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WEEKLY GEMS  💎 NO. 5: WEEK OF 4-27-2020 features music courtesy of Fiona Apple, Kelly Rowland & Wallows 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 let’s 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 the first month of Weekly Gems 💎 behind us, let’s jump right into WEEKLY GEMS   💎 NO. 5: WEEK OF 4-27-2020, which features seven songs for each day of the week.  WEEKLY GEMS 💎 NO. 5 features music courtesy of Fiona Apple, Kelly Rowland & Wallows among others.  Just Click on the arrows ↔ and buttons below ↓.

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Fiona Apple, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” | Mad Monday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 5 | Mad Monday No. 5, 4/27/2020

Fiona Apple brings some anger to Mad Monday with “Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” the title track from her long awaited fifth LP. 

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 let’s spice it up with some music, shall we? Today’s Mad Monday (April 27, 2020), arrives courtesy of Fiona Apple with “Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” the title track from Fetch the Bolt Cutters, her long-awaited fifth studio album.

Jazz plays a sizable role on the brilliant “Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” which was fittingly featured on 11 Cutting Edge Cut Songs, published just April 23, 2020.  Instrumentally, it’s perfect, with the percussive sounds, the timbre added with string bass, and the elegance of vibraphone.  Fiona Apple serves up a playful performance, sometimes speaking and other times singing in traditional melodic fashion.  She enlists Cara Delevingne on background vocals, as well as dogs apparently (at the end).  There’s a rawness about Fetch the Bolt Cutters as a whole and the title track exemplifies it perfectly.  Per Vulture, Apple describes this song as a late addition to the project, with the following takeaway: “Fetch the fucking bolt cutters and get yourself out of the situation that you’re in — whatever it is that you don’t like.”

With that said, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” feels like an exemplary song for Mad Monday.

Fiona Apple, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” | Mad Monday 💎

Fiona Apple • Fetch the Bolt Cutters • Epic • 2020

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Kelly Clarkson, “I Dare You” | Terrific Tuesday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 5 | Terrific Tuesday No. 5, 4/28/2020 

Kelly Clarkson uplifts on the fearless “I Dare You,” which feels tailor made to atone for a Mad Monday and ring in a 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 28, 2020?  Well, we look to Grammy-winning pop superstar Kelly Clarkson and her uplifting 2020 single, “I Dare You”, a perfect way to ring in Terrific Tuesday!

Kelly Clarkson delivers a balanced performance on “I Dare You,” exhibiting vocal finesse on the verses, giving a bit more oomph on the chorus, particularly as the song progresses.  Among the best moments is when she digs in, showing off her powerhouse vocals in her upper register. Furthermore, the songwriting is rock solid, placing emphasis on being unafraid to love as opposed to fear. The chorus leads the charge:

“I dare you to love
Oh, I dare you to love
Even if you’re hurt and you can only see the worst
Even if you think it’s not enough
Oh, I dare you to love.”

Adding to the terrific nature, fit for a Terrific Tuesday, are the sound and production.  “I Dare You” possesses a tried-and-true pop sound, with a hint of electronic cues thrown in, particularly the chorus. Kelly Clarkson is a bop unto herself.  On “I Dare You, ” all boxes are checked off – hot vocals, uplifting songwriting, and solid pop production.  This is exactly the motivation one needs to have a Terrific Tuesday, or any terrific day for that matter. 

Kelly Clarkson, “I Dare You” | Terrific Tuesday 💎

Kelly Clarkson • I Dare You (Multi-language Duets) • Atlantic • 2020

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Moses Sumney, “Cut Me” | Wacky Wednesday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 5 | Wacky Wednesday No. 5, 4/29/2020

Moses Sumney makes Wacky Wednesday truly captivating with “Cut Me” which hails from his 2020 album, Græ.

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 29, 2020 with “Cut Me” courtesy of Moses Sumney.  Where sometimes, it’s easy to cry foul about a lack of experimentation and innovative spirit in popular music, that certainly isn’t the case for Sumney, who ranks among the more distinct musicians, is unafraid to try new things, a definitely is no conformist.

 “Cut Me” appears on Moses’ 2020 album, Græ. “Cut Me” can be described as an experimental soul song.  The backdrop hearkens back to the past, and Sumney has made clear his intentions to pay tribute to Aretha Franklin.  Even though the sound is vintage to an extent, it’s not straightforward. There are plenty of surprises, even with horns, piano, and standard soul instrumentation.  As interesting as the backdrop is, nothing tops Moses, who delivers an incredibly colorful, playful performance.  Sure, he ascends into a gorgeous, ripe falsetto, idiomatic of R&B and soul, but he takes ample risks, creating something that’s actually much newer than it is so much nostalgic.

The lyrics are poetic, which may be cliché, but simply put, they were so thoughtfully and carefully penned.  There are no shortage of highlights, whether it’s “That’s when I feel the most alive / Masochistic kisses are how I thrive,” “Endurance is the source of my pride,” or the personal “Guess I’m a true immigrant son / No vacancies, no vacations.” As for the ‘cutting,’ well, it appears on the chorus:

“Might not be healthy for me but seemingly I need
What cuts me, cuts me, cuts me, cut me, cut me, cut me.”

Yeah, what better than a cutting edge song like “Cut Me” on a Wacky Wednesday?

Moses Sumney, “Cut Me” | Wacky Wednesday 💎

Moses Sumney • Græ • Jagjaguwar • 2020

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Michael Jackson, “Earth Song” | Throwback Thursday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 5 | Throwback Thursday No. 5, 4/30/2020

This Throwback Thursday, we travel back to 1995 for Michael Jackson and the socially conscious, environmentally savvy gem, “Earth Song.” 

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 fifth Throwback Thursday, dated April 30, 2020, we look to Michael Jackson and his compelling, multi-genre 1995 classic, “Earth Song.” “Earth Song” hails from The King of Pop’s most controversial album, HIStory – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – BOOK I. Even so, that doesn’t stop this ballad from being among the most powerful of his career.

On “Earth Song,” Michael Jackson gives listeners a bit of everything – pop, rock, R&B, and gospel.  Throw in the music video, and you’ve totally checked off the boxes of Gesamtkunstwerk. No, “Earth Song” isn’t nearly as beloved as those untouchable gems from Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), or Bad (1987), but in my opinion, the way that this seven-minute single is assembled is nothing short of EPIC. 

What makes this captivating song about the earth so awesome?  Michael Jackson, first and foremost – duh. Jackson absolutely sings the hell out it.  He shows incredible emotion whether he’s singing more coolly and plaintively on the verses, or when he ratchets things up on my favorite section, the breakdown. On the breakdown, Jackson gets a marvelous assist from Andrae Crouch’s Choir.  Between the two, we get stunning, high-powered call and response bridging the spirit of rock and the soulful, uplifting sensibilities of gospel.

“What about yesterday? (What about us?)
What about the seas? (What about us?)
The heavens are falling down (What about us?)
I can’t even breathe (What about us?).”

Adding to the epic nature of “Earth Song” is how WOKE it was, and still is today. Jackson speaks on the treatment of the earth, as well as issues of humanity (“What about killing fields? Is there a time?”), and faith (“What about all the peace that you pledge your only son?”). Sigh, this is just one of many great throwback classics with Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson, “Earth Song” | Throwback Thursday 💎

Michael Jackson • HIStory – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – BOOK I • Epic • 1995

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Wallows, “OK” | Fun Friday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 5 | Fun Friday No. 5, 5/1/2020

Alternative collective Wallows bring some groove and surefire fun to Fun Friday with the infectious single, “OK.” 

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, May 1, 2020, we enlist Wallows – Dylan Minnette, Cole Preston, and Braeden Lemasters – for the groovy alternative cut, “OK”.

On “OK,” Minnette shows off the beauty of his pipes, including some falsetto, sigh.  It’s safe to say, his vocals are locked in.  Besides the prowess of the singer himself, the melody, particularly on the chorus, is quite tuneful.  The words are pretty sweet too:

“There’s no need to explain
I know what you gonna say
‘Cause you say, ‘Goodnight,’
If you think that’s alright
There’s no need to explain
I know that we can relate
Can we get up and try to feel okay again?
Can we get up and try to feel okay again?”

Later, the bridge is incredibly distinct – gimmicky and a bit novel. Thematically, “OK” encompasses insecurities in a relationship, and ultimately embracing it, per a newsletter from the band.  While all of that’s worth noting, arguably, it’s the sound and vibe that truly makes “OK” a treat.  Musically, there are so many pros.  The colorful palette comprised of keyboards, synths, and guitar is pretty sweet. The groove – well – it’s awesomeness just goes without saying. The harmonic progression isn’t incredibly complex, but a couple quirks give make it a major player in the song’s overall success.

Ultimately, “OK” thrives off of its strong vocals, colorful production and musical elements, and thoughtful, relatable songwriting.  What more could you ask for on Fun Friday, or should I say, Fun Fri-Yay! 

Wallows, “OK” | Fun Friday 💎

Wallows • “OK” • Atlantic • 2020

Wallows, “OK” | Fun Friday 💎[Photo Credits: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Broesis, The Musical Hype, OmarMedinaFilms, Pixabay, taniarose]

Weekly Gems, Fun Friday, weekly playlist, music list, music lists, playlist, playlists, evergreen, evergreen playlists, Weekly Gems #5, Wallows, alternative, alternative singles, alternative tracks, 2020 alternative tracks, relationships, insecurities, matters of the heart, love, Dylan Minnette, Cole Preston, Braeden Lemasters, alternative bands

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Kelly Rowland, “Coffee” | Steamy Saturday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 5 | Steamy Sat No. 5, 5/2/2020

Grammy-winning R&B artist Kelly Rowland exemplifies Steamy Saturday, with the short, but sexy single, “Coffee.”  

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, May 2, 2020, we rely on Grammy-winning R&B artist Kelly Rowland to provide us with some naughtiness via “Coffee”.

“Coffee” checks off many of the expected boxes for a Kelly Rowland song without moving the needle or swinging the pendulum. Brief, Rowland gets her point across – SEX.  She sings quite well, showcasing her sexy, seductive tone, even if the performance isn’t game changing. Still, that calm, cool, and collected sexy R&B vibe is intact, amplified by an idiomatic backdrop produced by Kosine, heavy on keyboards and synths.  Maybe the best part are those layered vocals.

But y’all are here for sex, it being Steamy Saturday, so, let’s talk about sex – rather – let’s talk about the lyrics, which are sexually-charged. “Coffee and sex in the mornin’” is the first line that Kelly serves up, so, the cards are revealed from the start.  Later, moments like “They say morning wood do a body good, babe / Clearly you agreed, don’t be tryna leave” confirm her steamy, sexual intentions.  While I would argue Miguel’s “Coffee” from 2015 is brewed a bit stronger and more potent, Kelly’s own is still very much indicative of what those Steamy Saturdays are all about.

Kelly Rowland, “Coffee” | Steamy Saturday 💎

Kelly Rowland • “Coffee” • KTR • 2020

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Marlon Williams, “Love is a Terrible Thing” | Somber Sunday 💎

2020 | Weekly Gems 💎 No. 5 | Somber Sun No. 5, 5/3/2020

Marlon Williams helps Somber Sunday live up to its name exploring the plight of love on “Love is a Terrible Thing,” from his 2018 LP, Make Way for Love.

Somber Sunday perfectly captures the end of the weekend with its sadness, disappointment, and look towards yet another mad Monday. On the fifth edition of Somber Sunday, May 3, 2020, Marlon Williams brings full-on somberness via the plight of love, sigh. “Love is a Terrible Thing” hails from his underappreciated 2018 sophomore album, Make Way for Love. 

“People tell me: ‘Boy, you got lucky!’ / But I feel about as lucky as a snowman in the spring / Mind over matter; head over heart / Love’s a terrible thing.” The plight of love is in full effect on the dramatic, emotionally driven piano ballad. The depression is real, as is the negative connotation.

Despite being sad about love’s terribleness, the New Zealand singer/songwriter is at his best. “Love is a Terrible Thing” represents a truly great harmonic moment from Make Way for Love, with its unique chords and progression.  The melody is complex, haunting, and simply breath taking. His vocals are expressive and ‘pitch-perfect’ as he laments.  In addition to appearing on the Negative Connotation playlist, “Love is a Terrible Thing” also previously appeared on 15 Songs That Center Around Sadness & Depression. “Love is a Terrible Thing” – the perfect fit for SOMBER SUNDAY.

Marlon Williams, “Love is a Terrible Thing” | Somber Sunday 💎

Marlon Williams • Make Way for Love • Dead Oceans • 2018

Weekly Gems No. 5: Week of 4-27-2020 [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Dead Oceans, Epic, Jagjaguwar, KTR, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay]

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