20GAYTeen the Rate: WINNER!!
- Thread starter Trouble in Paradise
- Start date
He/Him
Hey y'all! We're in for a string of main artist eliminations and I wanna give the heads up that the write ups may be a little more bare bones. I've got a lot of work stuff happening for the next few weeks and I'm developing a stye from stress/lack of sleep/screen time so I'm trying to reduce my time on the computer! Thanks for your understanding and hold onto your faves!
He/Him
Introducing our next cut is Kate Brown the first openly LGBT person elected governor in the United States! After a measles outbreak in Oregon, her response to the anti-vax movement was the iconic "Holy smokes! This is basic science!"
31. "The Walker"/ "La Marcheuse"
By Christine & the Queens
7.783
Highest Scores: 11 x 1 (@soratami) 10 x 5 (@CorgiCorgiCorgi @ufint @inevitable @Riiiiiiiii @LE0Night) 9.5 x 1 (@Remyky22)
Lowest Scores: 4 x 1 (@Empty Shoebox) 5 x 3 (@Reboot @londonrain @happiestgirl)
My Score: 8.5
Since no one cries there's no one to blame
It hurts, I feel everything
As my sense of self's wearing thin
Such pains can be a delight
Far from when I could drown in my shame
Chris finally faces another cut and I'm quite shocked it's this one! I have to say as I dug into this write up, I came to love this song even more! The video is gorgeous and evocative in all it's detailed simplicity and the lyrics really do cut right to the bone. In a more just world I would've bumped this up to at least a 9 but it's consolation prize is being on several of my playlists now!
In her track by track breakdown for Pitchfork, Chris had this to say about "The Walker:"
Now time to politely smile so you won't come any closer with these comments:
Untouchable Ace There is a subtle strength to this.
Music is Life This is kinda gorgeous, with her vocals blending well with the production.
untitled great imagery, beautiful imagery
Constantino The droning production gives this a real sense of momentum, get me off my sofa and moving, legend!
Kalonite With most of these, I appreciate the French language versions for different reasons to the English songs, but La Marcheuse is definitely just unambiguously stronger than The Walker.
ufint Best track on Chris and up there with her best songs ever. Is it terrible that it reminds me a wee bit of Bebe’s “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up”?
CorgiCorgiCorgi this is so gorgeous and haunting
The Hot Rock I really let 2018 almost escape me without listening to any of this album. I'm so dumb???
31. "The Walker"/ "La Marcheuse"
By Christine & the Queens
7.783
Highest Scores: 11 x 1 (@soratami) 10 x 5 (@CorgiCorgiCorgi @ufint @inevitable @Riiiiiiiii @LE0Night) 9.5 x 1 (@Remyky22)
Lowest Scores: 4 x 1 (@Empty Shoebox) 5 x 3 (@Reboot @londonrain @happiestgirl)
My Score: 8.5
Since no one cries there's no one to blame
It hurts, I feel everything
As my sense of self's wearing thin
Such pains can be a delight
Far from when I could drown in my shame
In her track by track breakdown for Pitchfork, Chris had this to say about "The Walker:"
The production on this track is considerably more minimal than the first two. What led to that decision?
Some songs are about production and the topline [vocal melody], but this one is so much about the words that the production had to be really bare. Sometimes it’s badass to allow yourself to be extremely vulnerable and blunt. I think of someone like Perfume Genius, who is indestructible because he’s so brutally honest. To me, it’s the ultimate strength. This song is very much about finding courage and exposing yourself.
What’s up with the nice little synthesizer warble in the background?
I worked on the album in Air’s studio in Paris that they don’t use anymore, which is full of weird vintage gear. There was one synthesizer that I used on most of the album called a Neuron. It’s like an old computer—you light it up and it puffs some smoke. It makes really hybrid, organic, textural sounds.
Okay girls, let's be real the second she named Perfume Genius I was seeing hearts! I do love that for an artist who makes such intensely personal music and is so thoughtful in their presentation and iconography, Chris is always happy to speak about the production and songwriting side of her work. At times, she almost seems to be relieved to be talking about synths instead of explaining what being pansexual means for the millionth time!Some songs are about production and the topline [vocal melody], but this one is so much about the words that the production had to be really bare. Sometimes it’s badass to allow yourself to be extremely vulnerable and blunt. I think of someone like Perfume Genius, who is indestructible because he’s so brutally honest. To me, it’s the ultimate strength. This song is very much about finding courage and exposing yourself.
What’s up with the nice little synthesizer warble in the background?
I worked on the album in Air’s studio in Paris that they don’t use anymore, which is full of weird vintage gear. There was one synthesizer that I used on most of the album called a Neuron. It’s like an old computer—you light it up and it puffs some smoke. It makes really hybrid, organic, textural sounds.
Now time to politely smile so you won't come any closer with these comments:
Untouchable Ace There is a subtle strength to this.
Music is Life This is kinda gorgeous, with her vocals blending well with the production.
untitled great imagery, beautiful imagery
Constantino The droning production gives this a real sense of momentum, get me off my sofa and moving, legend!
Kalonite With most of these, I appreciate the French language versions for different reasons to the English songs, but La Marcheuse is definitely just unambiguously stronger than The Walker.
ufint Best track on Chris and up there with her best songs ever. Is it terrible that it reminds me a wee bit of Bebe’s “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up”?
CorgiCorgiCorgi this is so gorgeous and haunting
The Hot Rock I really let 2018 almost escape me without listening to any of this album. I'm so dumb???
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I thought that would do a bit better here, it came seventh with a 9 average and above Goya Soda in the Xtine rate. It's just a really beautiful song, lyrically and musically, and the video as well. Though of course the French version is superior, and I imagine most people rated based on the English version here.
she/her
Aw beans, that was my 11 in the Christine and the Queens rate. Someday that song will get the credit it deserves!
she/her
Oww, did I underscore The Walker! It has grown on me so much since doing the rate. Sorry, guys!
He/Him
French philosopher and bane of every Intro to Queer Studies student Michel Foucault is here to introduce our next cut!
30. "Crazy World"
By MNEK
7.813
Highest Scores: 10 x 5 (@Ana Raquel @CorgiCorgiCorgi @Untitled @Music Is Life @LE0Night) 9.5 x 1 (@londonrain)
Lowest Scores: 3 x 1 (@soratami) 5 x 2 (@Hurricane Drunk @Verandi)
My Score: 8.75
A father is disappointed by his son
Somewhere in this crazy world
He's told him that he's in love with someone
Less her and more him
He's coming out, he can't keep it in
Can we just take in for a minute that @LE0Night rated a MNEK track higher than @londonrain. It's the little surprises of rate hosting that bring me joy. As for the song, it's definitely the strongest "message" song on Language while simultaneously being a huge bop! The verses are full of some really strong messaging couched in well written lines. The only thing holding me back is the insistent retro feeling of the production. There's referencing 90's whatever subgenre of dance this is and then there's sounding straight out of the 90s/ early 00's (which is my biggest complaint about Language in general).
Now let's hear some lovely messaging from MNEK himself from his interview with Dazed:
I do have to say I'm always a bit uncomfortable when the majority white music press makes these statements around the lack of visibility of black queer artists and the underlying statement is that's a fault of the black community versus the music industry itself/white supremacy/lots of other factors. Study after study has found that this myth that the black community is hyperbolically homophobic is false. On the other hand, the homophobia that people of color face is heightened by racism and is often more prevalent, harsher, and more violent. However, this homophobia is not coming strictly from their community but more often from the dominant white culture.
God I hope that last paragraph makes sense, now let's read y'alls thoughts and see if they make sense!
Yuuurei Kind of a cool song. Very ... topical.
untitled once I heard this song I knew I was sleeping on MNEK. this is masterful in a way none of the twinks could achieve
Untouchable Ace I don’t like the opening, but it becomes a good song.
The Hot Rock Started out not being as into this one but it grew on me as the track progressed. The bridge and last minute or so really helped this one.
Pop3blow2 Fantastic. Sorta getting some mild Seal-esque vibes here. Super topical/relevant lyrics. Just all-around great.
CorgiCorgiCorgi strong Xenomania vibes from this song
30. "Crazy World"
By MNEK
7.813
Highest Scores: 10 x 5 (@Ana Raquel @CorgiCorgiCorgi @Untitled @Music Is Life @LE0Night) 9.5 x 1 (@londonrain)
Lowest Scores: 3 x 1 (@soratami) 5 x 2 (@Hurricane Drunk @Verandi)
My Score: 8.75
A father is disappointed by his son
Somewhere in this crazy world
He's told him that he's in love with someone
Less her and more him
He's coming out, he can't keep it in
Now let's hear some lovely messaging from MNEK himself from his interview with Dazed:
Nigerian culture is quite conservative – has that added more pressure on you?
MNEK: Well, as far as my Nigerian identity – I'm sure you feel the same – when you're given a Nigerian name, there's no running away from that. Your parents give you the traditional food, the Nigerian morals, but I can be so many things at the same time. I myself identify as British-Nigerian, and I'm also gay, and I'm also a young adult in London making music. All of things can co-exist as one. I also never want to claim being the first of anything, people like Kele Okereke from Bloc Party have paved the way.
There is a lot of talk of black queer artists being kept in the shadows – for example, you can hear Big Freedia’s voice on a few hits in 2018, but you never see her in videos.
MNEK: I certainly see that thing about Big Freedia. She is so amazing and deserves shine. I saw her live at Birmingham Pride, which was lit.
I think there is a bit of silence when it comes to showcasing the identity of a queer black person. Like the Stormzy situation (when the MC brought out Labrinth out to perform MNEK’s vocals on “Blinded by your Grace” when performing the song on The X Factor in 2017). I think there was definitely something uncomfortable about that. I can't get too deep into it, but I didn't feel very wanted. I've mainly felt that my voice is wanted on a lot of records, my writing is wanted on a lot of records, but my visual isn't always the most appealing. I guess if I was less out there, the black community would be a lot more welcoming. I don't want to ever have to dilute myself, ever, for anyone. But, I'll never ever try to pine to be somewhere that I'm not wanted.
Under “Personal Life” on your Wikipedia page, there’s only four words: “MNEK is openly gay.” But there's so much more to you than that.
MNEK: There is, but then that's obviously been written by someone who doesn't know me. Well, someone should change it for me. Put that I have six dogs or something.
Do you have six dogs?
MNEK: No.
Okay, I'll update it. What do you want me to put on there?
MNEK: (laughs) I'm a massive Mariah Carey fan. I'm a supporter of marijuana. I am a variety of things.
Sorry I had to include that last section cause it cracked me up. Looking at the Personal Life section is a gay ritual and it really is frequently just the place to spill gossip or tell you if someone is queer or not. However, it's particularly interesting in the context of him talking about his Nigerian up bringing and the way his different identities intersect. He's not just gay or Nigerian or a producer. He's all of those things and more. MNEK: Well, as far as my Nigerian identity – I'm sure you feel the same – when you're given a Nigerian name, there's no running away from that. Your parents give you the traditional food, the Nigerian morals, but I can be so many things at the same time. I myself identify as British-Nigerian, and I'm also gay, and I'm also a young adult in London making music. All of things can co-exist as one. I also never want to claim being the first of anything, people like Kele Okereke from Bloc Party have paved the way.
There is a lot of talk of black queer artists being kept in the shadows – for example, you can hear Big Freedia’s voice on a few hits in 2018, but you never see her in videos.
MNEK: I certainly see that thing about Big Freedia. She is so amazing and deserves shine. I saw her live at Birmingham Pride, which was lit.
I think there is a bit of silence when it comes to showcasing the identity of a queer black person. Like the Stormzy situation (when the MC brought out Labrinth out to perform MNEK’s vocals on “Blinded by your Grace” when performing the song on The X Factor in 2017). I think there was definitely something uncomfortable about that. I can't get too deep into it, but I didn't feel very wanted. I've mainly felt that my voice is wanted on a lot of records, my writing is wanted on a lot of records, but my visual isn't always the most appealing. I guess if I was less out there, the black community would be a lot more welcoming. I don't want to ever have to dilute myself, ever, for anyone. But, I'll never ever try to pine to be somewhere that I'm not wanted.
Under “Personal Life” on your Wikipedia page, there’s only four words: “MNEK is openly gay.” But there's so much more to you than that.
MNEK: There is, but then that's obviously been written by someone who doesn't know me. Well, someone should change it for me. Put that I have six dogs or something.
Do you have six dogs?
MNEK: No.
Okay, I'll update it. What do you want me to put on there?
MNEK: (laughs) I'm a massive Mariah Carey fan. I'm a supporter of marijuana. I am a variety of things.
I do have to say I'm always a bit uncomfortable when the majority white music press makes these statements around the lack of visibility of black queer artists and the underlying statement is that's a fault of the black community versus the music industry itself/white supremacy/lots of other factors. Study after study has found that this myth that the black community is hyperbolically homophobic is false. On the other hand, the homophobia that people of color face is heightened by racism and is often more prevalent, harsher, and more violent. However, this homophobia is not coming strictly from their community but more often from the dominant white culture.
God I hope that last paragraph makes sense, now let's read y'alls thoughts and see if they make sense!
Yuuurei Kind of a cool song. Very ... topical.
untitled once I heard this song I knew I was sleeping on MNEK. this is masterful in a way none of the twinks could achieve
Untouchable Ace I don’t like the opening, but it becomes a good song.
The Hot Rock Started out not being as into this one but it grew on me as the track progressed. The bridge and last minute or so really helped this one.
Pop3blow2 Fantastic. Sorta getting some mild Seal-esque vibes here. Super topical/relevant lyrics. Just all-around great.
CorgiCorgiCorgi strong Xenomania vibes from this song
Oh, okay, I see how it goes, we're at the point when MNEK starts losing songs, huh?
I really like the fact that you went and checked.
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The obscene number of times I did this tho.
londonrain
Staff member
I was absolutely expecting this to be the first MNEK track out, so I got very worried for it the moment I saw Girlfriend leave.
Let’s hope we’re not going to lose any more MNEK songs for a while.
Let’s hope we’re not going to lose any more MNEK songs for a while.
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Same. Honestly, the first thing I do when I discover a new pop girl on Spotify is try to find out whether they are queer or not. Usually, they are. Does this mean my taste in music is finally improving?
Ddd i'm glad i'm not the only person who does this.
Ok, how is there not a campaign across the socials for MNEK and Mariah to collab?!? I NEED IT IN MY LIFE NOW!!!!
He/Him
I mean @Trouble in Paradise did say
So I'm sure there are lots of us who do it.
Also I wanna say this song is out too early, but we're in the top 30 so I don't know how to feel.
He/Him
Hello all! I've survived two 12 hour days interviewing potential principals, my boyfriend & Troye Sivan's birthday and multiple meltdowns as kids realize the school year is winding down! Now let's take a look at our Top 30!!
Hayley Kiyoko
Hayley Kiyoko “Feelings”
Hayley Kiyoko “Curious”
Hayley Kiyoko ft. Kehlani “What I Need”
MNEK
MNEK “Tongue”
MNEK “Body”
MNEK “Correct”
The Extras!
Holland “I’m Not Afraid”
Now, Now “SGL”
Rae Morris “Lower the Tone”
Reyna “Baby Forget It”
Rina Sawayama “Cherry”
St. Vincent “Fast Slow Disco”
Also a reminder:
Our Top 30!
Hayley Kiyoko
Hayley Kiyoko “Feelings”
Hayley Kiyoko “Curious”
Hayley Kiyoko ft. Kehlani “What I Need”
Christine and the Queens
Christine and the Queens “5 Dollar”
Christine and the Queens “Goya! Soda”
Christine and the Queens “Doesn’t Matter”
Christine and the Queens “Girlfriend”
Christine and the Queens “5 Dollar”
Christine and the Queens “Goya! Soda”
Christine and the Queens “Doesn’t Matter”
Christine and the Queens “Girlfriend”
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan “My My My!”
Troye Sivan “Bloom”
Troye Sivan “My My My!”
Troye Sivan “Bloom”
Ssion
Ssion “Comeback”
Ssion “Comeback”
MNEK
MNEK “Tongue”
MNEK “Body”
MNEK “Correct”
Years & Years
Years & Years “All For You”
Years & Years “Hallelujah”
Years & Years “Up In Flames”
Years & Years “All For You”
Years & Years “Hallelujah”
Years & Years “Up In Flames”
Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae “Make Me Feel”
Janelle Monae “Screwed”
Janelle Monae “Django Jane”
Janelle Monae “Pynk”
Janelle Monae “I Like That”
Janelle Monae “Americans”
Janelle Monae “Make Me Feel”
Janelle Monae “Screwed”
Janelle Monae “Django Jane”
Janelle Monae “Pynk”
Janelle Monae “I Like That”
Janelle Monae “Americans”
SOPHIE
SOPHIE “Immaterial”
SOPHIE “Immaterial”
The Extras!
Holland “I’m Not Afraid”
Now, Now “SGL”
Rae Morris “Lower the Tone”
Reyna “Baby Forget It”
Rina Sawayama “Cherry”
St. Vincent “Fast Slow Disco”
Also a reminder:
So far Troye has lost two songs while Y&Y, MNEK, and Chris have lost one a piece. One of those three is safe until at least #25. Will one face two quick losses or will Troye lose another cut? Also which extra will we say goodbye to? Stick around to find out!
These can go.