Catch-Up Mini Song Reviews - 1st Quarter Edition Pt. 2


 Catch-Up Mini Song Reviews - 1st Quarter Edition Pt. 2

Jon Batiste - I Need You

Jon Batiste's January single somewhat was missed initially by me, and that is erroneous. A bit of old-school swing meets jazz is always good, especially when you add some strong rap, and a sax riff. This piano-driven track is a whole lot of toe-tapping fun, and thus enjoyable. I would have enjoyed more hooks, but with stuff like this, I am not really complaining too much.

Rating: 8.5/10

Barbara Pravi - Voila

France literally loves embracing everything French, don't they? Really surprised there was no Eifel Tower here, this song just screams France, and in a good way, too. Lyrically, about an artist's will to make good music, Voila is a snow-ball of a song, growing in tempo, energy, instruments, and emotion. It does not really fit the traditional description of a pop song, probably because it is not. It may have faded due to the extremely slow build, but Barbara Pravi provides a genuinely amazing vocal performance, ever-growing in every aspect.

Rating: 8.75/10

Fantastics - Play Back

Fantastics have recently abandoned their mid-tempo style for 80's pop. Play Back's drums are ripped straight from the '80s. In fact, the production here is really worth the whole ride. All the synths are a joy. If I had one wish, though, it is that the vocals were better mixed, and an octave or half lower. They are a little off-putting since they are high. Still, the overall melody is good enough to redeem this.

Rating: 8.75/10

Kim Jaehwan - I Wouldn't Look For You

Kim Jaehwan has jumped through a few styles since the disbandment of his group Wanna One. I Wouldn't Look For You is a Spanish guitar-driven Latin emotional pop song. If you followed the Western pop scene over the last few years, you certainly have heard a few similar songs. Thankfully, Jaehwan's voice emotes just well enough that it transcends its trendiness. I have come back to this way more than I initially expected.

Rating: 8.5/10


Image Source: The Bias List

Comments

  1. Ah! These release are nothing short of the best! I'm glad you reviewed Jon Batiste, a GRAMMY, Oscar and BAFTA winner at this point already. Soul had one of the most emotional scores in 2021, Tenet may be a strong second.

    I'm glad you liked Play Back! It seems that you really do not vibe with pop but with this time that 80s hook was just unmatchable. I love it! Kim Jae-hwan song was a surprise. I thought we were gonna get a ballad 2.0. Another song I wouldn't like for its blandness. But nope he just flipped me 360. Amazing song!

    Going to check out these other songs too.

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    1. I actually initially discovered the Jon Batiste song through YouTube recommendations!

      I actually really enjoy simple pop, I just need a simple melody and strong production. Play Back does that. It also may grow on me soon.

      Hope you enjoy the other songs!

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  2. Oh no, how did I miss this post! My brain is fried this week lol.

    I'm so glad you ended up liking Jaehwan's song this much! His voice is seriously able to carry out so many amazing things haha. I found some time to watch his guesting on Jessi's Showterview and he did an acoustic cover of her What Type of X - so good.

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    1. I have missed a lot recently too lol.

      I was not really a fan of What Type of X, but I loved the fun of the cover, and Jessi totally vibing to it. Maybe he we should see Jaehwan try to do more acoustic covers, that would be really cool!

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  3. I think "Play Back" should be higher than 8.75! It is my best dancing song. My humble review my son!

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    1. Hello Mom! Glad to see you are reading my blog. I'd give Play Back a 9 now, still stick by my thoughts :)

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