This Rate (Will Be My Downfall) - The Ellie Goulding rate (WINNER ANNOUNCED - I'M FREE)
- Thread starter constantino
- Start date
ohnostalgia
Staff member
She/her
Well..... My Blood then???
Even though Bright Lights is the first album to leave, it still annihilated the other two performance-wise...
The rate will conclude tomorrow at around 8-ish if all goes to plan xx
The rate will conclude tomorrow at around 8-ish if all goes to plan xx
he/him
That Gun and Horses placement is still a big mess. I think it's a pretty respectful Top 2. I may not love My Blood as much as everyone does, but I understand why they do. You'll see in my commentary that it's never been from a lack of effort. I've always wanted to love this fan favorite, but it just never happens for me. I'm rooting for Lost And Found, but will accept the other possibility.
I was really rooting for this love to win :\.
But then My Blood is also lovely, I'd want that to win.
Lost & found deserved #3.
But then My Blood is also lovely, I'd want that to win.
Lost & found deserved #3.
F
Former member 21294
Lost and Found is not even that good.
Slice of Life
Staff member
I'm ready to be dragged for my scores for our Top 2. Kii. Give it to me good, @constantino.
D
Deleted member 312
My Blood is grand, but it shouldn't even be in the top 10 never mind top 2. I can't remember the last time I had the urge to listen to it.
Goodness Gracious would have been my 11, but Lost and Would have been my back-up 11 so that can win it now...
Goodness Gracious would have been my 11, but Lost and Would have been my back-up 11 so that can win it now...
Hmmm well if only you voted, eh???
D
Deleted member 312
I know, but as I said I didn't have the time or inclination to sit through Delirium again. It's like a chronic illness: it won't kill you but it's drawn out, painful and exhausting.
D
Deleted member 3416
Lost & Found to win.
Lost & Found winning would be so odd, we can't have Ellie thinking Delirium was a good direction.
I prefer My Blood, but we had two killer 10s in the top 5 and y'all booted them out at #4 and #5. Also, for some reason I thought Anything Could Happen was still in too and I had Ciara_Im_Out.mp4 at the ready.
The top 3 is still kinda lacklustre though, two 7s and an 8.
I prefer My Blood, but we had two killer 10s in the top 5 and y'all booted them out at #4 and #5. Also, for some reason I thought Anything Could Happen was still in too and I had Ciara_Im_Out.mp4 at the ready.
The top 3 is still kinda lacklustre though, two 7s and an 8.
Two beautiful songs stand before me...
One represents anguish, heartbreak and finding beauty in the most harrowing of times...
One represents a nugget of gold in a heap of shite (for many)...
But which of these songs will beAmerica's Next Top Model the winner?
1. My Blood
Average: 9.43
High: 11 x 9 (@enjoy @Blodskur @LE0Night @D.Jay @Pinkie @xtophermorrison @Terminus @Consideration @Number) 10 x 11 (@me @Remorque @Daniel! @Conan @Reboot @Sprockrooster @kaushik @Island @ufint @WarmBlood11)
Low: 6 x 1 (@GhettoPrincess)
My score: 10
Are you shocked? Delighted? Disappointed? Does it matter? No, it's democracy at the end of the day, and this was what you voted for. I shortlisted a few possible winners and this was certainly one of them so I can't say I'm disappointed at all. It was top 5 throughout the rate, but only overtook Lost and Found (which lead for the majority of the voting period) in the last week of voting and would NOT budge, it's lead just kept on increasing.
Having seen some of y'all calling for its head for a few cuts now, I was a bit worried about the response this would get as a winner, but since this got the highest average by some margin AND the most 11s by far, this is the rightful winner, even if those who don’t agree are more vocal than the silent majority. Out of 37 voters, 19 gave this either a 10 or an 11. You can't argue with this outcome, especially if you didn't even fucking vote in the first place.
Whilst the majority of songs on Halcyon are based around Ellie's relationship with Greg James of Radio 1 fame, this takes a more distant, more dark and more ambitious lyrical approach. Rather, this gothic ballad was penned around the idea of being physically and emotionally weakened by one's partner. It's especially powerful because it was both co-written and co-produced by Ellie herself, so there is an additional level of intimacy about it. Despite it being a seemingly delicate ballad, it's swooning melody also makes it one of her most hook-laden tracks, and one that demands repeated listens. For that, I would declare this (and Halcyon as a whole) her artistic peak, so it's win is more-than justified on the basis of that alone.
Like many of the Halcyon Days-era tracks, the song featured on the soundtrack of the movie Divergent. It is one of a quartet of Ellie tunes that were woven into the action of the film. As mentioned in an earlier writeup, she also provided the "musical voice" for lead character Tris Prior (played by Shailene Woodley). "For me, the movie is about a young woman finding herself, transforming herself and becoming powerful on a societal stage," explained director Neil Burger to Entertainment Weekly. "It's an intimate, personal portrait, but on a grand scale. Ellie's music has that very intimate quality. You are in the heart of her characters, in their souls, in their minds. When she sings her voice resonates inside you. Her music was a perfect way to do all that for Tris - to feel what she was feeling inside."
On that, the track got a fair airing considering it was never released as a single (which it should've been, for the record); Ellie performed it on Later... with Jools Holland on 16 November 2012, on the basis of which critics hailed her as one of Adele's contemporaries. In addition to many a TV appearance, the instrumental + the chorus were also featured on the second trailer for Cinderella (2015 film).
Now, I don’t usually interrupt commentary (unless I’m feeling particularly cunty) but I just couldn’t help myself, sorry DJHazey (7), who in fairness could’ve been a lot harsher. In the end he gave this a decent 7, which was only 3 points away from being correct!
There some low-key (C: ??) moments in the chorus that always make me think I like this song more than I do (C: You probably do gurl, don’t fight it!). I've tried, it just doesn't seem to do the same things to me that it does for everyone else. (My eternal struggle) (C: Which ironically sounds like a Halcyon-era song title)
Slice of Life (7) provides a slice of shite to the winning song’s commentary:
The string work is spectacular. The vocals can be unpleasant to listen sometimes but it doesn't really destroy the song for me.
Thankfully, ohnostalgia (8.5) was less picky than those whores:
Brilliant moody atmospheric piano based pop, what is there to hate??? The stomping on the bridge is definitely the tipping point from good to great.
As expected, Mikey1701 (8.5) is a mess til the bitter end:
One of the better tracks from the mess of the parent album largely because it sounds like it could have come from Bright Lights.
I’m sure this victory will come as no suprise to good ol’ First2Run (9)...
What a soaring melody, there’s a good reason this is a fan favorite.
Haven’t you heard? Island (10) only does serious commentary now…
Epic and beautiful ballad. Outstanding.
Someone call poor Sprockrooster (10) a doctor, it seems the slayage was tew much for ha:
THAT MIDDLE-8. Makes my blood run faster.
You better stan ufint (10)!
Snatching wigs and veins with this. Bloody good! Indeed.
Like me, kaushik (10) considered giving this his 11:
This came so close to being my 11. I love everything about the song - especially the lyrics; its such a well written song.
Remyky22 (10) may as well have given this his 11, ‘cuz he basically says this is her best track:
If there ever was such thing as an Ellie classic, it's definitely this track. It perfectly balances her pop sensibilities with her alternative side, all while giving us one of the biggest choruses of her discography.
Daniel! (10) exposes himself as a Disney stan:
Sweeping and majestic with a belter of a chorus. The thing that really made this click outside of the album was hearing it used in a trailer for that live action Cinderella film dddd but hearing it in that opulent, cinematic setting really hit home how dazzling it is.
See you in @Animalia's Disney rate, hen!
Now onto our 11-givers…
This one reminds xtophermorrison of this adulterous past:
This song really played a huge role in the soundtrack to my life a couple years ago when I was ‘The Other Man.’ EG captures that desperation and crushing disappointment when you are really involved with someone, but suddenly realize it has never and will never go anywhere.
Our fallen sister Consideration also gave this his 11, so I hope this will give him some joy wherever he is:
The apex of her career so far. Dark, haunting, menacing but also euphoric and freeing. A complete catharsis, an excorcism in musical form. The lyrics are so incredibly poetic and can be interpreted in so many ways. I know there are a lot of different interpretations of what the song is about but I consider it to be about abuse, which just adds an extra layer of darkness to the song.
Terminus (11) gave us this beautiful paragraph, which justifies its win better than I ever could”
I don't know if Ellie will ever give us anything like this again, as moving, as compelling, as this. It's something that would not feel out of place of Peter Gabriel's "So", it has that feeling of influence, but so utterly modern. Her vocal is used to perfection with that tribal, engrossing instrumental, that pulls you in to this world of hers, this world of pain, yearning and realisation. It's so rare a song perfectly captures the battle you have with heartbreak, and it's utterly beautiful. Every word, every second, soul-shaking, and the way that final chorus rises so high, leaving you as bereft and scarred as the figure at the centre of this song. It's a masterpiece, a rapture, and I defy anyone to ever attempt to explain otherwise. And God knows I'm not dying but I breathe now...
And we’ll close with my fave D.Jay (11), who I honestly couldn’t be any happier for right now:
Honestly this song is the best thing Ellie has ever written. I am reduced to tears nearly every time I hear it. The chorus is just such a moment, full of emotion, passion and a beautiful orchestral backing. The final “I lost with you, I lost with you” gives me goosebumps every time. I wish that every song sounded this good. I wish that this was a single, This song will forever remain my favorite and is a true career highlight.
One represents anguish, heartbreak and finding beauty in the most harrowing of times...
One represents a nugget of gold in a heap of shite (for many)...
But which of these songs will be
1. My Blood
Average: 9.43
High: 11 x 9 (@enjoy @Blodskur @LE0Night @D.Jay @Pinkie @xtophermorrison @Terminus @Consideration @Number) 10 x 11 (@me @Remorque @Daniel! @Conan @Reboot @Sprockrooster @kaushik @Island @ufint @WarmBlood11)
Low: 6 x 1 (@GhettoPrincess)
My score: 10
Are you shocked? Delighted? Disappointed? Does it matter? No, it's democracy at the end of the day, and this was what you voted for. I shortlisted a few possible winners and this was certainly one of them so I can't say I'm disappointed at all. It was top 5 throughout the rate, but only overtook Lost and Found (which lead for the majority of the voting period) in the last week of voting and would NOT budge, it's lead just kept on increasing.
Having seen some of y'all calling for its head for a few cuts now, I was a bit worried about the response this would get as a winner, but since this got the highest average by some margin AND the most 11s by far, this is the rightful winner, even if those who don’t agree are more vocal than the silent majority. Out of 37 voters, 19 gave this either a 10 or an 11. You can't argue with this outcome, especially if you didn't even fucking vote in the first place.
Whilst the majority of songs on Halcyon are based around Ellie's relationship with Greg James of Radio 1 fame, this takes a more distant, more dark and more ambitious lyrical approach. Rather, this gothic ballad was penned around the idea of being physically and emotionally weakened by one's partner. It's especially powerful because it was both co-written and co-produced by Ellie herself, so there is an additional level of intimacy about it. Despite it being a seemingly delicate ballad, it's swooning melody also makes it one of her most hook-laden tracks, and one that demands repeated listens. For that, I would declare this (and Halcyon as a whole) her artistic peak, so it's win is more-than justified on the basis of that alone.
Like many of the Halcyon Days-era tracks, the song featured on the soundtrack of the movie Divergent. It is one of a quartet of Ellie tunes that were woven into the action of the film. As mentioned in an earlier writeup, she also provided the "musical voice" for lead character Tris Prior (played by Shailene Woodley). "For me, the movie is about a young woman finding herself, transforming herself and becoming powerful on a societal stage," explained director Neil Burger to Entertainment Weekly. "It's an intimate, personal portrait, but on a grand scale. Ellie's music has that very intimate quality. You are in the heart of her characters, in their souls, in their minds. When she sings her voice resonates inside you. Her music was a perfect way to do all that for Tris - to feel what she was feeling inside."
On that, the track got a fair airing considering it was never released as a single (which it should've been, for the record); Ellie performed it on Later... with Jools Holland on 16 November 2012, on the basis of which critics hailed her as one of Adele's contemporaries. In addition to many a TV appearance, the instrumental + the chorus were also featured on the second trailer for Cinderella (2015 film).
Now, I don’t usually interrupt commentary (unless I’m feeling particularly cunty) but I just couldn’t help myself, sorry DJHazey (7), who in fairness could’ve been a lot harsher. In the end he gave this a decent 7, which was only 3 points away from being correct!
There some low-key (C: ??) moments in the chorus that always make me think I like this song more than I do (C: You probably do gurl, don’t fight it!). I've tried, it just doesn't seem to do the same things to me that it does for everyone else. (My eternal struggle) (C: Which ironically sounds like a Halcyon-era song title)
Slice of Life (7) provides a slice of shite to the winning song’s commentary:
The string work is spectacular. The vocals can be unpleasant to listen sometimes but it doesn't really destroy the song for me.
Thankfully, ohnostalgia (8.5) was less picky than those whores:
Brilliant moody atmospheric piano based pop, what is there to hate??? The stomping on the bridge is definitely the tipping point from good to great.
As expected, Mikey1701 (8.5) is a mess til the bitter end:
One of the better tracks from the mess of the parent album largely because it sounds like it could have come from Bright Lights.
I’m sure this victory will come as no suprise to good ol’ First2Run (9)...
What a soaring melody, there’s a good reason this is a fan favorite.
Haven’t you heard? Island (10) only does serious commentary now…
Epic and beautiful ballad. Outstanding.
Someone call poor Sprockrooster (10) a doctor, it seems the slayage was tew much for ha:
THAT MIDDLE-8. Makes my blood run faster.
You better stan ufint (10)!
Snatching wigs and veins with this. Bloody good! Indeed.
Like me, kaushik (10) considered giving this his 11:
This came so close to being my 11. I love everything about the song - especially the lyrics; its such a well written song.
Remyky22 (10) may as well have given this his 11, ‘cuz he basically says this is her best track:
If there ever was such thing as an Ellie classic, it's definitely this track. It perfectly balances her pop sensibilities with her alternative side, all while giving us one of the biggest choruses of her discography.
Daniel! (10) exposes himself as a Disney stan:
Sweeping and majestic with a belter of a chorus. The thing that really made this click outside of the album was hearing it used in a trailer for that live action Cinderella film dddd but hearing it in that opulent, cinematic setting really hit home how dazzling it is.
See you in @Animalia's Disney rate, hen!
Now onto our 11-givers…
This one reminds xtophermorrison of this adulterous past:
This song really played a huge role in the soundtrack to my life a couple years ago when I was ‘The Other Man.’ EG captures that desperation and crushing disappointment when you are really involved with someone, but suddenly realize it has never and will never go anywhere.
Our fallen sister Consideration also gave this his 11, so I hope this will give him some joy wherever he is:
The apex of her career so far. Dark, haunting, menacing but also euphoric and freeing. A complete catharsis, an excorcism in musical form. The lyrics are so incredibly poetic and can be interpreted in so many ways. I know there are a lot of different interpretations of what the song is about but I consider it to be about abuse, which just adds an extra layer of darkness to the song.
Terminus (11) gave us this beautiful paragraph, which justifies its win better than I ever could”
I don't know if Ellie will ever give us anything like this again, as moving, as compelling, as this. It's something that would not feel out of place of Peter Gabriel's "So", it has that feeling of influence, but so utterly modern. Her vocal is used to perfection with that tribal, engrossing instrumental, that pulls you in to this world of hers, this world of pain, yearning and realisation. It's so rare a song perfectly captures the battle you have with heartbreak, and it's utterly beautiful. Every word, every second, soul-shaking, and the way that final chorus rises so high, leaving you as bereft and scarred as the figure at the centre of this song. It's a masterpiece, a rapture, and I defy anyone to ever attempt to explain otherwise. And God knows I'm not dying but I breathe now...
And we’ll close with my fave D.Jay (11), who I honestly couldn’t be any happier for right now:
Honestly this song is the best thing Ellie has ever written. I am reduced to tears nearly every time I hear it. The chorus is just such a moment, full of emotion, passion and a beautiful orchestral backing. The final “I lost with you, I lost with you” gives me goosebumps every time. I wish that every song sounded this good. I wish that this was a single, This song will forever remain my favorite and is a true career highlight.
Phew.
