A Rhyme: "Breathe Me" - Sia

"Breathe Me" is a song by Australian alternative singer, Sia (pronounced See-uh). It is featured on her 2004 album "Colour The Small One". The song became popular in America when it was featured on the series finale of the HBO drama Six Feet Under. The song has been used in commercials including the Coca-Cola commercial aired during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Since the song became so popular, the album was re-released in 2006. The song seems to be about someone who is in desperate need of a friend and companion, as you can tell by reading the lyrics and listening to the track here.

When I first heard this song, I thought the Sia’s voice was very unusual to say the least. I admit I didn’t like the song very much at first. But upon a second and third listen I liked the song more and more. The best part is when Sia sings “…and breathe me” for the last time and the music slows down--almost stopping, and then swells again becoming even grander than it was before. Sia is a true talent and hearing this song has led me to further listen to her work. You’ll be hearing more from her in the future on this blog.

Credit: Rhapsody

A Rhyme: "I Look So Good (Without You)" - Jessie James

"I Look So Good (Without You)" was written by Jessie James, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and Savan Kotecha. The song was released on August 4, 2009 to iTunes and released to radio on August 25th. Rudy Klapper from Sputnikmusic said of the song: "James is at her best when she’s imitating Aguilera’s brazen sass on the rhyming verses of “the song,” perhaps the only tolerable real ballad on the album".

I heard this song today at the hair dresser and I really thought it was a really sweet, wonderful song. I've never heard a song about a woman whose broken up with her beau put into lyrics like that. I love the way Jessie sounds in this song. It is much more tolerable to hear her sing in this song and she sings it very well. Some compare her vocal stylings to the likes of Christina Aguilera, LeAnn Rimes, or Carrie Underwood. Of the three, I think she sounds the most like Carrie with a mix of Rihanna. I really like this song; it's a sweet typical pop ballad.

Picture credit: Wikipedia

Source: Sputnikmusic

A Rhyme: "Closer" - Kings of Leon

"Closer" is the opening track on Kings of Leon's 2008 album Only By the Night. The song features electronic and synth elements and guitar that sounds like psychedelic rock. The song isn't typical of the bands usual sound. According to the bands website, lead singer Caleb Followill says the song is about a lovesick vampire.

Personally, I see the song as something a little more realistic. I see it as being about a lovesick man who was stranded in a relationship by the woman he loved. Now he is wondering if she still cares. Even still, he continues to chase her but the chase is taking a toll. I really like this song because it's so laid back and moody. But even with the lazy rock-synth beat, there is a stong element in the song.

Picture credit: Wikipedia

Spotlight: Kier's Playlist

Here's a playlist full of the music that I like. Many songs that I like are NOT on here so there may be another one in the future. Enjoy!

A Rhyme: "Good Life" - Kanye West f/ T-Pain

"Good Life" is basically about the life Kanye has always wanted, and the life he now has. The song won a Grammy in 2008 and features John Legend and Ne-Yo on background vocals. T-Pain is featured on the track that samples keys from Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T . (Pretty Young Thing)". Kanye wrote the song along with others including legendary composer Quincy Jones.

This song is great because who doesn't wan't to live a life like that? In the song, Kanye talks about wishing he was living the "Good Life" as a kid and now he has made that a reality. A notable line in the song is " 50 told me go 'head switch the style up/And if they hate then let 'em hate/And watch the money pile up". People are always going to hate on you when ever you try to do something different. But when you end being successful, you're the one who gets the last laugh.

Picture credit: Wikipedia

Credit: Rhapsody

A Rhyme: "Limp" - Fiona Apple

"Limp" was the second single from Fiona Apple's 1999 album When the pawn hits the conflicts he thinks like a king... The album title actually has more that 400 characters and once held the world record for the longest album title. "Limp" was a less successful single than the first single from the album, "Fast As You Can". Fiona's then boyfriend directed all the videos for the singles from her sophmore album.

I don't think I've ever quite heard a song like this before. It was one of those songs that when I first listened to it i thought. "Hmm I don't know if I'll like this." But then it picked up and I really liked it. Fiona seems kind of angry on this but it's like she has a right to be. She's basically saying that this person provokes her and then blames her for her reaction, which seems to be an angry one. Sounds like something I can relate to.

Picture credit: Wikipedia

A Rhyme: "Shadow" - Britney Spears

Britney Spears' song "Shadow" is from her 2003 album In The Zone. One reviewer compared the song to an 80's power ballad in terms of the musical arrangement. The song is about a girl who is in love with a man that doesn't return the feeling to her. Contrary to popular belief , Britney does write (many) of her own songs. Whether or not they make it onto the albums is another thing. "Shadow" is one of the songs she wrote (with several others, including Charlie Midnight) that did make it onto the album.

The reason why I like this song is because it doesn't sound like any song Britney has ever done before. I always enjoy when an artist does something different with their music, and that's basically what In The Zone is. It's a transition from Britney's pure-pop sound of the past into the more futuristic, dance sound that she currently has. "Shadow" is my favorite song off of this album. It's written in a poetic metaphore that sweetly compares a man's deprivation of love to a silhouette. Very artistic.



Picture credit: Wikipedia