On Saturday Jan. 25, South hosted an elective faire for incoming freshman from middle schools. Students that attended the Oracle’s workshop wrote a review of their favorite song. Here are the song reviews from 12 middle schoolers.
By Camilla Mandl
A rollercoaster of emotions is an understatement when describing the experience of listening to the hit song “Promise” by Laufey. With the song’s most famous line being “It hurts to be something, it’s worse to be nothing with you”, it’s evident that this piece is a tug at the heartstrings. Whether you’re sitting in your room with watery eyes, or belting at the top of your lungs, “Promise” is a listening experience that can not be beaten. From the beautiful orchestral melody, to the deep, jarring lyrics, this song is a transformative masterpiece.
Gaining popularity from TikTok, the lyrics of “Promise” have taken on dozens of interpretations. From my listening, I’ve learned that focusing on self-fulfillment and flourishing into who you truly are is more important than listening to the opinions of others, even if it is challenging. This song acts as a reminder of the painful importance of putting yourself first. For this reason, I can only strongly recommend listening to “Promise” by Laufey.
By Taylor Vasquez
“Azucar” by Earl Sweatshirt was released on his album “Some Rap Songs” on Nov. 30 of 2018, catching the attention of his listeners with the story of his depression. This song describes how he copes with his depression, usually by drinking and being friends with a couple underground artists. A common theme throughout his music is his mental state and the causes of those feelings. “Azucar” is an upbeat song while also being very catchy. I personally like learning more about the artists lives and this song does exactly that. I really like how the beat and lyrics sync well together.
“Azucar” starts by being cheerful with lyrics such as, “Pedal to the metal, lost foot and it was sugar in my gas tank,” then, it transitions to being sad with lyrics such as, “See the ghost of where I was, lonesome as I was.” The song starting by being happy and ending with a sad feeling represents Sweatshirt’s life as he transitioned into depression. People should listen to this song as the lyrics and beat tell a hidden story.
By Aria Nathani
Music is about filling a diverse community with different emotions and thought provoking ideas. Many music artists don’t fail to do so, however one artist who has really captured the essence of music making is, R&B artist, SZA. SZA has recently launched a deluxe version of her groundbreaking album “SOS”, and has swept the world through her heartfelt songs. One song in the entire album that is full of intense passion is “Another Life.”
“In another life I know we can ride out boy…” In this song, SZA provides her audience with a song about hope in times of uncertainty, especially in relationships. Her gentle voice highlights the soft music in the background, making it a perfect addition to your study playlist or while out singing loud in the car. Personally, this song is a favorite of mine during any time of the day, no matter what your feeling, it can still fill me with happiness with her relatable lyrics. SZA’s song connects to so many individuals and I recommend it to anyone looking for a smile at the end of a rough day.
By Aania Amlani
Last year, in the middle of the Springman Middle School playground, my friend recommended a song that excited me. From the tune to the rhythm, “Thinkin bout you” by Frank Ocean reminds me of summer. Both the lyrics to the beat make the whole song flow together.
When Ocean sings “it usually doesn’t rain in Southern California, much like Arizona” it blends with the other lyrics that he sings. The song sounds energetic, and in general makes me feel excited. Even though it’s nice to listen to, it doesn’t really send a message, but that’s okay because it’s a song that you don’t really need to know the meaning behind.
By Nancy Kim
Toes in the sand, crashing waves, and the breeze of the summer wind, these are all feelings that are displayed on a warm, relaxing day. Good music makes you not only listen to its melody but evokes powerful emotions. “Good Days” by SZA makes you feel everything at once.
The song itself talks about letting go of all toxic mindsets and just spending time reflecting on yourself. SZA really expresses through her lyrics that we always have days that overwhelm our minds, but it’s important to make time to enjoy life in the present moment. The verse, “Got me at war in my mind/ Gotta let go of weight, can’t keep what’s holding me/ Choose to watch/ While the world break up and fall on me” shows that if you let negative situations in life take a hold of you, you will be drained from everything that’s going on around you, and you’ll never actually have a chance to take a moment and focus on where you are now. SZA truly reminds people that part-taking in hobbies you enjoy and putting yourself first can help you overcome any hardships.
By Jack Gluck
The inspiring lyrics within the song “Hope” by XXXTentacion can change your feelings about life in just one listen. It is a heartfelt song about overcoming tough times and finding your rhythm again. Some lyrics may sound hopeless, like “Said I want to die,” but in XXXTentacion also includes uplifting lyrics like “I’m feeling great,” which can be life-changing for those struggling with depression. While the song explores many dark and depressing moments, its message ultimately encourages the listener to never give up.
“Hope” by XXXTentacion encourages the listeners to express their emotions and reach out to someone for help. Lyrics like, “There’s hope for the rest of us,” shows that people should not give up. This inspiring lyric also tells people that they should get out of their room and try and fix their depression struggles. “Hope” by XXXTentacion will always be remembered as an inspirational and life-changing song.
By Libby Stonehill
Music can bring comfort and support when needed. There’s a song for every mood and vibe to help express emotions. It can help bring you a sense of connection. “Self Control” by Frank Ocean is a song that can match many different moods.
While listening, this song quiets the world around you. After a long day, listening to “Self Control” will calm you down and ease your mind. While this song is very chill, it also has a nostalgic feeling to it with lyrics like, “Sometimes, you’ll miss it, and the sounds will make you cry.” These lyrics express the feeling of missing events from the past that you can’t ever experience again. Additionally, Frank Ocean creates a mellow vibe through the pace of this song and his soothing voice. The unique instrumentals and sound effects he uses mesh with each other and create a distinctive song like no other. To me, the lyrics, length, instrumentals, and overall execution of this song are flawless.
This song can be interpreted in many different ways; I can relate it to my experiences and emotions that it brings to me, while others can look at it from a different perspective and see the other aspects of this song.
By Ava Saltzman
An emotional, lyrical journey is what many would say about “Free Now” by Gracie Abrams. It doesn’t just have a catchy beat that makes everyone want to keep listening; it conveys a powerful message.
The song captures Abrams’ bad experiences and keeps the listener engaged because of the relatability of her words. “Free Now” takes you on an emotional roller coaster. It starts out slow, as she expresses all of her regrets and struggles that she has endured. However, the song builds up to her conquering her battles, and “all she feels is free now.” Gracie Abrams reveals her resilience and ability to overcome what is thrown at her. “Free Now” transports the listener to a place of freedom and happiness.
By Natalie Krueger
For over a century, Disney has been known for an abundance of catchy tunes. “Under the Sea”, “Let It Go”, and “Hakuna Matata” are just that come to mind. With the new movie Mufasa: The Lion King, another song has been added to this list. “I Always Wanted A Brother,” written by Lin Manuel Miranda, is an upbeat song that has already become a massive hit.
This song has lyrics that are fun to sing and a chorus that you can never get out of your head. At school, in public, and on social media, you can often hear the lyrics, “I always wanted a brother, I always wanted a brother… just like you.” However, this song is more than a simple earworm. The sweet lyrics really help develop the relationship between the characters in the movie. Additionally, it helps you connect with family and friends. Whether you are singing it with a sibling, a friend, or by yourself, “I Always Wanted A Brother” will brighten your day.
By Sam Sprague
Lyrics are meant to convey the emotions of the singer and evoke emotions in the listener. The song “Tongues and Teeth” by the Crane Wives embodies this perfectly. This song is about someone who is in a toxic and uncomfortable relationship. The singer is trying to end the relationship before they end up hurting their partner.
The passionate vocals convey the singer’s frustration with their own inability to keep their lover safe. However, fast-paced and upbeat instrumentals are used to soften the blow of the dark and heavy lyrics. For example, they pair the lyrics, “My teeth will only cut your lips, my dear,” with an upbeat banjo and acoustic guitar, making the lyrics resonate more with the listener. The Crane Wives song “Tongues and Teeth” became one of the Crane Wives’ most popular songs for a reason. Their use of powerful lyrics and intense sounds draws the listeners in.
By Willow Tharp
“To the ends of the earth, would you follow me?” represents a question of connection in a beautiful song that can inspire anyone to go out and make a difference. Perfect for motivation, or a long study session, “Ends of the Earth” is a must listen.
Lord Huron’s “Ends of the Earth” is an upbeat song, which explores how you should do things for yourself and not hold back. His message is also to not be afraid, to be the first, and to do things that nobody else will. The thoughtful lyrics, backed by a catchy tune will leave you remembering the song for weeks. I highly recommend you give this song a play. Its empowering themes make you appreciate Lord Huron’s talent as an artist.
By Tselmuun Renchinjugder
Imagine you feel a nice warm breeze flowing in a calming environment while sitting at a bench in a park. You can smell the refreshing breeze of the tulips around you while the ducks in the pond quack. This is the dimension “Love Me Twice” by the artist Huh Yunjin transports you to.
“Love me Twice” is a song that is relaxing, soothing, and calming to listen to. It contains strong lyrics that make you feel comforted by just listening. For instance “Say you’ll stay the same ‘cause I love you, look my way, look your way, say okay, I’m okay” shows that Huh Yunjin has people that she loves and doesn’t want them to change. There is a sense of relatability towards listeners, leaving you comforted by the fact that you’re not alone. This song is a relaxing song that you can always listen to, even if you’re going through a hard time.
