I Don’t Know What Title To Give This Post About Music

I once made the mistake of asking for song recommendations on Twitter. All I got were replies and messages from people I had never heard of, who were trying to promote their own music.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate people trying to share their work and grow a following, but it’s not what I was looking for.

There are two people who I can rely on consistently for song recommendations. Everyone else – it’s like pulling teeth. They want to know what genre I’m interested in. To which I reply, “just send me anything”.

I don’t understand the need to pinpoint my taste. Just send me your favourite songs and I’ll tell you yes or no!

People are difficult.

I get tired of songs quickly. Seemingly once a week, I’ll find a new song to listen to on repeat for anywhere between 243 – 362 times. And then I need a break from it.

That’s why I’m always on the lookout for songs I haven’t heard before. That’s why I ask people to “send me anything” because I don’t know what’s going to stick until I hear it.

That being said, if it’s a popular song on the radio or currently at the top of “the charts”, chances are I want nothing to do with it. Why? I’ll tell you why.

I gave this “Desperado” “Despacito” song a chance. A gander, if you will. I wanted to see what the fuss was about.

I hated it. Sorry.

No disrespect to anyone, but after listening to it I decided that I’d rather listen to the birds outside my window chirp at me at 4AM every morning.

That song is the most viewed video on YouTube ever. Ever! My goodness. When did I turn into a 148-year-old man who is so out of touch with popular trends?

I’d say about eight years ago. My 140th birthday was lit.

This is why when I heard my favourite band, 30 Seconds To Mars, was finally releasing new music on Tuesday for the first time in four years, I was excited. At the same time, I was skeptical.

In the days leading up to the release of their new single Walk On Water, they had been releasing teasers of it – mainly the first 10 seconds of the song. And from what I was hearing, I was nervous I wouldn’t like it.

I listened to the song for the first time and when it was over, my first reaction was: “Oh no, I don’t really like it.”

But it’s my favourite band, right? Maybe it will grow on me. Some of their songs in the past had to grow on me, maybe this is similar.

By the end of Tuesday, I had listened to it a few dozen times. It was starting to grow on me a little bit, but maybe that’s because I was forcing myself to like it.

Out of ten, I’d give it a six. If I weren’t biased, I’d probably give it less.

The song sounds like a pop song. They are a rock band. None of that bothers me. Their last album was more “alternative” than “rock” and I thought it was great.

I’m not one of those people who will say, “Oh I wish this band/artist went back to the same sound they had from their first or second album.”

No. Bands evolve. I don’t think some people understand that.

As a writer, I completely understand why a band or artist might want to move in a different direction. You get bored of doing the same thing and want to see if you can succeed at something else. You want to push the boundaries.

People hate Nickelback because they claim every song sounds the same. And yet, these same people will bash other bands who evolve their sound and blur the lines between different genres.

You can’t have it both ways.

I truly feel bad that I’m not a big fan of “Walk On Water”, but what do you want me to do? Lie?

The song doesn’t resonate with me. It’s a political song which is clearly directed at Americans.

“Oh but Paul, maybe you can try and relate to the lyrics or something.”

I don’t really want to? I can’t. I think the lyrics are a bit weak, actually. I’m sorry.

That was hard for me to say because one of the things I love about 30 Seconds To Mars, is their lyrics.

This song felt a bit lazy. It is 3:09 in length. The last 1:40 is pretty much the same two lines repeated over and over again. Listening to “Do you believe/walk on water” with a few “Ohhh’s” thrown in, and another line that I can’t remember, for almost two minutes, isn’t my cup of water.

That disappointed me.

I mean, Cyndi Lauper basically did the same thing by repeating, “Girls just wanna have fun” and dragged it out, but that’s different. I think. Those words just sound better to the ear, don’t they?

I know this band tries to turn songs into anthems that will play well in front of a live audience, which explains all the “Oh Ohh Oh” in their songs, but this one just felt forced.

And it’s fine if they want to make a political song, but when I listen to music, the last thing I want to think about is politics. I want music to make me feel better. Thinking of politics does not do that.

If you want to call it a song that will “bring people together”, go for it.

You know what brings people together, though? Staring at a solar eclipse. That brought people together because everyone had to shut up, look up, and watch something they couldn’t control.

Nowadays, no one ever shuts up, everyone is looking down, and everyone wants their opinion to be the only opinion. Is it any coincidence why people are divided?

So, take that for what it’s worth.

I think I’m done here.

I’ll still be a fan of the band, obviously, but this is one song I’ll listen to less than the others. I’m sorry that’s the case. It’s just my opinion.

Twitter – @CappyTalks

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