Benjamin Kassel
What is the apocalypse in "Dance Apocalyptic"?
That's a question I've had recently as I've gotten to thinking about just one of Janelle Monáe's show-stopping numbers.
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Benjamin Kassel
- Mar 11, 2022
- 3 min
"She Wants to Move": Hard for me to define, easy for me to love
Simply put, it's N.E.R.D — that says more than any genre label.
Benjamin Kassel
- Mar 10, 2022
- 4 min
As a production, "Otis" has blown me away for more than a decade
You don't sample and rap over Otis Redding and get away with it... right?
Unless you're Ye and Jay.
Benjamin Kassel
- Feb 28, 2022
- 3 min
"Reach Out I'll Be There" is... a bit more unusual than I realized
I didn't realize that until I looked a little closer for this post, which also led me to appreciating the song even more.
Benjamin Kassel
- Feb 27, 2022
- 3 min
"I'm So Excited" has a lot going on under its surface
The Pointer Sisters' eternally catchy hit is more than meets the ear.
Benjamin Kassel
- Jan 29, 2022
- 3 min
On the soul masterpiece that is "Midnight Train to Georgia"
Gladys Knight & the Pips' classic combines outstanding vocals with a compelling lyrical narrative that has a surprising twist in its chorus.
Benjamin Kassel
- Jan 26, 2022
- 3 min
With "Love on the Brain," Rihanna made doo-wop modern
Few pop songs have genuinely surprised me in a positive way on first listen more than today's selection did.
Benjamin Kassel
- Jan 5, 2022
- 3 min
"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
- Dec 14, 2021
- 4 min
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 1, 2021
- 5 min
"Let Me Love You," a beautiful 21st-century ballad with a lot going on under its surface
Mario's signature song may seem simple at first, but closer inspection reveals several largely small, but impactful changes throughout.
Benjamin Kassel
- Oct 26, 2021
- 4 min
"Adorn" is classy 10s R&B at its best
Miguel's most successful song is a modern configuration of the genre, with an old-fashioned word at its core.
Benjamin Kassel
- Oct 25, 2021
- 4 min
"Kiss from a Rose" yields a momentary, yet troubling warmth
Much more than a movie ballad, Seal's signature song deals with a duality between love and addiction for its entire duration.
Benjamin Kassel
- Oct 24, 2021
- 4 min
The song's called "Rainy Night in Georgia," but tonight it fits the mood in Berkeley just as well
Just as much as music has the ability to transport oneself to another place and time, it can also further ground you in your present surroun
Benjamin Kassel
- Oct 19, 2021
- 4 min
India.Arie's "Video" is as honest as it gets in this gilded world of ours
Rising above the weight of unrealistic physical expectations, she delivers a soulful, guitar-driven affirmation of her self-worth.
Benjamin Kassel
- Oct 14, 2021
- 4 min
"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 2, 2021
- 4 min
"Watermelon Sugar" has been the world's summery anthem for... how long now?
At least now we know what it's about.
© 2021— by Benjamin Kassel. Proudly created with Wix.
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