Song Of The Day

Song of the Day

Day #22

Today’s pick is Simmer by Hayley Williams from her 2020 album Petals For Armour. Hayley Williams is known for her work as the leading lady for the generation-defining band Paramore, but her solo projects are also worth the hype, as she is an amazing vocalist and songwriter in her own right. The alternative track Simmer was her first solo release and is an excellent showcase of her talents. Churning percussion and moody strings pull the track along, however Williams’ vocals are the true star of this track. For example, the best moment of the song is during the second verse where it breaks into something softer between a charged chorus. Williams enunciates the lyrics “and if my child needed protection, from a fucker like that man, I'd sooner gut him” at 2:08 with such soft but brutal anger it's electrifying. The emphasis on the lyric fucker is such a spine-tingling moment in particular, as it's said with such conviction but surrounded by butter-soft vocals. The track's lyrics are personal, about female rage and gender norms, how we are encouraged to repress extreme emotions and project something softer, literally using “petals for armour”. The layering of breathwork and lyrics like “give in” or “control” adds to this point, where Williams is struggling to channel calm while being placed into the vice grip that is being a woman in the spotlight or music industry. It's an emotionally charged and vulnerable track that has you enraptured by the first line: “Rage is a quiet thing”.

“How to draw the line between wrath and mercy?

Gotta simmer, simmer, simmer, simmer, simmer down”

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #18

Today's track is Heir by Public Memory from their 2016 electronic album Wuthering Drum. With a striped back beat, breathy rasps, and fractured lyrics presented by faint and fuzzy vocals, Robert Toher creates a moody and dark soundscape. What makes the song a unique experience however is its use of bells and chimes throughout the track, giving it a mysterious melancholy. This dusky track is captivating and three minutes just doesn't seem to be enough.

“Oh there's a violent sea

Where the light is far, refractive

All this has made remains

An alleged near disaster

Long toothed man that runs

From a masters change in patience”

Just for fun

and I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't

SONG OF THE DAY

Day #20

Today's pick is one of my favourite Coldplay tracks Low. Featured in their 2005 album X&Y this song still gives me goosebumps dozens of listens later. The alt-rock track is resplendent reflecting on heavy emotions while encouraging another to seek happiness. Describing raising a loved one from sorrow, the track is rousing with Chris’s stunning vocals and cinematic composition. Coldplay’s tracks are always filled with such wonder due to their emphasis on storytelling and provoking emotion through sound. I'm such a miserable romantic and I can wax poetic forever if you let me so it's easy too see how this song holds a place in my heart.

“The sky could fall, could fall on me

The parting of the seas

But you mean more, mean more to me

Than any colour I can see”

P.S. While researching for this one I found out actual wine glasses were used as an element in the track, how neat!

C H O N K