BLACK GIRL DEBUT MAGIC™ - WINNER
- Thread starter Mr.Arroz
- Start date
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
What's popping y'all?
#48
Northern Lights
8.256
Highest score: 10 x 11 (@A&E, @Heaven on Earth, @KingBruno, @ohnostalgia, @kermit_the_frog, @lalaclairi_, @digitalkaiser, @TRAVVV, @paperboyfriendd, @constantino)
Lowest scores: 6 x 4 (@Trouble in Paradise, @soratami, @theelusivechanteuse, @2014)
5 x 1 (@happiestgirl)
My score: 10
Track background: Genius and Discogs both report that "Northern Lights" was produced and written by Druski himself. It's track seven on Goldenheart. A sequel, titled "NLX" was released shortly after the album on January 30th, 2013, and was available on an FYE-exclusive edition. There is also a remix with rapper Eve.
My thoughts: The intro makes sense here in contrast to others on the record, mostly due to its shortened presence, as well as a pure BAWP beginning not long after. I love how the beat drops rather quickly in this, and then refuses to let go. One of the supreme bops on the LP, so its placing here is rather bittersweet, as it deserves a better result, but perhaps not considering the quality of competition that we have for everyone's consideration. *sigh*
Your thoughts:
@TRAVVV (10) - A BOP, but I almost prefer it’s sister sequel NLX, which she released online soon after the album dropped. I love when artists give us a Pt. 2.
@paperboyfriendd (10) - Handclaps!
@digitalkaiser (10) - God I love the icey...dare I say it GLACIAL production on this. A song I've slotted into several night time playlist, it just has that exquisite propulsive vibe.
@Bangers&Bops (8) - The enunciated chant of “Let me take you to the northern lights,” is a hypnotic call-to-arms to visit that faraway place, likely a discothèque, on the horizon.
@KingBruno (10) - Love it when the beat accelerates.
@ohnostalgia (10) - I am obsessed with that one repeating bell section; it’s unreal.
@constantino (10) - I hope this track’s accessibility will help the good sis out because I’m worried. The handclaps and the vocal layering are infectious.
@Remorque (7) - I love the chopped up beat and the handclaps on this one, yet it was always going to be hard following up the handful of songs that come before it on the album...
@Solenciennes (8.5) - it’s nice, the discordant outro is probably my favourite part of Northern Lights, it works as a continuity track and otherwise doesn’t do much else for me.
@Trouble in Paradise (6) - This is a fun bop, enjoying the hand clapping beat. However, it lacks a clear hook and I forget it almost immediately after listening.
Live performances:
#48
Northern Lights
8.256
Highest score: 10 x 11 (@A&E, @Heaven on Earth, @KingBruno, @ohnostalgia, @kermit_the_frog, @lalaclairi_, @digitalkaiser, @TRAVVV, @paperboyfriendd, @constantino)
Lowest scores: 6 x 4 (@Trouble in Paradise, @soratami, @theelusivechanteuse, @2014)
5 x 1 (@happiestgirl)
My score: 10
Track background: Genius and Discogs both report that "Northern Lights" was produced and written by Druski himself. It's track seven on Goldenheart. A sequel, titled "NLX" was released shortly after the album on January 30th, 2013, and was available on an FYE-exclusive edition. There is also a remix with rapper Eve.
My thoughts: The intro makes sense here in contrast to others on the record, mostly due to its shortened presence, as well as a pure BAWP beginning not long after. I love how the beat drops rather quickly in this, and then refuses to let go. One of the supreme bops on the LP, so its placing here is rather bittersweet, as it deserves a better result, but perhaps not considering the quality of competition that we have for everyone's consideration. *sigh*
Your thoughts:
@TRAVVV (10) - A BOP, but I almost prefer it’s sister sequel NLX, which she released online soon after the album dropped. I love when artists give us a Pt. 2.
@paperboyfriendd (10) - Handclaps!
@digitalkaiser (10) - God I love the icey...dare I say it GLACIAL production on this. A song I've slotted into several night time playlist, it just has that exquisite propulsive vibe.
@Bangers&Bops (8) - The enunciated chant of “Let me take you to the northern lights,” is a hypnotic call-to-arms to visit that faraway place, likely a discothèque, on the horizon.
@KingBruno (10) - Love it when the beat accelerates.
@ohnostalgia (10) - I am obsessed with that one repeating bell section; it’s unreal.
@constantino (10) - I hope this track’s accessibility will help the good sis out because I’m worried. The handclaps and the vocal layering are infectious.
@Remorque (7) - I love the chopped up beat and the handclaps on this one, yet it was always going to be hard following up the handful of songs that come before it on the album...
@Solenciennes (8.5) - it’s nice, the discordant outro is probably my favourite part of Northern Lights, it works as a continuity track and otherwise doesn’t do much else for me.
@Trouble in Paradise (6) - This is a fun bop, enjoying the hand clapping beat. However, it lacks a clear hook and I forget it almost immediately after listening.
Live performances:
What's popping y'all?
#48
Northern Lights
8.256
Highest score: 10 x 11 (@A&E, @Heaven on Earth, @KingBruno, @ohnostalgia, @kermit_the_frog, @lalaclairi_, @digitalkaiser, @TRAVVV, @paperboyfriendd, @constantino)
Lowest scores: 6 x 4 (@Trouble in Paradise, @soratami, @theelusivechanteuse, @2014)
5 x 1 (@happiestgirl)
My score: 10
Track background: Genius and Discogs both report that "Northern Lights" was produced and written by Druski himself. It's track seven on Goldenheart. A sequel, titled "NLX" was released shortly after the album on January 30th, 2013, and was available on an FYE-exclusive edition. There is also a remix with rapper Eve.
My thoughts: The intro makes sense here in contrast to others on the record, mostly due to its shortened presence, as well as a pure BAWP beginning not long after. I love how the beat drops rather quickly in this, and then refuses to let go. One of the supreme bops on the LP, so its placing here is rather bittersweet, as it deserves a better result, but perhaps not considering the quality of competition that we have for everyone's consideration. *sigh*
Your thoughts:
@TRAVVV (10) - A BOP, but I almost prefer it’s sister sequel NLX, which she released online soon after the album dropped. I love when artists give us a Pt. 2.
@paperboyfriendd (10) - Handclaps!
@digitalkaiser (10) - God I love the icey...dare I say it GLACIAL production on this. A song I've slotted into several night time playlist, it just has that exquisite propulsive vibe.
@Bangers&Bops (8) - The enunciated chant of “Let me take you to the northern lights,” is a hypnotic call-to-arms to visit that faraway place, likely a discothèque, on the horizon.
@KingBruno (10) - Love it when the beat accelerates.
@ohnostalgia (10) - I am obsessed with that one repeating bell section; it’s unreal.
@constantino (10) - I hope this track’s accessibility will help the good sis out because I’m worried. The handclaps and the vocal layering are infectious.
@Remorque (7) - I love the chopped up beat and the handclaps on this one, yet it was always going to be hard following up the handful of songs that come before it on the album...
@Solenciennes (8.5) - it’s nice, the discordant outro is probably my favourite part of Northern Lights, it works as a continuity track and otherwise doesn’t do much else for me.
@Trouble in Paradise (6) - This is a fun bop, enjoying the hand clapping beat. However, it lacks a clear hook and I forget it almost immediately after listening.
Live performances:
Disgusted.
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
Poor "Northern Lights." It truly deserved to go far. At least, it's an amazing average.
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
#47
Broken Clocks
8.269
Highest score: 10 x 8 (@Heaven on Earth, @Posh Spears, @happiestgirl, @lalaclairi_, @Solenciennes, @Bangers&Bops, @paperboyfriendd)
Lowest scores: 6 x 1 (@Sprockrooster)
5.5 x 1 (@Trouble in Paradise)
My score: 10
Track background: Released as a promotional single a week ahead of Ctrl’s release, on June 2nd, 2017, “Broken Clocks” was written by both SZA as well as Cody Fayne, with production from ThankGod4Cody. It employs portions of "West", written by Thomas Paxton-Beesley, Adam Feeney and Ashton Simmons and performed by River Tiber. SZA speaks a bit more about the song’s creation here:
My thoughts: Literally my favorite SZA album track, maybe only aside from “Supermodel”. Funnily enough, it was “Prom” that initially caught my ear upon first getting to know the album, but as I learned more of SZA’s perspective, as well as the album itself, more of the other rather less-poppy songs became more magnetic for me. So much so, that when I was drunk one night this summer I got #inspired and recorded a rough little cover for fun. Another kii from @Mr.Arroz, I suppose. In any case tho, this too, really deserved an even higher placing here.
Anyway… let’s see how you guys feel:
@TRAVVV (9.5) - A working girl's anthem.
@paperboyfriendd (10) - A masterpiece.
@Bangers&Bops (10) - This is part of my trilogy of favorites; The perfect mix of ‘The Weekend’s’ reflective elements and ‘Garden’s’ sensitivity. It took me a while to figure out why the song is actually called ‘Broken Clocks,’ but I’d like to think it references her talking about the useless effort she put into a “Still love.” She chooses to work at it because even though the love is non-moving, ‘it’s still love.’ SZA says she’s ‘burning daylight,’ working so hard at her job and in her love life and she reaching a breaking point.
@Posh Spears (10) - The ultimate CTRL track. She really brought everything to the table on this one.
This mess tho. Girl... was you tired when you wrote this?
@ohnostalgia (8.5) - “Loves” dirty shoes but is going shoeless on album cover. Interesting.
@Mr.Arroz sidebar:
Girl, KABOOM!
Accompanied by this trainwreck (comment and poster~)
@constantino (7) - ‘I've heard enough of shitty news’ binch me2 tf. This is a fun moment but, like Doves In The Wind,
STOP RIGHT IN YOUR TRACKS.
is a weaker track soundtracked between two of my favourites.
Chiquita banana,
ADIOS.
This one tho, knows what's up.
@Solenciennes (10) - I love the defiance in the lyrics and the production is so arresting.
But this tragedy tho... delete it stat
@Trouble in Paradise (5.5) - Another solid SZA song, but the chorus and verses just kind blend into each other. I need some production break or change or melody shift in here somewhere. It quickly turns into pleasant background music.
BACKGROUND... MUSIC... !!??!?!!
Not with these... BACKGROUND VOTES.
You all disgust me. I need a cigarette.
Live performances, I guess:
That's it for today, heffas. Be on the lookout early tomorrow morning, or some time. I ain't gotta work tomorrow so it'll be on my precious, precious time~
xoxo, @Mr.Arroz.
Broken Clocks
8.269
Highest score: 10 x 8 (@Heaven on Earth, @Posh Spears, @happiestgirl, @lalaclairi_, @Solenciennes, @Bangers&Bops, @paperboyfriendd)
Lowest scores: 6 x 1 (@Sprockrooster)
5.5 x 1 (@Trouble in Paradise)
My score: 10
Track background: Released as a promotional single a week ahead of Ctrl’s release, on June 2nd, 2017, “Broken Clocks” was written by both SZA as well as Cody Fayne, with production from ThankGod4Cody. It employs portions of "West", written by Thomas Paxton-Beesley, Adam Feeney and Ashton Simmons and performed by River Tiber. SZA speaks a bit more about the song’s creation here:
[source]
My thoughts: Literally my favorite SZA album track, maybe only aside from “Supermodel”. Funnily enough, it was “Prom” that initially caught my ear upon first getting to know the album, but as I learned more of SZA’s perspective, as well as the album itself, more of the other rather less-poppy songs became more magnetic for me. So much so, that when I was drunk one night this summer I got #inspired and recorded a rough little cover for fun. Another kii from @Mr.Arroz, I suppose. In any case tho, this too, really deserved an even higher placing here.
Anyway… let’s see how you guys feel:
@TRAVVV (9.5) - A working girl's anthem.
@paperboyfriendd (10) - A masterpiece.
@Bangers&Bops (10) - This is part of my trilogy of favorites; The perfect mix of ‘The Weekend’s’ reflective elements and ‘Garden’s’ sensitivity. It took me a while to figure out why the song is actually called ‘Broken Clocks,’ but I’d like to think it references her talking about the useless effort she put into a “Still love.” She chooses to work at it because even though the love is non-moving, ‘it’s still love.’ SZA says she’s ‘burning daylight,’ working so hard at her job and in her love life and she reaching a breaking point.
@Posh Spears (10) - The ultimate CTRL track. She really brought everything to the table on this one.
This mess tho. Girl... was you tired when you wrote this?
@ohnostalgia (8.5) - “Loves” dirty shoes but is going shoeless on album cover. Interesting.
@Mr.Arroz sidebar:
Girl, KABOOM!
Accompanied by this trainwreck (comment and poster~)
@constantino (7) - ‘I've heard enough of shitty news’ binch me2 tf. This is a fun moment but, like Doves In The Wind,
STOP RIGHT IN YOUR TRACKS.
is a weaker track soundtracked between two of my favourites.
Chiquita banana,
ADIOS.
This one tho, knows what's up.
@Solenciennes (10) - I love the defiance in the lyrics and the production is so arresting.
But this tragedy tho... delete it stat
@Trouble in Paradise (5.5) - Another solid SZA song, but the chorus and verses just kind blend into each other. I need some production break or change or melody shift in here somewhere. It quickly turns into pleasant background music.
BACKGROUND... MUSIC... !!??!?!!
Not with these... BACKGROUND VOTES.
You all disgust me. I need a cigarette.
Live performances, I guess:
That's it for today, heffas. Be on the lookout early tomorrow morning, or some time. I ain't gotta work tomorrow so it'll be on my precious, precious time~
xoxo, @Mr.Arroz.
Last edited:
Solenciennes
Staff member
@Trouble in Paradise @constantino what’s it like being awful? I always thought I was it but apparently y’all have found a new layer of awful to delve into
This is a TRAVESTY!!
ohnostalgia
Staff member
She/her
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
I second this, no more.
Seems Azealia, Kelela, and SZA might be running this top 40 though after all.
D
Deleted member 21339
I think you got my commentary for this and "The Weekend" mixed up ddd.
Anyway, WHAT. Broken Clocks was so close to getting my 11. The production is sublime and it's one of SZA's best performances. Who hurt y'all?
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
oop! Just fixed it!
Broken Clocks was one of my 11 contenders and I’m just popping in to say I’m appalled and disgusted at all of you.