"Die with a Smile" Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
Starting with a relaxing shuffle rhythm guitar with a surf rock tone, reminding me of an unforgettable summer memory, Bruno brought a sentimental passionate male vocal on Die with a Smile. The band produces a kind of “retro” color which is saturated like natural sunburst, the sound really fits Bruno of course, while making Lady Gaga’s voice more bewitching.
As always good songs, the lyrics are easy to listen to, pretty understandable, having great hocks on the chorus. They never missed the point.
What I love the most is the very end of Pre Chorus, Gaga’s harmony line! I believe she improvised at her recording. That’s Lady Gaga! Really great work. This song made my summer! Are they going to the Grammy? Sure they are.
“Austin” Dasha
I always enjoy looking for interesting things happening on UK charts. Austin is now one of the long run hits. Footsteps and handclaps keep a nice rhythm and tension which implies a hardwood dance floor or restaurant bar for booties. Not like a country pop mainstream, but nearly close to Post Malone, Zach Bryan or Shaboozey, like an extended country sound that attracted more European fans than American.
“Somedays” Sonny Fodera, Jazzy, D.O.D.
What a nice EDM is back! It already sounds “retro” not “nouveau” anymore. How fast the trend goes out! Well, well, this song really means to fans (including me) and hit the charts. After the EDM boom ended, so many Synth Pop songs came out there. Some are slower tempo, some are analog like and for sure they are in trend however, we missed something. This song fills up our hearts with pouring uptempo dance beats. I believe Jazzy will get world famous soon.
“The Door” Teddy Swims
The bass and the drum tone color reminds me of 1980’s Pop Rock flavor like Steve Miller Band or Men at Work, Teddy Swims sings quite light-feel like a pop star. Productionwise, The Door goes back to the 1980’s not only the band but also melody and harmony structure which is a little similar to the weeknd or Bruno Mars but keep it simple however, definitely a new taste of ear candy for the current young generation.
