Here they are:
"Gloria" by The Lumineers: Continuing in the tradition of doing song titles of girls' names ending with an "A" from their last album, it's only fitting that The Lumineers' latest song would be called something like "Gloria". As with the leading singles from their last two albums, "Gloria" has been storming both the alternative and adult alternative radio charts in less than a week of its release! Beneath the toe tapping, happy sound of "Gloria" are darker lyrics that sound like they're about someone who spent their time drinking too much. Lead singer Wesley Schultz asks the titular Gloria if she's "had enough" and tells her that there are "easier ways to die". A bit grimmer than the typical fare from The Lumineers, but after three albums, it's great to know they've still retained the musical charm they started out with!
"Night Running" by Cage the Elephant (featuring Beck): Matt Shultz (yes, ANOTHER person whose last name is pronounced "Shults", like Wesley from the previous entry) might be the main vocalist featured on "Night Running", but the music clearly seems like it was Beck's idea. Its techno-jazz-funk-rock-from-outer-space sound can be from none other! The eclectic musician makes his vocal appearances on the song during its chorus. The seemingly stream-of-consciousness lyrics also seem Beck inspired. Fitting to its title, "Night Running" seems like the perfect song to be playing at midnight during a party. Outta sight!!
"Saying Goodbye" by J.S. Ondara: Our last entry of the week is from a newcomer who was born in Kenya and raised in Minnesota who does achingly beautiful folk-rock music. His debut song, "Saying Goodbye", is probably the most poignant song on this week's blog. The chorus states that he's "just getting good at saying goodbye". I get the sense both from the title and from the mood of the song, as well as some of its lyrics, that this song is about a breakup. I do wonder what he's referring to at the end of the song when he says, "There goes my innocence", but he says it with such power and conviction that I just can't help but feel moved by it!
