One Republic is an American rock band from Colarado Springs, Colarado who is known for their hit singles such as “Apologize” and “Stop and Stare.” They formed in 2003 by lead vocalist, Ryan Tedder and lead guitarist, Zach Filkins and began on Myspace, where they were “discovered” and signed. The song “Counting Stars” is the third single on the band’s Native album, released this year. According to Tedder, the upbeat songs allowed him to show the full capacity of his voice that was not previously prevalent in the earlier works.
Tedder reportedly wrote ended up with the song after trying to write an interpretation of a folk song he had heard, but it came out very different. There is a lot of speculation on what the lyrics to the song actually mean. Some people think that its about the struggles of a recovering drug addict, trying to do the right thing for those that he loves, but despairs when they fail (“I feel something so right, by doing the wrong thing”). Others say that this is actually referencing poverty and the feeling of staying up all night wondering if the bills can be paid (“Lately I’ve been, I’ve been losing sleep..”).
In my opinion, I think the song is about holding onto hope, even when your life seems pointless (“I’m just doing what we’re told,” then later,”Everything that downs me, makes me wanna fly”). I think this is supported in the music video in that it is a Christian revival service that gets everyone all happy and hopeful again, only to have the ground disappear (literally!) from under them (devastation and lost of hope), but the guy who falls through just gets backs up.
Yiruma is an internationally renowned South Korean pianist and composer. Born as Lee-Ru-ma, he exhibited profound musical abilities at the age of eleven in 1988, when he began to study at The Purcell School of Music. During his time at Kings College, Yiruma released his first album, “Love Scene.” His rise to fame ultimately began with an invitation to perform at the 2002 MIDEM in Cannes, France. In his early career, his albums were exclusive only to parts of Europe and Asia; in the present day, they are now easily accessible through mainstream sources such as iTunes, Amazon, and STOMP Records.
Yiruma’s musical style is arguably described as one that integrates aspects of both classical and contemporary music. His music is held in high regard by people who are not generally well-versed in classical music. It is for this reason that his music is labeled as “contemporary classic” or modern classic, “new classical,” and, to a much vaguer extent, “popular music.” While the melody of his pieces is usually kept in such a way that is simple, the structure of Yiruma’s music calls upon pattern and repetition that makes his music fitting for popular pieces or movie themes rather than traditional solo piano performances.
“River Flows In You” is considered to be one of Yiruma’s more contemporary classical pieces. The overall dynamic range is limited, but at the same time is broad enough to make the piece intriguing yet simple. Yiruma’s piece gradually increases in tempo as it approaches the resolution. The soothing introduction of the piece lies in contrast with the gentle yet powerful melody line of the climax. The atmosphere that is established relies heavily on Yiruma’s manipulation of dynamics – while the tonal quality and attributes associated with the rhythm are kept moderately simple, there is still enough variety within the melody to establish a mood.
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California started by current drummer of the band Lars Ulrich around 1981. Metallica is said to be influenced by early metal bands such as Deep purple, AC/DC and Black Sabbath. Metallica is one of the most influential heavy metal band and one of the “big four” of trash metal alongside Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeath. Metallica released their debut album Titled Kill’em All in 1983 and released their second album Ride the Lighting a year later in 1984. The album was recorded in Denmark which is the founder of the band Lars Ulrich’s home country and it features the track “For Whom the Bell Tolls” along with several others.
The track titled “For Whom the Bell Tolls” shares the same name of a novel of the same name by Ernest Hemingway and both works has similar themes and subjects. The lyrics tells a story about five soldiers taking a hill (“Make his fight on the hill in the early day”) and after taking it they hear a massive roar from the sky – probably an air plane, just before they get killed (“Take a look to the sky just before you die.
It is the last time you will”). This track does not have a music video and I feel in a way its been over shadowed by other tracks in the album which are considered “better”. Despite this “For Whom the Bell Tolls” still shows up in popular culture, it was used in the 2009 movie Zombieland and it was the entrance theme to WWE star Triple H.
Elements of Music
Texture – Homophonic
Timbre – Male voice, percussion, bass and guitar
Melody – Major
Harmony – Consonant
Rhythm – Tempo – Andante
Rhythm – Meter – Duple
Genre – Thrash Metal
Composer – James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Cliff Burton
Lyrics – James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Cliff Burton
I mostly listen to hip hop and rap music but few years ago I wanted expand my music circle and came across a song named “Hero” by Skillet that caught my attention. It has become one of my favorite rock songs to listen to. Skillet is a Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996 and based in the United States. Skillet formed in 1966 with two members named John Cooper (former vocalist for Tennessee progressive rock band Seraph) and Ken Steorts (former guitarist for Urgent Cry).The band now consists of four members: John Cooper (lead vocal, bass), Korey Cooper (rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Jen Ledger (drums, vocals), and Seth Morrison (lead guitar). John Cooper and Korey Cooper are married.
“Hero” is first track on the album Awake that was released in 2009. Listening to the song suggest some sort of feeling about our lives. The common main theme of the song seems to be mankind’s need for a hero with the hero being Jesus Christ. But after listening to the song several times and reading the lyrics I came up with my own interpretation of the song. He is trying to say he’s the hero even if he’s not Superman but he still has a hero inside of him because he says “I’ve got a hero (I’ve got a hero) living in me” and even if he is just a man he’s going to do something about the problems he talks about at the beginning of the song he says and I quote “I’ve got to make a stand but I am just a man (I’m not superhuman) My voice will be heard today” and he questions “who’s gonna fight for what’s right?” then he says “I’m going to fight for what’s right today I’m speaking my mind and if it kills me tonight (I will be ready to die) a hero’s going to give his life a hero’s going to save me just in time” so all this is telling us that he is referring to himself but at the end he still needs a hero and I guess he’s trying to hint us that we should be advocates and fight for what’s right by being heroes. Also, in the video it shows firefighter, doctor, solder, and police and they are not super human but they are like heroes because they protect us and saves our lives and does this by putting their lives in danger in some situations. To me this is a very inspirational song because it tells me that i can be a hero to myself and others around me.
Musical Elements:
(1) Texture:
Homophonic
(2) Timbre:
Male vocal (John Cooper), Female vocal (Korey Cooper), bass, guitar, and piano (Strings),drums (Percussion)
R&B (Rhythm and Blues) singers Tank, Ginuwine and Tyrese came together in 2007 to form the superpower group TGT. For nearly two decades, each singer on their own has dominated the R&B scene and have led very successful careers. Due to the recent, steady decline of R&B music over the years, the three decided to join forces. This decline emerged as today’s R&B singers such as Ne-Yo, Trey Songz, and Chris Brown feel the need for the incorporation of music for dance as well as hip-hop/rap guest appearances (featured on their tracks) in order to sell records. However, by having done this, these singers have stemmed away from true, traditional R&B genre. And so, with the release of their first album together, Three Kings,TGT sought to revive true R&B.
“I Need” is the second lead single off of Three Kings which debuted at No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums upon its release on August 20, 2013. The song is basically about a man asking for forgiveness from his significant other. Through clever wordplay he explains to her that he can’t live a day without her. The heart-warming hook goes “Now I know – It ain’t ever worth your heart – And it ain’t ever worth your tears – And it ain’t ever worth those scars that might not heal – I need, I need, I need you.” The music video does well to capture and convey the song’s message by enlisting three different scenarios where Tank, Ginuwine, and Tyrese all sing a verse explaining to their leading ladies just how much they mean to them. And then in the end, the two make up and remain together. This video was directed by Benny Boom and was filmed in a desert-like location near Los Angeles.
Elements of Music:
1. Timbre: Piano, Male Voice, Percussion-Drums(Hip-Hop Kick), Snaph
2. Rhythm: Moderate Tempo
3. Meter: Duple
4. Texture: Homophony
5. Melody: Major
6. Genre: R&B (Rhythm and Blues)
7. Artist: TGT (Tank, Ginuwine, Tyrese)
8. Writer(s)/Lyrics: Durell Babbs, Elgin Lumpkin, Lonny Bereal, James “J Doe” Smith, Harvey Mason Jr., Damon Thomas
9. Producers: B.A.M., The Underdogs
I stumbled upon this piece while I was looking for some “Let’s Play” Videos that have become quite commonplace on Youtube. I was astonished at first, since this piece was in some foreign language, which I assumed to be Greek or something. It was used in a music video for a game, but it was made for a different game. It didn’t take long to find the original piece on Youtube. I can’t say what I felt when I first heard it, but I know for certain I was enthralled by the strings as well as the vocal. What really blew me away was the sudden inclusion of a chant-like sequence, which supported the main voice, creating a homophonic chant.
In essence, they are meant to invoke a spiritual feel for those that do not know this language. In fact, this language is actually an original language, crafted by the game’s creator, Akira Tsuchiya. It is called Hymmnos, which is utilized in the AR-Tonelico series that has spanned quite a few games so far. It was created, supposedly, to better convey the emotional effect of the voice and be more evocative than modern language would allow. Essentially, it is a chant – in the game, it is utilized for rituals and ceremonies, or in major events.
Musical Elements
=Texture=
-Homophonic
=Timbre=
Voice (Akiko Shikata) Strings
-Violin
Organ
An array of Percussion
-Cymbals
-Tambourine =Harmony=
Dissonant
=Melody=
Major
=Rhythm – Tempo=
Allegro
=Rhythm – Meter=
Duple and Triple at times.
=Genre=
Chant
=Composer=
Akiko Shikata
=Writers=
Lyrics by Tomoko Shinoda / Akira Tsuchiya
Bronze Radio Return is an American sextet, alternative rock band made up of Chris Henderson (lead singer/guitarist), Rob Griffith (drummer), Patrick Fetkowitz (lead guitarist), Matthew Warner (keys player), Bob Tannen (bassist), and Craig Struble (harmonica/banjoist). The six men found each other at The Hartt School of Music in Connecticut, and was heavily influenced by their serene surroundings and experiences in Connecticut and in Maine. The name “Bronze Radio Return” itself was inspired by an old radio Chris Henderson listened to growing up, if you were wondering. Although the band has been around since 2008, it was fairly recent when I unexpectedly took notice of their music. It served as the background music for a Youtube video that I was watching and for the Chipotle restaurant near Baruch College. I was immediately captivated by the uplifting beat, and had to find out what the song was. The words, “You know, know, know your only mistake is if you stand still. So shake, shake, shake. It’s all what you make of it,” is very inspiring, in my opinion. To have a successful life, you have to take the initiative and the opportunities that come before you. This song truly speaks to me, and has been on constant replay for the past month!
Musical Elements:
(1) Texture:
Homophonic
(2) Timbre:
Keyboard
Percussion: Standard Drum Set- Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Floor Tom, Hi- Hat, Cymbals
This piece comes from the album “Violet Journey” by Orianthi. It is a guitar piece without any lyrics. This artist was grown in Australia in a house surrounded by guitar’s because her father played guitar as well. In high school she decided to set education aside and focus on guitar. Orianthi became a very successful guitarist and she is a special one because she is one of the few female guitarist and one of the few people that actually played for Michael Jackson.
In the piece “Violet Journey” her duple meter is shown by her basso continuo from the drums that are accompanying but are not competing for attention with the guitar.
Elements of Music
Texture:
Homophonic
Timbre:
String instruments include the electric guitar and electric bass. Percussion includes a bass drum.
Simple Plan is a French-Canadian pop punk band who dates back to 1999. They have five members, all male including Pierre Bouvier, Jeff Stinco, Sebastien Lefebvre, David Desrosiers and Chuck Comeau. The song “Perfect” is the fourth single of Simple Plan’s debut album, “No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls,” released in 2001. The song is about the relationship between a child and his or her father. The song revolves around the concept of perfection with repeating lyrics, “I’m sorry I can’t be perfect.” A parent is supposed to have unconditional love for their child, but expectations usually stress the child out and strain their relationship. As a child grows up, the parent’s expectations may sometimes exceed the capabilities of the child and this causes the greatest challenge the pair faces. “Did you know you used to be my hero? All the days you spent with me.” When a child grows up, both the child and the parent will spend less time together due to jobs, the child growing up and just life. The concept of perfection is quite difficult to grasp because no one can ever be perfect, but in the eyes of a parent, their child may just be perfect to them. Thus, when their child doesn’t grow up to be the way they envisioned them to be, it becomes the point of reality the parent must face that their child isn’t perfect. In the music video, it shows many teenagers rebelling and having verbal arguments with their parents. In the end, it shows one girl running out of her warm home she probably grew up in to the outside world where it’s raining and dreary because it became too much for her.
Musical Elements:
1) Texture
Homophonic
2) Timbre
Instruments: electric guitar, electric bass, acoustic guitar, and a standard drum kit, which includes: a bass drum, snare drum, high-hat, ride cymbal, crash cymbal, and floor toms.
Male tenor voice
Sistar is a K-pop girl group formed under Starship Entertainment that consists of 4 members: Hyorin (Leader, Main Vocalist), Dasom (Youngest Member, Vocalist), Soyu (Lead Vocalist), and Bora (Main Rapper, Main Dancer). This kpop group debuted in the year 2010, and the main music theme for Sistar is Hip-Hop and Pop music. Sistar’s “Loving U” is a summer-themed song that is about girls falling in love. The music video was filmed in Hawaii, which depicts a beach area that is the ideal place to go to during the summer and have fun playing in the water, have a campfire, and etc. It also shows the girls playing in a swimming pool and eating at a campfire barbeque to depict summer as the season where people can relax and have fun. While the music video gives a picture of the typical summer, the members of Sistar also sing about falling in love, and in the perspective of a girl, what it feels like to fall in love. Some English lyrics of the song are: “Hey it’s so strange, really strange
I’ve never been like this before
Whenever I see you, my heart pounds and trembles
When I see your face, I imagine things by myself
I can’t keep a straight face – I’m going crazy
Because I miss you again”
These particular lyrics depict the influence of the cultural environment by describing how flustered a girl feels when realizing that she is in love with someone, and how being in love easily makes a girl miss her guy. (Most songs these days are about love or heartbreak, this song is one example of that.) I picked this song due to its social context also, with the fact that a majority of the girls out there can probably relate to this song about the feelings they have when they have someone they like a lot. The lyrics “Baby I’m in love with U U ~ What should I do, what should I do? I can’t control my heart, my heart is not working. It’s to the point where I can’t focus,” depicts a girl that is emotionally distraught with being in love, wondering if she should tell him how she feels or not. This song is able to accurately convey the emotions of a girl fretting over what to do when she likes a guy. With the upbeat music, and the cute lyrics from a girl in love, Sistar is able to show us what the typical mindset of a girl who loves someone is.
Elements of Music
1. Texture:
a. Homophonic
2. Timbre:
a. Female voices
b. Guitar
c. Drums
d. Trumpet
e. Self-composed piece (that plays in the background)