Anna's Music World

January 2021 Music Recap

January’s been an interesting month for me when it comes to music discovery because what happened was I was barely discovering any songs for most of the month, then in the last week or so I started finding for a bunch. If you wanna know what I’ve been listening to for the past month, then read on.

FAVORITE SONG THIS MONTH: High and Dry by Radiohead

1. Maggie May – Rob Stewart

2. High and Dry – Radiohead

3. Pretty Boy – The Neighbourhood

4. So Emotional – Whitney Houston

5. I Know You Care – Ellie Goulding

A little sadder than I tend to go for, but a very pretty and vulnerable song regardless.

6. Normal Girl – SZA

7. Comin’ Up From Behind – Marcy Playground

Yeah, I’m obsessed with the Cruel Intentions soundtrack.

8. Impressions of You – The Virgins

9. Void – The Neighbourhood

The Beatles: Rubber Soul (1965) Songs Ranked

Rating: 8/10

Rubber Soul, at the time of its release, was the first Beatles album to truly push the musical boundaries of its time. This is often considered to be the record that set the stage for Revolver, which set the stage for Sgt. Pepper, which is pretty definitively heralded as a psychedelic masterpiece. There are plenty of gems in this tracklist, so I’m excited to discuss these songs.

Without further ado, let’s begin my personal ranking of all the songs on The Beatles’ sixth studio album, Rubber Soul, from worst to best. Feel free to disagree and share your opinions on the album, I’d love to discuss!

14. Run Your Life (Track 14)

Not a fan of this one at all. Not only is it musically unappealing and filler-esque, but the lyrics are really weird. Good thing is, it’s the last song on the album so I can just pretend it’s not apart of the album and stop listening at track 13.

13. What Goes On (Track 8)

I know, I say it every time, but THEY DO RINGO SO DIRTY WITH THE SONGS THEY GIVE HIM. I like his voice, he just always sings the worst songs. I mean, this isn’t a terrible song and it’s not Ringo’s worst (I’m looking at you ‘Act Naturally’) but it’s definitely a skip and just not my kind of song at all. Considering how great some of the songs on this album are, it’s always sad that there are filler songs like this.

12. The Word (Track 6)

This song is okay. It’s not that good but it’s not that bad either. Pretty harmless. I’ll skip it on most occasions but every now and then I’ll probably give it a listen.

11. Drive My Car (Track 1)

I don’t know if it’s controversial to have this song as low it is, seeing as it’s one of the bigger songs on the album. I mean, it’s a nice song, it’s not bad. I just think it’s pretty safe and doesn’t live up to other songs on the album, but again, it’s not awful or anything, and I could see myself jamming out to it every once in a while.

10. Wait (Track 12)

This one’s pretty fun, and I like bopping along to it. It’s not amazing or anything, but the vocals are nice, and it’s got a nice little groove to it.

9. Think For Yourself (Track 5)

This song is fun and it has a nice fast-tempo that makes it more enjoyable, but it’s a little bland, not gonna lie. Still, it’s definitely not one of the worst on the album. I’d say it fits perfectly in the middle tier of this ranking.

8. I’m Looking Through You (Track 10)

The melody is really pretty in this song, and the harmonies are very nice and complimentary to the tone of the song. The funky little guitar riffing that goes on in the background is also really fun and adds a nice edge to the song. This is just a fun song, and it makes me wanna dance around on the street on a sunny day.

7. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (Track 2)

This song is one of the more experimental ones on the album, but it’s quite pleasant. The springy guitar riff that runs through the song is quite distinct and John’s voice sounds so mellow and playful. The lyrics here are really interesting, and the song overall sounds like you’re sitting around a campfire telling stories from years ago. It’s a very nice, calming song that just grows on you the more you listen to it.

6. If I Needed Someone (Track 13)

This song is so so pretty! The harmonies are amazing and give the whole song a very eerie and dizzying effect (but in a really cool way). The guitar is also very bright and flashy, kind of similar to ‘Ticket to Ride’ and it gives the song so much depth and groove. This is overall just a really cool song, and I can almost never pay attention to the lyrics when I hear it because I’m too busy bopping my head to it in enjoyment.

5. You Won’t See Me (Track 3)

Such a fun, irresistibly catchy song (which is funny because the lyrics are kind of sad)! The melody and hook is so fun and impossible to not sing along to, and the snappy piano line that runs through the song is infectious! The vocals also add a lot of spark and passion and make the whole song come alive. This one is just a pleasure to listen to, and it really took me by surprise when I first listened to the album because I hadn’t even heard of it before that point. The background “ooh lalala”s are really fun and make the song even more delightful.

4. Girl (Track 9)

You can practically hear the drugs they were on while making this song whenever you listen to it, but you know what, the song really goes, so I won’t complain. This song is psychedelic, dreamy, mystical perfection. John’s voice floats around in the most wonderful way, and the harmonies on the word “girl” just make me levitate (even the weird sniffs after that part are kinda fun). Basically, this song is very dreamy and relaxing, and very psychedelic, but in a way that I actually like a lot.

3. Nowhere Man (Track 4)

This is such a dynamic and captivating song. From the echoey, dizzying opening to the rhythmic, groovy, catchy verses, this song is just fantastic. I didn’t think I was gonna be one that I liked very much because I thought it was gonna be a very psychedelic song (which isn’t usually a style of music I’m into, but can sometimes work for me, as evidenced by what I just said about ‘Girl’) but it’s actually not that psychedelic. It’s really fun to listen to, and the only trippy thing about it is the super intense harmonies, but insane harmonies are just a staple of Beatles music. This is totally a highlight of the album, and a great example of the musical experimentation and development they were starting to achieve with Rubber Soul.

2. Michelle (Track 7)

Oh, this song is an absolute beauty. It’s so pretty and soothing and gorgeous, I could listen to it on loop all day. The guitar is so sweet and gentle, and the way Paul sings the lyrics is so romantic and enchanting. Plus, the part where he sings in French is very swoon-worthy and makes the song even dreamier than it already was. When I listen to this song I imagine an outdoor dinner at a restaurant on a river in Paris, with candles on the table and a full moon over your head. It’s so romantic. This is one of my absolute favorite Beatles songs, and I’m just in love with it.

1. In My Life (Track 11)

“Though I know I’ll never lose affection for people and things that went before, I know I’ll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more.” If I was doing this ranking off of pure enjoyment of the songs, I’d probably have ‘Michelle’ in the top spot and this song in the number 2 spot. However, sentimental value is a big thing for me with music, and I have extreme emotional attachment to this song. It was one of the first Beatles songs I really fell in love with, and I love the message so much. It’s sort of an ode to the people who have been in and changed your life in some way, and how you’ll always remember and appreciate them for what they did for you. It’s absolutely beautiful and it means a lot to me, and is probably in my top 5 Beatles songs ever, so there you go.

December 2020: Music Recap

I discovered a lot more songs this month than I usually do, and a lot of great songs at that. As you’ll see, I’ve been getting a lot more into the music of the Arctic Monkeys this month, and maybe you’ll see some albums for them in the future. Now without further ado, let’s get into my December song discoveries!

FAVORITE SONG THIS MONTH: Love On the Rocks by Sara Bareilles

1. Friends – Chase Atlantic

2. Better Now – Post Malone

Of course, I’d heard this song before this month, but I started properly listening to it this month.

3. Gimme Love – Vista Kicks

4. Beaches – Tokyo Police Club

5. Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys

6. Snap Out of It – Arctic Monkeys

7. Control Yourself – Dr. Dog

8. When Did Your Heart Go Missing? – Rooney

9. Love On the Rocks – Sara Bareilles

10. 1979 – The Smashing Pumpkins

11. Bluffin’ – Khalid

12. Fluorescent Adolescent – Arctic Monkeys

This song makes me so happy every time I hear it. It’s definitely an honorable mention for favorite song of the month.

Christmas Time Playlist II

I’m not sure if I’m gonna make this a yearly series where I just make a short Christmas playlist every year, but since I did one last year and had more songs that I wanted to include, I’m making a sequel to the Christmas Time playlist! If you’re looking to jam out to some holiday tunes, I’ve got you covered!

1. Winter Wonderland – Bing Crosby

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland.”

2. Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Dean Martin

“I really can’t stay (but baby, it’s cold outside). I’ve got to go away (but baby, it’s cold outside). This evening has been (been hoping that you’d drop in) so very nice (I’ll hold your hands, they’re just like ice).”

3. Silver Bells – Dean Martin

“Silver bells, silver bells It’s Christmas time in the city Ring-a-ling, hear them ring Soon it will be Christmas day!”

4. Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives

“Have a holly jolly Christmas! And when you walk down the street, say hello to friends you know and everyone you meet.”

5. Christmas Tree Farm – Taylor Swift

“Sweet dreams of holly and ribbon, mistakes are forgiven, and everything is icy and blue. And you would be there too, under the mistletoe, watching the fireglow, and telling me ‘I love you’.”

6. Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney

“The party’s on, the feelin’s here that only comes this time of year. Simply having a wonderful Christmas time.”

7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – Frank Sinatra

“You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout, I’m telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town.”

8. Frosty the Snowman – Bing Crosby

“Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul. With a corncob pipe and a button nose, and two eyes made out of coal.”

9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.”

10. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Bing Crosby

“Christmas Eve will find me where the lovelight gleams. I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.”

Ariana Grande: Sweetener (2018) Songs Ranked

Rating: 8.5/10

Sweetener is without a doubt Ariana Grande’s most and least popular album. At the time that it came out reception was very mixed, with some people claiming it was a fresh, emotional piece of work and some claiming it was a disjointed, weird project. Nowadays, I think people are starting to appreciate this album for what it is, which makes me happy because I personally love Sweetener. It’s either my favorite or second favorite of her albums. I love it’s emotional vulnerability (which was lacking on her previous albums) and unique vocal/production style, Plus, the album’s message (which we’ll get into later) is one that really resonates with me.

Now, with that introduction being over with, let’s get into the ranking of all the songs on Ariana Grande’s fourth studio album, Sweetener!

15. The Light is Coming (Track 3)

A lot of songs on this album get flack, and I think it’s undeserving because there really isn’t a truly bad song on the album. Except for this one. I will allow ‘The Light is Coming’ to be hated on as much as people wish to hate on it, because it’s bad. Nicki Minaj’s verse doesn’t add anything to the song, and the production is so weird and empty that it’s just unpleasant. Plus, the weird spoken sample that loops throughout the song (the one with the man speaking? If you’ve heard the song you know exactly what I’m talking about) is obnoxious and ruins an already mediocre/bad song. Ariana has some nice flow at certain points, but not enough to save the track. Regardless, there are luckily no other songs on the album that sound like this one, so the album doesn’t really suffer for it.

14. Goodnight N Go (Track 13)

This is one of the most beloved songs on the album (among Ariana’s fans) and it makes me sad that I just can’t get into it the way that everyone else seems to. Ariana’s vocals are lovely here and the concept of the song is very sweet and heartwarming, but the melody and production just don’t mesh well for me, and I wish they had gone for a more ‘R.E.M.’-style production for this track. I will say, the ending harmonies on the word “go” are heavenly and end the track on a majestic note.

13. Everytime (Track 8)

Again, this is one of the more popular songs on the album, and it’s just doesn’t hit for me the way it does for everyone else. The lyrics are very personal and it’s nice to hear that kind of openness from her, so I can appreciate this song for that. However, it’s just not really my type of song, and it just feels a little generic production/melody-wise. Ariana has an amazing high note at the end of the song though, so I’ll give it points for that.

12. Raindrops (An Angel Cried) (Track 1)

This acapella track sets the album up beautifully and introduces the main themes and emotional concepts that are to be explored in the proceeding songs. It’s such a short intro (37 seconds I believe) but I just love listening to it. Ariana’s vocals really get to shine, and it just gets me in the mood for the album so I love it.

11. Borderline (Track 11)

This song is so underrated! I always see it at the bottom of people’s rankings and it makes me sad because it’s such a cute and fun song. I mean, sure, it’s not amazing or anything and it doesn’t make much of a statement, but it’s just a fun, laid-back jam.

10. Blazed (Track 2)

Again, this song is so underrated! I’m sick of seeing people slander this song and call it bad because IT’S NOT A BAD SONG. I will admit that it doesn’t really go anywhere and the melody/lyrics aren’t particularly enchanting or anything, but something about this song just goes. Maybe it’s the production which has a nice tropical-esue feel to it, or Ariana’s harmonies in the “once I have you” part, which are very smooth and pleasing to the ear. It’s not a standout on the tracklist or anything, but it’s an enjoyable listen and people hate on it too much.

9. Breathin (Track 9)

I’d say this is the most radio-pop based song on the album, which is interesting because it’s also one of the best on the album in a lyrical sense. It’s a banger, but an emotionally expressive banger, you know? In this song Ariana is talking about her anxiety and how she copes with it, so it’s a pretty serious topic, but I’m sure it means a lot to her fans who struggle with the same thing. The production here is really nice (nothing groundbreaking, but just some nice, impressive pop-production) and Ariana’s vocals really get showcased in the chorus. Also, the part where the production stops for a little bit leaving just Ariana’s raw vocals, then comes slamming back in for the second half of the chorus gives me chills.

8. Sweetener (Track 6)

“When life deals us cards, make everything taste like it is salt. Then you come through like the sweetener you are to bring the bitter taste to a halt.” First I’ll talk about how I like this song on a musical level. It’s a weird song because it has two moods that it shifts between; the pre-chorus is a beautifully sung, ballad-esque romantic declaration, while the verses and chorus are super jaunty and playful. Personally, I don’t really enjoy the chorus of the song that much, but it’s not awful, and the beauty of the pre-chorus and bridge makes up for it. Now we’ll get into the lyrical and thematic significance of this track. Like I said in the beginning of this post, this album’s overarching message is one that I really connect with, and seeing as this is the titular track, it serves as the best representation of that message. Basically, this song (and the album as a whole) is about having someone come into your life at the perfect time and then they just make all your worry and trouble fade and bring joy back into your life (serving as the ‘sweetener’ of your life essentially). I think it’s a touching sentiment, and given everything that Ariana had gone through prior to this album’s release, and it just makes this album as a whole feel so special and uplifting. “Said I don’t know what I’d do without you in my life, it’d be so sour. I’m hoping that everybody can experience what we have in ours.”

7. Pete Davidson (Track 14)

“I thought you into my life, woah, look at my mind. No better place or a time, look how they align. Universe must have my back, fell from the sky into my lap. And I know you know that you’re my soulmate and all that. I’m like ooh, my whole life got me ready for you.” Look, we all know this song didn’t age well (it’s always a risk to name a song after your significant other), but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a wonderful song. The lyrics are so adorable and heartwarming, and Ariana sings them so sweetly and you can feel how content and full of joy she was when she wrote this. I mean, this whole song is about discovering happiness that you never used to think was possible with a partner, so it’s hard not to smile when you listen to it. I wish it was longer (it’s just over a minute long, so it’s really more of an interlude than a song) but it’s so lovely and such a breath of fresh air in the tracklist that I don’t even care. Also, seeing as this and ‘Raindrops’ are the two shortest tracks on the album, it’s really cool to listen to that and then listen to this and feel the increase in her happiness between those two songs.

6. God is a Woman (Track 5)

Controversial religious metaphor aside, this song hits. The trap-beat in the verses goes surprisingly well with Ariana’s voice, and Ariana also has surprisingly nice flow. The chorus has a really nice rhythm to it and it makes you just wanna sway around. Also, the part where the choir (that is made up of solely Ariana’s voice, may I add) comes in is stunning, and Ariana’s high notes are incredible and almost always give me chills.

5. Better Off (Track 12)

This is the only song on the album that truly feels sad. There are plenty of other songs in the tracklist that deal with heavy topics, but this is the only one that really captures that feeling in a musical sense. Ariana said that this is the only true ballad on the album and I’d have to agree. And it’s beautiful. From the eerie, simplistic production to Ariana’s gentle vocal delivery, this song kind of puts you in a trance when you listen to it and it makes you really focus on what she’s saying. In this song she talks about all the reasons that she feels her relationship isn’t working and is trying to tell herself that she’s “better off” without it. She paints a vivid picture of the relationship’s passion as well as it’s problems, and I just adore how thoughtful and honest she is here. I also love the strings at the end, they really wrap the song up in a stunning way. This song is beautiful and makes for a much-needed reflective and introspective moment on the album. “Steering clear of any headaches to start. And if we’re being honest, I’d rather your body than half of your heart, or jealous-ridden comments that come when you let in them feelings that I don’t want. I never let ’em know too much, hate getting too emotional.”

4. Successful (Track 6)

I really don’t know what it is about this song that I like so much, but I really have a great time every time I listen to it. Maybe it’s because it was one of the first songs I heard on the album so I was just inclined to like it, but it’s just so fun and flirty. The production is a little wacky but in the best way possible, and Ariana sells the song so well. Sure, she’s basically just flexing how rich and successful she is, but you know what? Let her. She’s right. I feel like a boss every time I listen to this song and I love it, so leave me alone for putting it in the top 4 okay? (~~And we’re not gonna talk about the weird breathing at the end of the song.~~)

3. Get Well Soon (Track 15)

This was a song that took awhile to grow on me, but I love it so much now. It’s such a great closer and ends the album on an uplifting and reassuring note. Also, musically, it’s fantastic. I love the simple combination of piano and finger snaps for the verses, and then the second half of the song (where she just harmonizes with herself like nobody’s business) is jaw-dropping and gorgeous. The message of the song is also wonderful, and it’s basically Ariana giving you a hug in song-form and telling you to keep your head up and persevere through any mental health struggles you may experience. This song means a lot to me, and she did a truly amazing job with it. It’s honestly a perfect way to end the album.

2. No Tears Left to Cry (Track 10)

‘No Tears Left to Cry’ was the lead single for Sweetener, and boy is it a good one. From the ethereal way in which Ariana opens up the track to the bubbly and funky nature of the verses, it’s so dynamic and leaves you feeling so satisfied after listening to it. The chorus is impeccable and practically impossible to not sing along with, and the lyrical content is great as well. This song is about finally picking yourself up and moving forward after dealing with pain for awhile. The only complaint I have about ‘No Tears Left to Cry’ is that it should’ve began with the vocals that are included in the beginning of the music video. And speaking of the music video, it’s amazing and probably my favorite out of all of Ariana’s music videos. Basically, this song is an iconic anthem, and I love it so much.

1. R.E.M. (Track 4)

Back when I listened to Sweetener in full for the first time, this was the first song that I found myself really loving and being super impressed with, and since then I’ve only fallen more and more in love with it. It’s just amazing. The production is so dreamy and it makes you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud whenever you listen to the song. Ariana has great flow in the verses and delivers the fast-paced lyrics with ease. Not to mention, the lyrics are so cute, as they talk about heavy infatuation with someone who you just met, and feeling like you’re dreaming whenever you think about them. The best part of the song is undoubtedly the “bum-bum-bum-bum” part (you know what I’m talking about if you’ve heard the song) which reminds me of ‘Mr. Sandman’ and Christmas at the same time and fills me with joy every time I hear it. It’s such a nice touch to the track and just makes the song even more beautiful and dreamy than it already was. I could listen to this song forever and not get sick of it, I’m so in love with it.

Queen: Sheer Heart Attack (1974) Songs Ranked

Rating: 7/10

While it’s not my favorite Queen album, I can definitely appreciate Sheer Heart Attack for it’s experimental, eccentric, and glam-rock nature. Not only does this album contain some lovely ballads, as well as some immensely catchy guitar-driven tracks, it also boasts one of the most iconic songs in Queen’s catalog ‘Killer Queen’.

In this post I’ll be ranking all the songs on Queen’s third studio album, Sheer Heart Attack, from least to most favorite. I hope you enjoy, and feel free to share your thoughts on the album! Now without further ado, let’s get into the ranking!

13. Tenement Funster (Track 3)

I like the guitar that opens up the song, and I appreciate that Roger got some lead vocal time. I could see myself chilling to this song every now and then, but overall it’s just not really for me.

12. Stone Cold Crazy (Track 8)

This is one of the more popular songs on the album, but it’s just not my favorite. The instrumental opening is pretty cool, but the rest of the song just feels a bit too chaotic for me. I could see myself listening to this though in a very particular mood and having a blast (maybe when I’m feeling very angry/hyper).

11. Brighton Rock (Track 1)

Okay, I know I’ve said this about all the songs I’ve talked about so far, but I really like the opening of this song. It puts you in this atmosphere and it makes me feel like I’m at a music festival from decades ago. And this song does a nice job of opening up the album, I’d say it establishes Sheer Heart Attack’s overall sound very well. Freddie has good vocals (that honestly doesn’t even need to be said though, right? If Freddie’s singing that you already know the vocals are gonna be good). I just don’t really see myself listening to it outside of the album, but it’s not bad. And the guitar solo at the end is amazing.

10. Bring Back That Leroy Brown (Track 11)

This track has a very different sound from the rest of the songs on the album, but it’s a lot of fun. Queen has this sort of sub-genre in their early music that focuses on jaunty, playful, piano-driven pieces (think ‘Seaside Rendezvous’ or ‘Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy’) and I think this fits into that sub-genre perfectly. This song is so much fun, but it’s not an absolute favorite from the album.

9. She Makes Me (Stormtroopers In Stilettos) (Track 12)

There are some absolutely stunning harmonies in this song, and the vocal effects used here make the song feel very warm and hazy (in a good way). The song doesn’t really go anywhere, but it’s pretty nice all throughout. The breathing at the end is a little weird though…

8. Misfire (Track 10)

‘Misfire’ feels very uplifting and joyful, and it’s only 1 minute and 50 seconds long, so it’s basically just a cheerful, infectious interlude for the album. It’s a lot of fun to listen to and I wish it was longer, but alas.

7. In the Lap of the Gods (Track 7)

This is a really weird song, and it definitely draws on Freddie’s love of opera for influence, but it’s pretty cool. I feel like if you can’t appreciate a weird but good song then you won’t like Queen’s early music, and this song is a good example of that. It’s wacky, a little chaotic, but so good. Roger’s high notes that open the album are so great, I love them. And the harmonies are so Queen-esque and amazing. Basically, this is a really strange song that kind of weirded me out when I first listened to it, but now I just jam out every time it comes on.

6. Flick of the Wrist (Track 4)

Ahhh, the transition from ‘Tenement Funster’ into this is so clean and seamless!! This is another weird song, but again, I just jam out to it. It feels very angry, but it’s so catchy and has a nice rhythm to it that I can’t help but dance around to. My favorite part of the song is the “A dig in the ribs, and then a kick in the head. He’s taken an arm and taken a leg.” part because the way Freddie sings it is so passionate and emphatic. Basically this is a solid bop, and I love listening to it.

5. In the Laps of the Gods… Revisited (Track 13)

The first version of the song is already fantastic, and this one is even better. The piano and drum instrumental makes the song feel very laid back, and Freddie sings the lyrics with such passion and determination in his voice. I just learned that this song was one of the band’s closers for the live shows for awhile, which makes total sense because it’s very anthemic. Ahh, what I would give to sing along to this song at a 1976 Queen concert…

4. Now I’m Here (Track 6)

“A baby I was when you took my hand, and the light of the night burned bright. And the people all stared, didn’t understand, but you knew my name on sight.” Aside from ‘Killer Queen’ this was the first song I heard from this album, so maybe I’m biased to it, but this song is just so catchy. From the beautiful vocals and vocal effects to the blazing, guitar-driven chorus, this song is just an absolute blast. The lyrics are also really cool and interesting (apparently they recount one of the band’s early experiences in touring with another band). It’s one of the safer, less-eccentric songs on the album, but it’s an absolute banger so who cares? “A thin moon me in a smoke-screen sky, where the beams of your love-light chase. Don’t move, don’t speak, don’t feel no pain, with the rain running down my face.”

3. Dear Friends (Track 9)

This is a minute-long sentimental piano ballad, and it’s just as lovely as you would imagine. Freddie honestly amazes me in how well he can sing hard-rock anthems as well as heartfelt ballads. He’s so talented, and he sounds so beautiful here. The backing harmonies also add a lot of dimension to the song, and overall, this is just a gorgeous, brief little interlude.

2. Lily of the Valley (Track 5)

This song is so pretty, from the piano to Freddie’s heartfelt vocals. The lyrics are also very personal. I don’t know exactly what it is about this song that hits so hard for me, but I just love it a lot. It’s a pretty short song, and I wish it was longer, but it’s also a solid 1 minute and 45 seconds of perfection, so oh well. The harmonies are angelic, and this is just a beautiful song.

1. Killer Queen (Track 2)

Please, what else could take the top spot? Not only is this one of Queen’s most iconic and well-known songs, it’s also just an absolute banger. It’s a pop song done so well, with so much individuality and flamboyance that you don’t even realize that it’s pop (and by that I mean pop by 70s standards). The harmonies here are so complex and detailed and well-done, it’s astonishing. Queen really found something amazing with this song, and it’s no wonder that this was the song that propelled them into fame. Of course, I’ve heard this song so many times that it doesn’t really do it for me the way that it used to, but from an objective standpoint it’s still such an amazing song. I’d love so much to be able to go back and hear this song for the first time, because I know I’d fall in love with it immediately.

November 2020: Music Recap

November has been a weird month for me musically, because it felt like I wasn’t naturally discovering songs the way I used to. This month I had to actually go out and look for new music, which made the process of finding new songs a little bit more difficult than it usually is. However, I’ve discovered some great tunes this month, so without further ado, let’s start listing my November jams!

FAVORITE SONG THIS MONTH: Softly by Clairo (honorable mention to It’s Hard to Live in the City by Albert Hammond Jr.)

1. Chanel – Frank Ocean

I’ve actually known this song for awhile because my sister loves it, but I’ve really started appreciating and listening to it on my own this month, so I’m gonna include it.

2. I Don’t Feel Like Dancing – Scissor Sisters

3. Softly – Clairo

I literally listened to this song religiously for like a whole week. It’s like the more you listen to it the better it gets. It’s also right in my vocal range which makes it really fun to sing.

4. Daylight – 5 Seconds of Summer

I’ve been a fan of 5SOS for awhile now, so I’d heard this song before this month. But I started to really like it and listen to it a lot this month, so similarly to ‘Chanel’ I’m gonna put it in anyway.

5. Never Be Like You – Flume

Again, this month was not the month I actually discovered this song. It was pretty big on the radio a couple years back, so I recognized it from that, but this month was the first time that I properly listened to it on my own.

6. Hard to Live in the City – Albert Hammond Jr.

I didn’t know that the guy who makes this song is also in The Strokes, so that was a cool discovery. And it makes sense, because the guitar in this song is super Strokes-esque.

7. Rich Girls – The Virgins

An absolute bop. That’s all I have to say.

8. Sweet – Cigarettes After Sex

Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman (2016) Songs Ranked

Rating: 8/10

Dangerous Woman is Ariana Grande’s third studio album, and it’s one that is very up and down for me. This album, in my opinion, contains some of her very best songs as well as some of her worst. However, looking at it as a whole, I definitely appreciate it for the mature, moody, and exciting collection of songs that it is.

In this post I’ll be ranking all the songs on Ariana Grande’s third studio album, Dangerous Woman, from worst to best – in my subjective opinion. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion, and I’d be happy to hear yours if you have thoughts on the album. Now without further ado, let’s get into the ranking!

15. Everyday (Track 9)

This might honestly be one of my least favorite songs in Ariana’s discography (if not the least favorite). It basically represents everything that turns me off about radio-designed pop music. The lyrics are completely meaningless and the beat/melody is uninspired. If you like the song, that’s fine, you’re totally entitled to your own opinion. But I just never have any desire to listen to it, and I’m seriously angry that it was on the album instead of ‘Jason’s Song’.

14. Let Me Love You (Track 6)

I have the same issues with this song that I have with ‘Everyday’. It’s boring, uncreative, and just not good. It’s way too overproduced for my taste and it’s the opposite of the kind of style I like Ariana to work in. Still, the pre-chorus is kinda nice, so I won’t put it in the bottom spot.

13. Be Alright (Track 3)

Again, this song is just really bland and basic. The lyrics are absolutely forgettable, and I really dislike the production style. All of Ariana’s fans seem to love this song and I just can’t get into it. I don’t like how the chorus has no vocals, and even the beat that they went with for the chorus isn’t catchy. The only reason I have this higher than the previously listed songs is that the dance Ariana did for this song on the Dangerous Woman Tour is pretty iconic.

12. Knew Better/Forever Boy (Track 14)

Okay, now we can start getting into the songs that I don’t hate, just don’t really like that much. I like how this song is actually two songs in one, I think that was a nice creative concept. And I like how the songs contrast each other to represent the evolution of Ariana’s love life at the time. But talking about the songs themselves, they’re just not up my alley sonically, and I would almost always skip this track.

11. Thinking Bout You (Track 15)

I can appreciate this song as the album’s closer. It’s fairly emotional and Ariana sings it with a lot of passion. But the production and melody don’t grab me, and again, I wouldn’t listen to it outside of the album.

10. Side to Side (Track 5)

I like this song. It’s very radio-pop based and there’s basically no lyrical depth to it, but I can appreciate it for what it was meant to be, which is just that, a popular radio-hit. It’s really catchy, and the reggae-influenced production has a very nice groove. Oh, and Nicki’s verse is great.

9. Dangerous Woman (Track 2)

It makes sense that this song would be the titular track, as it encapsulates the more risque and sexy themes that Ariana delved into with the album. The production here is really great, and the verses have a bit of an old-jazz sound which is really nice. Ariana’s vocals are incredible, and she hits some amazing notes. And the little guitar solo at the end of the instrumental bridge is pretty cool. This is honestly a really impressive track, and if I hadn’t heard it on the radio 24/7 back in 2016 I’d probably have it higher up. However, because it was everywhere back in its day, I’m a little numb to it and it’s lost some of its luster.

8. Touch It (Track 13)

This song is interesting because it actually has a somewhat emotionally-vulnerable subject matter, but it masks it with giant, bombastic production and a massive vocal hook. That’s not to say the song doesn’t sound good, though, because it does. The verses are very pretty and have a trepid, cautious sound to them (which fits the lyrics) and the chorus is really grand, which does a nice job of capturing the strong emotion and passion of what Ariana’s singing. Overall, a really nice song. Not one I often listen to outside of the album, but when I’m listening to the album top to bottom it’s always an immensely enjoyable listen.

7. Sometimes (Track 10)

“It used to be easy for someone to steal me, now all my emotions are all ’cause of you.” This song and ‘Touch It’ are practically equal in terms of how much I like them, but this one hits me a bit more in the emotions, so I have it a spot higher. The way Ariana sings the chorus feels so genuine and happy, but in a very calm way – almost like she’s finally admitting to herself that this is how she feels (sorry if that’s a really specific and weird way to interpret the song, that’s just how I perceive it and when I think of it that way it makes me feel kind of emotional haha). The acoustic guitar in the song is pretty unique for the album, and it took a little while to grow on me because it feels so out of place with the rest of the production, but I’m fond of it now. The production on this song is actually just a little wacky in general, but it’s pretty nice. Oh, and the bridge is really great – the synths and layering on her vocals add a really nice flair to it.

6. Into You (Track 4)

Ahhh, now this is everything that a radio-pop song should be. It’s irresistibly catchy, it’s got stellar production, a great hook, an infectious chorus, and it just carries this feeling of excitement and adventure. From the opening moments of the song you can just tell that this is gonna be one of the biggest bangers on the album, and that it is. Ariana’s vocals are great all throughout the song, and she hits some great low and high notes. Also, the bridge is definitely the best part of the song. The huge three-note synth beats that carry it are so open and make it all come alive, and Ariana hits a killer run to top it all off. To summarize, this song is pop-perfection and a timeless bop.

(Although, there’s this video on YouTube I found that remixes the song to have 80s-styled production, and I have to say that that version is even better, I seriously recommend giving it a listen!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uDQ0P9AWc8)

5. Leave Me Lonely (Track 8)

This song took a while to grow on me, but I seriously love it now. There’s so much to love about it. Firstly, it has the exceptional Macy Gray on it (her song ‘I Try’ is one of my favorite songs ever) and it just has this dark, Bond-esque feeling to it. From the quick strings that open the song, to the dark, gritty bass in the verses and the piano line that runs through the song, it’s all so good. The production here is amazing. Also, Ariana sounds stunning. She really showcases her vocals here and it sounds so good. Her voice in the pre-chorus and the chorus is just amazing. The background vocals also just give the song this haunting, remorseful quality and it’s all so good. This is such a great song and I love everything about it.

4. Bad Decisions (Track 12)

I feel like if we’re looking at the objective quality of these songs, this song probably shouldn’t be so high. The lyrics aren’t super meaningful or anything (especially not in the chorus) and it’s a pretty carefree track. But I just love it so much. Literally every time I listen to this song I just feel this sensation of euphoria and joy, and I can’t help it. Ariana sounds so happy and excited and comfortable, and it’s just contagious. The way she sings the phrase “bad decisions” is so freaking infectious. And the bridge is an absolute moment, and her vocals coming out of it are INSANE. I just love this song and I love listening to it so much.

3. Greedy (Track 7)

THE 70S POP DIVA BANGER WE ALL NEEDED. THIS SONG SINGLE-HANDEDLY SAVED THE 2016 MUSIC INDUSTRY. I DON’T CARE WHAT ANYONE THINKS, I WILL HYPE THIS SONG UP WITH MY DYING BREATH.

Okay, I’ll stop with the all caps now. Anyway, this song is divine. The production is so jubilant and funky. Ariana sells the heck out of this song and I could not imagine anyone else singing it. Like for real, I genuinely think it’s impossible to listen to this without bopping along. The hook is delicious and the melody is so delightful. The bridge is so fun and playful, and then THE KEY CHANGE. THE KEY CHANGE GUYS. THE FREAKING KEY CHANGE. I swear every time I hear that key change my soul ascends from my body and I pass away. It’s so good guys. You may be thinking, “Anna, why are you hyping this song up so much only to have it at number 3 on your ranking?” Well I’ll tell you. For those of you who look at my Monthly Music series, you may recall that I had this in my July Recap. Yeah, well back in July I listened to this song literally. All. The. Time. And because of that, I don’t love it quite as much as I used to, but I still absolutely adore it. It’s just such an almighty bop, I’m sorry.

2. Moonlight (Track 1)

“The sun is setting and you’re right here by my side. And the movie is playing but we won’t be watching tonight. Every look, every touch, makes me wanna give you my heart. I be crushing on you, baby, stay right where you are.” If you know my music taste, you know that I’m a sucker for old music and twinkly ballads, and this song feels like both. It’s a sparkly, doo-wop ballad and it’s so stunning. From the enchanting, dreamy production to Ariana’s graceful, soaring vocals everything about this song makes you feel like you’re floating. The lyrics are also really personal, descriptive, and romantic, and they make you feel like you’re there with her during the song’s events. This is in my top 3 Ariana songs of all time guys – it’s that good. I feel like I’m in a fairytale every time I listen to it. Ariana did an amazing job with this one, and I’m so in love with this absolute beauty of a song. “Sweet like candy, but he’s such a man. He knows just what it does when he’s holding me tight, and he calls me ‘moonlight’ too.”

1. I Don’t Care (Track 11)

I feel like this is a pretty unconventional choice for the top spot, but I’m absolutely sold on it. It’s just gorgeous. With the opening strings and the overall jazzy/bluesy production, it feels so laid-back and content, which fits in with the lyrical theme. Ariana carries the melody beautifully and you can tell that she’s really feeling what she’s singing.

But moving on from why it’s musically good, I’m gonna talk about why this song means so much to me personally and why it’s my all-time favorite Ariana song (and likely always will be). Sorry if this is too personal, but I want to be honest for a second because, as I said, this song does mean a lot to me. See, this song came to me at a time in my life where I was starting to become very aware of how much self-doubt I had. It was when I was realizing just how much I was relying on other people’s opinions and validation to determine my self-worth and how I felt about myself. I remember listening to this song one night during that time and just being so swept away by the message, which is that of letting go of your worries about what others think of you and choosing to love yourself instead. Basically, I listened to this song a lot from that point on, so it really holds a special place in my heart. It kinda helped keep me grounded in the idea that when you truly love yourself you should never pay any attention to what others think of you. I love this song so much, and I’m so grateful it exists. “Now I laugh about the things that used to be important to me, used to have a hold on me. Like what do you think, and what he thinks, and what they think. But I love me, yeah. I don’t care about it anymore.”

The Beatles: A Hard Day’s Night (1964) Songs Ranked

Rating: 7.5/10

A Hard Day’s Night is an upbeat, peppy collection of songs. There’s lots of personality in the music and it feels like the boys were just having fun with these songs, but at the same time it feels more mature than their first two records. I’m very excited to review it. (Also I’m super excited to watch the movie that goes along with the album!)

In this post I’ll be ranking all the songs from The Beatles’ third studio album, A Hard Day’s Night, from worst to best (in my subjective opinion of course). It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a Beatles album, so I’ll now let the ranking commence!

13. I’ll Cry Instead (Track 9)

I feel like there’s a noticeable pattern in how I rank the songs on early Beatles albums, and that’s that I usually put really rowdy, basic songs at the bottom. This album fits into that pattern perfectly, because this song feels very upbeat but uninspired, and it’s just not catchy but it tries to be. It’s like the epitome of a filler track.

12. When I Get Home (Track 11)

There are some nice harmonies and guitar work in the chorus, but other than that there’s pretty much nothing interesting about this song. The songwriting is pretty simple and doesn’t feel personal at all. It just blends in with so many other Beatles song from this time period.

11. I Should Have Known Better (Track 2)

This one kinda gives me ‘Love Me Do’ vibes (but that might just be because of the harmonica). This song isn’t terrible and it’s fairly enjoyable (mainly because of John’s vocals) but it’s definitely not a highlight. I think if they had replaced the harmonica with a really strong, bold guitar riff the song would have been way better.

10. You Can’t Do That (Track 12)

The lyrics here are pretty possessive and questionable, but musically the song’s not too bad. John’s vocals sound really good and the backing vocals add some nice dimension to the song. The guitar riffing that ends the song is pretty nice too. Still, it’s not going on my Beatles playlist.

9. Things We Said Today (Track 10)

The guitar here is pleasant and Ringo’s drumming adds a nice beat and rhythm to the song. It’s not an absolute favorite of mine but it’s not bad at all.

8. Can’t Buy Me Love (Track 7)

Yay, we’ve finally reached my favorites from the album! This is one of the most popular songs from the record and I can see why. It’s fun, exuberant, and the hook is really catchy. The melody is carried super well, and overall, this is just an enjoyable listen.

7. Tell Me Why (Track 6)

This is one of the shortest songs on the album, but it’s very nice all throughout. The enthusiastic drumming, harmonized vocals, and passionate melody are the best parts of the song and make it stand out from other songs on the album. So it’s not one of the very best on the album, but it’s definitely good and I would never skip it.

6. I’ll Be Back (Track 13)

This song has a really sweet and sentimental sound to it that I really like. Sonically, it sort of fits in with ‘And I Love Her’ (which I’ll share my thoughts on later) which is, of course, a good thing. The melody on the “I love you so” part is really pretty and those parts are definitely my favorite. It’s a nice, gentle way to end the album and I really, really like this one.

5. Any Time At All (Track 8)

Ooooh, this one is really fun. The melody and instrumentation (especially the pushy, excited drum beat) gives the song so much spark and irresistibility. The vocals are also really great and make the song feel really happy. It’s not a super unique song that stands apart from others in this album’s tracklist, but it’s just an absolute joy to listen to every time it comes on.

4. A Hard Day’s Night (Track 1)

This song is just iconic. That’s it. The opening chord is so iconic and distinctive (to the point where just from hearing that opening chord you’d be able to tell what song this is) and the phrase “hard day’s night” is very iconic as well. This song opens up the album incredibly and lets everyone who’s listening know that this album is going to be more upbeat and thematically significant than Please Please Me and With the Beatles. The guitar that closes the song is also great, and overall this is just an amazing song. We all love it.

3. I’m Happy Just To Dance With You (Track 4)

Every Beatles album has that one song that just completely takes me by surprise by how good it is. For Help! it was ‘I Need You’ and for Abbey Road it was ‘Maxwell’s Silver Hammer’/’Golden Slumbers’. It’s usually a song that isn’t super well known so I don’t hear much about it, then while I’m listening to the album for the first time I just find myself completely bopping along to it. This is that song for A Hard Day’s Night. It’s just so nice. The tone and melody is pretty unique for an early Beatles song and it just makes me happy. I already really like this song, and I can tell I’m just gonna love it more the more I listen to it.

(Also, I just found out that George is singing on this song, and I shouldn’t even be surprised. George’s songs are almost always hits with me, I genuinely adore his voice.)

2. If I Fell (Track 3)

This song is a ballad courtesy of John, and we love to see it. It’s really pretty and very earnest. It’s just so charming. The way John opens up the song is really nice, then when the John/Paul harmonies come in the song is just elevated into a whole new level of pleasant and somewhat dream-like. Overall, just a beautiful acoustic ballad, and a definite highlight of the album.

1. And I Love Her (Track 5)

“Bright are the stars that shine, dark is the sky. I know this love of mine will never die, and I love her.” Oh, what an absolute beauty this song is. It has the trademark Paul McCartney sentimentality and tenderness, and it just works so well. The guitar is beautiful, and George did a great job. The song just wouldn’t be the same if it didn’t have that gentle guitar riff. The soft percussion is also really nice. Paul sounds amazing and really sells the song. The lyrics are really sweet and romantic, and I feel like everyone would love to have a song like this written about them. Overall, this song is just stunning in every way and I love it (that was a pun, if ya’ll didn’t notice).

ONE YEAR OF ANNA’S MUSIC WORLD!

Hi guys!!

I don’t know how many of you are going to read this, but I just wanted to make a post tonight to commemorate the one year anniversary of me starting this blog, so if you care to read it, please do, and if not, that’s fine too.

Basically, a year ago today I was going through this notebook that I have where I used to write down my thoughts on the music that I was always listening to. Stuff like listing my top three songs from various albums, and writing down playlist ideas. Eventually, on a Friday night, November 8, 2019 I decided to create a blog to share these things with the world.

Back when I was coming up with the website design, I wasn’t sure how long I would keep going with the blog because, even though it’s sad to admit, a lot of projects that I begin are ones that I start out really excited about and then end up abandoning after a couple weeks. However, I’m so incredibly happy that I’ve been consistent with this blog and haven’t given up on it. This blog has brought me so much joy and has been very therapeutic for me because it’s given me an outlet to express my many, many opinions on music. Music and writing are my two biggest passions, so writing about music through this blog has been so very fun and good for me. This website means so much to me and it’s added so much to my life.

School’s been taking up a lot of my time recently and I know that I haven’t been posting as consistently on here as I used to, but I just want to say that I have no plans whatsoever of stopping this blog, and I’m just as passionate about it as I was a year ago.

It boggles my mind to think this blog has been in my life for a year now and I’m so grateful to everyone who reads my posts and comments on them. Like I said, music is one of my biggest passions, it’s my love language, and I love it when people share their opinions about it with me.

Here are some of my favorite posts from the past year (in the order they were published):

I don’t expect anyone to read all of those, but if any of those catch your eye, those are the posts I’m most proud of in the one year I’ve been writing on here, so maybe give one or two a look if you feel like it 🙂

So anyway, here’s to one year, thank you for all the support!

Byeeeee!!