Bastille and City High

Today I have some music for you by one of my favorite bands ever, Bastille. I realized that it has been an extremely long time since I have posted a song by them, and seeing as how I am going to see them soon, I thought I would share some of their magic. This song in particular is one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. This is one of my favorite songs by Bastille because of how powerful and moving this song is. Both the musical composition and the lyrics are absolutely amazing. I am going to start with the instrumentation because the lyrics will take me a very long time to talk about. So when we are first introduced to this song, we hear the heavy drums. It almost sounds like marching mixed with a tribal sound. Actually, this song has a mystical sound to it which does include some tribal sounds. But this drum beat is so beautiful because I think it captures the intensity of what this song means. After these drum beats, we are launched into the song. Of course, Bastille gives us a beautiful choral sound in the background. But then Dan Smith starts singing, and the song changes. For the most part, there is this empty, mystical sound in the background. Afterwards there is a layering of tambourine and some synth work which gives way to the drum beat again and a piano. When we get to the real meat of the song, Bastille does an absolutely amazing job of bringing everything together. The three part harmony is absolutely perfect and the last harmony is done in an auto-tuned voice. And finally, we get to the real chorus. And it is beautifully amazing. Simply gorgeous and perfect. We get the harmonies, Dan Smith's improvisation, the piano, the drums, and the most beautiful sound. This is one of those songs that I find so very hard to put into words because it is just that incredible. The ending is bittersweet because it is flawless and leaves you thinking. But it is also the end of the song, which means the replay button will be going to work.  What I love about the instrumentation is that Bastille took a rap song and turned it into this indie and alternative song. Honestly, I think this version is much better than the original. Bastille has a way of creating music that conveys the emotion of the song and the message being given. Not that other bands don't do this as well, but Bastille is adept at it. Bastille seems to be able to capture certain emotions, feelings, and tones so well that no words need to be said about it. Now onto the lyrics. The lyrics in this song are so powerful and moving. There is no other band that could have covered this song as well as Bastille because they truly take meaning to the song. Although the guys in the band probably never went through the things that happen in the song, it sounds as if they really took the time to understand the song in all of its stripped down beauty. For those of you who may have even slightly gone through things like abuse, neglect, drug addiction, family problems, and were forced to survive by any means necessary, this song is for you. I know that you will take the most meaning and the most heart to this song. I almost found myself tearing up when I heard this song because of how powerful and moving the words are. I have never had to experience anything that happens in the song, but it hurts to know that this does happen. The song talks about everything that a single parent has done to take care of her children. It talks about all the negative influences from the outside-drugs, sex, media, alcohol, etc. These outside factors distort the view of so many people who go through things like this. This motivational anthem is for all of those single parents who have to struggle through parenthood and poverty and danger all around. This is for the parents who have done anything and everything for their kids, even prostitution. These verses, these lyrics, these words, they are for all the parents out there who battle the world for their children. This song is just so powerful and moving and strong. I could not have imagined any other band doing a version of this song other than Bastille. Dan Smith's voice is angelic and soft but vivacious and mighty. Just like those single parents. Everything about this song was produced in a way that I adore and really feel. I feel all that pain, suffering, and resilience. I thank all of those parents who have to go through these trials and tribulations for doing what you are doing. Thank you for being the best parent the world has ever seen. Thank you for making sure your children are safe and fed. Thank you for never giving up hope. Today's second song is the original version of the song. City High wrote this song in 1999, a time in which single parenthood was something more under the radar. You can clearly hear the difference in style between the two, but they both create that same tone and energy. Both of them are moving and poignant. The City High version really has that 1999 R&B and hip hop sound to it, especially the way the guitar and keyboards are used. There is a transition in the song where the entire segment sounds as if it does not belong, but it has a cool beat, It is that popular Snoop Dogg beat.It also has that more upbeat sound that comes with that era of music.  I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment !