Reflecting on the importance of accepting change, A&E editor Ella Govrik comments on her new favorite songs in her final column of the semester.
The Phoenix Editorial Board published a staff editorial on April 5 about our perspectives on change. Before adding my short blurb to the shared Google Doc, I spent a lot of time thinking about changes in my life and how I’ve handled them.
I pondered the inevitability and acceptance of change. I thought about the dread of knowing change is coming.
After writing a brief admittance of my former fear of change and how I try to overcome it, I realized one of the primary things that gets me through is the hope of something new and exciting waiting on the other side.
While new things can feel unfamiliar, they offer opportunities and ideas that may otherwise never have been presented.
All of this to say, newness can be really exciting. Here are four new songs released since the last edition of Grooves.
“Leonard Cohen” by boygenius
I know I wrote about “the record” just a few weeks ago, so maybe this is repetitive. But that doesn’t take away from the brilliance of boygenius’ debut album and its eighth track “Leonard Cohen,” released March 31.
A tribute to band members Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker’s friendship, “Leonard Cohen” navigates the evolution of a close friendship. Through embarrassing anecdotes and humorous references, the trio succinctly expresses a deep appreciation for their friendship and the comfort they find within it.
“I never thought you’d happen to me / I never thought you’d happen to me,” they sing.
“SORRY NOT SORRY” by Tyler, The Creator
“CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale,” the deluxe version of Tyler, The Creator’s 2021 album, added eight tracks to the already lengthy release. “SORRY NOT SORRY” was the final installation in the album’s updated tracklist, released March 31.
In true Tyler fashion, the rapper takes a sarcastic approach while addressing his critics and missteps. Tyler uses his animated rap style, supported by serene instrumentals and synths, to explore everything from the struggles of fame to global issues.
“Sorry if you gotta dig for info I don’t wanna give / So you stalk, make up fibs, just to talk about my private life / ‘Cause you’re weird / Met that girl this year, but that’s none ya biz,” he raps.
“Salad” by Blondshell
Released as a single April 5, “Salad” is the fourth track on singer-songwriter Blondshell’s self-titled debut album released two days later.
The album is a ‘90s rock revival, and unfiltered rage is at the center of “Salad.” The song details the singer’s desire to retaliate against those who have hurt her loved ones. Fast-paced and ominous instrumentals build as Blondshell fantasizes about revenge through emphatic vocals.
“It wouldn’t be so bad / It wouldn’t hurt like this / Look what you did / You’ll make a killer of a pacifist,” she asserts.
“Dancing In The Courthouse” by Dominic Fike
Some of you may remember the confession I made in December about my obsession with Dominic Fike’s music last year. I finally started to listen to Fike’s music at an acceptable pace when he released “Dancing In The Courthouse” April 14, launching me back into the artist’s discography.
Fike has seemingly mastered the art of creating songs that sound like summer — warm and upbeat. Contrasting the themes of his previous releases, “Dancing In The Courthouse” exudes positivity and confidence.
A prominent bassline adds depth to otherwise optimistically airy instrumentals while Fike’s charismatic vocals are supported by subtle ad-libbed high notes.
“But we make the ground our grave by laying in it / We make our problems fade by facing ‘em / We make the wind our wings by raising your arms / At the top of the world,” Fike sings.
Featured image by Austin Hojdar | The Phoenix
