18. Vera Blue - Lady Powers
Average Score - 8.244
High Scorers - Me,
@pop3blow2,
@daninternational &
@Untouchable Ace (10),
@saviodxl (9.6),
@Ana Raquel (9.5)
Low Scorers - @Hurricane Drunk (3),
@Sprockrooster (4)
Sigh.
Talk about a divisive track, huh? Multiple 10s and a 3? Muffy the DISCREPANCY!
With this 11, we say goodbye to our 9th place finalist, the divine Miss Vera Blue. We also say goodbye to Team The Voice - who were truly done dirty in both this rate and in their post-show careers. I dream of a reality where Vera Blue is a popstar of Lorde proportions. Where Sarah De Bono is Australia's premier power-pop princess. Where Karise Eden drops number one album after number one album because the songs she record just elevate her voice. Where Anja Nissen never released 'I'm So Excited', won Eurovision and is a star across the globe.
Alas, we must settle for a peak of #18.
But what a song to win it for Team The Voice, right ladies? 'Lady Powers' is stupidly good. It's actually kind of hard to know where to begin with it. We'll start with the production. A SLAPPER. A slinky, sultry, sensual dance-pop barnstormer that instantly announces its arrival. And that 'lady. Lady. Lady. Lady. Powers.' vocal hook that kicks in right away only elevates proceedings.
Secondly, the lyrical content. As a staunch feminist that truly believes in, celebrates and promotes powerful women, I cannot find any fault in the songwriting. The way Vera takes trite gestures men make (buying flowers, taking their girl dancing) and flips them on their head by proudly stating they're not enough for a strong, independent woman? Praise be. Keep your flowers, MENSESES. She's not gonna beg for your respect, she won't be defined by your eyes.
Then there's the hook. The way Vera uses her ethereal voice to build and build, before announcing 'I shouldn't have to UUUUUSE, my LADY. LADY. LADY. LADY POWERS.' It just grabs you and doesn't let up. I also particularly love the middle eight, where Vera slows things down a bit for something a little more gentle, as she ponders 'I could bear my body and my bones / But that would only tear me from my throne'. Ugh, fuck me up a bitsy Miss Celia.
I gave 'Lady Powers' a 10, but best believe she was coming for that 11. I really can't fault it - which is why I'm so glad so many of you also liked the track! Was it done dirty finishing now? Absolutely. Does that make it any less of a rate highlight? Absolutely not.
Let's hear from some other powerful ladies.
@pop3blow2 (10) is 110% okay with Vera using her lady powers -
One of my favorite songs in the rate! I gave this some heavy play a couple of years ago (I think I playlist it on one of my seasonal playlists) I don’t think I realized she was both an Aussie & a reality singing show alum at the time though. This songs goes off.
And
@daninternational (10) considers Miss Pavey-Blue at the height of her powers here too -
This is her best, such a vibe
@Untouchable Ace (10) is taken by the powers of production -
Wall to wall quality. The walls are made of twanging, bassy metal on wood. The atmophere is real.
@saviodxl (9.6) remembers when these lady powers powered through PJSC -
I had no idea Vera Blue came from The Voice! Heard this on PJSC a while ago and gave it points! Powerful feminist bop
@Music Is Life (9.25) is tapping into the power of recall -
How do I know this?
@klow (9) can't refuse the lady powers, but can refuse to see the hair-do -
I'm covering my eyes and pretending I'm not seeing that hairstyle in the video and bopping away.
@berserkboi (7.8) has the power setting on medium -
I do enjoy this enough but I’d be lying if I said I’d return to it a lot! Her quirkiness doesn’t appeal to me as much here…
