Welcome to the judgement room. We've provided some feedback on your choices as well as some scores this time around! Hang in with us as we work through our scoring process. You'll see in my feedback that I initially ranked songs as either immune, strong, safe (as in played it safe), or low, and I ended up translating these over to ranges of 10, 8.5-9.5, 5.5-7.5, and 5 or less, respectively.
I'll now give our feedback and scores in order of submission. Keep in mind that I judged the Heartwarming selections and VanitySmurf Blu judged the Heartbreaking selections.
boysofsummer2005 - Brett Young (In Case You Didn't Know) 8.5/10
- I like this song and I love the lyrics a lot. I think it's paced well, the music suits it very well, & yesss it is perfectly heartwarming. The only thing that I don't like about it is that his voice sounds a little off. And I like some of his other music so I'm not sure what it is about his voice in this song but it just sounds a lil off..but it's not a big deal. I would rate this song strong!
(how could you leave us)- This song said so much and having been subjected to substance abuse myself growing up as a child with a parent suffering from it, this song hits home. The Lyrics had so much depth. The forceful and the screams represented so much pain that you could tell he was still experiencing. He took his pain and took it to the studio as the only way to speak to his mother, that was very powerful, and sometimes finding expressive ways to cope is difficult, and he made a career out of it musically. I think you really captured the essence of platonic heartbreak as this song really left me numb. crying through pain is the worst feeling. He is the modern day Eminem but I think guy songs and personal struggles are a tad bit deeper lyrically. 8.5/10 (OVERALL 17/20)
tbrown_47 - Journey (Faithfully) 4/10
- The older like slow rock (?) style music...I'm not even sure what to call this, I'm sorry, doesn't do it for me. I can't tell what they're saying, I had to google the lyrics, and my attention span was suffering LMAO I was having such a hard time getting through this. Unfortunately, I can not agree with you that it is one of the best love songs ever made. I would rate this low.
(Orbit) - This was an interesting song choice coming from but a good one. I got Sevyn Streeter vibes throughout this, just from the unique sound, the backing track, the play on animations sound wise, I liked it. It did get a little chipmunkish for me in certain parts but I guess she was showing her versatility, but her lower register vocals really impressed me the most. “You remind me of a love that out grew me too”, that line was deep. Overall I liked that she was able to give different perspectives on a song that seemed to have been shared by many voices but was in fact her own, so that was cool. I do like too that this could be an empowering breakup song. 7/10 (OVERALL 11/20)
Becksta20 - Lonestar (Amazed) 8/10
- I liked the lyrics! Cute & romantic. I wish the instrumentals were a little different, they almost felt a little rushed and out of place. Also, I found that his voice was a little less able to let emotion come through than some other artists, but overall still a good song! I'd be in between safe and strong with my rating.
(Torn) – This song is a staple song and one that is still highly recognizable to this day. It’s been covered by so many artist and performed all over the world on music shows, television shows, and radios. It’s not a favorite of mine just because I’ve heard it so much, but I do like that it’s more of an upbeat teenage-like heartbreak song with a catchy tune and true 90’s feel, and vibe. There are some stand out lyrics in this song too that makes you stop, think, and really appreciate the artistry. Even though it is technically a sad themed song, I like that it’s also like a fight song. 6.5/10 (OVERALL 14.5/20)
StraightLoonie - Shania Twain (You're Still The One) 6/10
- This song is very simplistic and I appreciate that in a sense but also I feel like I want more from it. I like her voice and I feel like she is letting in just enough emotion at the chorus but it was a little iffy and I did have to rewind it to be sure. This was a song that did kind of lose my attention a bit but it's cute. I'd rate it safe.
(Roses) - Another out of the ordinary submission, which I appreciate. This is my jam. The musical intro alone is enough to win you over. This is one of those heartbreak songs that flips the script on the heartbreaker to bring them down a notch when they’re obnoxiously full of themselves “she thinks her sh*t smells like roses” a great play on words and that phrase “boo-boo”, when they’re dismissive. (think popular girl in school and nerd). I also think that the part about him talking about roses doesn't actually interpret to how roses smell, but I personally think that the song collectively talks about the hassles of relationships and the chases that come with it, not to mention the daring lyrics about girls speeding and crashing to club applying makeup, make it not only funny but cool lyrical abilities. 7.5/10 (OVERALL 13.5/20)
FromAWindow - Ariana Grande (R.E.M) 6.5/10
- Okayyy she came in strong with the beat I really enjoyed that. I'm not a fan of the background breath sounds though and I don't know if this style of vocals is what suits her best. The breath-y noises really kinda brings the whole song down for me. I did think the lyrics were a cute moment though. I'd rate it safe.
(Lover, please stay) - This song made me close my eyes and just appreciate the quality and softness in his voice. Great breath control, amazing texture to his tone. I love the restraint on certain parts of the song and then released to full on powerful vocals. I also appreciate that his voice was the only one soaring through, no backing vocals needed, his was powerful enough to stand alone. Could hear lots of Muse and Radiohead influence too in the song especially in the beginning with the first guitar notes. So much emotion in the lyrics “I can feel you slipping through hand, take what you want from me”, overall, I thought it was a masterpiece. 10/10 (OVERALL 16.5/20) IMMUNITY WINNER
kevrev4 - Maggie Rogers (Love You For a Long Time) 8.5/10
- I notably like the vocals in this song. The lyrics were super cutesy too. It was definitely vibes. It felt a littleee repetitive but it wasn't too bad. I'd rate it strong.
(And it Breaks My Heart) - I've never heard of LEON before or don’t recognize her songs. I first thought it was Sia when she started singing, but she does have a unique tone to her voice and I love a Contralto. Not a lot of females have that much power on their lower register like this lady. The song took me on a rollercoaster of emotions through love, I enjoyed that. I had to listen to the lyrics version and interpreted them, to get a better appreciation for it because accent was strong in this song. I really did like the ease of this song though as it could fit so many different moods. 7.5/10 (OVERALL 16/20)
Mrkk - Avicii (The Nights) 7.5/10
- Is this song heartwarming? I can't decide. Personally, this song makes me a little sad because it makes me think of death. But I understand a little the sentiment of appreciating life maybe and that aspect of it being heartwarming? I'll rate it safe since I'm not sure if I can tie it to the theme 100% but I do genuinely enjoy the song, it evokes an emotional response, it makes one think, and the production is so good.
(Driver’s License) - This was such a cute teenage heartbreak song, and then I read up that she is a Disney Star so it makes perfect sense lol. I got Taylor swift style of lyrics from this song too. This girl is talented. This song was like an emotional firecracker. It makes you pause for a second and feel things. It’s like a new age display of power and trends. Seems like the guy she referenced in the song is in some type of love triangle with her and another woman, just from the “she’s everything, I’m insecure about” line in the lyrics. I think it a good intertwining of heartbreak and her personal experiences. 7/10 (OVERALL 14.5/20)
CarolinaSteele - Lacey Sturm (Run To You) 8.5/10
- Voice & vocals! Delivered. I am a little torn on feeling like it's not as heartwarming as it could be but at the same time thinking it is, the lyrics have me a little confused in that regard but I like them. Simple production in a good way. I think I'd rate it strong.
(A Trophy’s Father Son) - I can always count on you to deliver a head banging heavy metal, hard work song with strong emotional feels. You are the only one this group that submit these type of songs, and I think it’s going to set you apart from the rest of the competition. This song I’m sure is so relatable to many people out there struggling with the absence of their father’s. I also appreciate your vulnerability and openness of your own personal struggles with this. I love the cry out in the lyrics and the repetition of the word “Father” like they’re really trying to get his attention, it hits deep and describes perfectly to someone not being able to fully understand, why they’re not in your life. 9/10 (OVERALL 17.5/20)
smi9127 - George Ezra (Paradise) 5/10
- This song gave off a more rushed vibe and other than the concept of paradise I didn't really get the sense of heartwarming. His voice didn't seem to have much emotion to it and the production came in too fast and strong I think. I would rate this one lower.
(Moral of the Story) - This voice put me in the mindset of Alanis Morissette, and the track had a carnival theme to it very abstract, like house of mirrors or something, which was really cool. I like that this song can have different interpretations to it depending on one’s perspective. It is a sad song and her sweet voice is like being in a dream, alongside the calming melodies of the piano really sets the mood. I think the lyrics are difficult to understand unless you understand music because there is so much pain I the lyrics & also lots of symbolism throughout, such as fire which could represent someone burning on the inside, I liked that. 7/10 (OVERALL 12/20)
cheritaisdelicious - Father John Misty (Honeybear) 5.5/10
- Definitely an interesting take on heartwarming. I was a little put off by some of the lyrics. The production was good. The voice was good. Overall it lands a safe ranking.
(Rootless Tree) - This song had such a pretty intro melodically to where it almost didn’t feel like heartbreak because it puts you in a good mood. Then bam, a powerfully strong chorus rips through the soul piercing f bombs. This embodied so much pain the lyrics, and just being able to scream out your frustrations musically, was great. It was raw, honest, and full of passion. I do love the reverse of the F bombs at the end once he had calmed down, it turned to “Let Me out,” which was a realistic expression for many of us feeling trapped and hurt in relationships. 6.5/10 (OVERALL 12/20)
Voila - Shania Twain (Forever and Always) 9.5/10
- I'd say strong. She understood the assignment. I love the background vocals in this and it definitely was heartwarming.
(Thinking of You) - I do love Katy Perry, however this didn’t sound much like her, I thought it was Taylor Swift. Having said that, I like her versatility in songs and this had a catchy hook. She’s such a strong female vocalist and her range in this song was great. It took a while for it to build-up but the Climax was great; it gave me the Katy I’m used to hearing with so much emotion. The track was overpowering a bit to where it was hard to understand the meaning of the lyrics but it was meaningful. 6.5/10 (OVERALL 16/20)
hayden9102 - Dan + Shay (Speechless) 7/10
- The vocals are there for sure. It's an interesting style like it sounds like it's trying to mix newer & older and I'm not totally sure how I feel about that. I think the music is wayy too understated for what they're bringing vocally and it almost dulls the lyrics a bit even though they do bring it. I'd rate it safe.
(Let Her Go) - This a pretty good song choice, I like the openness & acoustic only in the intro coupled with vocals. I would’ve preferred that throughout the song instead of the backing band, but it was good. I like the meaning behind the song of not appreciating things until they’re gone. This brings about pain and is a good heartbreak song. I think it’s a relatable song too and one that people can immediately catch the tune and sing along. 6/10 (OVERALL 13/20)
abstractjay - Lana Del Rey (Young and Beautiful) 10/10.
- I love love love Lana's voice. The production in this...so great. I love the orchestral sounds. I didn't even realize this song is where multiple tiktok sounds came from. I love the lyrics honestly and as it kept going it just kept getting BETTER! Lana has some of the best music. Very strong & my immunity choice.
(Million Reasons) - Gaga can sing. I’m not really a fan of hers musically but this song made me see her in a different light and appreciate her artistry. I felt like she was going through a low moment when she wrote this and was really able to dig deep and write such a heartbreaking song. The pain was expressive and identifiable. I also like the it wasn’t over the top theatrically like she usually does that irks me but she just song the melody which was beautiful. 7/10 (OVERALL 17/20)
Yawnha - Charlie Puth (One Call Away) 8/10
- Charlie is a cutieee. I like his voice and this song definitely warms the heart. I wish the lyrics were a little stronger but it's still good. The music suits it well & it's paced great. I'd rate it along the border of safe and strong.
(Love is Gone) - Nice song. It does sound similar to some of the other submissions here genre wise. The interlude was a little extra for me and then it started becoming reminiscent of Eurovision songs, which I wasn’t you to change it up a little bit and surprise us with a different style. The highlights of this song for me however, were the basslines and dubstep vibes, they hit hard. There were chilling moments in the vocals of this song and lots of emotional lyrics, which I appreciate. 6/10 (OVERALL 14/20)
konohavillage1 - Ladi6 (Ikarus) 4/10
- i could tell this song was unique right away but it was a little off putting because i'm not a fan of really long intros and this one was around 37 seconds. It sounds a little too video-gamey to be dreamy if that makes any sense. This song felt very technical to me and I couldn't feel any heartwarming connection to it personally. I'd have to rate this low.
(Wait for a minute) - This was so different; the video was mind boggling. There was a lot of craftsmanship not only in the video but the lyrics which I appreciate. It’s not a typical simple song to understand but it has so many layers & undertones that it’s really a unique form of artistry. Lyrics are dark but the track is upbeat which is a great mixture. It gives an old school vibe and I was able to decipher in the lyrics that it’s a song about suicide and depression, written from the artist personal struggles. Merrill seems to have a very imaginative way of expressing herself. 8/10 (OVERALL 12/20)
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Immunity Winners:
Heartwarming - abstractjay / Young and Beautiful - Lana Del Rey
Heartbreaking - FromAWindow / Lover, Please Stay - Nothing But Thieves
Congrats!
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Unfortunately, we still think it is time to eliminate 2 people from the studio.
Tim, Smi, Cherry, Ken, as our four lowest scorers, you will be heading to sudden death.
You will post one song in the comments - any song that hasn't been submitted already - to fight for your place in the studio. If you have any questions, ask! Good luck!
Comments
Not NAO getting the same score as driver's license...and Journey robbed. How does sudden death work? Is there a theme?
tbrown_47 there is no theme. You can submit any song you'd like as long as it hasn't been submitted already. We'd just prefer that you include a brief explanation of why you're submitting the song and/or what it means to you :) and then the two of us will decide together which 2 players will move on
Submitting this because it's my favorite song right now! But it also has a message I agree with behind it. Marina sings about all the "poisons" in this world: global warming, racism, misogyny, sexism, etc. and at first you may think: "this song feels cluttered or why is she singing so fast it seems chaotic" but I think that's the point... there's literally so many poisons in the world right now and it can be overwhelming. I know this past year has been overwhelming for me with Covid (which she also talks about in this song) as well as everything else going on in the world. And even though it's overwhelming if we don't work to "purge the poisons" or enact any change we are going to pay the price. Besides the message I really like the style of this song it bring me back to old Marina with some pop-punk and high energy. I sing along to every word of this song on my morning commute now lol.
eyeroll. I told Blu I'd flop at this and neither of you would appreciate my superior taste.
I don't fully understand this sudden death thing. Like when I signed up I was told that you guys were judging songs on how well they fit criteria and not how much you liked them. But like, if there is no theme, what are you judging? Just ranking which song you like best? So it's basic ass kissing?
(I know everything I type sounds snarkier than I intend, but I feel like you both know me well enough I am just being my usual question everything and not trying to be bitchy)
cheritaisdelicious, ha! I get you, and I did judge on criteria alone or you may have had a much lower score if it was personal taste. As far as the sudden death round, it’s a fight to stay in song. So it basically comes down the description of why you chose it and how the song relates to that description, if that makes sense?
If I go out to this song, then it's cool because this is a great song. This song really brings back a lot of childhood memories as my dad would always play this song, and me, him, and my sisters would all jam out to it. It's an old favorite of mine and always puts me in a good mood.
Lmfao cheritaisdelicious. It doesn’t have to be a scholarly essay, I know you. 😅 and I don’t really have to like it, but it needs to express why the song “speaks to you”
This has been one of my absolute favorites since I discovered it about 6 months ago. To me it's about finding your inner strength and finding a way to break free of the things holding you back. It makes me think of bad things behind me, terrible relationships and how I came out away from them and found new ways to be strong.
I’m pleasantly shocked. I thought tune yards would be the panned submission. I describe myself as being left of center, and my music is included in that. I know some of my submissions may be a little wonky, but go left with me!
Feedback time!
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(N) smi - I loved the relevancy of this song and I actually did not find it that chaotic, only slightly lol. I liked the lyrics & vocals, and although the style is a little old for my taste, I was really rooting for this song.
(B) Smi- I think you nailed the sudden death round the best. The song was a great choice. It had lots of dramatics which I love. Great vocals and purposeful lyrics. I also felt you had the best heartfelt description.
(N) Tim - I am sorry, I was hoping for stronger lyrics and vocals to come through.
(B) Tim- I could not critique Jill Scott as i believe she’s in a league of her own. While this song may not have appealed to others, its been a go to of mine for years. However, your description wasn’t strong enough to plead your song choice, case.
(N) Cheri - I thought this was your strongest submission by far and trust me we could not decide for a very long time. I liked the song and I did vouch for it but unfortunately we could not agree on it.
(B) Cheri. I did use criteria for this submission coupled with personal choice and it was just difficult for me to follow the song. Your description was great, but I do believe one other person just slightly topped you in song choice.
(N) Ken - I did think this song was good but I had some reservations that stopped me from like strongly wanting to root for it. I really love good vocal deliveries and I think the background vocals here fell short, they were just kind of awkwardly placed and not really great. It didn’t totally break the song but it did ruin the initial vibe for me.
(B) Ken- As i stated before, your abstract music interest intrigues me. I thoroughly enjoyed this song again, and appreciated how you encouraged us to take a step away from the norm and experiment with new style of music, like this song in your description.
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We've decided overall that smi and ken will continue in the studio. tim & cheri, i'm sorry, your time in the studio is sadly over.
