.png)
Music Singles Feature - Apr 2022
- Jhanya&Ria's Corner
- Apr 2, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: May 20, 2022
Welcome back to our reviews!! We are back with another music trio review from Harry Styles, Shawn Mendes, and Jackson Wang. Enjoy!!
As It Was
Harry Styles
01 April 2022
"In this world, it's just us
You know it's not the same as it was"
Jhanya: HARRY STYLES IS BACK! And this time with a different genre. Styles has switched from his classic rock genre to a slightly-psychedelic synth-pop. “As It Was” is a high-tempo track that goes against the usual 80s pop style with the splash of real cymbals. Despite the different genres and new, musically-energetic vibe, Harry stays true to delivering an emotionally powerful song, telling us about facing up to personal transitions. Personally what caught my attention was the huge contrast in the lyrics and tune. The lyrics were talking about despair and loneliness, but the instrumentation sounded like it could be played at a party.
“When everything gets in the way
Seems you cannot be replaced
And I'm the one who will stay”
Ria: I have one word. Instrumentation. What really stood out to me in this song was the instrumentation, which was kind of a shock, since I usually look forward to vocals in Harry’s songs. But yea! I loved the instrumentation – the synths, drums, guitars – all really really harmonize each other and I wouldn’t mind listening to the instrumental version of this song again and again. What also really struck me was that the instrumentation was upbeat and fast-paced which opposes the vocal despair, loneliness, and lyrics of the song. It seems that this is a bit of a trend nowadays. But it’s also really risky because I think that overdoing this would make the listener really confused about what the song is trying to convey. BUT this song executed it really well. As Harry sings about loneliness and longing of the past, the instrumentation takes us away on a more upbeat less depressing note.
When You're Gone
Shawn Mendes
01 April 2022
"I don't wanna know what it's like when you're gone"
Jhanya: Shawn Mendes AND Harry Styles releasing a new song in the same week? 2014 me would be freaking out so hard hahaha. Anyway, Shawn has released his 1st single this year, and similar to Harry, the song has a very upbeat beat in contrast to its sad lyrics. It has the signature string-heavy instrumentation of Shawn Mendes tracks, but tbh, it didn’t feel anything new, imho. I’m happy that Shawn is coming back to his more upbeat tracks after the last few years of ballad and chill songs he’s released. Overall, it’s a good song that can pull a few heartstrings, especially with how Shawn expresses his raw emotions in the song despite it being upbeat.
“You're slipping through my fingertips
A little bit, by a little bit
I didn't know that loving you was the happiest I've ever been”
Ria: I’m really interested in knowing who (or what) this song is really about. Of course, what I think it’s about may or may not be true but, the depth and emotion that Shawn projects in this song are making me really really curious about what (or who) it's about. On my first play of the song, I actually got quite sad because of the vulnerability that Shawn showed in his song. That longing he has for someone and the sadness he has as that person or thing gets further and further away from him. I actually think that this song can be interpreted to be missing a lot of things. From his point of view, it could be him missing performing live with his fans, or missing a special someone, or just missing the normalcy we all used to have before the pandemic. Although, I can’t listen to this song on a loop because it actually really hurts. His vocals here really showed the emotion and depth he’s trying to convey from the lyrics.
Blow
Jackson Wang
31 March 2022
“My dirty secret that keeps me awakе
Don't stop now, you got me ready to (Blow!)"
Jhanya: Talk about unique in a very beautiful way. Jackson Wang has been an occasional addition to my playlists for the past years and whenever I add his songs, it’s a song that takes some time for me to get over. “Blow” is a very addicting song, which is pretty suiting to the lyrics and message. I especially loved the production of the track and how well-suited Jackson’s voice is. If I wasn’t a fan or didn’t know him before this track, I’d actually think he isn’t a kpop idol hahaha. So I’m not surprised that the song’s been climbing charts in western media because of how western, yet unique the overall vibe of the song is. I’ll definitely be looking forward to the rest of his album releases later this year.
“You pull me back every time I quit"
Ria: I'm just really laughing so hard at the song lineup right now because the first two were so heartfelt and solemn and this was literally just about doing it. DESPITE THAT. I love this song so much. “I’m addicted to it” You wouldn’t believe the number of times I’ve watched the music video this morning. So yea! I love the vocals and instrumentation the most. This is actually the first Jackson Wang song I’ve listened to and I have to say his vocals really really fit the theme of the song. Or he could’ve made it like that. Whatever it is, I really liked the way the vocals matched the song’s instrumentation. I mean, come on. His voice in those first three lines of the bridge is just *chef’s kiss*. And the instrumentation mostly defines bass and electric guitar which does elevate his raspy voice to match the lyrics. I’m not going to talk more about the lyrics since I think it's pretty self-explanatory.
Final Thoughts
Ria: I love our line-up of songs for this week!! Like I love it. They’re all so good and I now have additional three songs on my playlist. Thank you very much. And what makes them even better is that each song has that one thing that stands out from it. I can’t say I have a favorite from the three, but I will say that Blow has been on repeat for a long time already… I’m just really obsessed. But anyway, this week’s line-up is something I’m super happy about and I really can’t wait for more songs from Shawn, to exploring Jackson Wang’s discography, and Harry’s upcoming album “Harry’s House” YEEEEET
Jhanya: We know we just did a music recap the last time we posted, but this week’s song release lineup was just too good to resist (and a lot of people were bugging me to review Blow xD). Anyway, like what Ria said, the line-up this week was fun to listen to. I will surely be waiting for all 3 artists’ albums when they come out.
Score Breakdown
| Jhanya's Score | Ria's Score | Final Score |
All It Was | 8.25 | 8.25 | 82.5 |
When You're Gone | 7.5 | 8 | 77.5 |
Blow | 8.5 | 8 | 82.5 |
Comments