Reviewing Follower’s Song Requests

By Kayla Harper

Over the past week, I have posted asking about readers/followers favourite songs, current favourite songs, song recommendations etc.  because I’ve had an article idea for a while, which is to review your song recommendations!  Many of the songs that were submitted I have heard before, or listen to all the time.  However, I still thought this could be a fun article to do because it’s somewhat interactive and I had time to kill on the plane so listening to a playlist curated by the people who support my page seemed like a great way to do that!

Please remember that this is just personal opinions, nothing is based upon factual critique.  Also, I wrote this in the middle of the night, half asleep on a plane, so, my apologies if this article is not up to usual standards.

1. Red Wine Supernova – Chappell Roan

I have only recently discovered Chappell Roan since she has been getting more recognition online on apps such as Tik Tok. I definitely seem to find her live performances more appealing than the studio recordings for the most part. However, I will admit she’s got impressive vocal abilities as far as range and technique go. This song in particular is catchy and keeps the listener hooked through its use of adlibs and how it switches melodically between the verses and chorus. It’s definitely one of my favourites I’ve heard from her so far.

2. The Prophecy – Taylor Swift

Everyone knows I have been a big Taylor fan for a long time, so of course I’ve been listening to the new album a lot since it came out. The Anthology holds some of my current favourite tracks from Swift as they seem to be reminiscent of her pandemic sister albums, folklore and evermore, which are some of my favourites from her. I think this alternative, indie-rock/folk genre suits Swift best. It highlights her vocal and lyrical abilities, over beautiful acoustic production. “The Prophecy” is definitely one of the most relatable off of Swift’s new album for me because deep down I think we’re all hoping to receive reciprocated love, whichever form that may be.

3. Truth Killer – Sevendust

“Truth Killer” was my most played song for the first couple months of the year. As soon as I had purchased tickets to Sevendust’s concert back I’m January I became obsessed with their new album. (I hyper-fixate on artists I’m seeing live before the shows because it gets me excited)! I absolutely love the entire album, but “Truth Killer” is definitely my favourite from it. The drop in the first verse leading into the pre-chorus gives me life!! Additionally, the drums, guitars, bass and vocals are just perfectly mixed and produced for this song to keep it catchy and powerful. I love the way it depicts human nature and our unhealthy coping tendencies.

4. The Adults Are Talking – The Strokes

The first time I heard this song it was because my ex was obsessed with it. I didn’t care for it at the time, however it did grow on me…and then I grew out of it again. It’s not that it’s a bad song, I have just never been a big fan of The Strokes. I don’t know exactly why it is, the chorus of this song has just always gotten on my nerves, it’s something about the way it’s sung. However, I do love the instrumental component of the track. I think the drums have a solid rhythm and the guitars are entertaining to listen to. I love the musical breaks as well, I find that’s something modern day releases lack the most!

5. Lavish – Twenty One Pilots

If you know me, you know I’ve been addicted to the new Twenty One Pilots album, Clancy, lately, like seriously it’s all I’ve listened to! “Lavish” is arguably one of the most different songs on the album, but definitely one of my favourites. Tyler’s flow on the track is awesome, especially in the second verse, something about the way he sings it and puts the words together is so satisfying it’s hard to not dance and sing along every time. I love the “controversial” lyric depicting the ways the industry screws artists over…many people seem too shallow to understand it which I’ve found hilarious. Watching it unfold online has been entertaining.

6. The Way It Was – The Killers

The Killers have never been one of my favourites, but not a band I dislike either. It simply isn’t my go-to style, However, that doesn’t change how reminiscent their music is of early 2000s, road trips and white girl parties to me. This song in particular is catchy with good vocals, production etc. It’s just generic to the genre, but in no way is that a bad thing. It sounds how it’s supposed to! It’s the kind of song you put on when you’re having a good time with friends or driving with the windows down on a hot summer night!

7. Birds Of A Feather – Billie Eilish

I’m not a fan of Billie Eilish, nothing against her or her music, it’s just not my style -because of this, I hadn’t even bothered to listen to her new album until my colleague and I put the vinyl on at the store and found although the pressing is shitty, the actual album is not bad at all. It has a great flow from song to song. This song in particular was one that stood out to me because I like the theme of long term friendship, reliability and love. I feel like sometimes you just need a good song about such topics to appreciate the important people in your life.

8. Risk – Gracie Abrams

Again, if you know me, you know I’ve been a fan of Gracie Abrams since she released her first EP, Minor, back in 2020. Predictably, I am ecstatic about her new album, The Secret Of Us, coming out this month on June 21, and obsessed with the lead single, “Risk”. This song perfectly captures a girls delusion when blinded by love, as well as they way we seem to really overthink every little thing and plan wayyyy too far into the future. As always, Aaron Dessner nailed the production, and Gracie sounds amazing!!

9. The Magnificent Seven – The Clash

Even though The Clash and punk music alike has never been appealing to me, I have to admit this song is always an interesting and entertaining listen because the different dynamics in the vocals and instruments. As well as the consistent rhythm and groove the song upholds from start to finish. Despite that, no matter how many times I try to get into the genre I just can’t! I don’t know if I can even pinpoint an exact reason, it’s all great music, just not for me.

10. imgonnagetyouback -Taylor Swift

I myself have also been obsessed with this one lately. Another track from Swift’s The Anthology and another track about female delusion! I love the drums throughout the entire song, the pauses in the verses and bridge give me life! Additionally, I love how this song highlights Swift’s vocal abilities in the post-chorus refrain and bridge. I find the melody of these parts also particularly addicting!