What Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well’ (10-minute version) Can Teach Us About Story Structure

Recently, Taylor Swift released the 10-minute version of a song called “All Too Well.” By far, this track has been the most buzzed-about aspect of her re-released Red album, and it even broke the record for longest runtime of a #1 song, a record previously held by Don McLean’s “American Pie.” For those who don’t follow the career of Taylor Swift, “All Too Well” was … Continue reading What Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well’ (10-minute version) Can Teach Us About Story Structure

Music I Want to Talk About: August 2021

Songs I Want to Talk About “Take My Breath” by The Weeknd (2021) I honestly don’t think there’s any artist currently working who knows how to deliver both crowd-pleasing radio hits and experimental introspection the way that the Weeknd does. After Hours was one of my Top 5 albums of 2020, and “Take My Breath,” the kickoff to whatever the next Weekend album cycle is … Continue reading Music I Want to Talk About: August 2021

Music I Want to Talk About: July 2021

Songs I Want to Talk About “Bible Verses” by Blake Shelton (2021) Some people might find it odd that I listen to full albums of big name artists that I don’t necessarily like. The reason why is because you occasionally stumble across masterpieces like “Bible Verses,” the final track of an otherwise pretty basic, predictable country album from Blake Shelton. I always love when artists … Continue reading Music I Want to Talk About: July 2021

Music I Want to Talk About – January 2021

Songs I Want to Talk About “Since You Been Gone” by Rainbow (1979) The first half of January had me in a pretty intense ’70s rock phase. The song I played the most in this phase (and maybe all of January) might’ve been “Since You Been Gone” by Rainbow. This was a legitimate hit in its day, but I didn’t learn of it until around … Continue reading Music I Want to Talk About – January 2021

Spotify says these were my top 100 songs of 2020. Were they really?

At the end of ever year, Spotify makes you a playlist with the songs you listened to the most. That’s nice of them. However, I can’t help but wonder… are the songs you listened to the most often really the same as your actual favorite songs? I know in some cases I listen to an album more if I plan on reviewing it, and I … Continue reading Spotify says these were my top 100 songs of 2020. Were they really?

Album Anne-alysis: Kid Krow by Conan Gray

Genre: That kind of semi-experimental synthpop that so many people are doing now that it’s arguably just regular pop.  Year: 2020 Runtime: 33:27 Total Number of Tracks: 12, including two interludes that are each under a minute long.  Songs you might know: – “Comfort Crowd” – “Wish I Was Sober” – “Maniac” – “Checkmate” – “The Story”  My prior relationship with the album and artist: … Continue reading Album Anne-alysis: Kid Krow by Conan Gray

Album Anne-alysis: C A L M by 5 Seconds of Summer

Genre: Pop  Year: 2020 Runtime: 39:30 Total Number of Tracks: 13 Songs you might know: – “No Shame” – “Old Me” – “Easier” – “Teeth” – “Wildflower” My prior relationship with the album and artist: Like most people, 5 Seconds of Summer first became a blip on my radar when they started opening for One Direction. (Have I mentioned that I LOoooOOOOve One Direction lately? Because … Continue reading Album Anne-alysis: C A L M by 5 Seconds of Summer

Album Anne-alysis: kelsea by Kelsea Ballerini

Genre: Pop with a country flavor. But by “country flavor” I mean in the way that La Croix is “fruit flavored.” Year: 2020 Runtime: 46:15 Total Number of Tracks: 13 Songs you might know:  – “club” – “homecoming queen?” – “the other girl” (ft. Halsey) My prior relationship with the album and artist: I liked Kelsea Ballerini’s first two albums and have reviewed them both if you’re curious. … Continue reading Album Anne-alysis: kelsea by Kelsea Ballerini