Kerri Wynter reviews the latest singles, including releases from YUNGBLUD, Noah Cyrus and The 1975.
Chance, The Rapper (featuring Ben Gibbard) – ‘Do You Remember’
An uplifting backing track juxtaposed with nostalgic lyrics that pull at the heartstrings; Chance’s realistic storytelling separates him from the stereotype that rap is far-fetched fabrications about money, sex, and drugs. The chorus’ reflection on childhood is the perfect accompaniment to late summer nights, as Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard sings: “Do you remember how when you were younger the summers all lasted forever?”
Mabel – ‘Bad Behaviour’
There is no denying that Mabel has established her career by cherry-picking from black culture, with her edges slicked back she is churning out another hit before the release of her debut album in August. It only takes a quick glance at her family tree to understand how the star has risen to the top with her bubblegum pop, featuring lyrics such as: “Everybody dance around me, dance around me, mmm.”
YUNGBLUD – ‘Hope for the Underrated Youth’
After the demise of My Chemical Romance, a lot of us have been looking for a new phenomenon to attach our emotional baggage too. In comes YUNGBLUD, monetising his northern charm and turning his struggle into an enchanting anthem for the outcasts. With a chorus so catchy Blink-182 wish they thought of it first – “Cause there’s hope for the underrated youth and I’m so far from telling you the truth cause you keep on pulling me down, pulling me down, pulling…”
Noah Cyrus – ‘July’
Straight out of the opening titles of an independent rom-com, the soulful country-inspired melody reveals Cyrus’ vulnerability surrounding love. The extremely short ditty includes a whistling solo and captures the tale of a lovesick girl who’s only holding on for fear of the unknown – “You know I, I’m afraid of change. Guess that’s why we stay the same.”
The 1975 – ‘The 1975’
The 1975 stick to tradition by opening their album with a self-titled song, proving not only that Lil Nas X could remix Old Town Road for the rest of his life, but also that music is a vital tool in today’s social-political climate. The newest version of ‘The 1975’ shares a much-needed reality check from 16-year-old activist, Greta Thunberg: “If you look through history, all the big changes in society have been started by people at the grassroots level—people like you and me.” Akin to the climate change crisis, I am sadly certain that this message will be ignored with the average listener of Notes On A Conditional Form skipping the track to indulge in escapism.
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