Refresher, Please!

by John Jude Farragut

Well, it’s January 2, 2008, and there goes one of my wishes for the new year: A list of good Top 10 songs in iTunes. Instead, 2008’s first Top 10 list is full of songs that are mowed over, overplayed, or just plain awful. I had hopes for some of the people, and I was floored with the debut album of one. But I realized pretty quickly that all (except one) of those shining songs are significantly dimmer than expected, and the rest do their best at the level of irritating.

All lyrics are found at www.azlyrics.com.

“Tattoo” by Jordin Sparks

I can’t waste time so give it a moment
I realize, nothing’s broken
No need to worry ’bout everything I’ve done
Live every second like it was my last one

“Tattoo” by American Idol winner Jordin Sparks takes the lowest seat on the list. I have to admit that the above lyrics tipped me off; the last two lines are an excellent affirmation of how life should be lived. With God, we don’t need to worry about everything we’ve done. I entirely agree with Romans 3:23 (for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God), but I also abide in the fact that Jesus takes the sins of believers away and remembers it no more. Plus, we cannot add or retrieve a single second of time back into our lives. How many of them have were spent regretting our mistakes instead of offering them up to God Who forgives?

The chorus cliffdives at the end, turning worse than the rest of the song.
Don’t look back at a new direction
I loved you once, needed protection
You’re still a part of everything I do
You’re on my heart just like a tattoo

Ha! I always believed it went, “You’re on my arm”! Either way it goes, the last line can be filed under the “Embarrassing Lyrics” category. This is an excellent example of a lose-lose situation in the language aspect. First, it’s a little weird to envision someone hanging off your arm. It just doesn’t bode well, does it? And two – on my heart, like a tattoo? You know how tattoos get into the skin? Ouch!!
(Just like a tattoo, I’ll always have you
I’ll always have you, I’ll always have you)

Is this supposed to be good or bad? It’s as if she doesn’t like this guy anymore, and she’s going to have him attached to her for the rest of her life. Only thing about a tattoo: You can’t leave it behind, although she sings that she’s leaving him behind. The mixed metaphors and language are too inconsistent, and the lyrics are very poorly done. Whether she wrote it or not, this was a song she apparently loved at first listen. It’s unfortunate that her hit lacks the power of “This Is My Now,” the song that won her the American Idol title. Now her work has been watered down to something that lacks significance – not a new trend in music, per se, but a dismaying one. Her performance of “Tattoo” on Fox’s New Year’s Eve Live was a letdown, a testament to how futile it is to chase after fame and fortune.

I’ve noticed this trend in several American Idol winners and finalists, where their later works sadly lack substance and meaning, or the singer is unheard of just a short time later. What about Ruben Studdard? Has anyone heard any hits from Fantasia? (And William Hung wasn’t a finalist, but he became a local celebrity and, as to be expected, dissolved very quickly). Justin Guarini pretty much sold himself out to “From Justin to Kelly” and whereupon dropped off the face of the earth. And some of these former stars – such as Ruben Studdard and Fantasia – have great talent! But they disappeared from the spotlight, while those who remain as American Idols have continued to lose something that made them great to begin with.

For example, Kelly Clarkson is a singer with power and emotion in her voice, but she has used her talents to push intense negativity in all of her hits. However, “Break Away” hasn’t played much in radio these days, but it is a positive, motivating song. Then her later hits “Because of You” (inspired by her parents’ divorce), “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” and “Walk Away” topped the charts with their increasingly negative lyrics. Maybe it’s her niche – or she thinks it’s her niche. But it gets tiresome to hear it play repeatedly. And her recent hit, “Never Again,” from “My December,” is probably her most jarring hit to date. When asked where she got the inspiration for her hit, she dumbly replied (paraphrased), “I – I was really, really angry,” and laughed anxiously. Another “angry” quote can be found here.  Quite the inspiration for a song as loud and intense as this. It’s almost like a tantrum song!

Carrie Underwood is an example of someone else who has saddened me. She went from good girl to bad girl – all in her debut album. Whatever happened to “Jesus, Take the Wheel”? It got replaced with “Before He Cheats.” It’s as if Carrie doesn’t stand for what she used to believe in. I was hoping that she would remain a good girl, but her more recent album “Carnival Ride” shows otherwise. Take a look at Plugged In Online’s assessment and see what I mean.

Bottom line: American Idol chart toppers have disappointed me, and Jordin Sparks has become one of them.

“No One” by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys returns to the spotlight, with her single “No One” landing in seat 9. If I had listened to her for the first time, and this was the song I listened to, I would be disappointed. The music is very poor, and her singing has lost its power. She used to have a strong voice; I am more moved by her voice in her past works. Today, it sounds to me as if she is out of her element, singing a song with flimsy lyrics such as these:

When the rain is pouring down
And my heart is hurting
You will always be around
This I know for certain

This is music now, folks. It’s a trend – mediocrity and malaise without substance or strength.

“Bubbly” by Colby Caillat
From the album, “Coco”

In consecutive months past, Sirius Radio has focused on “Coco,” the debut album of Colbie Caillat. There is something about Caillat’s voice that makes you unable to stop listening to it. Not only that, but the lyrics are also fresh – not the watered-down rhyme-this-with-that scheme. The words have substance and originality. “Bubbly,” her first hit, is a stark example.

In terms of popularity, it eked its way through the milquetoast mess to earn the golden seat in the Top 10. Today, it resides at No. 8. It took this long to drop from No. 1, as far as the public is concerned, but after just a couple listens, I myself lost interest in it. Today, not only does it remind me of a hurtful co-worker who loved it (which somewhat ruined my taste for it), but the content is a bit disconcerting.

The rain is falling on my window pane
But we are hiding in a safer place
Under covers staying dry and warm
You give me feelings that I adore

And earlier lyrics state that this person gives her “the tingles in a silly place.” Not good.

“Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy

It surprises me that Soulja Boy’s self-named song continues to remain on the chart. Only No. 7 on the list? Based on the 2-star average review rating, it sounds to me as though he should be banned from the list. Soulja has nothing good to offer; anything positive is dashed to pieces by the lyrics.

Here’s just an example:
Soulja boy off in this ho
Watch me crank it
Watch me roll
Watch me crank that soulja boy
Then super man that ho

Let’s not attempt to dive into the particulars of this, shall we?

Now watch me you
(crank that soulja boy)
Now watch me you
(crank that soulja boy)
Now watch me you
(crank that soulja boy)
Now watch me you
(crank that soulja boy)

Add language to it (which he does), and you’ve got another reason why hip hop and rap have been taken out to the woodshed and shot.

Just for the record, the rest of the song is nothing but insidious, as well. It has material that I am not going to insert into this article. Investigate the song and the album – but at your own risk. I haven’t been much more disgusted by any other rap lyrics I’ve read, and I’ve read some pretty graphic ones.

“Clumsy” by Fergie
From the album, “The Dutchess”

If Fergie-Ferg meant to make her music a refresher (namely “Clumsy,” which resides at No. 6), she did a good job. I’d listen to this song more readily than “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” First off, her album has held a large number of hits – “Fergalicious,” “Glamorous,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry (Personal),” and now “Clumsy.” But this isn’t one of her stronger songs at all. The music was poorly done, and the lyrics aren’t better by half. But there is a huge positive note: This is a clean song. I will give her props for that and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”

“Kiss Kiss” by Chris Brown featuring T-Pain
from the album, “Kiss Kiss”

Apart from the lack of language in this No. 5 song, “Kiss Kiss” has little to offer. I was surprised that Chris Brown decided to team up with T-Pain (of “Buy U a Drank” fame) to do this. The two voices do not go together at all. Brown’s voice is excellent (especially in the higher ranges), while T-Pain’s is incredibly monotonous. Brown should have done a better song by himself; “Kiss Kiss” is musically and lyrically weak, and the references to fantasizing and pimping do nothing for it.

All in all, as Robert put it, “What can I expect? I’ve been disappointed before.”

“Paralyzer” by Finger Eleven
From the album “Them Vs. You Vs. Me”

Well, I’m not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I want to make you move
Because you’re standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You’ll probably move right through
Me on my way to you

It’s tough to segue into one of the most overplayed songs on the radio: “Paralyzer,” by Finger Eleven. For one, it is fairly loud and somewhat stupid. The last four lyrics don’t make an ounce of sense. And I guess I characterized Finger Eleven by “One Thing,” their last recent hit. The blazing rock in “Paralyzer” was a bit of a surprise to me.

Anyway, the song continues to hold the No. 4 spot. The song’s lyrics are original, but that doesn’t make them any better. Some people would call them clever, and that makes sense when they’re sung angrily and incomprehensibly. But when read, they’re almost slipshod.

I hold on so nervously
To me and my drink
I wish it was cooling me
But so far, has not been good
It’s been sh***y
And I feel awkward, as I should
This club has got to be
The most pretentious thing
Since I thought you and me
Well I am imagining
A dark lit place
Or your place or my place

I see the potential for this song to be transformed by the Christian parody group ApologetiX. Until then, I will continue to put up with this as I listen to the radio at work.

“Apologize” by Timbaland (featuring OneRepublic)
From the album, “Shock Value”

The next two songs are much-needed bright spots in the current Top 10 list. Up until “Apologize” (No. 3 on the list) came out, I had never heard of OneRepublic, and I was never impressed by Timbaland to begin with. (For instance, it doesn’t strike me as impressive to see a song titled “The Way I Are.” That violates a huge barrier in the English language, but I’d better stay on-topic here.) But “Apologize” is actually a decent song. The music isn’t half-bad at all, and to my surprise, a lot of the lyrics have some meaning to them!

You tell me that you’re sorry
Didn’t think I’d turn around and say..
That it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I’d take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
(But that’s nothing new)
Yeah yeah

They may not be the deepest words I’ve heard, but I appreciate what they mean. Plus, the song is clean all the way through.

“Love Song” by Sara Bareilles
from the album, “Little Voice”

I’m unusually hard to hold on to
Blank stares at blank pages
No easy way to say this
You mean well, but you make this hard on me

I’m not gonna write you a love song
’cause you asked for it
’cause you need one, you see
I’m not gonna write you a love song
’cause you tell me it’s
Make or breaking this
If you’re on your way
I’m not gonna write you to stay
If all you have is leaving I’m gonna need a better
Reason to write you a love song today

Like Colbie Caillat, Sara Bareilles now has a hit with her debut album. But “Love Song,” to me, is very much deserving of a high seat in the list. Bareilles has taken on a new concept of the love song and made it into an upbeat tune with all the infectious potential of a virus. The lyrics are immensely well put-together and enhanced by vivid, forceful music. For her debut album, her self-taught singing and songwriting, a fresh new song, and an incredible take on the concept of love, Sara Bareilles and “Love Song” get a perfect five out of five stars in this Top 10 list.

“Low” by Flo Rida (featuring T-Pain)
from the album, “Low”

I definitely hope that “Love Song” kicks the No. 1 song off the list for good. Just for the record, “Low,” by Flo Rida and featuring the ubiquitous T-Pain, has nothing to do with “Low Rider,” an incredible classic oldie. Flo Rida is not different at all from today’s rappers – examples of why hip-hop and rap have been massacred. “Low” is just another of the countless stripper songs out there, and much to my continuing disgust, it serves to go into nasty detail about this stripper. Two words: Enough already!

This Top 10 list has definitely been a ball to write about. As music continues to get worse, the good artists and songs only stand out taller. Until a fresh new iTunes Top 10 list comes along, be sure to check out “Apologize” and “Love Song,” and next time will await more prominent songs from artists who deserve the spotlight – and more mainstream pop and rap whose glaring mediocrity and horrific language somehow continue to fascinate us.

Perfection

Perfection isn’t easy to attain in this life. I believe some musicians and songs have earned the status of “Perfection,” though:

Bruce Springsteen “Born to Run”

This song is a masterpiece, through and through.

John Coltrane “A Love Supreme”

This entire album is a masterpiece, through and through.

Puddle of Mudd “Blurry”

This song’s vocals, musicianship and production equal an incredibly tight package of musical excellence. Not sure why singer Wes Scantlin is so angry, I’d be jumping up and down if I were recording that song.

Feist “1,2,3,4″

Wow, I can’t speak highly enough about this song. From out of nowhere comes this masterpiece- from beginning to end. It’s like a delicious meal. I love it.

Is perfection obtainable in our lives? No, only One was perfect- He led a completely holy and blameless life from beginning to end. Thanks to that perfection, those who trust in Him can have salvation from death and receive eternal life. His perfection makes it possible for those of us who are imperfect to come before a holy God and receive forgiveness for our many sins. His perfection has been transferred onto us- that is, those who believe in Him. How about you?

Life is Beautiful by Sixx:A.M.

from the album, “The Herion Diaries Soundtrack”

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you probably already think I’m a total freak. That’s OK. I’m going to add to that perception- I like going to funerals.

Yeah, you read right. During the viewing procession, I like to walk by the body, look it straight in the face, and say to myself, “That’ll be me one day.” It’s an excellent reminder to me of life’s brevity and the importance of my daily decisions and their impact on me and my family.

I listened to a song that reminded me of funerals. I heard it for the first time on WDHA (Jersey’s Own Rock Radio). This is a station I just started listening to, and find that it tickles many of my musical fancies. Check it out at www.wdhafm.com. Anyway, the song is “Life is Beautiful,” by Sixx:A.M. Apparently, this is Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue fame’s new (to me) band.

I dig the song very much. I immediately accessed it on Napster and listened to it repeatedly throughout the weekend. The music reminds me of “Come Undone” by Duran Duran, mashed up with “Hey Man, Nice Shot” by Filter. The vocalist, James Michael, is excellent- he has a really cool voice.

The lyrics are kind of silly in places, but when Michael sings about funerals is where I prick up my ears (lyrics found at the hilariously titled web site, www.moron.nl):

There’s nothing like a funeral to make you feel alive…

Just open your eyes
Just open your eyes
And see that life is beautiful.
Will you swear on your life,
That no one will cry at my funeral?

I was waiting for my hearse
What came next was so much worse
It took a funeral to make me feel alive

Will anyone cry at your funeral? Or will there be celebration because you’re finally gone?

I don’t want people weeping at my funeral, I’d like it to be fun, actually.  It should be a celebration, because I’ll be in heaven.  I tell my kids all the time what songs to play at my funeral. I’ll put them here for posterity, so that they can check my blog just in case they forget.  These are some of my absolute favorite songs:

“Beautiful Day” by U2

“Life of a Salesman” by Yellowcard

“Silence” by Blindside

I know this is kind of a morose post, but I want you to think about your death. The Bible says, it is appointed for men once to die and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). What will your judgment be like? Will the Lord God say to you, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers” (Matthew 7:23) or will he say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

There is a chance that Jesus Christ could return to earth before your death, thus you would avoid death.  But you wouldn’t avoid the judgment to come.  Don’t be caught off guard by His return!

Similarities

Is it me or is there something similar about these songs?

Coheed and Cambria: The Running Free

 

Beyonce: Crazy in Love

Sean Kingston

by John Jude Farragut

From the album, “Sean Kingston”

I kept wondering what the fuss on iTunes was about. Everywhere I looked, the titles of people’s iMixes had some mention of a guy named Sean Kingston or a song called “Beautiful Girls” or both. I kept wondering if he was some actor or real-named musician. When his self-titled debut album surfaced, I took a listen–as much as iTunes allows with its thirty-second previews of music, that is. Right away, I was not impressed; the faux Jamaican accent kills it for me the most, and his voices and harmonies are metallic and monotonous. But with a closer look at the lyrics, I was surprised by the content. The album is not overwhelmed with profanity or sex–a refreshing break from mainstream hip-hop and rap.

Lyrics and biography are found on www.lyricsmania.com.

Intro

But one day, MySpace made history
Hooked up with big homie on the west

MySpace is a common and (evidently) successful steppingstone for artists seeking discovery. Also, despite the overdone background music and needlessly dramatic words, the meaning in the lyric “It hasn’t been an easy road for me” is powerful.

Kingston

I still can’t figure out the meaning of this song. Against what or whom is Sean Kingston battling? On another note, the use of “BS” and the words “Things going [too] well when the devil start workin” ruin the song for me.

Take You There

We can go to the tropics
Sip piña coladas
Shorty I could take you there
Or we can go to the slums
Where killas get hung
Shorty I could take you there

Little kid wit guns only 15
Roam in the streets up to no good
When gun shots just watch us, run quickly
I could show you where

Even if you’re “known in the ghetto,” taking a girlfriend to such a place is a recipe for disaster. Why would “Shorty” want to follow him there? (At least I now know that “shawty” is the equivalency of “shorty,” but that still doesn’t make an ounce of sense.) The only one to whom we should entrust our lives and safety is the Lord; human effort to guide us through the places dark and dangerous is bound to fail.

But Sean acknowledges that the tropical West Indies is not pure paradise. Nothing in this world is. Where I live, “gentlemen’s clubs” and casinos line the streets around almost every corner of downtown. Because my bus ride to the college takes me through those dark places, I thank God for his protection from dangers like the prostitution and gambling and the drinking that is prevalently found there.

Anyway, this song makes me think of the television show “24,” but Jack Bauer and Sean Kingston have a major difference: One shoots, one sings. Who wins? Lastly, the music to this is the second-best in the album. The tempo and musical key in which it is played really add an exciting feel.

Me Love

I have to admit, I like this song. The vocals are faux Jamaican at its finest, but the background music and synthesizers are well done, especially in the chorus. The use of the cymbals that enter the chorus is a nice touch. I object to the words “damn” and “caress,” but there are many, many worse words that could be used. The music and the song as a whole are my favorites on this album.

Beautiful Girls

You’re way too beautiful girl
That’s why it’ll never work
You’ll have me suicidal, suicidal
When you say it’s over

Damn all these beautiful girls
They only wanna do your dirt
They’ll have you suicidal, suicidal
When they say it’s over

So begins the song that so many people on iTunes requested. The music is lightweight–not very dense or complicated as the music for “Me Love.” The lyrics are overdramatic and shallow, although they leave me wondering how girls are so influential that teenagers would commit suicide over them–if that is what we are supposed to imply from the song. If men are expected to be trying to seek out a relationship with women whose looks fade over time, I might as well drop out of full-time college and stop pursuing my dream career as a novelist, but I think that college gives a better outcome, personally.

Dry Your Eyes

17 now my mommys gone
Cant wait till she come back home
Missin her face like dust till dawn,while she went away
Never think it be this long

I feel like cryin while I’m writin this song
Cant wait till that day come on
When she leave the place

One major thing about this song: It is the only one I have ever seen that uplifts mothers. I have been looking all over for a song that does this. Admittedly, it is overdramatic–not much of a surprise–but it is somewhat sweet.

I would like to note of the following lyrics in the beginning of the song:

Just like Rihanna you can stand under my umbrella.

Surprise, surprise! I wonder if Rihanna had any objections to Kingston citing her recent hit.

Got No Shorty

‘Cause I I I I I aint got no shorty
That’s why I’m Calling Barbra, texting Carla
Stuck in the club still lookin’ for love

I’m really all yours but I’m telling __
Tell ya I’m a pimp I got no sexy girls
Got so plenty don’t know who to choose

Now there’s something most men can’t do. How can someone have no “sexy girls” but then immediately say he cannot choose between them all? That might have to be filed under the “Embarrassing Lyrics” article. “Got No Shorty” comes across as a tame equivalent of T-Pain’s hideous hit “Buy U a Drank”: Kingston says, “She got drink in her cup / And we can take it to the floor / And tear it up.”

I do have to laugh whenever I read these straightforward lyrics:

I said I’m lookin’ for love
Not askin’ for much
Just a fine little shorty
With a big ol’ butt

There’s Nothin’

Here’s another song along the “Beautiful Girls” catch. This one features Paula DeAnda and, unlike “Beautiful Girls,” does not have the word “damn” or the misuse of “Lord” in it.

I Can Feel It

More of the same catch. It was a bit of a discovery to hear that a guy thinks his girlfriend is as “fine as hell.”

Drummer Boy

I’m marching with the army of kids
All my soldiers in the streets raise your arms like this
Miss america we are, we here for the crown
If you not digging the movement, kick down

I do one for the teams who crowding in each town
And i’mma hold it down and do it for me now
The beat! it’s a drummer boy.
Hot! like the summer boy.

In the streets i ain’t eat for weeks, i got hunger boy!

A bad augmentation of “Kingston” has some embarrassing lyrics: “Miss America we are” leaves a few eyebrows raised and some heads jolted back in confusion. Evidently, the rhymes are bad, but the music is better–just not by much; the drums in the background are a tad to be expected, so there is not much surprise here.

Your Sister

In spite of the cliché “If I’m wrong, I don’t want to be right,” this song shows something new: Kingston is singing about loving a guy’s sister. Is there supposed to be something flagrantly wrong? There are much more hideous things he could be doing, but calling what he’s doing “forbidden fruit” sounds almost monumental–although Kingston’s girlfriend would surely object to being passed off for someone else.

That Ain’t Right

Man I like the way you treat me girl
Sit down lets talk lemme reason girl
I kno I be deceivin ya girl
cuz I really wanna hold ya down

Should this be construed as rape? If Sean Kingston allegedly based his songs around his life, I shudder to wonder what he did here that inspired him to write this.

Change

Somebody change the world
We’ve got little boys and little girls
Growing up on this sinful earth
Oh whats happening?

I dont know, but please tell me
We’ve got all these criminals and discretes
Killin people for no reason
I don’t know why

I empathize with Kingston. It is appalling what society is coming to, and here in America, in a society that continues to perilously push God away, people are allowed to get away with unspeakable and insidious actions, and Christians are being crushed under the world’s heel. I want to change things for the better, as well, but if God doesn’t help me, I am nothing. Kingston has the right attitude here, but he needs to know what God’s Word says. There, peace and comfort are found, even when we don’t have the answers or the power to make things change on a large scale.

The Supreme Court continues to follow the trends of the liberal Drive-By Media–attacking the Christian foundation that gave us the strength and heritage which we take for granted. The removal of the Ten Commandments, the abolition of the death penalty, the lax abortion laws, the Fairness Doctrine that allows voices of liberalism and treason but threatens to destroy conservative speech–all of these continue to erode the morality of our nation. And when the government does not do its job to punish evil and reward good, is it any wonder why circumstances are worse than ever?

If I could change one thing in the music world, it would be to remove the treasonous music of Green Day. There was a time when their words would mean death. Now, they perform “Holiday” at concerts, declaring, “Here’s a big f*** you to all politicians,” and holding their middle fingers up high–along with the crowds of thousands of youth who follow Billie Joe Armstrong’s lead. (If you’ve ever seen the videos of this on YouTube, you’ll see what I mean.) Meanwhile, treason is allowed while Christian and conservative voices such as Rush Limbaugh come under attack. (The “phony soldiers” smear is a horrid case in point.) I agree with Kingston: “I wish I had the power–the power to change the world.” But, thankfully, that power lies in God’s hands, and He sees what is happening and is using His people to bring great change.

Colors

A bizarre song to finish Kingston’s debut album. The language and the lyrics “I don’t give a damn about your guts and your glory” are objectionable, but the fact is that the most “clean” albums by rappers such as Kanye West and Ludacris are even worse.

While writing this, I have been repeatedly surprised by how little foul language Sean Kingston uses. That is high ground to take for an artist in the hip-hop/rap genre, and I admire him for that reason and hope he at least stays on that course.

Paramore – Misery Business

“Misery Business” by Paramore

From the album, “Riot!”

One of the most exhilarating and exciting singles to be released this year has been Paramore’s “Misery Business.”

If Paramore will make it big is anyone’s guess. In an age of internet searches for information about a band, it’s curious that they didn’t name the band “Paramour.” And “Misery Business?” It’s a hard title to know, but what else could they have called the song, “God, It Feels So Good?” I guess not.

Breathlessly touted as the next “Avril Lavigne,” singer Haley Williams is the center of this group’s attention. “Avril with twice the pipes,” some say. I beg to differ, however I do agree that William’s voice is nice. It kind of reminds me of The Sundays’ singer, Harriet Wheeler in some of their songs, but in many other Paramore songs her voice sounds like many other female singers.

Though “Misery Business” is admittedly a great song musically, there are aspects of it that are not God-pleasing and are downright sinful.

When I first heard the song, I didn’t really get what Williams was singing about. I thought maybe it was about becoming a rock star, and rubbing it in the face of other bands.

However, after looking at the lyrics on the web, I’m disappointed to see that it’s about boasting about Williams’ new boyfriend to his ex-girlfriend.

Lyrics found at www.metrolyrics.com

Second chances they don’t never matter, people never change
Once a whore, you’re nothing more, I’m sorry that’ll never change
And about forgiveness, we’re both supposed to have exchanged
I’m sorry honey, but I passed up, now look this way!

Whoa…well I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Whoa… it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God does it feels so good
‘Cause I got him where I want him right now
And if you could then you know you would
‘Cause God it just feels so…
It just feels so good …

Let’s look at each of the sins represented in this song:

1. Boasting - 1 Corinthians 13:4 states “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” Boasting goes hand in hand with pride, and pride is the pal of idolatry. The 2nd commandment says that we are not to make idols for ourselves (Exodus 20:4). How often we make idols out of ourselves. It’s OK to love yourself, but to love yourself above God is not.

2. Lack of Forgiveness – Jesus says we are to forgive not 7 times, but 77 times. Does that mean we can only forgive 77 times? What about #78? No, our forgiveness should know no limits.

3. God’s name in vain – The 3rd of the 10 commandments states “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” (Exodus 20:7)

I didn’t mention “whore” because I think many are misusing that word these days. Today’s definition of “whore” seems more like a girl who likes a boy that you like.

The dictionary definition of ‘paramour’ follows (from dictionary.com)

1.	an illicit lover, esp. of a married person.

2.	any lover.

You can see by the lyrics of “Misery Business” and the definition of the band’s name that this group isn’t interested in morality, unfortunately.

Haley, you’re band is from Franklin, TN, the Christian music mecca. Why don’t you bring yourself over to our side? It’s not too late. The Bible says, “and everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:21) Be saved today!

Kanye West – Graduation

Cause Jesus He knows me
and He knows I’m right
I’ve been talking to Jesus all my life
oh yes He knows me
and He knows I’m right
and He’s been telling me
everything is alright

Genesis, “Jesus He Knows Me,” from the album, “We Can’t Dance”

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

Jesus Christ, from the Bible, Matthew 7:21-23

We rappers are role models we rap we don’t think
I ain’t here to argue about his facial features
Or here to convert atheists into believers
I’m just trying to say the way school need teachers
The way Kathie Lee needed Regis that’s the way I need Jesus

Kanye West, “Jesus Walks.”

I know some folks may not agree or even like this song
But I’m just speakin MY truth, cause I heard it sets you free
And my conversation’s with God, even though he speaks through me

Ludacris , “Freedom to Preach”

I am sick of some rappers claiming to be right with God or getting right with God. The sin and disgraceful speech that drench their work signifies that they aren’t right with God, that God isn’t happy with them. They are deluding themselves. They are “serving” a God of their own imagination.

Anyway, this isn’t about that, it’s a review of Kanye West’s new album.

Not sure what all the buzz was about regarding the heavy use of keyboards. Rappers have used keyboard sounds from way back. From Whodini to LL to more recently Outkast.

Here’s the songs from West’s new album, along with a little commentary:

“Champion”

This song samples Steely Dan’s “Kid Charlemagne.” Steely Dan is a classic rock band from the 70’s. I always appreciate a well executed sample from a memorable song from the past. Great song, turned disagreeable by the repeated phrase “that’s that sh*t.” The main hook is reminiscent of Jay-Z’s “Show Me What You Got.”

“Stronger”

This song mixes God-aware lyrics with trashy lyrics. Nothing new coming from West.

“I Wonder”

The music is cool, but the rhymes are horrible. The rhymes are like a bad Beastie Boys song slowed down. And “somethin’ in your blouse gots me feeling so aroused?”

“Good Life”

This song samples Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” a despicable song to sample, especially in light of Michael Jackson’s known and well publicized pedophilia leanings. Ruins the song for me.

“Can’t Tell Me Nothing”

Surprisingly, Kanye bemoans how stupid he can be and some of the bad mistakes he’s made. “I had a dream I could buy my way to heaven, when I woke I spent that on a necklace.” Believe it or not, I think this is the best rap lyric of 2007. In fact, there are a lot of clever lyrics in this song.

“Barry Bonds”

A big 180 degree turn from the previous song, Kanye boasts about how great he is in every way.

“Drunk and Hot Girls”

Embarrassingly bad.

“Flashing Lights”

This is one of those songs with heavy synthesizers. I like the music, but I don’t really know what he’s talking about. Guess I have to listen to it more.

“Everything I Am”

Whatever.

“The Glory”

“Where the bridesmaids catch the garter” – now that is a wedding I’d rather not attend.

“Homecoming”

The beat and background noise is just like Linkin Park’s “Bleed It Out.” You might recognize the singer as Chris Martin of Coldplay.

“Big Brother”

This is a song about Jay-Z and their relationship through the years. This song has a very disgusting lyric that I won’t mention here.

All and all, no surprises here. It’s obvious Kanye West is a talented rapper and producer. But like most rap albums, it’s just full of boasting. Let’s see what the Bible says about boasting:

In Romans 1:30,31, the apostle Paul is speaking about how, in the last days, God will turn people over to a depraved mind.

“They are gossips, slanderers, God–haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.

The definition of “depraved” is corrupt, wicked, or perverted. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is being carried out daily in our society. This is God’s sovereign will for the people of the world- they refuse to worship Him who is to be worshiped, so he’s turned them over to their sins. Ever wonder why some sins, that only decades ago were frowned upon by society have now been embraced?

What about you, dear reader? Has God turned you over to your sins? Are you boastful? Are you disobedient to your parents, without feeling the slightest bit bad about it?

There’s only one who can save you from this path of destruction, Jesus Christ.

There was a violent earthquake when the apostle Paul and Silas were in prison for preaching the gospel of Christ.

At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God–he and his whole family.

Acts 16:26-34

Will you be like that jailor and be miraculously saved? Or will you be like Kanye? Boastful, thinking you’re right with God? But really not right with God at all.

Review of Kat DeLuna 9 Lives

Where’s Britney? Where’s Jessica Simpson? Where’s Madonna? Heard from Mariah Carey lately? Does Whitney Houston still record? How about J-Lo? Well, Jennifer Lopez recently released a fine Spanish language album, but it hasn’t received as much attention as her English language music. A lot of the ladies of pop music have gone missing or on hiatus, so as is the nature of the music business, another crop of ladies must take their place. Led by Rihanna, Fergie, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Nelly Furtado, Shakira, Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Gwen Stefani, Pink, and others, this new group of ladies have much diversity and talent to offer the world of popular music.  Another newcomer has hit the scene as well, Kat DeLuna.

Kat DeLuna’s song “Whine Up” has been on the airwaves in the East Coast most of this summer. I heard an interview with her, before I heard “Whine Up” and was encouraged to find a young lady who cared about her music, her culture, and seems to remember “where she’s from.”

Unfortunately, the station played “Whine Up” after the interview, and of course, I was once again disappointed.

The song itself is great musically. It has all the ingredients of a hot dance song. I love the driving Latin sound of the chorus.

But Kat, you’re 19 as of this writing. You’re writing about very sensual things. Is this what you want to tell the young girls from your neighborhood? Is this what you give your parents after all their encouragement and support as you studied music diligently all your life? Reminds me of Rihanna- wanting to be a good example to young girls, but really not being one at all.

Boy keep doing what you´re doing get me hot
Winding up your body you don´t have to stop
My temperature is rising want you more than before
It´s an animal attraction, whine your body up

I was mildly anticipating the release of her full album, to see what she would do with other songs. Her voice is excellent, obviously. I was trying to think of what contemporary singer one could compare it to, and she really sounds unique, I think. Maybe a little bit like Mariah Carey.

1.  Intro

The introduction has Kat giving a breathy, lispy speech about her dreams.  OK, the lisp is adorable.  You can hear it in many of her songs, too. 

She thanks God for giving her the gift of music, asks her listeners to share her joy.  Good!

2.  Run The Show – again, too sensual.  Here’s an example:

bite your lips cause you know that you feel it
when i shake it you know you’re addicted
i see you’re lovin this dominicana
you like the way that I dance the bachata

How can one, only moments ago thank God for their gift, then pepper their gift with sensuality and immorality?  It’s like those artists on award shows that are thanking God left and right, but their barely clothed appearance leaves nothing to the imagination.  Is that God-glorifying, or self-glorifying?

3.  Am I Dreaming – really shows her Hispanic roots from the very beginning.  I like the intro where she sings a little bit and you can hear the talent oozing from her.

4.  Whine Up – see above.

5.  Feel What I Feel – nothing objectionable here- she encourages her listeners to listen to and love music (specifically her music).   Good song.

6.  Love Me, Leave Me – decent song about a past love.

7.  In The End - a bizarrely-lyric’d song with the following first line:

I’m the textbook definition of a rebel
I see the crowd go left and I’ve got to go right
I’m always in some trouble
To me life ain’t fun unless you’re in a good fight

I’m not against rebellion in society- a Christian must be different than the rest of the world.  And America must really rebel against the coming threat of Islamic World Domination (but it won’t, we’ll be overrun and bowing down to Allah soon).  But she’s not demonstrating what she’s rebelling against.  I think she’s just trying to portray herself as a bad girl, like Rihanna, Pink, or even Kelly Clarkson sometimes.  Why do some artists do this?

8.  Love Confusion – the result of someone not seeking God’s will in their lives regarding a relationship.

9.  Animal – I this is the most memorable song of the whole album.  It’s also to be avoided at all costs.  It will stick in your head like a sticky note.  I can’t believe a young, self-respecting lady would sing such things:

Let me outta my cage, can’t you see I’m untamed;
I’m like a wildcat
I smell your fear, I see you runnin;
Taste the heaviest poison, one kiss from my lips
I’m pretty evil, savage beauty inside

Are you wild and dirty like an animal
Can you growl and scream like an animal
Baby go, go, go like an animal
Tear it up, make a mess like an animal

God?  What do you think of this song?  Galatians 5:22-26 says:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self–control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Reader: do you belong to Jesus Christ?

10.  Be Remembered – a charge to people to follow their dreams and “Make it Happen.”  Reminds me of that old Mariah Carey song. 

11.  Enjoy Saying Goodbye - this is a great song.  I bet it’ll be a single and probably a hit.  It really showcases her singing ability, since the production is spare.  Not any more objectionable than any other hit song out there.

Well, here’s another artist claiming to thank God and be religious, but their actions don’t portray that kind of life. Jesus says in Matthew 7:20, “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Not recognizing you as a Christian, Kat.

All lyrics found at http://www.metrolyrics.com.

A List of Songs with Evocative Lyrics

A friend was preaching from the Gospel of Mark and speaking about the occasion where a paralyzed man was lowered down into a home through the roof of a home where Jesus was teaching. My friend described the scenario so clearly, it was as if I was there.

He went on to say how the man’s friends and maybe even the man himself believed that Jesus would quickly heal his paralysis, but instead, Jesus realized the necessary thing for this man would be to forgive him for his sins. What a shocker! But Jesus did subsequently heal him of his paralysis to show all those who watched that He did possess the power not only to heal bodies but to forgive sins, a power that God alone has.

Anyway, there are many lyrics to famous songs that are so evocative, it’s as if you’re there, gazing at the scene that the singer is laying out before you. Let’s consider some songs:

“Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday

lyrics found at www.lyricsfreak.com

Southern trees bear strange fruit,
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root,
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze,
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.

Pastoral scene of the gallant south,
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh.

Once you hear this song, you’ll never forget it.

“Faithfully” by Journey

from the album, “Frontiers”

Lyrics found at www.sing365.com

And being apart ain’t easy
On this love affair
Two strangers learn to fall in love again
I get the joy
Of rediscovering you
Oh girl, you stand by me
I’m forever yours…faithfully

Singer Steve Perry is bemoaning the trials of being a singer in a band on the road. Bad career move? But I love how he says “I get the joy of rediscovering you.” Beau-t-ful!

“Turn the Page” by Bob Seger

from the album, “Back in ‘72″

On a long and lonesome highway, east of Omaha.
You can listen to the engine moaning out it’s one lone song
You can think about woman, or the girl you knew the night before,

Well you walk into a restaurant, strung out from the road,
You can feel the eyes upon you as your shaking off the cold
You pretend it doesn’t bother you, but you just want to explode.
Most times you can’t hear em talk, other times you can.
Oh the same old cliche, as that woman on her a man
You always seem outnumbered- you don’t dare make a stand.

This song’s lyrics are so evocative of a scene so many bands and musicians know so well.

It may surprise you, but the Bible speaks against fornication and men looking like women:

Regarding fornication:

1 Corinthians 6:9 says: Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

Regarding long-haired dudes:

1 Corinthians 11:14 says: Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him

Deuteronomy 22:5 says: “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.”

I know, I was shocked when I first heard this passage as well! You might say, “Oh, that’s in the Old Testament.” What, you think that God is cool with guys looking like women now?

“Edge of the Deep Green Sea” by The Cure

From the album, “Disintegration”

Lyrics found at www.musicfanclubs.org

Why why why are you letting me go? she says
I feel you pulling back
I feel you changing shape

And just as I’m breaking free
She hangs herself in front of me
Slips her dress like a flag to the floor
And hands in the sky
Surrenders it all…

Singer Robert Smith is a lyrical genius, and I think this song was his finest moment.

Suicide in music is often glamorized or something. In reality, it’s the wickedest, most selfish act a person can bring about upon themselves, their families, their friends. And in the end, after they’re dead, they open their eyes in hell. Bad move, eh?

“Synchronicity II” by the Police

From the album, “Synchronicity”

Lyrics found at www.rockmagic.net

Another working day has ended
Only the rush hour hell to face
Packed like lemmings into shiny metal boxes
Contestants in a suicidal race
Daddy grips the wheel and stares alone into the distance
He knows that something somewhere has to break
He sees the family home now looming in the headlights
The pain upstairs that makes his eyeballs ache

Not sure whether to laugh or cry when I hear this song. It speaks volumes of the futility of this life. King Solomon writes at length about this very thing in the book of Ecclesiastes. He sums it all up in the last verses of the book:

Ecclesiastes 12:8 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Everything is meaningless!”

He concludes by saying:

12:13 : Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.

At the end of another meaningless day, what ought we to do? Worship and fear God. Wouldn’t it be a shame to come to the end of this life, only to find you’ve toiled and strived for things you can’t take with you, and then your very soul is demanded of you as well as you tumble headlong into an eternal hell?

Everclear “Heroin Girl”

from the album, “Sparkle and Fade”

“Her face was warm from the sun, but her body was cold.”

Chilling, disgusting, brilliant. Just say “No” to drugs.

“Yellow” by Coldplay

From the album, “Parachutes”

“For you I’d bleed myself dry”

Boy, is that love or what?

Someone bled and died for me. How about you?

The Flubs of Rock

Today’s music is flawless- vocals are miraculously doctored to perfection, rhythms are perfect. Recording studios are filled with computers and software to make sure that the music you buy (or steal) sounds perfect.

So when I hear a bad note (they are few and far between), I wonder why they’re left in the recording. Did the budgeted money run out? Did the artists feel that it wasn’t worth fixing? Maybe they didn’t hear it? For the most part, it doesn’t bother me- it adds some humanity to the performance.

Here are a couple flubbed notes in rock recordings. I’m sure there are many more, and I don’t count jazz or live performances.

“Bulls on Parade” by Rage Against the Machine

from the album “Evil Empire”

At the very end of the song, bassist Tim Commerford either misses a note or dampens it with his finger accidentally. I kind of like the effect, but I really doubt it was intentional.

Only One – Goo Goo Dolls

from the album “A Boy Named Goo”

It sounds to me like drummer George Tutuska speeds up throughout the song.  I don’t know, maybe it’s intentional.  I think it adds a sense of urgency to the song.

Too bad singer John Rziznik felt he had to sing “f***ing up takes practice.”  Why couldn’t he sing “screwing up takes practice?”  Otherwise this song rocks.

Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin

from the album “Led Zeppelin 4″

One of the greatest rock songs ever recorded has a bit of a missed note in one of the guitar solos performed by Jimmy Page. He’s certainly forgiven.

Have you ever noticed any flubs or bad notes in popular recorded music?