For this elective term, I took a class called Mixtapes. In this class we studied the historical context behind some genres of music like Blues and Jazz. We also learned the "language" that music holds, and learned about some key words that would help us better connect to what we're listening to. For the action project we were assigned to create a mix tape of music that we think really identifies us, as well as how we perceive the world. I listen to a lot of different music so I thought it would be super easy to pick my songs, but I was wrong. It took awhile, but I eventually figured out which songs fit best. It was super cool to go into depth with these songs because for each one I learned something new. I hope you enjoy exploring below!
Script:
I describe myself as an introverted person. Although I’m quiet most of the time, I really like to look out for adventures, laughs, and overall fun. I LOVE to laugh and have some sense of freedom. I also take pride in the sense of humor that I have. It has allowed me to not take so many things seriously. I’m a super curious person, and sometimes that gets me into trouble but I don’t mind sometimes. Depends on the consequence. I would for sure say that I sound pretty soft and mellow. They would be beats that you can dance to or just listen to while you relax. The world we live in sucks. Most rulers of this world are evil, greedy, and just plain out ignorant. I still see some good in this world though thanks to some people. Those people are the ones that still look out for fun. They’re the ones that let their creativity and curiosity drive them. In a way, these people could be considered brave for still showcasing those qualities. These kind of hopeful, happy people are the ones that drive me. Very uplifting, fun lyrics. I found that some of the songs that I picked have a slow to medium tempo, but the lyrics are pretty positive.
Song #1- Pocketful Of Sunshine.
Is this track conservative or progressive?
Progressive
Is this track sacred or profane?
Profane- There isn't any religious connection to this song. It's also pretty obvious as to what this song is talking about.
What genre of music is represented?
Pop & R&B
Natasha Bedingfield's Pocketful of Sunshine talks about finding a happy place. This happy place allows her to escape the trials that she encounters in her life. She’s able to send this message by her very moody and melancholy lyrics. The lighter and happier mood of this song is brought out by her cheerful and energized vocals. This is a dance-pop song. The repetition of the chorus allows a beat to be carried and makes it pretty predictable. This song came out in the summer of 2008, so not much was happening politically that would have affected this song. I would say that it’s a timeless song. There are many people who are trying to escape the tragedies of their lives today, which would make this song pretty relatable. The transmission hits when the chorus comes. It sounds intimate at first, but then it bursts to some energy. To me, this song doesn't hold any virtuosity because it sounds pretty basic. Like I've heard it before somewhere. This is for sure written in a major tone because it sounds upbeat. This song is good for people who are looking for a happy, danceable tune. It’s also for people who don’t mind listening to mainstream music, because this song would be considered a radio favorite. This song is about escaping certain problems in your life by going to a certain place. In the song, she’s talking about a real literal place, but a happy place can also be considered a form of a mindset. These lyrics are what pushed me to include this song on my playlist.
And there's no more lies.
In the darkness,there's light. And nobody cries.
There's only butterflies.”
It really adds to the theme of yea life is going to suck, but it’s up to you to change that perception. It all starts with your happiness.
Song #2- Human Nature-Micheal Jackson
Is this track conservative or progressive?
Conservative- I would say it's conservative because it holds some truth about human nature, which could be considered traditional.
Is this track sacred or profane?
Profane- There isn't any religious connection to this song, but it's a super honest song.
What genre of music is represented?
Pop
Michael Jackson is considered to be the king of pop. This song specifically though, doesn’t embody that. This is a slower song, with some honest lyrics. The message that I got from this song is that there’s this freedom that we have to live life the way we want to. We can make connections with anyone we want, whenever we want. The title of this song also can give a hint as to what the writer was thinking about when he was writing this. It’s talking about human nature. It explains the idea of people taking the chance of exploring love and life freely. I really like the intimacy that's caused by his soothing voice. The speed also has a lot to do with the feeling of closeness. All this was able to prove that his work is handled with a lot of virtuosity.It never really changed which makes it pretty stubborn, but it's still enjoyable. The lyrics below really capture the purpose as to why I included this song.
If they say,
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say,
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why does he do me that way
I like livin' this way
I like lovin' this way.
This song could really be for everyone. It’s talking about human nature, which is geared towards everyone. But if someone likes danceable tunes or prefers that over deep, honest lyrics, then I wouldn’t recommend this song to those people.
This song came out in 1982, which was a prime time for MJ. This song was on his album Thriller, which is still considered to be one the best selling albums ever. Since it was the early 80’s, I would say that this song really set the tone as to how to people were perceiving each other. The 70’s was fun, and a super interesting year for psychedelic drugs, but the 80’s was the time to be honest, and a bit more mature. I admire this song for the deep and soothing lyrics. I enjoy the freedom we have to make connections with whoever we want. Anyone can be curious about anything, and we have the freedom to explore anything we want. I believe that’s what drives people in this world.
Song #3-Summer Breeze
Is this track conservative or progressive?
Progressive- I would say it's progressive because it really doesn't talk about any traditions or religious events. It actually talks about feeling free.
Is this track sacred or profane?
Profane- There isn't any religious connection to this song, but it's a super soothing one.
What genre of music is represented?
Soft-Rock
Summer Breeze is a very soft-rock tune. The guitar elements add the rockish feel, but the soft, smooth and peaceful lyrics add to the prettiness of this song. It also adds to the intimacy of it. I would say the lyrics add to the closeness of the singer and the audience, because summer is usually something that most people enjoy. The loudness is very low, and I think that's good because of the soothing, sweet lyrics. The beginning guitar part is pretty exclusive because once I hear that, I know it's the specific song. There are specific things that the singer sings about, but the chorus cuts down to what this whole song is really about. The lyrics are below:
"Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind."
He’s basically saying that the breeze during the summer calms his mind down. The breeze also allows him to live a very peaceful life. This was written in 1972, and it’s pretty obvious. These were the very hippy days. The Vietnam War was also going on, and although there was no reference to that in the song, I still feel like the war impacted it. With all the chaos going on in the world, it would be really easy to forget that even the simplest things like nature can bring some sort of happiness. I would recommend this song to anyone who enjoys to sit back and listen to music. To those who actually find the time to let music relax them. I wouldn't share this song with anyone who enjoys dark lyrics, because this is far from that.I’m a very easy going person who is happiest with the simplest things, so this song makes me super happy knowing that it was written about the summertime and the benefits that come with it. It shows that it is possible to be happiest with very simple things, people just choose not to be.
Song #4- Happy House
Is this track conservative or progressive?
Progressive- There is a reference to Hell, but I don't think it makes much of an impact for this song to be considered religious or anything.
Is this track sacred or profane?
Profane- There isn't any religious connection to this song, but the lyrics are super fun.
What genre of music is represented?
Post-Punk
This is a very chilling song by a post-punk band. I think the instrumental to this song is what makes this song super interesting, exclusive and just plain out cool. It’s very different, and almost haunting. That haunting feeling adds to the intimacy that it holds. I think the loudness goes well with the energy filled lyrics. This song is pretty stubborn too, but I like it. The lyrics to this song are pretty awesome as well. It’s telling a story about a house that’s called the “happy house”. This house allows people to have fun to the fullest without worrying about anything going on. It’s like an escape. The lyrics below really capture that idea.
"This is the happy house-we're happy here in the happy house. To forget ourselves-and pretend all's well There is no hell."
“Happy House” was released in the 80s as a punk song. Punk is going against the norms, and although the lyrics are very happy and uplifting, I know it’s all sarcasm. The point of this song was to highlight the way the media, and television portrays families. They always showcase very happy people, whose life must be nice.
People who enjoy lighter, happier songs wouldn’t find much enjoyment from this because this is almost mocking those kinds of songs. At the same time though, someone can ignore the sarcasm and just listen to the song as it is. People who like to break apart songs and find hidden meanings with music, would have a lot of fun with this song.
I was a person who ignored the sarcasm in this song, and just enjoyed the lyrics the way I wanted to hear them. I took it as a happy song. Like I said before, I really enjoy the thought of everyone being happy because I really believe that that’s what’s going to push people to do the things they want.
Song #5- Ride. Lana Del Rey
Is this track conservative or progressive?
Conservative- I would say it's conservative because it holds some truth about sadness and emotions that people face.
Is this track sacred or profane?
Profane- There isn't any religious connection to this song, but it's a super honest song about emotions.
What genre of music is represented?
Pop
This song was written in the blue-eyed souled genre, which is blues and soul music written and performed by white people. The piano melody and nostalgic lyrics add to that feeling that categorizes this song under that genre.This has a pretty deep meaning, which again makes it intimate. The quietness brings a sense of closeness. It’s talking about a person who’s tired of being sunk into the problems that come with alcoholism, which includes loneliness and unpleasant thoughts. She just wants to live her life freely and just ride along with what makes her happy. It was written in 2012, and I don’t think anything politically was going on that was enough to impact this song. Anyone who enjoys moody music would love this, but those who prefer “happier” music, wouldn’t really appreciate this song as much. This connects to me because I don't think there's a problem with going crazy sometimes. If you're always holding things in, you're going to go even crazier.
