Singles Round Up: Mar. 7

posted March 16, 2022 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by CommRadio Arts & Entertainment Department

The Arts and Entertainment Department takes a look at some of the recently released singles from the past week.

“Poster Child” - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers attempted to throw it back to the 1970s with the second single off of their upcoming album “Unlimited Love.”

“Poster Child” sounds like a psychedelic funk song straight out of the hippie movement of 50 years ago. However, the lyrics are convoluted and delivered in a mumbled tone that makes the song a chore to understand.

The song is meant to be an ode to Anthony Keidis’ inspirations and a recognition that he wants to hold that spot for a younger generation. Even after the lyrics become clear, the words sound like a rambling series of references.

The track opens with a prime example with the opening lines stating “Melle Mel and Richard Hell were dancing at the Taco Bell.” These irrational dialogues continue throughout the verses of the songs.

“Poster Child” is a psychedelic jam that sounds like a description of Anthony Keidis’ fever dreams. - Evan Smith

“Last Call” - Khalid

In addition to celebrating the fifth anniversary of his debut album, Khalid released his newest single, “Last Call,” on Friday.

The song encapsulates a nostalgic mood through its tone and lyrics. “Search for what’ll set you free. It’s not 2017 anymore,” sings Khalid about his platinum “American Teen” album.

Khalid uses a catchy beat to draw listeners in and lets his airy vocals carry the summer feel of the track the rest of the way. Though it grows slightly monotonous, the chorus sounds similar to his early work.

Reminiscing on his journey into stardom, Khalid connects to the young adult fans that have grown up alongside him. “Tell me where do we go, Where do we go? Where do we stand?” is repeated in the chorus to convey the confusion of navigating life as someone in their 20s.

While “Last Call” is not Khalid’s strongest single, it has a personal feel that has been missing from a lot of his work since the release of “American Teen.” - Megan Kelby

“Angelica” - Wet Leg

“Angelica” is the latest single from Wet Leg’s upcoming debut self-titled album. Although Wet Leg has only released five songs. They are quickly gaining attention through critics and fans alike.

This is a phenomenal song by the band that features every aspect they are known for. Lively instrumentals, eccentric lyrics, and simplistic, yet pristine vocals.

This is a perfect song for the springtime. The beat is fast tempo with a ton of layers. The guitars are reminiscent of those from their debut single “Chaise Lounge” and the drums contrast those guitar lines effortlessly.

This song is very funny, with several quotable lines and odd imagery. Wet Leg loves to set a scene in their music and this song perfectly describes Angelica and her wild night out. Although their lyrics can be very eccentric they never make the song feel like a parody.

Wet Leg has an effortless charm and personality that they deliver in every single one of their songs. It is hard to dislike them or their music. “Angelica” is a perfect springtime song. It has a lively beat, hysterical lyrics, and very smooth and clean vocals. Wet Leg has released five incredible songs, raising the hype for their highly anticipated debut album. - Jack Freiser

“Bam Bam” - Camila Cabello (feat. Ed Sheeran)

Camila Cabello’s new single featuring Ed Sheeran clues listeners in on her recent public breakup and heartbreak throughout a fun, catchy beat and powerful lyrics.

This highly anticipated song with such a dynamic duo of artists lives up to the excitement listeners had already been feeling. The latest single from Camila Cabello’s upcoming album, “Bam Bam” excels in creating a groovy tune for anyone to enjoy.

In peeling back the onion a little bit on this single, the lyrics expose her thoughts and feelings after her very public breakup with famous singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes. She wrote “I said I’d love you for life, but I just sold our house”, directly referencing her selling the home they had together after their split.

On the other hand, Ed Sheeran’s piece in this song uplifts the mood by instead talking about the difficulties of the pandemic altogether and thanking his wife for helping him through it all. This juxtaposing Camila Cabello’s heartbreaking story provides a balance in providing lighthearted lyrics yet emotional ones at the same time.

The highlight of the song is the instrumentals. There is an acoustic beat that is consistent in the background throughout the song. The reason this song is fun to listen to, despite the saddening lyrics, is because of this uplifting beat.

It makes for a great song to add to a pop playlist to use for gatherings or hanging out, but also an excellent example of how a public breakup emotionally affects those in the spotlight, especially those enduring the breakup. It is a side that the general public does not get to see often. - Madison Imber

“City of Gods” - Fivio Foreign

Fivio Foreign, a fairly new and upcoming rapper, derives from Brooklyn, New York. The Hip-Hop artist saw his first big break when the late artist Juice WRLD supported his first single “Big Drip’ in 2019.

Fivio celebrates more success with the release of his most recent single, “City of Gods.” At first glance, the two major artists featured on the track, Alicia Keys and Kanye West, are arguably what makes the track most appealing.

This song appears to be the next New York anthem, as it attempts to knock Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind (which also featured Alicia Keys) off of its pedestal.

Fivio introduces himself as the next rap king, the new god of New York.

He’s earned his spotlight and ensures representation of his community. He’s confident in his ability to represent and make the city proud.

However, via Alicia Keys’ verse, he still asks the people of New York to give him a chance to show his worth before passing judgment.

Kanye’s verse seems to shed light on all the past “gods” of New York as he claims that even when they seem to disappear, their names are not forgotten. He says that just because they’re not among the new generation of artists does not mean that they can no longer produce music that would appeal to a mass audience.

His journey to fame was full of too many obstacles for him to fail now. However, Kanye still introduces a “new” New York and welcomes Fivio to its team of influencers.

Fivio Foreign prepares for the release of his upcoming album The B.I.B.L.E. on Mar. 25. - Jah-Preece Landrum

Evan Smith is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ers5828@psu.edu

Megan Kelby is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email mkk5701@psu.edu.

Jack Freiser is a second-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jef5614@psu.edu.

Madison Imber is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mbi5065@psu.edu
 
Jah-Preece Landrum is a third-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jahpreecelandrum@gmail.com.