People | 3BOPS

1. Kings of Leon, “100,000 People”

💿 When You See Yourself • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2021

🏆 Grammy-winning rock collective 🎙 Kings of Leon released a new album in 2021, 💿 When You See Yourself. KOL released two promo singles simultaneously, including the people-driven 🎵 “100,000 People”.  The successful offering ends up running nearly six minutes in duration.  No worries as it’s an intriguing six minutes.  The record commences with a hypnotic sound – groovy, moderately-slow paced, and poised.  It features a simple harmonic progression, which initially gives “100,000 People” a minimalistic feel.  “100,000 People” has a cool, measured energy.

🎙 Caleb Followill exhibits restraint from the onset. Even pulling back, he’s an incredibly effective front man. “100,000 People” progressively picks up more steam musically.  There’s a nice addition of some electronic sounds that are definitely unexpected from Kings of Leon.  As the instrumental picks up steam, likewise Caleb becomes progressively edgier as well.  The best section of the song is the chorus, specifically the constantly repeated “You do,” backed sweetly by an expanded sound palette.  Obviously, the lyric “You do” isn’t profound but no worries – there’s plenty of strong songwriting throughout.

2. Demi Lovato, “Lonely People”

💿 Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over • 🏷 Island • 📅 2021

🏆 Grammy-nominated pop artist 🎙 Demi Lovato delivers an authentic, personal, and incredibly intriguing pop album with her seventh studio album, 💿 Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over.  Given the trials and tribulations she’s experienced, what better way than sharing her story with the world through her music?  The results are positive all in all, with 🎵 “Lonely People” ranking among the crème de la crème of the LP.

Within the context of Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over, 🎵 “Lonely People” continue to check off boxes.  What makes it such a bop? Well, there’s great production from 🎛 Oak, 🎛 “Downtown” Trevor Brown, and 🎛 Zaire Koalo, specifically the drum programming, rhythmic guitar, and backing vocals.  Furthermore, there’s a big, soaring chorus, and as always, great vocals by Lovato. Lovato shows control on the verses while she rises to the occasion on the chorus.  Once more, she adds the cherry on top with some excellent ad-libs.

“Guess we’re all lonely people
Guess we’re all lonely people
Romeo has no sequel
Guess we’re all lonely people.”

3. George Ezra, “Pretty Shining People”

💿 Staying at Tamara’s • 🏷 Sony UK • 📅 2018

In 2018, deep-voiced British singer-songwriter 🎙 George Ezra released an impressive sophomore album with 💿 Staying at Tamara’s.  One of the best moments from the album arrives at the top with standout 🎵 “Pretty Shining People”. Here, Ezra shows off those distinct, powerful, and robust vocals in all their glory. Beyond the voice, the narrative songwriting is excellent – incredibly fun as well as thoughtful.

On the first verse, Ezra struggles with fear and change. On the second, he focuses on “what ifs.” The pre-chorus comes from the perspective of his friend, Sam:

“He said: ‘Why, why, what a terrible time to be alive
If you’re prone to over thinking and
Why, why, what a terrible time to be alive
If you’re prone to second guessing.”

Another pro is the production, shining brightest on the powerful, enthusiastic chorus.  During this particular section, there is heavy use of acoustic guitars, and pummeling drums. Also, worth noting, melodically, it’s simply beautiful.