Five Song Friday - January 31st

It's Friday and that means it's time for a new installment of the Five Song Friday series. It's been a busy week for me, but I hope everyone has had good and productive weeks. As with every week, I have found more music to bring to you, the readers, that I want to tell you about since I've been listening it all week long. Check the songs out, and see what you enjoy!

1. Own It - Drake
   I've been on a bit of a Drake kick the past few weeks (if you've been reading, you probably noticed), and this song is continuing that trend. I discovered it after finally listening to all of Nothing Was The Same, Drake's latest release, and instantly was hooked. The atmospheric nature inspires smoke filled rooms and cruising downtown late at night. It has some great contrasting moments, with the movement from the synth driven and percussion-less sections to the beat-heavy and rap driven drops creating variations of intensity and emotion. The more I listen to Drake's latest record, the more I regret not listening to it all sooner. The instrumental on this song is one of my favorite from a rap track, and Drake employs a balanced mix of rapping and singing that is a common theme throughout the album. It might just be one of those songs I listen to intensely for a few weeks and then forget about, but I highly doubt that right now. 5/5
2. Say It Ain't So - Weezer
   I had heard this song before, but just recently got it and the rest of the album a couple weeks ago from a friend. This song is easily one of my favorites, with the smooth and subtle verses shifting into the guitar driven and more intense choruses. It's insane to think about the fact that this song is 20 years old, but a testament to how good it is that people are still listening to it after all this time. This song comes from a time where autotune and the likes hadn't quite seeped into the music industry, and it's refreshing to listen to something not quite so polished and clean. It's got a gritty quality that feels authentic and natural, and that's one of the many reasons it's still being played today. 5/5 
3. In No Time - Mutemath
   I also got this album curtesy of a friend, and was overall pleased with it. Personally, I didn't think it was up to the standard of their self-titled album, but it had a few stand outs, like this song. It's a soft song that starts with some synth and vocals, and slowly expands into something bigger. The build is not intense, and the climax doesn't inspire anything epic, but it's a satisfying build nonetheless. It's something you can fall asleep to, but not something that puts you to sleep. Mellow would be a good description, but without the negative connotations that come along with that word. It is otherworldly, but not like Angels & Airwaves. If you enjoy Mutemath, then this song is a hidden gem waiting to burst forth. 5/5
4. We Follow (Stereotypes Remix) - From Indian Lakes
   When I discovered that From Indian Lakes had a remix EP, I was fairly surprised to be honest. If you've ever heard their music, then you'll know that it isn't the kind of music you listen to and think, "Hey, this would be good with electronic dance beats and distorted synths." However, I was quick to reverse my judgement thanks to this song. The original (click here for a link) and this are dramatically different, but this remix brings out an intensity that was present in the song but not in the forefront. Their overall sound is bare, with minimal instrumentals and a more folky and indie influence. I enjoy this remix because it brings out sounds and ideas that you wouldn't have originally connected with From Indian Lakes, but it works. 5/5
5. Elevated - State Champs
   I got this song in a free compilation download, and I'm in love with it. It's Pop-Punk to the core, giving the listener 3 and a half minutes of energy, fun, and vulnerability. I've said it before, but one of my favorite traits of Pop-Punk is its ability to be raw and honest, not covering things up with eloquence but instead saying it like it is. It's refreshing, and makes it incredibly easy to connect with the music. This song in particular is catchy and upbeat, but not in an obnoxious way. The lyrics aren't completely happy, but they're not depressing either; they paint the situation like it is. I really enjoy the vocals, which have found a great balance between melodic and gritty. Overall, it's a great song from a band who I'm definitely going to be giving more attention in the future. 5/5