Well hello there! Welcome back to our weekly results show that we totally had planned and haven't just been procrastinating! Anyways, this round was alright, but we definitely expected more from the final 4! Hopefully you will all pick it up for the final round!
Now, let's get to the results. You will be revealed one at a time, starting with 2nd place.
Coming in 2nd place this week, and advancing to the finals, is...
J2999
LOUD- Holiday (Green Day)
M: YES. Idc if you only entered this because I bashed y’all for not posting Green Day with the punk theme, you LISTENED and you will be rewarded. This is kinda an underrated gem from them. I love the inspiring nature of their songs, like Green Day kinda could get me hyped up to kill a man idc. The lyrics, unlike what Krista said, definitely have a message and it’s honestly shocking that they went so mainstream with their music when it was so anti-USA. But W O K E messaging with this song, fuck the Iraq war. I could listen to this over and over forever. Great pick. 10/10
K: Green Day would be Tengaged cancelled for one of those lyrics. I really love this type of music so this was a hit for me. They have the perfect voices for this genre and the lyrics are so funny because they’re just so on brand for the era. Like absolutely NO punk rock bands lyrics made sense back then because it was edgy but I support it (unless there’s some hidden message idk I’m tired). I think it was a really fun song that’d I’d put on my emo playlist. Green Day is something I listen to like once in a blue moon but this was definitely a good choice. 8.5/10
QUIET- Lose Somebody (Kygo, OneRepublic)
M: This song is super simple and easy in every way imaginable, and it really works. Everything from the lyrics, to the tempo, to the instrumentals is super relaxing yet sad. The lyrics are relatable and easy to understand which is always nice and a sharp turn from Holiday, which I enjoyed. It definitely has quiet vibes as well. Good job! 8.5/10
K: Aw this song is depressingly cute. Like the lyrics in no way, shape or form are happy but the songs melody is so chill which is oddly relaxing. The song is definitely a little on the generic side I remember hearing this played a lot whenever it was released. It’s also the type of pop that is not exactly my cup of tea but they’re talented. It’s a cute little sad girl bop which I always appreciate but it’s also One Republic so do with that what you will. Not a bad pick though!! 8/10
TOTAL: 8.75
Good picks James! You have been fighting for your life all season and are (for once) the underdog of a game you are in! Congrats on making it to the finals.
Next we will reveal third place, and the first person who will be competing in our elimination round tonight.
Coming in 3rd place is...
useamint
LOUD- What You Waiting For (Gwen Stefani)
M: Kind of a jolt when the first tick tock hits my lord. I normally like Gwen, but honestly this kinda didn’t do it for me. Idk it was just a lot, and I know this was supposed to be a “loud” theme, but this kinda was just messy for me. That said, it definitely does give off the vibes of a 2000s pop hit, and I do like ~some of those, it’s just hit and miss for me, and sadly this was a miss. I kinda don’t know what the point of the song is either, I mean maybe there is none which is fine but EH. Just not my cup of tea. 6.5/10
K: Oh goodness so first this reminded me of the Lizzie Mcguire movie then Marina and the Diamonds. It’s super on brand for its time and honestly I can’t say I hate it. I absolutely love early 2000’s pop diva music like Britney, Xtina, Gwen Stefani. Anything they made was just so iconic. Does this type of music have the deepest meaning in the world? Absolutely not. It’s just super fun to blast in the car and a great party throwback that makes you feel like an unstoppable bitch. Overall I thought this was fun! 8.5/10
QUIET- Merry Go ‘Round (Kacey Musgraves)
M: “And Daddy’s hooked on Mary two doors down” LMAO. I actually liked this and really did not expect to! I haven’t listened to much from her but this was very nice and calming. The lyrics were also creative for country lyrics, I liked all the word play. Also a very nice message coming through about getting stuck in our ways/settling. Like Krista I don’t usually love country but this hit! 8.5/10
K: Oh I really liked this like I had no idea Kacey Musgraves was a country artist is she?? Or just this song?? Normally I think country music is kinda vomit but this was really good. This is the type of song I’d put on to like make me feel things on a warm summer night. The aesthetics of the video were also super pleasing to watch. I just felt really happy after listening to it even if it’s not the happiest song? The lyrics are really creative and I think she’s a very talented artist so this was definitely a great choice. 9/10
TOTAL: 8.125
UseA, this week you were pretty fucked over from one song submission, and realistically only 1 of us didn't like it. Unfortunately that's all it took, and we will be seeing you in the elimination round.
Now, NatePresnell and mradamman12, one of you won this week and the other was in last place. One of you will be advancing to the final, while the other will be facing the final elimination round of the season. Without further ado...
The WINNER of the 11th round of MKSC is...
mradamman12
LOUD- I’m So Sorry (Imagine Dragons)
M: I’m not the biggest fan of Imagine Dragons, but my favourite work of theirs is 100% their heavier rock stuff. This is for sure one of my favourites from them, it kinda goes off. It’s something I could see being in a video game soundtrack which I love. I think there’s probably several meanings that could be taken away from this as it’s pretty open, but I think it’s an “I’m sorry but this is how I am” type of deal which I like. It also fits the song super well. Definitely a head banger. 9/10
K: Honestly I don’t give a fuck I like Imagine Dragons and I’m not ashamed to say it. At one point I had like every lyric of this song memorized whenever it came out. This is unfortunately one of those songs that I did overplay to death a little bit but it’s still an absolute banger idc. This type of music just goes perfect with show/movie edits which I kind of love watching. I kind of want to curbstomp a man and walk away while this song plays in the background but for legal reasons this is a joke! Good choice. 8.5/10
QUIET- Lost Without You (Freya Ridings)
M: Aw :( Poor Freya. This was super pretty all around. With a voice like hers, I think minimal instrumentals and production is always the right call, as they did here. The lyrics are a bit cheesy and repetitive BUT they fit the song well and are still very sad and relatable for a lot of people. Nice pick. 8.5/10
K: Oh. I kind of want to cry to this? This like slightly hit close to home but something about her voice is just so fucking pretty that it makes me want to cry. The video is super pretty I love how simple it is. The lyrics kind of absolutely shred my heart to pieces. Her voice is honestly kind of unique in how deep it is for a woman yet so soft at the same time. This is absolutely going on my sad girl hours playlist and it makes me want to listen to other music by this artist. I have no words other than this was really fucking pretty. 9.5/10
TOTAL: 8.875
Well deserved. Adam, you have clawed your way back to the top after faltering for a few rounds. After a dominant early season performance, you certainly deserve to make the finals. Congratulations!
That means that coming in last this week was...
Natepresnell
LOUD- Ladro Di Fiori (BLANCO)
M: Uhh I *think* this was a cute song! Not totally sure because you are making me translate lyrics once again but if it’s not I blame you! I thought the production was kinda weirdly off with this though and it hurt it, but the rest of the song was pretty good. I enjoyed it much more the 2nd time I listened so you’re lucky I took the time to listen to the songs twice this round! Decent pick, but it was just good IMO, and you’ve had much better submissions. 7.5/10
K: I was like omg pretty! And then saw a grown man in diaper looking briefs why couldn’t they just put him in pants. The video oddly reminds me of Zac Efron in the Bet on It music video why is he doing that. I’ve never heard of this artist though it was definitely a unique choice. The lyrics are cute they’re very tumblr edgy teen like but I like them. The aesthetics of the video were really pretty and he has a nice voice other than that it didn’t really stand out from any other pop music. Nice pick 😊. 8/10
QUIET- MALAMENTE (Rosalia)
M: Lyric translations are so odd and I honestly have no idea what this song is about even after reading them like 5 times. Is she talking about being a bad bitch? That’s the vibes I got. *So I looked up the lyrics meaning after I wrote this and I was so wrong LMAO, they actually are a little deeper than I thought and it makes me like it a little more*. Honestly I did like this more than your first pick. It’s a nice little pop tune and although I don’t think it had a ton of substance it was still a good lil bop. It was very chill and is something I would study or do some other type of work to. 8/10
K: LMAO so the translated version of these lyrics are very odd. I’m sure they make more sense in the actual language they’re being sung in. It definitely has a lo-fi pop vibe which I like and she has a really good voice for this type of music. Kind of the same thing with James’ soft song though it’s a little generic pop-ish for me. It’s a cool song to just chill and vibe to. I did have to look up the meaning behind the lyrics because I honestly did not get it at first but overall I think it’s a good song. 8/10
TOTAL: 7.875
Unfortunately for you Daniel, you will be facing your first elimination of the season in the worst possible round. You've been very consistent this season, but your choices this round just weren't up to par.
NatePresnell and useamint, your songs were not up to par this week. This means you have one last chance to SING FOR YOUR LIFE in our elimination round. Bring your best.
Now, for the elimination round, you can submit ANY song you want. We are not going to limit you because this is your last chance to stay in the game and we want your very best. Post your song as soon as you can and we will get the results back ASAP. If you don’t post by tomorrow at 8 EST, you will be eliminated.
After this elimination round, your finale will be posted! Congratulations to the 2 of you who have locked your position up already!
WE'RE BACK! After a ~brief hiatus to take care of some outside business known as SARS, Krista and I have finally finished this round. We should be able to be much quicker with the last few rounds now that the game is winding down (and Krista is out of it so she has no excuse anymore).
This was a very well done round. All of your yin/yang themes really impressed us, and each one was different but all of them were thought out. We definitely appreciate the effort.
Now, let's get to the results. You will be revealed in 3 groups. First the sole safe player, then the top 2, then the bottom 2. During that we will also crown the winner of the week and will reveal who will have to SING FOR THEIR LIFE in our elimination round.
The competitor who is safe is:
useamint
Disco Tits (Tove Lo)
M: Ah yes, this lyrical masterpiece. I actually do like this song, it has a lot going for it. There’s a lot of very memorable parts and it’s a very nice party vibes song. The chorus slaps, imagine not singing to it? Nipples are hard ready to go. The beat is also very good, and fits the song perfectly. I would normally say something about the lyrics BUT I actually don’t mind them, plus for this round it definitely fits what you were going for. Really nice pick! 9.5/10
K: LMAO some of the lyrics in this song are really….odd! But I did like it. Don’t drag me for this but I do think Tove Lo is very generic pop-ish she doesn’t really stand out but the song is really fun. There is 0 meaning to this song but duh it fits the theme of the song like when you go out you don’t care about meaning you wanna vibe. The chorus has a fun beat and I was boppin along to it. It’s a fun dance song/something I’d listen to while getting ready but it kind of blends in with a lot of other music. Good choice!! 8.5/10
3am (Halsey)
M: Poor Halsey :( This definitely feels very real and personal which I like. I also think it would be very relatable for our generation unfortunately, with so many people needing validation from others and having so many doubts about themselves. I liked her singing here, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the production. It just felt a little off to me. Overall it wasn’t bad though, and I did like how it complimented your first pick. The start of the night vs end of the night vibes were on point. 7.5/10
K: I really like the theme of your complimenting songs; it's definitely unique and is an all too familiar feeling for a lot of people. So I’m totally biased because I love Halsey but really have never listened to this song before. She obviously is really talented but I think some of her songs are super cheesy lyrically and I don’t really like when she’s rhyming weirdly fast like in the first verse. The chorus was superrr good though she totally should switch genres like MGK and Miley it just suits her better than the edgy indie. I really liked this!! 8.5/10
TOTAL: 8.5/10
We really liked what you submitted this round, but with how strong the round was you only land here. Congratulations on making the final 4!
The top two contestants this round were...
Natepresnell and mradamman12! Congratulations, you have both also made the final 4. However, only one of you can win this round. The winner of the final 5 round is...
Natepresnell
Tears of Gold (Faouzia)
M: We love a Canadian! Faouzia is really talented and she proves it with this song. She really pours emotion into it and it is very easy to just get lost in the song. I also enjoyed the meaning behind the song, it was really well done lyrically and the production and overall vibes all meshed together nicely. When she reaches the chorus it hits ya right in the feels. Nice pick. 9/10
K: I’ve never heard of this artist before but she’s really fucking talented. You can tell she’s naturally talented so the only thing I really disliked about it was all the “effects” over her voice I guess you can call them but I guess that’s pop music. In love with the whole song, and the meaning behind it is obviously super sad this is a great breakup song that I also get “fuck you” vibes from. Everything just meshes really well together and this makes me want to see what other music she has so a great choice!! 9.5/10
Burn Down This Room (Ruben)
M: I expected this song to be more angry vibes, but it’s actually sad :( I think, once again, this was a really well done song with everything going together nicely. I didn’t find this one quite as emotional as the last one, and found it somewhat generic, but it was still good! As a side note, I also really liked this music video. I don’t think it was a stretch to have these as your yin/yang picks, your explanation makes total sense. Good work! 8.5/10
K: I kind of agree with Matt I was expecting him to like...key her car and try to make her life a living hell but it’s more so sad. I actually really liked this song too I thought there was a bunch of different emotions in it. You can tell it was obviously a super toxic relationship that HAS to end but there’s still a little investment. I think the lyrics are more complex I guess you could say and not super cheesy which I really liked. I’d totally sing this at the top of my lungs so good choice. 9/10
TOTAL: 9/10
Great work this round, we really enjoyed both of these submissions. They were both very unique and your yin/yang was well thought out.
This means that coming in 2nd is...
mradamman12
Lovely (Billie Eilish and Khalid)
M: These are 2 artists I really enjoy, and for the most part this collab didn’t disappoint! My interpretation of this song was a little different than yours, in that I think the song is mostly talking about the loneliness of depression and not being able to escape it. Either way though, it’s a really deep lyrical song which is very relatable to a lot of people. Both of their parts were good, although part of me wishes there was a little bit more added to the song. The production/instrumentals were really good and that alone would make a good add to a sad playlist. Good pick! 8.5/10
K: This song gives me so much nostalgia to the beginning of freshman year of college because Billie/Khalid/MGK were all I’d listen to. I kind of overplayed this song to death so I’m a little numb to the emotions of it but it’s still a really pretty song. I love their harmonizing they should make more music together honestly. I agree with Matt in that I’m not sure this is so much about a relationship but rather depressive feelings but music’s always open for interpretation. Nothing bad to say about it they’re both super talented and I really like the song!! 8.5/10
Smile (Avril Lavigne)
M: Avril really isn’t appreciated enough in today’s age. She really was SO good during her peak. This song is really cute, and it’s nice to finally get a song that isn’t sad in this theme! The chorus of this is awesome and I definitely bop along to it. The other verses all play their part nicely as well, and are more of the classic punk Avril that is so good. Another very relatable song, just definitely meant for a different mood compared to your first submission. I loved the music video too. Your songs complimented each other very nicely, good work! 9.5/10
K: LMAO I don’t know what I was expecting but this wasn’t it (not in a bad way). Idk why I thought it would be anything other than punk when it’s Avril. It’s a super upbeat and fun song and I like that it’s not “sappy” cute. I love upbeat punk music so this was really good. Everything meshes really well in the song and I really have nothing bad to say about it. I don’t really ever go out of my way to put Avril on but she definitely has some good music, so good choice! 9/10
TOTAL: 8.875/10
That's the Adam we know and love. Very nice comeback this round, keep it up!
Now, onto our bottom 2. You have both been quite streaky and had your share of ups and downs. Recently you were both at the top of the chart and had both placed in the top 2 of the last 2 rounds, but unfortunately this round you came tumbling down. Both of you had 1 song that just didn't cut it for us. The bottom 2 are:
Admir
Hello (Evanescence)
M: Ah, some classic Evanescence. It’s a little bit hard to take their sad stuff seriously because a lot of it has been memed to hell, and even though I’ve never heard this it does remind me of their popular stuff in tone and instrumentals. Unlike a lot of people, I actually don’t mind Evanescence otherwise, and I think this song was decent. The lyrics are very sad and the vocals are very emotional (even if they scream evanescence). It’s just a little hard for me to feel a lot from a song like this because I feel like I’ve been conditioned not to LOL. Not a bad pick though. 7.5/10
K: Ah Evanescence. I really liked your yin-yang theme actually it’s very out of the box and your songs go hand in hand. The lyrics are super sad but Evanescence in general is not exactly my cup of tea. I forgot her name but she has a super smooth voice (it’s kind of scary and reminds me of Sirens) and she’s very talented but the way this song is formatted is very almost boring to me. It lost my attention because of how slow it was, I think with the right instrumentals and structure it’d be a better song because the lyrics are really powerful. Not a bad choice just not my fave!! 7/10
When I Pray For You (Dan + Shay)
M: I do love some Dan + Shay. Even though they’re usually super sappy they just have this ability to get in my feels. I really enjoyed this one, the message is super cute and at the same time very emotional.Those notes in the chorus were great too, I always love their vocals and this was no different. The yin/yang aspect of these songs also worked really well with the loss vs new life aspect. Nice work! 9/10
K: Honestly Dan + Shay are the only country musicians that deserve rights I said what I said. I love their super popular songs I’ve never heard this one but it was really fucking cute. Lyrically it kind of ripped my heart out in a good way. This sounded weirdly more country at times than some of their other music but overall it gave me the feels that they always give. I love the chorus this is something I’d happy cry to while blasting in my car. A great choice!! 9/10
TOTAL: 8.125/10
J2999
Dying For You (Otto Knows ft. Lindsey Stirling, Alex Aris)
M: I thought the message of this song was really cute. They will be there for their love no matter what and will do all they can for them, very nice. I didn’t really love how it was portrayed though. I thought at times the song kinda dragged and the whole vibe of the song felt a bit off. It felt too upbeat for the lyrics and I just wasn’t a big fan of the overall production. His voice was fine but nothing super special. Overall it was kinda meh to me. 6.5/10
K: I like your yin-yang theme! These songs definitely compliment each other and I think the concept of this song is really cute. Whoever is singing though kind of does some quirky things with his voice which makes me raise a brow. I like the lyrics a lot but the song itself is a bit odd. Not so much odd as it is generic I guess. It’s very pop-py/EDM-esque which is not my personal fave type of music. The message behind the song is v cute but whoever this is isn’t my cup of tea; not the worst choice though! 7/10
I Lost A Friend (FINNEAS)
M: This was much better. He has a ton of talent and it really shone through here. It feels like he’s really feeling the emotions of the song which is something that really appeals to me. The lyrics are super sad and clearly very personal while also being something that everyone goes through at some point. I think the production also really helped this song. Your ying/yang element was good and made sense, with one being about losing someone close to you and the other being doing anything for someone so that you don’t lose them. Good pick! 9/10
K: Ah yes the other very talented sibling. His voice is like honey to me. I really wish he would make more solo music because he’s obviously very talented as both a song writer and all around artist. “You made a little too much money to be 20 and sad” this lyric really popped out to me. I feel like people think celebrities or “wealthier” people are just devoid of emotions? It’s an insane concept. The song kind of ripped my heart out, the meaning behind it is super sad and I feel like he really feels alone. This was an amazing choice. 9.5/10
TOTAL: 8/10
Admir and J2999, your songs were not up to par this week. This means you have one last chance to SING FOR YOUR LIFE in our elimination round. Bring your best.
Now, for the elimination round, you can submit ANY song you want. We are not going to limit you because this is your last chance to stay in the game and we want your very best. Post your song as soon as you can and we will get the results back ASAP. If you don’t post by tomorrow at 8 EST, you will be eliminated.
For the rest of you, congratulations on making it to round 11! Stay tuned for our next theme which will be posted with the elimination results at some point tomorrow, depending on when the elimination finishes.
There we go guys. This round you all really picked it up. There were a few stellar submissions and you all had at least one good song. To put it in terms of a 1997 banger that wasn't submitted, I Want It That Way, and this late in the game we expect that every round from y'all!
Now, let's find out who will be living the Semi-Charmed Life and who will be feeling 4 Seasons of Loneliness. You will be revealed in 3 groups. First the middle 2, then the top 2, then the bottom 2. During that we will also crown the winner of the week and will reveal who will have to SING FOR THEIR LIFE in our elimination round.
The 2 competitors who are safe are:
useamint
‘97- Bitch (Meredith Brooks)
M: Kinda my mood today tbh. These vibes are for sure late 90s pop rock, and the music video definitely adds to that. I think this is pretty good, but there’s nothing really special about it. The lyrics send a good message, and the instrumentals are fun, but it just doesn’t leave me feeling anything really. Her voice is unique which I liked, and the song is still good, so overall not a bad pick. 7.5/10
K: She has a really distinct voice but it kind of just goes perfectly with this era and this song especially. I really like the vibes of it, it’s chill but is also giving me bad bitch energy. The lyrics are really funny I definitely do like them but the song was a bit repetitive and the lyrics' energy didn’t really match the song's energy?? I really like the concept of the song but something was just a little off for me. It definitely wasn’t bad but not my cup of tea!! 7.5/10
‘99- Smooth (Santana ft. Rob Thomas)
M: This is such a good song. Definitely the genre I love from this era. Absolute vibes I get from this, it reminds me of summer and just having a good time ya know? The guitar absolutely slaps (duh it’s Santana) and the lead up to the chorus, and the chorus itself, is awesome. Imagine not jamming to this. It doesn’t have the deepest lyrics, but it definitely doesn’t need to. It’s just a feel good bop. Awesome pick. 9.5/10
K: LMAO this song makes me laugh. It feels like such a meme but this is what people listened to back then and you know what it’s kind of a banger! This feels like something that was mainstream back then but I’m not too familiar w it. It’s for sure funky and definitely a fun song I could imagine hearing while out or at a themed party. It had me bopping along the whole time I’m a slut for a good guitarist and this song had that. A good choice! 9/10
TOTAL: 8.375
Natepresnell
‘97- Livin’ La Vida Loca (Ricky Martin)
M: This is definitely a really fun song. Very in the moment vibes that make you forget about your problems. I imagine this was a massive party hit at the time and honestly would kinda still fit at parties. Another song that you can tell is for sure from the late 90s as well, although this one is more in the pop realm and I feel like this song was part of a wave of a new production style possibly. Ricky Martin is really good and his voice fits this song really well. I have heard this song a TON which hurts it a bit for me, but it’s still a nice tune that I enjoy hearing once in a while. Nice pick! 8.5/10
K: Screaming. I fucking love this song. The best thing about not being born during this time is that our parents are probably sick of this music because it was overplayed but we barely listen to things like this so they’re refreshing to hear. Why are the first two lyrics me. The lyrics, the music, everything about this song just emits upbeat vibes and screams fun. Definitely a huge hit back then and something I’d unironically blast now so great choice. I wanna go dancing to this now. 9.5/10
‘99- As Long As You Love Me (Backstreet Boys)
M: Aww, this was cute (although a touch obsessive). I’m a bit of a sucker for a love song as long as it’s done right, and I feel like this was for the most part. It had nice, soft production and instrumentals and the melodies were super smooth. I wish it had a little more substance to it as it was a big generic, but it still had nice feels to it. Also, the backstreet boys were kinda better than any boy band of the modern age, fight me. 8/10
K: Hm while I think the lyrics are cute I’m not sure how much I love boy band love songs. I’m not the biggest fan of boy bands (except Big Time Rush duh) in general so this wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea in general. Maybe if I had emotions for anyone this would be cute! But it’s kind of cheesy I also thought Justin Timberlake was in Backstreet Boys until like 2 minutes ago. They’re talented it’s just a really slow song in my opinion but not the worst choice. 7.5/10
TOTAL: 8.375
You both submitted one song we thought was amazing and one that was just meh, which lands you here. Congratulations on making it to the final 5! You're getting close now.
Onto the top 2. Funnily enough, we once again have the same top 2 as last week! Congratulations to J2999 and Admir, you two are like a Genie in a Bottle, we just had to pull that talent out! But the WINNER of MKSC Round 9 is...
Admir
‘97- Everlong (Foo Fighters)
M: I’ve never heard this before, but I liked it! I don’t think it was quite as good as the other Foo Fighters song submitted this round, but it still had the classic vibes that I like. It grew on me as it went on, so I’m sure if I listened again it would grow on me even more. I really liked the lyrics as well, very existential and thought provoking! One thing I will say is that at times it felt sorta messy and like things didn’t really fit where they were, but it didn’t take too much away from the song and I still enjoyed it. Nice pick! 8.5/10
K: Aw this song was really emo and reading what it's about makes it slightly more depressing. I’m not too familiar with older bands but I know the Foo Fighters have more of a rock vibe going on which is the music I really like from this time. Bands with good instrumentals have it going for them. Some of the lyrics are definitely a bit too sad for my liking which would turn me away but I really like the build up to the chorus and the chorus. It kind of sent me into an existential spiral but a good choice! 8/10
‘99- No Scrubs (TLC)
M: LMAO kinda the opposite of your other pick. This is a guilty pleasure of mine, as this type of music is fine but not my favourite, but this specific song just does it for me, idk why. Have I sang this chorus at full volume on the way to university? That’s something I’ll never tell. Speaking of the chorus, it’s so ridiculously catchy and I think that’s what makes this so good. The production is fun and although the lyrics aren’t much, they are kinda #empowerment so good for them. Also Left Eye’s verse kinda does slap idk why it’s removed from the spotify version! Really liked this pick. 9.5/10
K: This song is such an iconic bop but I’ve overplayed this to DEATH in my own freetime which kind of kills it a little bit for me. It’s so sad because I think the only way I’ll love it again is to take a major break from it. There’s no denying that it’s a great song I love the energy too like fuck weird men!! Raise your standards ladies!! TLC was definitely one of *the* girl bands back then so that’s cool. I don’t love this song like I used to, which is sad but an amazing pick. 8.5/10
TOTAL: 8.625
You submitted 2 very solid choices, nothing spectacular but 2 songs we liked very much that made us MMMBop. Congrats on back to back wins! This means that coming in 2nd this round is...
J2999
‘97- Tubthumping (Chumbawamba)
M: Oh I kinda do get really pumped up hearing this. Like idc it has 2 verses that just repeat and has like basically no meaning but it’s just so hype?? It’s also pretty funny, like the random sax? And the girl softly singing in the middle of a rock song? Good stuff that somehow fits the song and makes it better. It’s by no means a piece of art BUT it’s a good tune to get the people going. Playing this at a party would be so goodly. Nice pick! 8.5/10
K: LMAO interesting!! This song has no structure but in a good way. It reminds me of a remix because it’s all over the place or something someone would DJ. This is definitely a party song and one of my personal fave things about it is the random Irish man speaking (unless it’s not Irish idk). It’s a fun song that’s really all there is to it. You don’t need much goin on up in the noggin to jam to it which I love. This was definitely a staple of its time and definitely a good pick. 8/10
‘99- Learn To Fly (Foo Fighters)
M: This was a funny music video. Aside from that, I thought this song was another lil bop! Again, this is the genre I am into from this era so it just hits. The chorus pops off and is super easy to sing to. I love how the instrumentals build into the song and make it more interesting, that’s something I miss from older music for sure.This one has some meaning to it as well with the looking for an inspiration theme and that adds to it. Great pick! 9/10
K: Foo Fighters is one of the bands from this time that I feel like I’d really enjoy listening too. I love rock music and they just fit the upbeat rock vibe so well. This is more on the “chill” side but I really like the chorus. The instrumentals in this kind of ate, I have an obsession with good guitar/drum instrumentals. The lead singer also has a nice voice it really fits with this genre and time period. I might have to listen to more of their music now, definitely a great choice!! 8.5/10
TOTAL: 8.5
Another 2nd place! Keep it up and you'll get that win!
Now, onto our bottom 2. For one of you, this is your 2nd round in a row here after dominating the game. You gotta pick it up! For the other, outside of your return, you have coasted by this season, and it's time for you to prove you belong here. The bottom 2 are:
iSandeh
‘97- The One I Gave My Heart To (Aaliyah)
M: I’m kinda yelling I listened to this after your other one so read the other one first then read this. This song is kinda exactly what the other one SHOULD have been. I wish this one had Whitney’s vocals but Aaliyah still wasn’t too bad. The lyrics were basic but still meaningful and I liked the soft vocals. The production was nothing special, but I did like the background singers in the last verse, I thought that added something to the song. Kind of a typical heartbreak song, which isn’t a bad thing! Also, you submitting 2 songs about cheating.. U ok? 8/10
K: Interesting. She’s super talented like she has amazing range and such natural talent you can tell she doesn’t have to try hard to sound good. The song itself in the beginning was just super slow for me. I’m really conflicted because I love her voice and the lyrics are actually really sad?? They hurt me?? But I kind of hate the instrumentals in this song I wish they were a bit different to let her emote better. This was definitely the *style* of music produced back then though so can’t really complain. I really like her voice I just don’t think this is my favorite song of hers. 7.5/10
‘99- It’s Not right But It’s Okay (Whitney Houston)
M: I’m a little mixed on this. This song tells a story which I like in songs, and I understand that it’s not necessarily a sad song and is more a fuck you I’m better without you type of vibe, but it still was kinda weird in that the tone of both the production and vocals didn’t really match the lyrics IMO. Like the lyrics make it sound like she should be upset and she’s just not. Not that ALL fuck you songs are bad, but I feel this specific song would’ve been better if it had sadder vibes and fit Whitney’s vocals better. That said, her vocals were great as per usual, and the song wasn’t bad but again it’s just not really for me. 7/10
K: I really hate how you referred to Whitney Houston but I digress. I also completely disagree with Matt in terms of this should be a sad song and not a giant fuck you. I think the lyrics are great I love the story it tells, like if you get cheated on you can absolutely preach fuck you I’m happier in solitude. Whitney is super talented but I really don’t know how much I liked this because of how the song is structured. I kind of feel like it was all over the place and that boggled my head. Not a bad pick but not my fave!! 7.5/10
TOTAL: 7.5
#mradamman12
‘97- My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion)
M: This might be sorta controversial but I’ve never been a *huge* fan of Celine. This type of music is general weirdly doesn’t do it for me. Like vocally it’s obviously incredible, but everything else about it is just super generic. It feels like it’s trying too hard to be a sad song to me. I like my sad songs a little less in your face I guess. I will say the build up is pretty decent and, again, her voice is incredible. That last verse is also astounding, I’m not gonna sit here and say it wasn’t good. Just not really my cup of tea. 7.5/10
K: Watches the Titanic sink :’-). So this song is overplayed to fucking DEATH. That being said I kind of love it. I can’t think of this as a solo song at all like to me this is Titanic. She obviously has an incredible voice (sometimes I feel like she strains it a bit too much for dramatic effect), it reminds me of Broadway actors big time. I absolutely love the last verse how could you not get chills from it? My biggest beef with the song is that it’s kind of long for no reason and repetitive in the beginning before the climax. A great pick though. 8.5/10
‘99- Thank You (Dido)
M: LMAO THIS IS WHERE THE STAN SAMPLE IS FROM?? Omg.. I didn’t even know this I can’t. Well obviously that’s iconic and I’m glad I got to hear the actual song. Super cute lyrics tbh, like of course it’s cheesy but I love how it shows that even when you’re going through a tough time, having someone important being there for you and with you can make things okay again. Her voice is really nice and I never would’ve imagined that sample came from a song like this. I love the soft tones and the peace it brings, it made me feel calm. 9/10
K: ?? I thought she was just a feature on Eminem’s song I didn’t know this was an actual song. I was waiting for him to assault my ears at any minute. Something is really unique about her voice I feel like maybe homegirl needs to enunciate a little better. I thought this was a sad song because Stan is about like homicide idk but it was really upbeat? The lyrics are really cute but something about her voice kind of throws me off a bit. Definitely not a bad pick considering music just sounded like this during that decade but it’s not my cup of tea (haha get it tea’s in the song). 7.5/10
TOTAL: 8.125
iSandeh and #mradamman12, unfortunately this week your choices did not make us Believe. This means you have one last chance to SING FOR YOUR LIFE in our elimination round. Bring your best.
Now, for the elimination round, you can submit ANY song you want. We are not going to limit you because this is your last chance to stay in the game and we want your very best. Post your song as soon as you can and we will get the results back ASAP. If you don’t post by today at 10 EST, you will be eliminated.
For the rest of you, congratulations on making it to round 9! Stay tuned for our next theme which will be posted with the elimination results at some point tomorrow, depending on when the elimination finishes.
