Unfortified Castle

Amidst the stress of finals prep, small gestures and acts of kindness can go a long way. Today I managed to grind out my English final...

A R I Z O N A sonically track their narrator's heart opening up as they unexpectedly feel love.

The Kinks' beautiful psychedelic pop rock track has a narrator who just can't let himself enjoy life to the fullest.

It's Dead Week, and my existential dread is peaking once more.

...and the marching band rendition of the track I heard tonight.

Sia presents a tale of self-reckoning, but also acceptance and ultimately confidence that she can at least healthfully keep her pain inside.

Nor does 'unique' or another similar adjective. 10cc's masterpiece merits so many more words, given its story, sound, and lasting impact.

Gabriel's vocal and instrumental arc work in lock step to form a marvelously complete, love-centered narrative.

Baby, can't you hear? It's nothing like what you expect from an idol like Britney Spears, but it's arguably her biggest hit.

A standout from her new record, the string-guided track breaks new ground for Adele in just how personal she allows her narrative to be.

Genesis capture the strife which penetrates our world on all levels, while also leaving the door open for humanity to still work things out.

I discuss a trio influences that lie behind one of my favorite songs from nearly a decade ago.

10 minutes, 13 seconds. 111 lines of lyrics. It's a daunting feat to attempt, but Taylor Swift passed her own test with flying colors.

Redbone's indigenous background is also reflected through their simple, but profound lyrical message.

The path between Talking Heads and Mariah Carey is surprisingly straight. And oh, isn't it fitting to talk about Mariah today of all days?

Furthermore, the title echoes a message not as frequently heard in the breakup song canon: kill it off now to save yourself the pain later.

Given both the song's origins and its more modern use, it honestly makes a good amount of sense to approach the topic in this way.

...well, I'm writing about this song and band for the first time, but the theme of love and desire is nothing new for me or music at large.

Last year, Christine and the Queens delivered a song which became increasingly poignant in the months following its release.

Perhaps my favorite 70s one-hit wonder has a great narrative build which really pays off in its latter half.