Wowwwwwwwwwww. K.
BLACK GIRL DEBUT MAGIC™ - WINNER
- Thread starter Mr.Arroz
- Start date
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
#27
Cranes in the Parking Lot
8.628
Highest score: 10 x 13 (@1991, @Kuhleezi, @beyoncésweave, @lalaclairi_, @R92, @inevitable, @CorgiCorgiCorgi, @digitalkaiser, @paperboyfriendd, @Sanctuary, @constantino, @Petty Mayonnaise)
Lowest scores: 5 x 3 (@Trouble in Paradise, @A&E, @Sprockrooster)
My score: 10
Track background: Written by SZA and Cody Fayne once again, it was also produced by ThankGod4Cody again, too. Featuring a sample of Justin’s Timberlake’s “Set the Mood (Prelude) / Until the End of Time” (eww). It is Ctrl’s sixth track, its third single, as well as SZA’s first #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart, the first for a woman as lead artist in 2017, and the first for a woman since Rihanna in 2016 with “Needed Me”, fourteen months ago. It is currently #29 on the Billboard Hot 100.
SZA, speaking with Vulture:
And finally - SZA unveiling that she sings from the POV of the main, and not the side chick, as many listeners initially thought (thought it conflicts other things she's said...):
whatever storyline it is tho. Terrific song.
My thoughts: Me parsing the lyrics out during my first week with the album.
JKKKKKKKK.
Actually, this song, even aside from its lyrical content, has been a gem from the jump. Its classic R&B production, how sugary sweet and clear/direct her vocal is, the backing vocals throughout, the shoutout to her more eclectic/indie beginnings with that outro… just everything. FUCK. A perfect song.This just makes me melt, sway, makes me feel. But... if we’re really gonna do ANYTHING here, it’s gonna be one thing:
DRAG
THAT
MOTHERFUCKING
VIDEO.
Now, there can but one logical, sensible reasoning for this. What could it be?
Let's see.
SZA, 2011:
Solange, reading this:
SZA, dancing sans recognizable rhythm, on a video set, 2017:
Solange, editing the bullshit and clicking ‘upload’ on Youtube, in 2017:
Nah, but for real tho. That video fucked with my emotions just like only a true fuckboy © would, so I guess...um... mission accomplished, SZA.
VSB says it best tho:
What a WASTE of everyone’s time.
Anyway, “The Weekend” was published on Youtube on December 21st, 2017, and currently sits at nearly 4.4 million views.
Your thoughts:
@Jwentz (9) - @Petty Mayonnaise's signature better stan
@Bangers&Bops (9.5) - Not only are the lyrics relentless and unapologetic, the beat is gorgeous. Every layer of the instrumental was made for this specific song and feeling.
@KingBruno (7) - Why sample Until the End of Time? Choices.
@Mr.Arroz sidebar:
@Kuhleezi (10) - Don't know if we still use the term round here, but this is such an A+ thrasher. And 'You're like 9 to 5 I'm the weekend' is my new favorite read.
@Posh Spears (9) - Give me that gorgeous minute-long intro that I love!
@ohnostalgia (7.5) - I don’t really understand what’s happening but it seems like a Sisterhood of the Travelling Man situation and honestly that’s probably the best way to manage dealing with one.
@constantino (10) - The intro just makes me melt everytime. I have had a number of discussions with people who have criticised Solána for furthering the whole side chick narrative, but...that’s her truth. I love this album because it’s about her coming out and saying that she is more than just a side chick in a colourful, expressive and bold statement. Along with Love Galore, this has been the biggest grower for me on the album - the refrain is inescapable.
@Solenciennes (9) - The Weekend has a nice vibe to it, kind of subdued, kind of sad, kind of hopeful. Kind of like most of my weekends, come to think of it.
@Trouble in Paradise (5) - Honestly the lyrical tropes are pretty lame to me, and the song feels flat production wise.
Girl....
Delete your account.
AN-TY-WAY
Music video/live performances:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9CcLElrG6M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP2iZ5kR0mU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YB5IzMxq5Y
One more out a little later!!!
Gimme a Chance proves why she is leagues above most artists today, especially her contemporaries in Rap music. The sheer amount of creativity that's put into this song is like.. astonishing. Who else is bringing so many influences from all different cultures/musical genres and making it feel so authentic? There's no appropriation here. This is what I love about Azealia, she dips her foot into any world and makes it her own, whether it's House, EDM, Surf Rock, Pop, R&B, Indie Rock or just straight up spitting bars. Nothing is being borrowed for the sake of a hit or a bid to further her own career, it's because she's a real creative who loves music. Then she starts rapping and singing in Spanish?
Gimme a Chance proves why Azealia Banks is that girl.
Gimme a Chance proves why Azealia Banks is that girl.
Hmm. A 5 (which is an average score in my book), was a bit of an underscore. It has definitely grown a bit again during my last play of CTRL. Didnot know there was a video. Havenot watched yet, so maybe keep it that way?
Mr.Arroz
Staff member
he/him/his
LAST ONE.
#26
Bated Breath
8.654
Highest score: 11 x 1 (@Solenciennes)
10 x 15 (@1991, @Heaven on Earth, @Posh Spears, @Kuhleezi, @ohnostalgia, @K94, @beyoncésweave, @Bangers&Bops, @CorgiCorgiCorgi, @theelusivechanteuse, @2014, @constantino, @Petty Mayonnaise)
Lowest scores: 6.5 x 1 (@JamesJupiter)
6 x 2 (@He, @KingBruno)
My score: 10
Track background: Written by Tinashe alongside the track’s producer, Ritz Reynolds, “Bated Breath” is Aquarius’s second-to-last original track. Its music video premiered on March 4th, 2015. You can catch PJ’s reaction to it here.
My thoughts: I was honestly completely skeptical about Tinashe’s vocals when I first started paying serious attention to her when “2 On” came out, especially knowing she was finally putting out a major release back that same year. And to be honest (again), this being one of my first tastes of her live showings… I wasn’t impressed, to say the least. But with “Pretend”, I started to come around, a bit - and when the album itself finally dropped, it was “Bated Breath” that literally changed everything. Nearly six minutes of beauty, this is what had the power to convince me that she wasn’t another flash-in-the-pan female R&B singer whose vocals lived and died in the studio booth. The fact that the lyrics hit really close to home for many a queer person too is definitely a plus. Especially as Tinashe herself has spoken on her bisexuality early on in her career, which gives it another reading, as @ohnostalgia picks up on in her own commentary.
This deserved top 20, without a doubt.
Your thoughts:
@Solenciennes (11) - Best song on the album. Beautiful ballad, the gravelly murmurs peppered throughout are great and the emphatic ending to the song is the best outro here. Absolute fave.
@TRAVVV (9) - Her discography needs more belty ballads like this.
@digitalkaiser (7) - This is a beautiful soft moment on the album, but at this point for me the album dips a bit and I almost feel like I could start it over. Great vocals, Beautiful vocals.
@Bangers&Bops (10) - Here's where Tinashe has been hiding her pipes for much of the album's runtime. Just on the verge of love, "Bated Breath" is the emotional stalemate just before taking the big leap: "You're still waiting on the moment, breath is bated/ I wish I could hold you, I can't take it." The atmospheric soundscape and extended piano breakdown help this ballad resonate deeply.
@Posh Spears (10) - Heartbreakingly gorgeous. It may be 6 minutes long but every time I listen to it I still never want it to end.
@ohnostalgia (10) - This is so obviously a sapphic love song I cannot believe I didn’t pick up on it earlier.
“What if I told you it was all in vain? Would it still hurt you, would you still feel the same. Said it’s impossible, impossible. So impossible. But you’re still waiting on the moment, breath is bated. I wish I could hold you, I can’t take it. Tell you all my secrets, I’m too faded. Praying that tomorrow I’ll be braver. Maybe I can tell you, maybe I can do this. Kisses on my forehead we can fall into it.“
Absolutely no pronouns, intense longing for someone you think you’ll never have, anger and frustration that you can’t escape your closet, careful consideration of varying degrees of outness. I just- it’s phenomenal really, both emotionally and musically resonant to me in so many ways. I’m slowly getting braver but wowwww this hurts my poor bisexual heart because I have been there. You bet you’ll be seeing this in my sapphic rate, coming absolutely no time soon!
@constantino (10) - The adlibs, the OPULENCE. This is your moment, Tinashe, take it and milk it! ‘Cus we all know it’ll be a while ‘til we get your next deep cut. The piano gets me every time.
@Trouble in Paradise (7) - Really nice atmospheric song, the ending brings some extra drama vocally and production-wise.
@Remorque (10) - The atmosphere... The soundscape... One of the most lush songs I think I've ever had the pleasure of hearing.
Music video / live performances:
Not her basically lip-synching tho.
That’s all today guys. I’ll do a top 25 post in a bit!
#26
Bated Breath
8.654
Highest score: 11 x 1 (@Solenciennes)
10 x 15 (@1991, @Heaven on Earth, @Posh Spears, @Kuhleezi, @ohnostalgia, @K94, @beyoncésweave, @Bangers&Bops, @CorgiCorgiCorgi, @theelusivechanteuse, @2014, @constantino, @Petty Mayonnaise)
Lowest scores: 6.5 x 1 (@JamesJupiter)
6 x 2 (@He, @KingBruno)
My score: 10
Track background: Written by Tinashe alongside the track’s producer, Ritz Reynolds, “Bated Breath” is Aquarius’s second-to-last original track. Its music video premiered on March 4th, 2015. You can catch PJ’s reaction to it here.
My thoughts: I was honestly completely skeptical about Tinashe’s vocals when I first started paying serious attention to her when “2 On” came out, especially knowing she was finally putting out a major release back that same year. And to be honest (again), this being one of my first tastes of her live showings… I wasn’t impressed, to say the least. But with “Pretend”, I started to come around, a bit - and when the album itself finally dropped, it was “Bated Breath” that literally changed everything. Nearly six minutes of beauty, this is what had the power to convince me that she wasn’t another flash-in-the-pan female R&B singer whose vocals lived and died in the studio booth. The fact that the lyrics hit really close to home for many a queer person too is definitely a plus. Especially as Tinashe herself has spoken on her bisexuality early on in her career, which gives it another reading, as @ohnostalgia picks up on in her own commentary.
This deserved top 20, without a doubt.
Your thoughts:
@Solenciennes (11) - Best song on the album. Beautiful ballad, the gravelly murmurs peppered throughout are great and the emphatic ending to the song is the best outro here. Absolute fave.
@TRAVVV (9) - Her discography needs more belty ballads like this.
@digitalkaiser (7) - This is a beautiful soft moment on the album, but at this point for me the album dips a bit and I almost feel like I could start it over. Great vocals, Beautiful vocals.
@Bangers&Bops (10) - Here's where Tinashe has been hiding her pipes for much of the album's runtime. Just on the verge of love, "Bated Breath" is the emotional stalemate just before taking the big leap: "You're still waiting on the moment, breath is bated/ I wish I could hold you, I can't take it." The atmospheric soundscape and extended piano breakdown help this ballad resonate deeply.
@Posh Spears (10) - Heartbreakingly gorgeous. It may be 6 minutes long but every time I listen to it I still never want it to end.
@ohnostalgia (10) - This is so obviously a sapphic love song I cannot believe I didn’t pick up on it earlier.
“What if I told you it was all in vain? Would it still hurt you, would you still feel the same. Said it’s impossible, impossible. So impossible. But you’re still waiting on the moment, breath is bated. I wish I could hold you, I can’t take it. Tell you all my secrets, I’m too faded. Praying that tomorrow I’ll be braver. Maybe I can tell you, maybe I can do this. Kisses on my forehead we can fall into it.“
Absolutely no pronouns, intense longing for someone you think you’ll never have, anger and frustration that you can’t escape your closet, careful consideration of varying degrees of outness. I just- it’s phenomenal really, both emotionally and musically resonant to me in so many ways. I’m slowly getting braver but wowwww this hurts my poor bisexual heart because I have been there. You bet you’ll be seeing this in my sapphic rate, coming absolutely no time soon!
@constantino (10) - The adlibs, the OPULENCE. This is your moment, Tinashe, take it and milk it! ‘Cus we all know it’ll be a while ‘til we get your next deep cut. The piano gets me every time.
@Trouble in Paradise (7) - Really nice atmospheric song, the ending brings some extra drama vocally and production-wise.
@Remorque (10) - The atmosphere... The soundscape... One of the most lush songs I think I've ever had the pleasure of hearing.
Music video / live performances:
Not her basically lip-synching tho.
That’s all today guys. I’ll do a top 25 post in a bit!
I'm switching to a timeline where Bated Breath is noted for its musical innovation by people everywhere.
This should’ve been top 10 you heathens!!
ohnostalgia
Staff member
She/her
THIS IS BIPHOBIC.
D
Deleted member 21339
Ddddd I was literally having such a moment with Bated Breath last night. It's still one of her best and it deserved to go much further.
I only have 7 x 10s (including 1 x 11) remaining and...
Chasing Time needs to get the fuck out - it's Miss Camaraderie's less interesting sibling and I am disgusted that people prefer it (though after what happened to Dawn I am not surprised).
The Weekend leaving before Top 20 is the final nail for me... should've upped that 9 to a 10...
Chasing Time needs to get the fuck out - it's Miss Camaraderie's less interesting sibling and I am disgusted that people prefer it (though after what happened to Dawn I am not surprised).
The Weekend leaving before Top 20 is the final nail for me... should've upped that 9 to a 10...
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ohnostalgia
Staff member
She/her
But you're still waiting on the moment
Breath is bated
I wish I could hold you
I can't take it
Truly a relatable, quotable anthem.
Perfect post. Reminds me of the Pitchfork review for Broke, which I loved and think about a lot.Gimme a Chance proves why she is leagues above most artists today, especially her contemporaries in Rap music. The sheer amount of creativity that's put into this song is like.. astonishing. Who else is bringing so many influences from all different cultures/musical genres and making it feel so authentic? There's no appropriation here. This is what I love about Azealia, she dips her foot into any world and makes it her own, whether it's House, EDM, Surf Rock, Pop, R&B, Indie Rock or just straight up spitting bars. Nothing is being borrowed for the sake of a hit or a bid to further her own career, it's because she's a real creative who loves music. Then she starts rapping and singing in Spanish?
Gimme a Chance proves why Azealia Banks is that girl.
I’ve been returning to the album a lot during this rate, and honestly it’s such a classic. One of the best debuts of all time. Don’t @ me.
Bated Breath shoulda been top 10. The fuck.
He/Him
I would like to formally apologize for what I did to "The Weekend." After spending more time with it and the album, i love it and it's so much more than a 5. I wish it was the only SZA song I have to apologize for but I know another storms coming.
The Weekend and Bated Breath absolutely deserved top 10 you godless heathens.