Single Roundup - Sept. 8, 2017
With new music emerging every Friday, the CommRadio Arts department will be taking a look at a handful of singles from the day each week. Here is a look at five songs released on Sept. 8, 2017.
G-Eazy – “No Limit” feat. A$AP Rocky & Cardi B
The few singles G-eazy has released since his last studio album, 2015’s When it’s Dark Out, have seen a switch to straight bangers. Bangers in the sense that these songs set aside a more traditional melody in favor of banging basslines and harder lyrics. “No Limit” is no exception. Right from the start, the bass hits hard, booming from measure to measure, with a vocal assist from A$AP, who primarily raps over the chorus. The chorus in “No Limit” doesn’t deviate from the rest of the song, only continuing the beat over A$AP’s lyrics. G-Eazy’s lyrical content on this track can be compared to every other song he’s made where he attempts to flex on his listeners and presumably every other peer he can be compared to. While this style works for Eazy, his variation is when he shines the most and the lack thereof and repetition of this style over the past few singles is a shame. Cardi B features a verse on the same lyrical level as Eazy and hits hard due to the pounding bassline in the background. While the instrumental foundation and lyrics are all solid as always, there could be more. Solid track, but hopefully the album will see more variation from young Gerald. – Zach
Sam Smith - “Too Good at Goodbyes”
Sam Smith quickly jumps back into relevance with his newly released single “Too Good at Goodbyes.” With two years separating his recently published single and his last album, it’s not surprising to see how much traction this song has already gained, as restless supporters can finally have their fix. Smith plays to his traditional strengths in this song, seamlessly transitioning his voice between his beloved tenor and his just as powerful falsetto. With this song, Smith yet again displays his exceptional ability to sing an utterly gorgeous ballad while still portraying the great romantic tragedy in permanently ending a relationship. “Too Good at Goodbyes” utilizes the bold, passionate vibrancy of a Gospel choir within its chorus as well. This and its natural progression in tone and volume give the song an almost anthemic feeling toward its conclusion. It will undoubtedly influence some tears and heartbreaks as Sam Smith is seemingly devoted to accomplishing within his music. – JonMichael
Blake Shelton - “I’ll Name the Dogs”
“I’ll Name the Dogs,” Blake Shelton’s follow-up single to “Every Time I Hear That Song,” has the romance, twang and corny lyrics that exist in every good country song. Shelton’s new song finds him in love, singing about marriage and it’s sparking up rumors about his 2-year relationship with girlfriend Gwen Stefani. The up-tempo tune is laid-back with a catchy melody and clever lyrics as Shelton paints a picture of what will happen between two people as they make a life together, ending the chorus by singing the funny, yet somewhat charming line, “You name the babies and I’ll name the dogs.” Blake Shelton’s divorce from Miranda Lambert helped inspire his last album, If I’m Honest. With “I’ll Name the Dogs” being the first single from his upcoming album, it’s good to hear this album will have a more happy approach to it. – Lauren
ZAYN – “Dusk Till Dawn” feat. Sia
Not much can be said about the recent single “Dusk Till Dawn.” Produced by the collaborative minds of ZAYN and Sia, it falls victim to the redundant, almost predictable format that is all too prevalent in current pop pieces riddling the mainstream. It can, like most of these types of songs, be deteriorated as such: a slow meaningful beginning that quickly transforms into a bass filled bump track chorus. Its audience is clearly labelled for a younger demographic so enthralled with the captivating nightlife scene that they’re numb to whatever music plays in the background as their only desire is to dance, and the song’s lyrics reflect this. They translate to be meaningless, suggestive sexual topics that ultimately sound like the pop hit concerning “lovemaking.” The vocal pairing does blend well, but doesn’t go much further then sounding pleasant. – JonMichael
The Americanos – “Everyday” feat. DRAM & Kyle
The Americanos have done it again with this bouncy, upbeat track. The female vocal samples over a very punchy synth pluck compliment the vocal features perfectly and the pounding bassline pushes it forward. DRAM’s pseudo singing floats over the bassline, keeping the rhythm in the pocket, while Kyle bounces over each synth pluck with his signature happy-go-lucky style.
The song dips at times to give light to each section of the instrumentation, giving room for appreciation of all the moving parts. The chorus, the icing on the top of the cake, encompasses everything you’ve heard from DRAM and Kyle on each verse and serves as the high point of the song. Overall, “Everyday” is a good tune to vibe out to with friends or while studying. - Zach
JonMichael Pereira is a freshman majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jqp5759@psu.edu.
Lauren Smith is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email lks5244@psu.edu.
Zach Hall is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email zth5043@psu.edu.
