Five Song Friday - September 27th

Another week, and more exciting music has found it's way to my ears! After having a blast at the Fall Out Boy/Panic! At The Disco/Twenty One Pilots concert (look for a review of the show later this weekend/week), I have still managed to find music that I very much enjoyed. So check out what's been playing on my iTunes this week, and look for exciting things next week! (It may or may not have to do with Justin Timberlake's new album...).

1. A Light That Never Comes - Linkin Park & Steve Aoki
   I've been really busy lately, otherwise I would have said something about this song a lot sooner. New Linkin Park always gets me excited, and this song is no exception. Teaming up with Steve Aoki was a genius move to reveal their new remix album, Recharged, due out next month. This song is LP through and through; I know some people will complain about the "dubstep", (even though it really isn't), and how they want their old sound back, and I respect that. Comparing this song to their material from the days of Hybrid Theory and Meteora shows a drastic change, but at the same time, it doesn't. They're doing what they set out to do from the beginning, which is mix genres and test out new and exciting sounds. This song combines their latest album, Living Things, and the rising tide of EDM, and still showcases their "hybrid" sound. 5/5
2. Paper Thin - Dangerkids
   I discovered this song through the internet, and have never been so pleasantly surprised by what I've discovered. When I talk about this group to friends, I describe their sound as a combination of We Came As Romans and early Linkin Park. They have a hardcore sound that is prevalent throughout the scene, but throw in rapping on the verses that not only pays homage to LP, but their rapper even sounds like Mike Shinoda in his early days. Their sound is killer, and the energy they bring is intense. Not only that, but their lyrics are fantastic as well; lines like "until you're broken, you don't know what you're made of" reveal a genius that isn't too common. If you like We Came As Romans, Linkin Park, or Conditions, then this band is definitely for you. 5/5
3. Love Alone Is Worth The Fight - Switchfoot
   Switchfoot is always a band you can rely on to put out solid music, and this song is a testament to that. Working as a prelude to their new album, Fading West, "Love Alone Is Worth The Fight" is a more pop-oriented, polished sound that sounds a little different than previous work, but still has the spirit of Switchfoot. It's a catchy song, and it has some great lyrics. It also has a very large sound, thanks to some elements like strings and synths that give it a grandiose feel. If you're a fan of the band, or bands like Relient K, Lifehouse, or Anberlin, then you'll enjoy this song. 5/5
4. TKO - Justin Timberlake
   After releasing "Take Back The Night", a throwback to big bands and soulful music, Justin Timberlake's latest single brings a more modern flare, with a sound similar to something off of FutureSex/LoveSounds. It incorporates his signature beat-boxing and bright synths, and of course his fantastic voice. This song overall isn't anything terribly groundbreaking, but it is JT through and through, and is definitely a solid track from his new album, due out Monday (my excitement level is very high. VERY HIGH). I also liked the lyrical direction, which I originally thought was going to be about how a girl was so amazing and wonderful that she just knocks him out, hence the title, "TKO". Instead, it is about how a girl beats him down by changing, and not being the girl who she used to be. I thought it was an interesting take, and a creative incorporation of boxing terms. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the new album (A LOT). 5/5
5. Wu-Tang Forever - Drake
   Now, I know this is an odd addition to this week's collection, but it show's that I do listen to a variety of music. I don't always listen to his stuff, but I do think Drake does some good work. This song is off his latest album, Nothing Was The Same, and is one of the better songs. It's a more relaxed song in terms of tempo, but it has a dark and intense feel about it. Lyrically, is isn't the most appropriate, but it has some weight to it. Drake can be shallow, but he also gets into some more deep subjects and ideas. I recommend it if you like the darker vibe of rap. 5/5