Unfortified Castle

The tap-filled anthem is one of my 21st-century rock favorites, but its lyrical theming didn't register with me until very recently.

Zedd's serene house-pop production featuring Troye Sivan was the first track of its kind that impressed me with the greater story it told.

That's a question I've had recently as I've gotten to thinking about just one of Janelle Monáe's show-stopping numbers.

Robyn's 2010s-defining hit is narratively unfitting such a response... but deep down, such an act really makes a lot of sense.

You don't sample and rap over Otis Redding and get away with it... right? Unless you're Ye and Jay.

CamelPhat are leaders of the style now, and I saw it coming with this 2015 production.

*deep breath* This is a pretty personal piece, but that's because of what this song means and has meant to me.

*inhales* *SCREAMS INTERNALLY*

Ed Sheeran's tale of one Angel grapples with connection, addiction, and its subject's all-too-likely fate.

Kali Uchis and Tyler, the Creator provide the former feeling, while the latter comes from the space bassist, Bootsy Collins himself.

Kendrick Lamar's funky 2015 single remains a personal favorite for a slew of reasons, many of which come back to what I like in older music.

As Beijing 2022 begins, I return to Underworld's musical setting for the 2012 cauldron lighting.

Few pop songs have genuinely surprised me in a positive way on first listen more than today's selection did.

In hindsight, these styles are perfect for each other — unlike the former relationship the song describes. Bravo, ILLENIUM and Jon Bellion.

Through his celebrity lens, Childish Gambino questions the trustworthiness of, frankly, anyone who seems to be a friend in the digital age.

Emeli Sandé's praiseful breakthrough hit is as catchy and singalong-friendly today as it was when she burst onto the scene.

Between its beat and its lyrics, Ryan Riback's retouching of Starley's dance-pop number is one of my favorite productions from the late 10s.

In examining a complete revamping of a pop production, I think of how stylistic choices can change our perception of a melody and lyrics.

Nico & Vinz were all over the radio in my early teens with this song, but only now did I finally put a closer lens to it.

The memories will always be there, and Zara Larsson and MNEK's presentation of working through them really resonates with me.