track. A lot of people from my generation try to distance themselves from this era or genre/s of music in an effort to come across as high-brow, and honest to god I cannot state enough: fuck that noise. Shake off the snobbery and just dance. I want to and will drop it like it's hot like any other reasonable individual when presented with the opportunity to do so.

“Ooh, I love the way you vibe with me

Dance with me forever

We can have a good time, follow me

To the beat, together”

Jesus Christ holding a Hatsune Miku plush biblical painting