20-Second Takes: 11/22/20

Nov 22

Charlie Goodwin

“Monster” - Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber

Much different from what we usually hear from these stars, “Monster” is a bit of a miss. While the vocals are great, as expected when you have Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, the R&B vibe doesn’t particularly suit either of the artists well. It’s a valiant effort but the musicians should stick to what they do best — pop hits.

“Circles” - Megan Thee Stallion

Let’s be honest about what Megan Thee Stallion has turned in to — a TikTok artist. With hits like “Savage,” “WAP,” and “Captain Hook,” the rapper has come to roll out catchy songs that people are meant to dance to. “Circles” is no different, with a captivating beat and the potential to be song Charli D’Amelio uses in her next video (assuming she hasn’t lost another million followers by that point).

Kat Chian

“re:set” by 50Landing

50Landing is an artist that has been on my radar for a while. His latest track, re:set is unlike anything else. With its heartfelt lyrics and high quality production, 50 creates a personal ambiance unique to him. He continues to blow me away track after track, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

“HOODIES” by JayXander

I thank the TikTok algorithm everyday for blessing me with this gem. Despite having initially heard only a 30 second clip of the song, I knew that it was going to be a banger. Since its release, I've had it on repeat. HOODIES is one of those songs that you'll be screaming along to at the top of your lungs. It's unforgettable chorus is absolutely addicting.

Ken Tse

“#BEENBALLIN” - Sheck Wes

In a flurry of abrasive screaming and signature rap flow, Sheck Wes pours his heart out into “#BEENBALLIN”. The artist means well in the gesture, too; he reflects on mistakes made and lessons learned. Unfortunately, I think that this one misses the mark a bit. I see what he was doing trying to do with here, though. The release came as the rapper entered the 2020 NBA draft. A fantastic PR move, but after disappointing result, the song has become a “step back”, if you will, pun intended.

“chinatown” Bleachers (feat. Bruce Springsteen)

My respect for Jack Antonoff continues to grow with the release of “chinatown”. A Bleachers collaboration with “The Boss” himself is an absolute power move, one that is sure to get attention from multiple generations of music listeners. Sure, the song is no “I Wanna Get Better” and a far cry from “Dancing In the Dark.” However, we must acknowledge the symbolism of such a release: a work of art made by two of best songwriters the industry has ever known. I’ve got respect for this one.

Sunday Scaries with Eli Goodwin

“Don’t Rock Me to Sleep” - Megan Thee Stallion

Unlike the last Meghan, this Megan can do no wrong. Or so I thought. With the release of her album Good News just two days ago, Megan Thee Stallion is as successful as ever. You may know her from her verses on “WAP” or “Savage” or “Sex Talk” or “Hot Girl Summer” or any other song you or a teenage girl you know has recently twerked to on TikTok. What’s so great about Megan (Ms. Thee Stallion, if I may) is that her music is empowering. She exudes confidence, she doesn’t portray herself as being effeminate or flimsy, and she’s comfortable in her own skin. She’s classy, boujee, ratchet (sorry). So what’s up with Track 13 on Good News? Perhaps it’s just the unlucky number of its placement, but “Don’t Rock Me to Sleep” isn’t terrible, per se. It’s just not Megan. Listen, I’ve obviously never been inside of her head, but it seems to me as if Ms. Thee Stallion is selling herself out for a chance to be played at Forever 21 this Black Friday. She loses her spunk in favor of a monotonous pop beat with mundane lyrics--namely “Blah blah blah, la la la, if you want to leave then bye bye bye.” Again, it’s not the worst thing in the world, the same way plain white rice isn’t. They’re both just flavorless.

Kenneth Tse