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Twenty One Pilots, “Level of Concern” [Photo Credit: Fueled by Ramen]

Twenty One Pilots bring ample fun to Fun Friday with their hella catchy, groovy quarantine anthem, “Level of Concern.”  

Fun Friday features songs that are energetic and exciting; supercharged for the weekend.  There will be no BALLADS whatsoever on Fun Fridays! So, with that considered, for Fun Friday, April 17, 2020, we enlist Twenty One Pilots once more (they appeared on Weekly Gems No. 2 on Somber Sunday) for the hella catchy, groovy quarantine anthem, “Level of Concern”. 

“Wonderin’ would you be my little quarantine? / Or is this the way it ends?” Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun release an instant hit during one of the most uncertain times worldwide “Level of Concern” is one of the musical crown jewels born out of the “horrible, awful, no good” coronavirus pandemic.  Joseph delivers an honest vocal performance, as he shares his thoughts on the state of the world and of course, his anxiety. “Panic on the brain, world has gone insane / Things are starting to get heavy,” he sings on the first verse, adding, “I can’t help but think I haven’t felt this way / Since I asked you to go steady.” Indeed, COVID-19 is not only novel in its virility but it also has forced a ‘new normal’ that’s uncomfortable, particularly the social effects.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, speaking directly to anxiety, discomfort, and uncertainty:

“Cause I told you my level of concern
But you walked by like you never heard
And you could bring down my level of concern
Just need you to tell me you’re alright
Tell me we’re okay.”

Joseph is accompanied by one of the most danceable, funky backdrops of his career, driven by the drum groove (Dun), rhythmic guitar, and keyboards. Joseph wrote this awesome record, producing it with Paul Meany. Twenty One Pilots are as concerned as anyone else about the novel coronavirus and its effects on everyday life, but “Level of Concern” is a truly outstanding means to convey it.  This is a well-written, well-produced, and an exceptionally performed record by all means, tailor maid for FUN FRIDAY even if Fridays aren’t so fun anymore.


Twenty One Pilots • “Level of Concern” • Fueled by Ramen • 2020
Photo Credit: Brent Faulkner, Broesis, Fueled by Ramen, The Musical Hype, OmarMedinaFilms, Pixabay, taniarose


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.