WEEKLY GEMS 💎 NO. 2: WEEK OF 4-6-2020 features music courtesy of Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion & Twenty One Pilots among others. 

Welcome to Weekly Gems 💎, a conceptual column that features one song for each day of the week.  Where did this brilliant idea come from? While taking a shower actually… Anyways, here’s an outline of each of the criteria/premise of each day of Weekly Gems 💎.  Monday serves as the official start of the week.

Mad Monday serves as a marvelous means to start off a hectic, work week for many. Monday is among the more hated days of the week, so lets spice it up with some music, shall we? After taking a “L” on Monday, Terrific Tuesday seems to be an ideal, perfect way to rebound. Go on and “Brush the dirt off your shoulders” and absolutely kill it on Tuesday. Wacky Wednesday is reserved for an intriguing song or piece of music that’s out of the ordinary – definitely ear catching. What better way to celebrate hump day, right? 

Throwback Thursday (TBT) looks back at songs that have truly captivated or stuck with me for whatever reason. In some cases, there’s a compelling story or memorable happening behind the fan-girling. Fun Friday features songs that are energetic and exciting; supercharged for the weekend. There will be no BALLADS whatsoever on Fun Fridays! Steamy Saturday features songs where the temperature is hot, and we’re not talking about Celsius or Fahrenheit. Songs appearing on this day are seductive; sensual; sexy. Somber Sunday perfectly captures the end of the weekend with its sadness, disappointment, and look towards yet another mad Monday. 

So, with everything accurately laid out, and Week 1 behind us, let’s jump right into WEEKLY GEMS NO. 2: WEEK OF 4-6-2020, which features seven songs for each day of the week.  WEEKLY GEMS NO. 2 features music courtesy of Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, and Twenty One Pilots, and among others. 

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The Boxer Rebellion, “What the Fuck” | Mad Monday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎No. 2 | Mad Monday No. 2, 4/6/2020

Spicing up Mad Monday with some awesome music, we look to The Boxcar Rebellion, who compel with the foul-mouthed “What the Fuck.”

Mad Monday serves as a marvelous means to start off a hectic, work week for many.  Monday is among the more hated days of the week, so lets spice it up with some music, shall we? Today’s Mad Monday (April 6, 2020), arrives courtesy of UK alternative/indie rock collective, The Boxer Rebellion with the foul-mouthed, “What the Fuck.”  Seems like a fitting question to ask on any Monday, sigh.

Besides appearing as the opener on The Boxer Rebellion’s 2018 album, Ghost Alive, “What the Fuck” previously graced The Musical Hype’s profane list, 25 Colorful Songs, Clearly For Under Consent of the King. The most eyebrow-raising lyrics from this colorful, gorgeously penned and produced ballad occur on the chorus:

“So, what the fuck, who do you
Think you are to talk to me, to look the way you do?
So, what the fuck, who do you
Think you are to talk to me, to look the way you do?”

For those hoping singer Nathan Nicholson would sing more f-bombs, you’ll be disappointed.  The verses are more poetic, refined, and reflective.  “Outside the world the distance looking down from the moon,” Nicholson thoughtfully sings on the first verse, continuing, “Accept the gifts you’ve been given and accept it ends too soon.” On the second verse, he seems to take the high road: “I always found it better if I looked you in the eye / Even if you didn’t notice, even if you wouldn’t try.” Ultimately, this common, profane phrase makes for a bold, powerful question, a terrific song, and as aforementioned, seems totally representative of a MAD MONDAY.

The Boxer Rebellion, “What the Fuck” – Mad Monday 💎

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The Boxer Rebellion • Ghost Alive • Absentee Recordings • 2018

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Panic! At the Disco “High Hopes” | Terrific Tuesday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 2 | Terrific Tuesday No. 1, 4/7/2020

Panic! At The Disco atones for the “L” taken on Monday, with “High Hopes,” the perfect song to ring in Terrific Tuesday. 

After taking a “L” on Monday, Terrific Tuesday seems to be an ideal, perfect way to rebound.  Go on and “Brush the dirt off your shoulders” and absolutely kill it on Tuesday.  How are we going to kill it this particular Tuesday, April 7, 2020?  Well, we’re going to lean on having “High Hopes”, much like Brendon Urie and Panic! At the Disco do!

“High Hopes” ranks among the highlights on the band’s 2018 album, Pray for the Wicked.  You could even argue that “High Hopes” is the crowning achievement.  It kicks off with driving brassy, exuberant production work, set in a major key. After setting the tone with the intro, Brendon Urie unveils the optimistic, chorus, singing in his powerful upper register.

“Have to have high, high hopes for a living
Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing
Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high, high hopes…”

Following the initial burst excitement, ultimately the centerpiece of “High Hopes,” Urie settles into the first verse.  Here, he speaks of destiny, dreams, and “rewriting your history,” as advised by his mom (Mama knows best, right?).  Later, on the second verse, he speaks about being true to self, personally and musically.  “It’s uphill for oddities / The stranger crusaders / Ain’t ever wannabes / The weird and the novelties / Don’t ever change.” Clearly, “High Hopes” is an anthem for dreamers and definitely encouragement for the non-conformists of the world.  Furthermore, it’s encouragement after a Monday that was total poo. Let the Baroque-pop styling and high-flying, spirited vocals of “High Hopes” assuage and atone for the ills of Monday past.

Panic! At the Disco “High Hopes” – Terrific Tuesday 💎

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Panic! At the Disco • Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • Release: 2018

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Bon Iver, “21 M◊◊N WATER” | Wacky Wednesday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎No. 2 | Wacky Wednesday No. 2, 4/8/2020 

On Wacky Wednesday, we examine the thought-provoking Bon Iver gem, “21 M◊◊N WATER” from the 2016 album, 22, A Million.

Wacky Wednesday is reserved for an intriguing song or piece of music that’s out of the ordinary – definitely ear catching.  What better way to celebrate hump day, right?  Let’s get wacky on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 with “21 M◊◊N WATER,” courtesy of Grammy-winning alternative collective Bon Iver.

Led by Justin Vernon, Bon Iver returned triumphantly in 2016 with 22, A Million, an eclectic album that sounded like nothing else released that year.  Incorporating electronic cues and acoustic cues alike, 22, A Million is an intriguing listen.  While its lyrics can be challenging – drenched in spirituality, numerology, and the most accessible, romance – 22, A Million is an album that makes listeners think.

“21 M◊◊N WATER,” the seventh track from the album (there’s a significance to this, btw), is filled with thought-provoking lyrics and references.  Like much of 22, A Million, the record embraces numerology. Interestingly, Justin Vernon sings: “The math ahead / the math behind it / it’s moon water.”  What is particularly significant about those lyrics, as well as “21 M◊◊N WATER” isn’t water itself, but the number 7.  First of all, it appears as the seventh track on 22, A Million.  21, the number referenced in the title, is a product of 7. Also, 21 is comprised of three sevens, and 777 is a key Biblical number.

Here’s the thing.  While Bon Iver makes ‘spiritual’ references, “21 M◊◊N WATER” isn’t Christian.  Numerology certainly isn’t associated with Christianity in the least.  It is numbers based, hence why the reference to math signifies its use here.  Why are two opposite ends of the spectrum – Christianity and numerology – referenced within one song? Duality, which is a key component of 22, A Million and runs rampant on “21 M◊◊N WATER.” A prime example? “I’m not sinking – I’m not synching.”  Wow – how clever is that? Backtracking to spiritual association, if you need further evidence that “21 M◊◊N WATER” isn’t Christian, let’s talk about that ‘M◊◊N WATER,’ shall we?  Moon water, per Witchipedia is:

“Moon water is water that has been charged with the energies of the moon. It is a popular way to charge water to be used during a ceremony or spell working or to brew magical potions and may be used for anything you are directed to use water for.”

“21 M◊◊N WATER” is nothing short of intriguing, period, so much so, it previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Wet Songs About Water, Water, Water.

Bon Iver, “21 M◊◊N WATER” – Wacky Wednesday 💎

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Bon Iver • 22, A Million • Jagjaguwar • Release: 2016

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Bill Withers, “Lean on Me” | Throwback Thursday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 2 | TBT No. 2, 4/9/2020

Taking it back to 1972, we remember the iconic Bill Withers on Throwback Thursday (TBT) with his classic, “Lean on Me.” 

Throwback Thursday (TBT) looks back at songs that have truly captivated or stuck with me for whatever reason.  In some cases, there’s a compelling story or memorable happening behind the fan girling.  For the second TBT, we remember an iconic musician, Bill Withers, who passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020.  What better song to commemorate the legend than “Lean on Me.”

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong / And I’ll be your friend / I’ll help you carry on…” Certainly the most ubiquitous Bill Withers song, “Lean on Me” never seems to grow old.  I can remember selecting the thoughtfully penned song for my elementary music classes to sing, and the response was positive.  I say that to say that “Lean on Me” ranks among those rare, transcendent songs that bridges a number of different generations.  Why is it such a terrific song? It’s soulful, memorable, and honestly, relatively simple.

Sometimes, the simplest songs from a musical standpoint carry the most weight.  The harmonic progression isn’t the least bit complicated, yet it’s one of the most memorable and recognizable ones ever.  The minute that you hear those ascending chord changes, you connect it with “Lean on Me.” The lyrics, which are poetically written, are also simple, as they seem to hearken back to more innocent, selfless, and thoughtful times.  The aforementioned chorus is a prime example, thought the verses and bridge are also ripe in promoting brotherhood:

“Just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on.”

Of course, the final reason why “Lean on Me” is epic is its all-around soulfulness.  First and foremost, Bill Withers was tailor-made to sing this. He delivers a smooth, easy-going performance that’s no less potent had he threw in ample vocal runs.  He’s coolly soulful you might say.  Furthermore, the production is equally stellar, led by the blend of acoustic and electric pianos, anchored by a robust bass line and drum groove, and accentuated by strings.  Yes, “Lean on Me” arrived back in ‘72, but it’s as relevant as ever in 2020, and should prove to be so for years to come.

Bill Withers, “Lean on Me” | Throwback Thursday 💎

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Bill Withers • Still Bill • Columbia • 1972

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Dua Lipa, “Levitating” | Fun Friday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 2 | Fun Friday No. 2, 4/10/2020

Dua Lipa brings ample fun to Fun Friday with the high-flying “Levitating” from her sophomore album, Future Nostalgia. 

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 10, 2020, we enlist Dua Lipa, who is totally “Levitating”!  The Grammy-winning pop singer is pretty awesome – that goes without saying! “Levitating,” which appears from her incredibly engaging, utterly consistent sophomore album, Future Nostalgia, is awesome as well – FACTS!

“I believe that you’re for me, I feel it in our energy / I see us written in the stars / We can go wherever, so let’s do it now or never / Baby, nothing’s ever, ever too far.” “Levitating” makes a compelling case among the crème de la crème of Future Nostalgia, considering the ‘loving’ has the pop star rising/floating, defying gravity.  Every chorus is pretty amazing throughout Future Nostalgia, but the hook on “Levitating” hits especially hard:

“I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight
I need you, all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating.”

Why “Levitating” on FUN FRIDAY? Isn’t it obvious? Dua Lipa and her love are about to have a stellar night…

Dua Lipa, “Levitating” | Fun Friday 💎

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Dua Lipa • Future Nostalgia • Warner • 2020

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Megan Thee Stallion, “Captain Hook” | Steamy Saturday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 2 | Steamy Sat No. 2, 4/11/2020

Megan Thee Stallion exemplifies Steamy Saturday, serving us the sexed-up, unapologetic “Captain Hook” from her 2020 EP, Suga. 

Steamy Saturday features songs where the temperature is hot, and we’re not talking about Celsius or Fahrenheit.  Songs appearing on this day are seductive; sensual; sexy.  For Saturday, April 11, 2020, one of the steamier songs that came to mind was “Captain Hook,” a sexed-up, unapologetic gem from Suga, the 2020 EP by rapper Megan Thee Stallion.  Read on and you’ll see exactly why “Captain Hook” fits the Steamy Saturday vibes.

On “Captain Hook,” Megan Thee Stallion is bold, fierce, and most of all sexed the F up. Exhibit A, if you will:

“Dance on the dick, now, you been served
I like a dick with a little bit of curve
Hit this pussy with an uppercut
Call that nigga Captain Hook.”

Wow…wow… and again I say, WOW! “Captain Hook” isn’t the least bit transcendent, considering Megan’s mind is on a joystick and clearly, the game she seeks filled with pleasure.  Megan doesn’t stop there, mind you, whether her and a “bi chick… [are] just trying shit” (experimentation) or her desire for “Mr. Clean, make that pussy beam.” “Captain Hook” is a banger, albeit it an absolutely, filthy one. Again, what better way to have a bang-up, steamy Saturday, right?

Megan Thee Stallion, “Captain Hook” | Steamy Saturday 💎

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Megan Thee Stallion • Suga • 1501 Certified Ent LLC / 300 Entertainment • Release: 2020

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Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out” | Somber Sunday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 2 | Somber Sun No. 2, 4/12/2020

Twenty One Pilots reminisce back on youth and deal with insecurity on the Grammy-winning “Stressed Out,” the perfect fit for Somber Sunday.

Somber Sunday perfectly captures the end of the weekend with its sadness, disappointment, and look towards yet another mad Monday.  While no one should ever be disappointed hearing a Twenty One Pilots song, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun are totally “Stressed Out” on the second edition of Somber Sunday, April 12, 2020.  With “Stressed Out,” a highlight from Blurryface (2015), the duo won their first Grammy. Notably Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun accepted their Grammys without pants on. Anyways…

“Sometimes a certain smell will take me back to when I was young / How come I’m never able to identify where it’s comin’ from?” On “Stressed Out,” Tyler Joseph seeks escapism by reminiscing on the simpler times of his childhood.  The chorus, the centerpiece of the record, sums this up simply and effectively:

“Wish we could turn back time to the good old days
When our momma sang us to sleep, but now we’re stressed out.”

Moving beyond the escapism, for the first time, in the context of Blurryface, Blurryface, a character constructed by Joseph, represents his flaws and insecurities (“My name’s ‘Blurryface’ and I care what you think…”).  Blurryface exhibits vulnerability, something that many people can relate to, but few depict as openly as Joseph does here.

“I was told, when I get older, all my fears would shrink
But now I’m insecure, an’ I care what people think…”

Yes, “Stressed Out” is quite alluring for a SOMBER SUNDAY song, but there’s nothing happy about insecurity, self-esteem issues, and such.

Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out” | Somber Sunday 💎

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Twenty One Pilots • Blurryface • Fueled by Ramen • 2015

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[Photo Credits: 300 Entertainment, 1501 Certified Ent LLC, Absentee Recordings, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Fueled by Ramen, Jagjaguwar, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Warner]

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