Island | 5ive Songs

1. Taylor Swift, “coney island”

Ft. The National

💿 Evermore • 🏷 Taylor Swift • 📅 2020

“Did I close my fist around something delicate? Did I shatter you?” 🎙 Taylor Swift was on a roll in 2020, period. She released not only one album – the Grammy-winning 💿 folklore, but also its companion piece, 💿 Evermore. Similarly, Evermore lacked no shortage of musical gems, closing out 2020 with a surefire bang during the unprecedented, pandemic-dominated year.  Among the gems gracing Evermore is the ‘island’ cut, 🎵 “Coney Island.”

It should come as no surprise that 🎙 The National ends up on Evermore at some point, with 🎛 Aaron Dessner handling production duties throughout.  That moment finally comes on “Coney Island” where listeners are treated to the sweet baritone of the band’s front man, 🎙 Matt Berninger.  The contrast between his vocals and Swift’s is stark and quite alluring.  The calming, peaceful nature of “Coney Island” is part of the appeal.  Of course, Dessner’s production chops continue to stand tall as well.

“And I’m sitting on a bench in Coney Island
Wondering where did my baby go?
The fast times, the bright lights, the merry go
Sorry for not making you my centerfold.” 

2. Raphael Saadiq, “Rikers Island”

💿 Jimmy Lee • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2019

Eight years.  That’s how long it had been since Grammy-winning R&B musician 🎙 Raphael Saadiq released a new studio album.  Saadiq returned in 2019 with a contemporary masterpiece – his very personal, socially-changed, fifth studio album, 💿Jimmy Lee.  The crown jewel of Jimmy Lee is 🎵“Rikers Island”, where Saadiq sings, “Too many niggas in Rikers Island / Why must it be?” The powerful, socially-changed chorus, continues, “Too many niggas in Rikers Island / Set ‘em free.”

Saadiq begins an entirely new conversation on “Riker’s Island,” and it’s not merely limited to the infamy of Rikers Island itself. The big takeaway is the statement that Saadiq makes about the number of black men that are incarcerated.  Yes, Rikers Island is a universally panned correctional facility, but the theme transcends beyond it.  It’s amazing that this record with disturbing, hurtful subject matter for black families that is also the funkiest joint of the album.  One upping that, it ranks among the very best songs of 2019.

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3. Agnes Obel, “Island of Doom”

💿 Myopia • 🏷 Deutsche Grammophon • 📅 2020

“But I know you with a heartbeat / So how does the night feel? / When the lights fade out / … But now it’s gone, it’s gone, it’s gone…” 🎵“Island of Doom” appears on 💿 Myopia, the 2020 studio album by 🎙 Agnes Obel. “Island of Doom,” which runs five-and-a-half minutes in length, is quite a compelling, hypnotic record.  “Destiny made her way and found you in a room,” Obel sings, continuing, “They told me, they told me / To undo the rule of mind and body…”  

The lyrics are poetic and incredibly thoughtful.  Of course, the lyricism contributes to the haunting quality of this chamber pop record, despite the fact that it’s set in a major key.  Worth noting, ‘doom’ itself isn’t mentioned explicitly until the bridge (“…For the road of your mind will eat you up / On your island of doom”).

Also appears on 🔽:

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4. Saccades, “Islands Past”

💿 Flowing Fade • 🏷 Fuzz Club • 📅 2021

🎙Saccades (Nicholas Wood) drops an incredibly colorful, enjoyable, and trippy single, 🎵 “Islands Past”, the promo single for and opener for his 2021 album, 💿 Flowing Fade. “Islands Past” commences with a lovely evolving pad at the onset which definitely catches the ear.  There is a gorgeous instrumental background overall; quite a vibe that is cultivated, in the most alternative/psychedelic way possible.

The listener gets chilled-out vocals by Saccades; his subtler approach perfectly fits an alternative/psych aesthetic. Interestingly, there’s a nice use of an instrumental interlude of sorts, following the chorus:

“Please
Just
Let me dream
I’m older
now
And I can’t
Change.”

Continuing on, there’s brilliant contrast on the second verse.  Here, the instrumental pulls back, allowing more space for the vocals and more space in general.  Overall, “Islands Past” features excellent songwriting. The trippy nature of the lyrics, coupled with the colorful backdrop is definitely a win for Wood. Honestly, there are no glaring cons to be found.

5. Florida Georgia Line, “Island”

💿 Dig Your Roots • 🏷 Big Machine • 📅 2016 

🎵“Island” serves as a highlight from 💿 Dig Your Roots, the 2016 album by country duo 🎙 Florida Georgia Line. “Island” features an alluring, enigmatic beginning. This slow jam bodes well in the duo’s favor. Well produced, the richness of the guitar is a selling point. As was often the case with early FGL, it employs country cues, yet also has crossover appeal.

The vocal production is a selling point as well. The vocals are clear and present within the mix. Lyrically, “Island” features a catchy chorus, always a lift:

“We might as well be on an island
Might as well be on the moon
The way you’re looking at me baby…”

Additionally, there’s plenty of repetition.  Enjoyable, albeit it brief, perhaps the biggest thing “Island” could’ve used is a few more seconds, potentially another full minute or so. Still, it’s a country vibe.