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2020 Highlight Review: The Weeknd - The Blinding Lights
While not my favorite 2020 track, the 'Blinding Lights' deserves a review just because of how influential it is. Half of my favorite 2020 tracks owe this track for creating the environment for them to succeed.
Synth-Wave and 80s music are back internationally, and this is the song to thank for it. The 'Blinding Lights' is already one of those songs so ubiquitous and influential that it is hard to review them just as songs, as they are closer to cultural phenomena. But that will not stop me from trying.
The moment the drum hits with its percussion you know it's going to be good. The synth line that follows is already iconic. In fact, the production drives this track almost entirely. The basic rhythm is so recognizable. The first verse is atmospheric, with it slowly growing in energy and the instrumentation slowly expands.
Unlike many songs that look to this one for inspiration, the chorus builds right out of the verses. Normally this would be annoying, but the dense and atmospheric production and The Weeknd's vocals provide a nice feel of separation. This is followed by the synth-line from the beginning.
The second verse is a tad too short and simple, making it one of my least favorite parts of the track.
The final bridge is perhaps the best moment of the track, building to a crescendo based on The Weeknd's vocals rather than the music, before pulling right back to the chorus.
The Blinding Lights is iconic, but it also is a good song.
Blinding Lights is not a 10 to me. It is a 9.5, there is something lacking. But it is the quintessential pop I've looking for in the West!
ReplyDeleteAgree with every word from the comment :)
DeleteBut for me it is closer to 9.25, but only just.
Deletehttps://deforestedmusic.wordpress.com/2020/11/17/track-spotlight-black-mamba-aespa/
ReplyDeleteHere is my review of Black Mamba. I was absolutely disappointed.