#10 “Take Me to Church”- Hozier

“Separation of Church and state.” A phrase that’s been under fire since Thomas Jefferson, up until the fight for marriage equality has engulfed the world. Hozier’s political ballad isn’t just a battle for gay rights, but a battle against government’s praise for the crucifix long before the American Constitution was even penned. His vocals roar like he’s singing in a massive cathedral, but only one in a world of equality- not religious restraints.

#9 “Video Games”- Lana Del Rey

The alt-pop movement of this decade to the likes of Billie Eilish and Lorde can be traced back to a single launching point. The nostalgic backdrop, grainy video, and willowy textures of Lizzy Grant’s alter ego exploded with this monumental single, one of the decade’s first viral music videos. Say what you want about her love-it-or-hate-it Born to Die, but “Video Games” complimented every trademark of the gangster Nancy Sinatra.

#8 “Still Into You”- Paramore

Enter Hayley Williams, an auteur of the alternative pop star brigade. Her band is one of the earliest invaders of an iPod shuffle for hits like “Misery Business,” and their pop punk persona continued well into the 2010’s with this fruity track about as colorful as Williams’ hair.

#7 “Formation”- Beyoncé

Despite being the only Lemonade cut off the beaten path from its dramatic narrative, the final track from the 2016 masterpiece is the dessert you’ll want to eat after taking your man to Red Lobster. Those instantly recognizable beginning zigzag chords flaunt Bey’s black pride anthem, oozing with lyrics ripe for an elaborate music video, a symbolic symphony of her heritage, and arguably music’s finest visual component to date. 

#6 “High Horse”- Kacey Musgraves

If John Wayne and KC & the Sunshine Band had a child, it would be Kacey Musgraves’ disco-country banger. A sneer at pretentious people that’s also a midwestern roadhouse’s dance night necessity, “High Horse” saddles up everything that’s made the Texas native’s take on country a thrill, even to those with more Rihanna than Reba in their blood. 

#5 “Somebody That I Used to Know”- Gotye feat. Kimbra

Aside from the knee-slapper jab “Now Gotye is just somebody that we used to know” currently flooding the comment section of its radiant music video, the pair’s breakup classic still holds a seismic impact, chugging well past a billion views. It’s not hard to see why, from the Australian singer’s subtle buildup leading into the iconic chorus. Then Kimbra emerges with an equally enticing backstory, securing the pair a deserved Record of the Year Grammy.

#4 “Pompeii”- Bastille

In an age of Katy Perry and Robin Thicke dominating radio, it was unusual to hear a Gregorian chant that started Bastille’s swing for the charts. Yet another track immediately recalled from its opening, the world through Bastille’s eyes was crashing down like the historical city of its namesake. The single erupted the charts, despite not being your typical Top 40 radio choice.

#3 “Alright”- Kendrick Lamar

It may be #3 on our list, but “Alright” is the most 2010s track of the decade. What our elders would say about the work of the Simon and Garfunkels of their day- “it’s more than a song.” That’s what this era will say for Kendrick Lamar’s fight song that became a Black Lives Matter anthem. Within the context of its album, 2015 landmark To Pimp a Butterfly, “Alright” is set the morning after a drunken night in a hotel room contemplating suicide. But the simple yet powerful message was a rallying cry for social justice that dominated the latter half of the 2010s.

#2 “Pumped Up Kicks”- Foster the People

A clear option for all of those “jumpy songs with dark lyrics” lists for the Buzzfeeds of the internet, Foster the People’s breakthrough is another track written by the headlines. This list has made it obvious we hold a liking for songs that tell of our age, and this epic that’s aged too well is an easy pick for the present’s musical time capsule.

#1 “Do I Wanna Know?”- Arctic Monkeys

Whether you first heard it from a Bacardi commercial or that hipster girl at school who showed you all the bands that’d eventually cram your playlist, “Do I Wanna Know?” brought Alex Turner’s crew higher than anyone labeled as “indie” could dream of. Unlike the ‘Creep by Radioheads’ of the world, it catered to the band’s core fans as well as that group of listeners who aren’t as cultured as you are.

The post SCAD Radio’s Top 10 Songs of the Decade appeared first on SCAD Radio.

#10 III– The Lumineers

Run the Jewels and The Weeknd had successes this decade crafting trilogies, and The Lumineers added themselves to the list with one single album. III is an epic spanning three generations of a family ravaged by addiction. In the heat of the opioids crisis, the folk-rock band’s release is cinematic excellency aided by music videos pumping even more life to their universe that sadly isn’t unfamiliar.

#9 thank u, next– Ariana Grande

If a pop album has its playlist in all lowercase these days, that’s an inexplicable indication it’s gonna be great. What’s not inexplicable is that barely six months off of Sweetener, the former Nickelodeon star added another dose of sugar with thank u, next. Emanating as much fearsomeness as humility, it hosts different aspects of Grande’s worldview to the steamy (friends with benefits-ballad “bloodline”) to the serious (lowkey feminist anthem “fake smile”). The final trio is the dessert, a spicy Sound of Music mix in “7 rings,” the deliriously trappy “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored,” and of course, the title track: an antithesis from the sappy heartbroken heroine cliché to cement Ari as one of pop’s most forward-thinking delights.

#8 Father of the Bride– Vampire Weekend

The flappy sounds of Vampire Weekend’s fourth LP mimic the pleasantness of your wedding day, but Koenig & co’s dark lyrics give the fear your loved one’s skeptical father would subliminally emit. The six-year hiatus taken by the band proved to be no downgrade whatsoever, even with the departure of one of their members.

#7 Cuz I Love You– Lizzo

With depression on the rise and the world seemingly crashing down for many people, Lizzo was the musical Prozac we needed. Though “Truth Hurts” and “Good as Hell” exploded this year, her debut offering is destined to go down as one of the most quotable albums ever. “Slow songs are for skinny hoes,” “only exes that I care about are in my f**king chromosomes,” just a few of the treasured chants for your shower concerts.

#6 Zuu– Denzel Curry

What Illmatic is for New York hip-hop, Zuu is where Miami throws their hat in the rap ring. This Zuu is where Curry showcases his roar. He’s an aggressive force on the mic with anecdotes of a place proven to be more than a flamboyant Spring break spot. You could call it one of the most well-written hip-hop albums of the era- until you find out Curry freestyled the entire thing.

#5 Dedicated– Carly Rae Jepsen

E•MO•TION catapulted Carly Rae Jepsen beyond just being the lady behind “Call Me Maybe,” and Dedicated proves her pop music alternative is here to stay. It’s caressing, but never feels too mushy with some slamming production here (“Now That I Found You”) and moderate hip-swaying there (“Want You In My Room”).

Read our review of Dedicated here.

#4- Norman F**king Rockwell!– Lana Del Rey

From Pepsi cola-flavored privates to erotic duets with The Weeknd, Lizzy Grant’s journey has been one of a kind. On her complex fifth album, she enters her final form as a sorrowful savant. Rockwell’s writing channels some of Lana’s finest work yet and has a heavier focus on piano than you’d ever hear from the Born to Die era. It’s stripped down compared to its predecessors, but moments like the outro on “The greatest” and the silky “doin’ time” cover helped Lana own 2019- let’s just forget about that Charlie’s Angels song…

Check out our review for this landmark album here.

#3- Igor– Tyler, the Creator

Once envisioned solely as a rapper, Tyler, the Creator dips his feet into some retro funk, a similar road Childish Gambino took with “Awaken, My Love!”. Igor plays like some kind of R&B opera, Jerrod Carmichael narrating the title goblin’s soupy love triangle that sonically speaking, is as abstract as the man behind it. 

#2 Better Oblivion Community Center– Better Oblivion Community Center

Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus weren’t the only duo to dominate 2019: Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst’s terrific collaboration is as odd as their namesake would suggest. The pair fuses their powers marvelously, creating a dynamic with Oberst as the indie rock veteran and Bridgers as a rising star, but neither of them tries to outdo each other. This is their first collab (save for his feature on Bridgers’ 2017 debut), and tricks you into thinking they’ve been playing with each other for years- almost a modern-day Sonny and Cher.

#1 WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?– Billie Eilish

It’s the culmination of the pop music redrawing that’s dominated this decade. Artists like Lana and Marina flipped the script with an authentic sound of their own, and Eilish and her brother’s craft is a clearly distinguishable method in their weird world. Finneas’ sunken set pieces, Billie’s ominously muffled vocals, it all may as well have a “TM” printed next to it. She isn’t one to try to baffle you with her enigma, rather one aware of her surroundings and wholly in touch with today’s youth- equal parts sarcastic (dad seducing on “bad guy”), swaggering (fiery “you should see me in a crown”), and self-depreciative (suicidal “listen before i go”). Every generation has a beloved musician journaling the era they were raised in- now Gen Z has Billie Eilish.

The post SCAD Radio’s Top 10 Albums of 2019 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

#10 “Juice”- Lizzo

“Mirror, mirror on the wall/Don’t say it ’cause I know I’m cute.” Could there be a more on-brand way to begin a Lizzo song? Making self-appreciative quips while never sounding conceited is Lizzo’s strong suit, the Donna Summer of motivational speaking. You could witness a dog getting run over by a truck while walking out of your mom’s funeral and still be thrown into a good mood after “Juice.”  

#9 “All Mirrors”- Angel Olsen

The indie folk-rocker’s grand project thanks to an orchestra sidekick, the titular lead single for Angel Olsen’s fourth studio effort is her most bewitching and mysterious addition yet. Starting gently like the songwriter was in the days of her debut before diving headfirst into a titillating crescendo, it’s as coruscating as it is cryptic, giving just enough leeway for lyrical sleuths to toy with.

#8 “bad guy”- Billie Eilish

After removing her Invisalign, hushed vocals welcome us into Billie Eilish’s freak show on “bad guy,” a baroque pop gem bathed in badassery. Riddled with potentially naughty phrases brought down to Earth by her innocent whispers and bizarre but memorable chorus, it’s the perfect gateway into the 17-year-old’s unorthodox library.

#7 “Talk”- Khalid

Khalid Robinson’s second LP may have been a dud, but its lead single is certainly salvageable. Some luscious synths courtesy of Disclosure carry the Georgia native’s 21st-century shortcoming we all know too well- trying to work things out while they’re too busy watching Netflix to respond to your text. He’s definitely been left on read before, and the mundanity strikes Millennials and Gen Zers everywhere.

#6 “Hot Girl Summer”- Megan Thee Stallion feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign

No Summer is complete without its seasonal jam, and 2019’s choice is a product of the increasingly mainstream hip-hop genre. It’s one clearly primed for Song of the Summer: multiple features and pool party value, to name a few. But while many SotS meet the same fate as the leaves when Fall comes around, Juicy J’s mix has kept the dog days alive well into the year’s conclusion.

#5 “Cellophane”- FKA twigs

The mystique behind Tahliah Barnett took a hiatus over health troubles, so when she dropped her most intimate and haunting piece of music yet, it proved the disappearing act had only sharpened her growth as an artist. “Cellophane” can serve as a quiet sneer at racist Twilight crazies or a cultural rewrite on how we perceive pole dancing in its tranquil and subversive music video. It’s a simple, yet complicated track- none of of twigs’ twingy background noises, just minimalistic perfection.

#4  “Borderline”- Tame Impala

Fans have been divisive over Kevin Parker’s ventures into new territory, though “Borderline” satisfies those unsure if 2015’s genre-flipping Currents should be canon. The spacey sounds feel right at home in a Tame Impala track, passing the stoner-approved test with flying colors. Dwelling on the nature of life in the lyrics, it may be his tightest trip yet.

#3 “Social Cues”- Cage the Elephant

You’re an acclaimed indie act selling out shows across the world, you should be happy, right? Not to Cage the Elephant’s Matt Schultz, who wrote “Social Cues” and its accompanying LP with personal struggles like his recent divorce in mind. Whether in 2019 or in the retro era the beat hails from, the theme of the tormented star is a timeless topic in an age where Avicii and David Berman have met the same heartbreaking fate as Kurt Cobain and Ian Curtis.

Check out our coverage of Cage the Elephant’s Shaky Knees Music Festival performance here.

#2 “Dylan Thomas”- Better Oblivion Community Center

Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers have worked together before, but no one predicted their surprise collab album drop in January. At the crux was was “Dylan Thomas,” named for the famed poet who was pissed off with the world- much like the duo behind BOCC. The pair’s flow plays like a couple that’s too good at karaoke, structured with quirky lyrics referencing everything from Bridgers’ mascot to a Trump meme.

#1 “Old Town Road” (Remix)- Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus

It’s not like it was a “Stairway to Heaven” epic, the original didn’t even clock in at two minutes. It certainly didn’t have an Illmatic sense of depth, either. It was the seamless bridging of Lil Nas X’s self-described “country trap” setup that broke not only new ground in music, but Billboard’s chart record as well. While the original surged months after it was released, the cowboy struck real gold when the countless remixes poured in: throw in Hannah Montana’s dad, and they become Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The post SCAD Radio’s Top 10 Songs of 2019 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Also be sure to check out our Top 10 Songs of 2018.

#10- Clean- Soccer Mommy

Move over, Lana- there’s a new sad queen in town. Sophie Allison’s official debut packs all one could want from a slowcore indie rock stance. Whether the woozying riffs of “Cool” & “Your Dog”, or the melancholy chants of “Still Clean” & “Last Girl”, Clean checks off all the boxes for an indie star on the rise.

#9- Invasion of Privacy- Cardi B

After making landfall in 2017 with “Bodak Yellow”, Belcalis Almánzar’s first full-length follows up on the boisterous nature of the single that made her famous. Aside from her signature swank, Invasion of Privacy keeps on giving thanks to a variety of crowd-pleasing sounds like the latin-infused “I Like It” and the trappy “Drip”. Throw in an A-list cast of features, and the whole thing catapults Bardi far past one-hit wonder status.

Read our review for the album here.

#8- Welcome to the Neighbourhood- Boston Manor

Arcade Fire’s Win Butler described their landmark The Suburbs as neither “a love letter to, nor indictment of”, but a letter from his hometown. Boston Manor, on the other hand, uses this album as a complete criticism of theirs. Henry Cox announces “Welcome To The Neighbourhood/If you could leave you would” on the titular track before the Blackpool-bashing delves into issues that’ve beset the English city, such as a newfound drug haven on “Halo”. The hard rockers pull no punches with harsh yet understandable words and consistently banging riffs.

#7- Bark Your Head Off, Dog- Hop Along

Frances Quinlan’s ever-shifting voice leads the way on the Philadelphia band’s fourth album. Earworm moments like the finale of “How Simple” to the biblical imagery of “Not Abel” weaves variety into the record, but it’s clear the vocal performance makes Bark Your Head Off, Dog the best it can be.

#6- Golden Hour- Kacey Musgraves

For those of you about to skip on this one due to it being a “country” album, let it be known that much of Golden Hour is anything but. What makes Kacey Musgrave’s music so listenable is her ability to appeal to those who’ve never worn a cowboy hat. Her loveable lyrics are often cute in their wordplay, while the production strays from the southern sounds that would otherwise be a turnoff to country-haters.

#5- Sex & Food- Unknown Mortal Orchestra

The New Zealand band dives into a delicate mix of sounds on their fourth LP. The ripping riffs of songs like “Major League Chemicals” and groovy basslines of “Hunnybee” provide something for every listener.

#4- How to Socialize and Make Friends- Camp Cope

2018 introduced a wave of female indie rock with artists like Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail, but it was Australian girl group Camp Cope that won us over with their second LP. The trio tackled subjects like sexism in the music world, entranced with the raging vocals and often sarcastic wit of lead singer Georgia “Maq” McDonald.

#3- Black Panther: The Album- Various Artists

Since DAMN came out last year, it seemed we weren’t getting another Kendrick Lamar album soon. However, we got the next best thing- a giant collaborative release with Kung-Fu Kenny and his friends to pair with the Marvel blockbuster. Blending sounds like African tribal drums with today’s hip-hop and R&B worked like a charm. The soundtrack is just as much of an ode to the continent as its movie, even with that…interesting (and meme-worthy)…Future verse on “King’s Dead”.

#2- Be the Cowboy- Mitski

Zany instrumentation accompanies witty writing on the songwriter’s most recent offering. Most of the tracks don’t reach the 3-minute mark, staging Be the Cowboy more as a collection of anecdotes from Mitski’s mind. Some songs are won over by the exuberant sounds, others by the poetic lyrics. Though anchored by the pounding “Nobody”, the album contains plenty of treats like the melancholy “Lonesome Love” and the flamboyant “Why Didn’t You Stop Me?”

#1- Dirty Computer- Janelle Monáe

A “visual album” that packs a 46-minute short film for good measure is still a fantastic listen by itself. The robotic flow of the ingenious artist (and now pansexual icon) dishes out identity, feminism, and lust all in one dazzling LP. Politically intelligent on “Screwed” and “Django Jane”, while shamelessly craving same-sex love on “Make Me Feel” and “PYNK”, Dirty Computer is a relevant plea for a better tomorrow, as well as an LGBT pride album for a generation.

SCAD Radio has to choose it as the best album of 2018.

Read our review for the album here.

The post Top 10 Albums of 2018 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

As with the conclusion of any Earth cycle, it’s time for SCAD Radio’s favorite tracks that made 2018 suck less. After rigorous debate and a sophisticated voting process, we have rounded out our overall choices for the 10 best songs of the year.

Also be sure to check out our top 10 albums of 2018.

#10- Nice for What- Drake

For the most part, it seemed fans loved Scorpion “only partly”. While much of the LP fell flat, “Nice For What” brought more of the upbeat and fun music Drake has become a household name for. Taking a bite from Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor”, the Canadian rapper constructs a women’s empowerment tune complete with a star-studded music video of famous females.

Listen here.

#9- Tints- Anderson .Paak feat. Kendrick Lamar

The funkiest man in music right now teams up with rap’s reigning king for a nostalgic bop. Fans anticipating the lead single for .Paak’s third album, Oxnard, got what they wanted. “Tints” begins with a delicious ‘70s-centric disco beat as the Dr. Dre. prodigy and Lamar dive into their distaste for the paparazzi. Channeling his inner James Brown, Anderson .Paak summons perhaps his flashiest tune to date.

Listen here.

#8- Make Me Feel- Janelle Monáe

Bubbly, catchy, and clearly Prince-inspired, the single to Dirty Computer warps the pop & R&B styles the electric lady is known for mixing. With that finger-snap bassline to the “bass drop” chorus of sorts, “Make Me Feel” made us feel “so f*ckin’ real”.

Listen here.

#7- Fists of Fury- Kamasi Washington

Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, the opening to Kamasi Washington’s Heaven and Earth is nothing short of epic. A fight song at heart, but a jazzy ballad for the ages nonetheless, the saxophonist’s combination of roaring brass and racing drums ensure that listening to “Fists of Fury” only through headphones limits the thunderous experience.

The full track isn’t available on YouTube, but you can listen to a live version here.

#6- Cool- Soccer Mommy

A ringing yet soft guitar carries us into the underdog world of one of indie rock’s most promising stars. “Cool” details the girl who’s too good for you through the eyes of the girl on the sidelines, Soccer Mommy. Capitalized with a simple chorus that’ll have you belting out “you-ou-ou-ou”s of your own, one of 2018’s best breakouts finishes the track with a nicely done slow fade-out.

Listen here.

#5- High Horse- Kacey Musgraves

The disco-pop glitz of “High Horse” would never leave a first-time listener to guess Musgraves is a country artist. The songwriter ventures further and further away from the genre she once called home, and in all the right ways. The danciest track from the terrific Golden Hour wonderfully displays the Texan evolving far beyond her comfort zone.

Listen here.

#4- All the Stars- Kendrick Lamar & SZA

The end-credit tune from Marvel’s groundbreaking Black Panther movie shines thanks to two of Top Dawg Entertainment’s finest hitmakers. Kendrick Lamar’s motivational verses in the guise of T’Challa complement the superhero’s story, and SZA’s powerful vocals anchor the uplifting chorus. Wakanda forever indeed.

Listen here.

#3- This Is America- Childish Gambino

When Donald Glover and his stage name Childish Gambino were announced to be the host and musical guest for Saturday Night Live, it served as a conformation of new music. The same night Gambino performed at the New York venue, the music video for the America-criticizing song was unleashed for the internet to interpret. He surprised everyone with the psychedelic shift in genre on songs like “Redbone”, but Glover made an even bigger splash with this instant classic and it’s mind-boggling video.

Read our review for the iconic music video here.

Watch the music video here.

#2- Nobody- Mitski

Everyone experiences loneliness at some point in their lives, even if you’re an indie giant like Mitski Miyawaki. Starting with a light percussion tap and concluding with a roof-raising chant of the track’s title, the Japanese-born singer/songwriter pairs feelings of isolation with a bouncy riff that launched her from underground to indie fame.

Listen here.

#1- Feels Like Summer- Childish Gambino

If you haven’t realized by now, it was a big year for Donald Glover. Following the cultural phenomenon “This Is America”, the music world couldn’t expect what the multi-talent would do next. In sync with the “jigsaw-puzzle” vibe of the former, “Feels Like Summer” tactically misled viewers on a seemingly relaxing animated bit with various rappers and public figures from J. Cole to Michelle Obama. Even the video’s finale of Gambino entering his house as the sun sets is thought to reference the rumors his upcoming fourth album will be his last. Nevertheless, for those of you who didn’t know, the song is actually about climate change and global warming. Yeah.

Listen here.

The post Top 10 Songs of 2018 appeared first on SCAD Radio.