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"Dreams" displays its title being (somewhat) realized
A lighter entry early in the Cranberries' discography kept me in the right mood when I heard it for the first time today. Thank you,...
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 7, 20223 min read
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"Next to Me," a standout of 2012 that remains fresh a decade on
Emeli Sandé's praiseful breakthrough hit is as catchy and singalong-friendly today as it was when she burst onto the scene.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 4, 20223 min read
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"Don't Look Back In Anger" is my New Year's Eve anthem
Move over, "Imagine" — Oasis provide the perfect soundtrack to changing calendars.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 31, 20214 min read
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"Kids" makes us think back to simpler times... with heavy consequences
MGMT's tribute to youth is far from rose-colored, reminding us of just how much we impact the world from the day we're thrown into it.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 30, 20214 min read
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"The Guitar Man" and the sustaining of fame (or lack thereof)
Bread's hit celebrates the music maker while also reminding listeners that fame is so often temporary.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 29, 20213 min read
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DubVision's remix of "Ocean" sonically captures an emotional reunion
In examining a complete revamping of a pop production, I think of how stylistic choices can change our perception of a melody and lyrics.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 27, 20214 min read
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I come to Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" in my own time of pain
It's a powerful reminder of the wide-ranging consequences of not taking care of oneself.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 24, 20214 min read
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Looking back on my adolescence through "1979"
The nostalgia the Smashing Pumpkins evoke isn't rose-colored, but that's fine, if not good; it means their song helps me honestly reflect.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 21, 20214 min read
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"White Winter Hymnal" is an odd song to be associated with Christmas
A lyrical analysis displays why and then some.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 20, 20213 min read
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"Am I Wrong" for having not looked into this hit in greater detail before?
Nico & Vinz were all over the radio in my early teens with this song, but only now did I finally put a closer lens to it.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 19, 20213 min read
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Heart elevate "Alone" with their cover by understanding its message
Yes, it's a cover, and yes, they made a couple small changes that really make their version superior to its predecessors.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 18, 20214 min read
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"Never Forget You" captures the emotions of remembering past friends
The memories will always be there, and Zara Larsson and MNEK's presentation of working through them really resonates with me.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 16, 20215 min read
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"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" has the perfect amount of narration
Elliot Lurie and Looking Glass relay just enough to the listener to make their story both succinct and rich.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 15, 20214 min read
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Tracking Jon Batiste's influences on "FREEDOM"
The R&B and jazz virtuoso's artistic voice is shaped by multiple iconic inspirations — including some from his hometown.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 14, 20214 min read
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"I'm Not Alone": a self-reckoning on self-destruction
Who knew that a house track could breed such philosophical discussion?
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 13, 20214 min read
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"Here Comes the Rain Again" and a lesson on the second scale degree
Bear with me, because this is actually pretty cool in the context of this song.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 12, 20213 min read
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"Maps," fragile yet simultaneously rocking
Through lead singer Karen O, Yeah Yeah Yeahs find a balance between soft, heartfelt vocals and a powerful alt rock instrumental.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 8, 20213 min read
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"Waterloo Sunset" examines a complex case of escapism
The Kinks' beautiful psychedelic pop rock track has a narrator who just can't let himself enjoy life to the fullest.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 7, 20213 min read
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"Waterfalls" combines contemporary theming with morality
TLC, fully immersed in the social world of the mid-90s, remind listeners they can find a way out of the darkness by being their own light.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 6, 20213 min read
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"Everybody Wants to Rule the World": Happy? Sad? Both?
It's Dead Week, and my existential dread is peaking once more.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 5, 20213 min read
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