ROLE MODEL, High Hopes 3000 | Song Review

ROLE MODEL continues his upward trajectory with “High Hopes 3000,” the lead single from his third LP, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass.

And how is that, ROLE MODEL (Tucker Pillsbury)? “Alone in L.A., while I grieve the departed.” Word. And that, my friends, is one of the many stand-out lyrics/moments from “High Hopes 3000”.  “High Hopes 3000” is the high-flying lead single and second track from Pillsbury’s third studio album, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass. The memorable song was written by ROLE MODEL, Remy Moritt, Kane Ritchotte, Taylor Mackall, Mason Stoops, and Harrison Whitford. Ritchotte, Mackall, and Stoops produced it.

“High Hopes 3000” flies high from the get-go.  The sound can be described as countrified, western-flavored, folk-pop; it fits ROLE MODEL to a T.  An optimistic piano riff sets the tone. I love ROLE MODEL’s enthusiastic “woo” that appears in the intro. Before focusing on the star, shout out the harmonic progression.  Not because it’s complex, but its simplicity, with a few wrinkles, works to perfection. Now, it’s Tucker time! He delivers well-rounded, nuanced vocals. I love his tone and the cool energy he brings.  The melodies during the verses are quite tuneful.  The lyrics, meanwhile, are quite memorable.  “I get undressed in the arms of a stranger,” he sings in the second verse, and continues, “Then second-guess that ol’ half-sober behavior.” Noted. The chorus is a surefire vibe. Here, ROLE MODEL shows off plenty of personality.  The profanity doesn’t hurt his cause either.

“I need some high hopes, Lord knows I could use ‘em

I know I’ma lose ‘em when the wheels fall off

Hey now, lend some independence

Stuck inside the fences like a goddamn dog

Long nights, heavy feelings

They say I’m unappealing when I shoot my shot

Come here, honey, show me how to do it

Does love come around, or does one come around to it?”

The listeners get even more attitude and personality from ROLE MODEL during the bridge, which features the same lyrics as the chorus with instrumental and melodic tweaks.  Wrapping things up, ROLE MODEL does his big one on “High Hopes 3000”.  By my estimations, he continues to be on an upward trajectory.

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ROLE MODEL » Chuck Timely & The Hourglass » Interscope Records » 8.7.26 [📷: Interscope Records]

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