Benjamin Kassel
Behind the ultra-80s pop of "Love Is a Battlefield" is a powerful message on the reality of romance
Why does it feel like so few songs even remotely touch on the theme of working through relationships?
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Benjamin Kassel
Oct 15, 20215 min read
"People of the Pride": wait, this is Coldplay? ...Actually, it totally is
While a departure from their known sound, this highlight from their new album — over a decade in the works — fits the band's character.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 14, 20214 min read
"You Keep Me Hangin' On," the pinnacle track from the pinnacle of girl groups
Motown meets wall of sound meets breakup angst meets— wait, this song has an actual ending? Sick!
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 10, 20214 min read
Is it house? Is it electronica? Is it pop? All I know is that it's "Magnets," and it's awesome.
Disclosure's masterpiece with Lorde has a downright outrageous beat and great lyric / instrumental coordination to drive home its narrative.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 9, 20215 min read
"DEAD RIGHT NOW," a reflection on fake friendship and love in the wake of stardom
One of the many highlights on Lil Nas X's debut album, its personal narrative stands out to me.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 8, 20215 min read
"Grazing in the Grass" has a heck of an origin story and a decade-defining sound
It doesn't get more 60s than how the Friends of Distinction spun an instrumental classic. And how do Zambia and Jim Brown each play a part?
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 7, 20214 min read
"Glory Days" and why it shouldn't be played at baseball games
...ehh, who cares? Enough people have already misheard it that it doesn't even matter.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 5, 20214 min read
"Don't Know Why" and the calmer, number side of heartbreak
In a way, Norah Jones presents an alternative perspective on lost love compared to yesterday's post.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 4, 20215 min read
"Find U Again" is a masterpiece of unwanted loneliness
Mark Ronson and Camila Cabello combine for an anthem of post-heartbreak grief and processing.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 2, 20214 min read
"Watermelon Sugar" has been the world's summery anthem for... how long now?
At least now we know what it's about.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 1, 20214 min read
"Dancing in the Moonlight" is the sound of harmless joy and escape...
It's light, it's upbeat... and the context in which it was written definitely explains its sound.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 30, 20215 min read
You know the song from that Allstate commercial? It's "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)"...
...and you probably aren't hearing it correctly, because a celebration of capitalism it most definitely is not.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 29, 20214 min read
"My Head and My Heart" places a Eurodance classic into a new, house-based context
Ava Max demonstrates how to build up from a sample, creating new material in a different style while also not losing sight of the original.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 28, 20214 min read
"Love Me Again" is a love letter to both an old flame and an old sound
John Newman's hit starts slowly, but he soon unleashes its northern soul flavor.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 27, 20214 min read
"Spiderwebs" and the trouble of getting oneself free
This ska punk jam has one of the most unique origin stories for a track I've ever heard — one which makes me question my own life a bit.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 26, 20214 min read
"She's Not There" combines various influences into a stirring pop rock hit
The title of the Zombies' jumpstart single is an answer, but it, along with the rest of the song, only breeds more questions.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 24, 20214 min read
My thoughts on one of my father's favorite songs, "I Think I Love You"
Happy birthday, Dad. Thanks for all your love, guidance, and CDs.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 22, 20214 min read
Happy on a Wednesday? At the very least, I'm "Way Less Sad"
AJR present a quite positive, but easily embraceable lens on present-day living in one of the year's best pop tracks.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 19, 20215 min read
"Sweetness" and the power of "whoa"
The most powerful and catchiest vocal lines don't necessarily need words.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 18, 20214 min read
"Tiny Dancer" ever so slowly builds to something magical
Some pop songs could be cut short and still feel somewhat satisfying. "Tiny Dancer," simply put, is not one of those songs.
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