Review Saturday: Charlie Puth - "Losing My Mind"

Charlie Puth

"Losing My Mind"

Nine Track Mind

Atlantic

A few days ago, Wikipedia uploaded the tracklist of Puth's debut album with a shock. One of the tracks, "Losing My Mind", features the Indonesian singer who aims the international market. I am not surprised, though, but somehow it looks fishy. If it were true, I expect "Losing My Mind" to be an upbeat song, with innuendo lyrics and erotic dance. Turns out it is not true. And turns out it's not an erotic song. It's not even an upbeat song.

"Losing My Mind" is a standard ballad, there's nothing special from it, though. Puth's vocal doesn't sound so bizarre at all; it's as if his voice is suited for ballad song. But, "Losing My Mind" is really nice ballad. It is stuck in your ear after the first listen. "Losing My Mind" is another apology--as though we need more. Puth sings tenderly as he apologizes that this relationship won't work is because of his fault. "And I'm sorry that I can't be the perfect type of man." 

I think "Losing My Mind" is one of the highlights of Puth's debut album. 

Review Tuesday: Parachute - "Without You"

Parachute

"Without You"

Wide Awake

Vanguard Records

There's always part in my heart for every Parachute's songs no matter how hipster I have become. It is not exaggerating as Parachute's songs contain quintessences and substances, as proven by their previous singles. There's no other song that slaps me as hard as "Kiss Me Slowly", a tender love song that is so beautiful it makes me cry. 

This Charlottesville band is back with "Crave" last year, but this song is really typical and forgettable, it's not like typical Parachute songs. They may grow; they may change. Even so, I still have some faith for Parachute. Then, they release "Without You", another taste from their fourth album, Wide Awake. And as if they are finally wide awake, "Without You" is back on their correct track. "Without You" is a pop-rock song infused with gospel sound. In a way, it sounds a lot like "Something To Believe In (Jeremiah)" especially in gospel choir department. "Without You" itself is a fun love song. Will Anderson with his distractive blue eyes sings "I don't wanna fall sleep without you", talking about an attachment that is formed when you fall in love. 

Review Sunday: Nicholas Krgovich - "The Place Goes Quiet"

Nicholas Krgovich

"The Place Goes Quiet"

The Hills

Tin Angel Records

The prolific Canadian multi-instrumentalist, Nicholas Krgovich, has released tons of materials in his Bandcamp account, yet there is not any single Wikipedia page for him. So, when I heard his latest song, "The Place Goes Quiet" and looked his name up on the internet, I can't gather enough information about him. I grew frustrated because "The Place Goes Quiet" is really fun. 

It's absolutely not a song for winter, but since his latest album, The Hills, will be released on March, I think he means "The Place Goes Quiet" to be a song to prepare for a spring. "The Place Goes Quiet" starts by cheery drum thump and beat, which kinda reminds me of Jonathan Boulet's songs. It's so gay--I mean the cheerful one. Krgovich's falsetto voice blends with his own rhythm. According to Krgovich, this song was written in 2010 when he looks an overlong grass in his uncle's yard. After he cut the grass, he felt so satisfied that he began to get inspired. It's a unique way to get inspiration, of course, but it is another prove that inspiration can come from anything. So, no reason to procrastinate, dickhead! Yes, you dickhead, Daniel!

Review Saturday: Chairlift - "Crying In Public"

Chairlift

"Crying In Public"

Moth

Columbia Records

Let me tell you an embarrassing story. I once have cried in a public space due to heavy burden that I must carry and such as. I will leave the frivolous details out, but you get a point that crying in public is not something triumphant. But, it's okay to cry sometimes. It's something healthy. And crying is humane, regardless of your gender. 

In New Year, where everything is so gloomy yet so festive at the same time, Brooklyn-duo Chairlift decides to release a ballad song as their third single from long-anticipated album, Moth, due release several weeks from now. It suits the cold and soft weather of January, but it is definitely different than previous two songs that Chairlift has released before: "Ch-Ching" and "Romeo". Still, Chairlift maintains their fun, but "Crying In Public" feels so tender and genuine. This is where Caroline Polachek's voice sounds the best as she sings the chorus, "I'm sorry I'm crying in public. I swear I'm falling for you, I'm falling for you." Have you ever felt falling in love so hard, that you wanna cry? Just ask Chairlift. They know.