"Dance Macabre"-Ghost
Again, I know that Ghost is considered to be a “Doom Metal” band but, I can’t help but put them on this list this week. I have been listening to them for the past week almost every day and I not ashamed of it. The song is of course heavy metal but has a sort of groove in it that feels like one can dance to it, or rock out to it. I can’t help but listen to this song over and over!
At first I thought this song was a love song, but after looking up the lyrics I feel like the song is about trying to enchant someone in a way. Like trying to lead them into something good or bad, at least that is what I got from the song but, maybe others have a different view of the song. Either way, the song is good and a great listen.
"Movement"-Hozier
I believe this song is a love song and think it is a really beautiful one at that. Hozier’s voice sounds amazing and with the combination of the instrumentals it gives the song such emotion and power. Hozier’s music has a unique sort of emotion and drama. I makes each song feel so personal and powerful.
I believe this song talks about someone the narrator is in love with. He is so in love with them that he loves every movement they make. There is some references to water and the ocean and I think he is using them in order to compare them to this person’s movement. I love this song as a love song and I think you will too.
"Hey Mama"-Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
I love the feel of Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats' music. It has a southern rock feel to it that I feel makes them stand out. This sound is like nothing else on the charts or on alternative radio. In a way the song sounds like it belongs on a country radio station, but it would seem like it wouldn’t fit there either. They are a band that is completely original and that is what makes them so amazing.
"Hey Mama" keeps the bands southern rock feel but puts it into a ballad form. The song pays tribute to mothers and their wisdom. The song mentions advice and admiration from mothers and highlighting why these women are so important in their lives.
"The Joke"-Brandi Carlile
“The Joke” by Brandi Carlile is a song that is filled with emotion and one that I feel like is needed in times like these. This song was written after the 2016 election when a lot of people in the country felt like they were unrepresented and pushed aside. This song reminds those people that they are not alone and that those people making you feel this way are wrong. I love the lyrics to this song and its beautiful meaning.
Carlile's voice sounds amazing on this song. Her voice brings emotion to the song that I feel like no one else could bring to a track like this. Carlile also recently won a Grammy for the album this song is on and I believe it is well deserved. Listen to this song at your own risk, it might make you cry.
"Armor"-Sara Bareilles
I think this song by Sara Bareilles is brilliant. The song sounds rebellious while at the same time an anthem for women. Bareilles has been releasing music since her hit single “Love Song” back in 2007. Her songs have always made a statement about empowerment for women or songs about loving one’s self even when we are not perfect. This song keeps her signature piano sound, while sounding a little funky at the same time.
“Armor” is about women needing to stand together through tough times. Bareilles released the song after the Bret Kavanaugh hearings and watching Professor Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testify. The song talks about standing with our fellow sisters and not letting the patriarchy control how women feel about themselves. I love the message of this song and I feel like more people should hear it!