here they are:
"Bad Dream" by Cannons: Electro-indie-pop group, Cannons, had one of the biggest hits of 2021 with the slinky, passionate "Fire for You." Currently climbing up the alt charts and scratching the surface of the adult alt charts is the song slated to be Cannons' second big hit, "Bad Dream." The song basically tells the tale of how lead singer Michelle Joy has been stood up by someone she has deep admiration for. That can indeed make someone feel like they're living in a bad dream! In contrast to the funky, echoic guitars in the background of "Fire for You," "Bad Dream" doesn't seem to feature any guitars at all, instead relying on synthesizer as its main instrument.
"Good Day" by Seratones: This marks the third time I've heard a song by Seratones, a Louisiana trio who combines vintage R & B sounds with fuzzed out, psychedelic guitar sounds. After the fiery "Gotta Get to Know Ya" and the righteous indignation of "Over You," "Good Day" might just be Seratones' first feel-good song! At least, the first feel-good song that has become a hit for them. According to lead singer, A.J. Haynes, Seratones intentionally chose a feel-good sound for both this song and its album as a form of protest, oddly enough, as Haynes feels that getting through tough times with joyful emotions is the type of protest she's "most interested in" for the time being.
"Porta" by Sharon Van Etten: Through a stark electro-pop sound, Sharon Van Etten weaves a rather dark tale about how she feels about being stalked by someone, and how she wants to break free from it. The song serves as a message to her stalker, telling them to stay away from them, even culminating with the line, "stay out of my life." Fitting for a song with the subject matter it has, "Porta" is a very haunting song that doesn't get away from the listener very easily once they hear it for the first time. Who or what is "Porta"? I haven't the slightest idea! But this is a powerful song nonetheless!
"Too Late Now" by Wet Leg: While nowhere near as quirky or original-sounding as their breakthrough single, "Chaise Longue," Wet Leg's "Too Late Now" still retains the mix of indie-pop and electronica that that song had. "Too Late Now," as could be inferred from the title alone, is not exactly a cheery, upbeat song, though it does speed up midway through after a "sing-speak" interlude from lead singer Rhian Teasdale. Through the course of the song, Teasdale sings about her regret for a friendship she had when she was younger. The stress piles up as the song goes on, with Teasdale ultimately concluding that she "just need(s) a bubble bath to set (her) mind on a higher path." Clearly a cry for help disguised with somewhat cutesy words.
"Virginia (Wind in the Night)" by The Head and The Heart: Among The Head and The Heart's already poignant catalog, their latest song, "Virginia (Wind in the Night)" sticks out as being one of the most poignant songs the band has recorded so far! Perhaps part of the reason the song tugs at the heartstrings as much as it does is because band member Jonathan Russell, who actually is from Virginia, is speaking of his own personal experiences in this song. Being a Virginia native, Russell feels a deep connection with the state and lets it pour out in this song. The song's parenthetical title, "Wind in the Night," was added in there so Russell could combine his personal experiences with something a bit more universal (hearing the wind in the night). In "Virginia (Wind in the Night)," we get the best of both worlds! In one sense, we get a feel for the strong ties Jonathan Russell feels to the place he was born in, and in another, we get imagery relating to nature that everyone can identify with, and very stark, haunting imagery, at that.
"What, Me Worry?" by Portugal. The Man: When you saw the title to this song, was the first thing you thought of the goofy, buck-toothed Alfred E. Neuman of MAD Magazine fame?! If so, that was intentional! Portugal. The Man's "What, Me Worry?" comes from childhood memories that lead singer John Gourley had, including looking at MAD Magazine issues back then. Musically, the song combines the carefree, funky vibes of PTM's biggest hit, "Feel it Still," with the more guitar-oriented sounds the band went for prior to that song's existence. Much like the famed humor-based publication, the humor of "What, Me Worry?" is rather dark but still funny. The song talks about intense, scary situations, with the chorus almost taunting the verses with its titular question. Only one more thing I'd like to say about this song. Potrzebie! (MAD Magazine fans will get this reference).
