My Fav Five Bleachers Songs

Story posted September 22, 2022 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by McKenna Wall

Bleachers' music is a combination of ‘80s synth and ‘90s punk rock with modern indie influence loved by dads and daughters alike.

Here are my five favorite songs by the diverse band:

“Rollercoaster”

In 2014, this song was released on their debut album “Strange Desire.” However, it recently gained recognition for appearing on the soundtrack of the hit series “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”

Making references to the origins of rock ‘n’ roll is something that Bleachers does flawlessly. This song does not disappoint, alluding to Queen’s 1974 hit “Killer Queen” early on.

The drums control this song, creating a rollercoaster-feel. I am obsessed with the slow build leading up to the first drum-roll break, which catapults listeners into the chorus. From there, it’s a freefall of urgency driving the song.

The fast-paced tempo embodies the excitement of being young and in love, constantly chasing new experiences.

“Rollercoaster” was the soundtrack to my summer.

 

“45”

This song is the eighth track on Bleachers’ most recent album “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night,” which was released last year.

Keeping it old school, Bleachers throws it back to 1965 in this song, referencing John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” album. When I first heard the lyric, “always holding your love supreme,” I knew “45” would become one of my favorite songs.

“45” is the perfect (or worst) song for people going through a breakup. It meticulously explains the confusion that follows a relationship ending.

The lyrics are sung in whimpers and cries, quiet and loud. Even though the subject matter is sad, the music backing the lyrics hints at a hopeful future, keeping an upbeat tempo.

“Now you’re just a stranger that I know best” is a lyric that demands to be heard.

I have to listen to this with the sunroof down in my car — no exceptions.

 

“Don’t Go Dark”

In 2021, “Don’t Go Dark” was released as the seventh track on “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night.”

Staying in the oldies theme, this song opens up with a little drum pattern that is very reminiscent of “We Got the Beat'' by The Go-Go’s. However, that is where the similarities stop between these two songs.

“Don’t Go Dark” is an anthem for the annoyed.

The lyrics appear to be directed at one particular person, but, in reality, the lyrics are screaming at addiction as a whole.

Ironically, “Don’t Go Dark” is a bit of a dark song, but similar to the rest of the album, it maintains a hopeful groove.

This song balances a fine line between anger and inspiration, the ultimate feelings for fueling teenage angst.

 

“Secret Life” (feat. Lana Del Ray)


This song also appears on “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night” as the fifth track.

The pace is extremely slowed down compared to the rest of the album, and it creates a serene listening experience.

“Secret Life” breaks down the desire to hide away, particularly with a love interest.

This song is a sweet serenade, expressing the urge to escape reality and fall in love without outside judgment contaminating the relationship. While this song is coming from a celebrity perspective, I feel like anyone can resonate with this feeling.

It is the kind of song that couples want to slow dance to, and lonely folks want to fall into a dream listening to.

 

“Chinatown” (feat. Bruce Springsteen)

This song is the second track on “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night.”

“Chinatown” is the musical equivalent of a coming-of-age film.

Its dream-like beat builds throughout the song, backing Bruce Springsteen’s raspy voice.

To me, this song is about shedding the past. Repeating “I wanna find tomorrow,” the song ends with a swell of emotions, but most of all, hope.

While I like the first two Bleachers albums, “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night” is special to me because it contains both everything I love about music and everything my dad loves about music.

 

McKenna Wall is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email mew6140@psu.edu.