BY CHARLIE BLODNIEKS
With “hipster” culture on the rise, top 40 hits are often considered to be “too mainstream” for many. The fact of the matter is this: some fall in love with music that causes them to feel something deep rather than something that’s simply catchy. When the motivation behind music is money, it is rare to find a song topping the charts that is anything more to than a tune to dance to. However, some artists have broken into this elite group of “hits” with something that truly, well… hits. Here is a Lariat playlist of pop hits that actually have something to say.
“The Diary of Jane” by Breaking Benjamin
This is without a doubt one of my all-time favorites. I can barely articulate my complete and utter love for this song, and despite only making it to number 50 on pop charts, it earns a designation not many “hits” at the top of the charts receive: it deserved to do better. Regardless of the track failing to make the top forty, I have yet to meet a person who hears it and doesn’t recognize it.
Melodically distinguished by powerful guitar riffs and hard-hitting drums, “The Diary of Jane” is a unique mix of strong and soft, and each aspect brings out the best in the other. But the true beauty of this song lies in the lyrics. It depicts the internal monologue associated with feeling responsible for a loved one hurting yet still fighting. “The Diary of Jane” brings out the best of relatable lyrics, showing the strength in pain coming from a good place. You can see the obvious dedication Breaking Benjamin have to their music, a constant factor throughout their albums.
“Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons
Modern “rock” band Imagine Dragons have been topping charts since their debut into the mainstream with “It’s Time,” the hit song off the 2012 The Perks of Being a Wallflower soundtrack. Since then, Imagine Dragons have released many hit singles, the most prominent of which being “Radioactive.” I’ve always thought this song would fit perfectly into the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth, as it deals with themes of a post-apocalyptic dystopia, as the singer describes waking up and fighting a world with poisoned atmosphere, manual labor, and overall extreme conditions.
By far, the part of “Radioactive” that stands out most is its brilliant use of the instruments to make a point. The coalescence of the instruments sounds nearly metallic, as though the music itself is falling apart, much like the world they’re describing. “Radioactive” is undoubtedly a feat of imagery through sound.
“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Goyte
“Somebody That I Used to Know” was inescapable; the song reached the top ten in over thirty countries, including Israel, Australia, and the United States. Goyte’s hit has been described as an indie-pop anthem, and despite being a previously unknown artist; Goyte climbed the charts with incredible speed.
I usually don’t like pop radio; I find rap too raunchy and the pop far too repetitive and unoriginal. But simply overhearing this song made me actually sit down and take the time to find it online (not that it was all too difficult). Some pop songs have become a bit of a guilty pleasure for me, but I have no problem openly admitting that I love this song, and respect it at the same time. “Somebody That I Used To Know” is just the perfect medium between strange and powerful, using a few odd instruments, including Brazilian jazz guitar and the xylophone, paired with soft vocals that contrast beautifully.
“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
Listening to this song for the first time, I was angry that it was regarded more favorably than “Demons” by Imagine Dragons in a review by ToddInTheShadows (a pop music reviewer on a video database, That Guy With the Glasses). But after taking the time to sit down and listen, I was entranced. It has a sort of complexity uncommon in modern pop culture, and deals with the theme of following your dreams. Regardless of my original exposure to it, I managed to drop my grudge and love the track anyway.
This is a song that catches your attention from the first note. It’s upbeat, yet not obnoxiously so; it stands out on modern pop radio, and deserves to have the chance to.
“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore
I don’t think anyone can rightfully say they haven’t heard “Thrift Shop.” Though it stands out on this list, it is entirely deserving of it’s place. It’s fun, upbeat, and Macklemore has actual rapping skill, unlike many of the so-called rap “artists” we hear every day. This is the kind of song that gets stuck in your head and doesn’t make you want to induce a coma just to get it to stop (ahem. “Scream and Shout” by will.I.am, I’m referring to you).
The real value of “Thrift Shop” is in the lyrics. Rap so often values materialism, but it’s so rare to come across a gem like this: a song promoting uniqueness, individuality, and cheap clothing. It dons a certain kind of quirkiness; in my favorite line, it even mocks those who obsess over designer logos, as-a-matter-of-factly taunting, “I call that getting tricked by a business.” Aside from having real, meaningful lyrics, this song blends them with unbelievably catchy beats and even sillier lines, creating a wonderful juxtaposition of serious and fun.
Often, an artist’s highlight single is regarded as overrated, and for the most part, these claims are well supported. But when mainstream and quality music collide, it’s a journey worthy of note and praise.
