This installment is part of a retrospective on “Back to Black,” the most acclaimed album of Amy Winehouse who passed away 10 years ago this July. I’ll revisit one track every month in order of their appearance on the album
Amy left nothing out of her autobiographical second album. She didn’t fantasize too heavily, or paint a picture of a fictional girl. She was talking about herself throughout each track, good and (mostly) bad.
In this single, she spells out what her problems are and warns anyone who might want a shot with her: Don’t.
With effortless storytelling and lyrical structure, we catch a glimpse of a conundrum not out of reach for any of us. She fucked up, but basically shrugs it off with an “I told you so.”
This installment is part of a retrospective on “Back to Black,” the most acclaimed album of Amy Winehouse who passed away 10 years ago this July. I’ll revisit one track every month in order of their appearance on the album
Banging piano keys don’t typically make for a song anybody would consider “hard,” but this song is savage as anything that rock and roll could have ever produced.
Unabashedly focusing on a near-death breakup, Amy relives the worst case scenario for many of us: “You go back to her and I go back to…”
Her searing pain is palpable. You can’t help but to shut your eyes and feel that lump in your throat. It’s like the harshest lashing in the most vulnerable of moments, and she’s left bare and bruised with no option but to face reality.
This song feels like it was created for us to experience while we mourn the loss of Amy Winehouse; nothing could be worse, and there is no solace. Only she could give us an all-time-greatest song to lament to with this level of technique. She was a master of heartbreak, and we all have this song to reference when we’re facing it ourselves.
This installment is part of a retrospective on “Back to Black,” the most acclaimed album of Amy Winehouse who died 10 years ago this July. I’ll revisit one track every month in order of their appearance on the album
Career making and earth shattering, this “song of the summer” lives in each of us ‘rent free,’ as they say. Simplicity rules in music. Beyond that, this daring song stuck its middle finger up in 2006 as so many other female celebrities tucked themselves away in treatment centers for “exhaustion” and “chemical imbalances.”
Amy was the only gal to call it out: “Yeah I’m fucked up and yes I’m on some shit, but I’m sad and I’ll handle it on my own.”
Semantics are there to be read into, but the song stands on its own legs; it’s a bop. Everybody will rise to sing along in any bar, restaurant or club it is played in, and it grabbed the attention of the public from her birth into the limelight until the end of her life. Amy simply wouldn’t be told what to do. Enjoy her delightful decline to better advice.
Music did not take a break in 2020. From big-name collabs that would’ve been recorded at separate studios even without a pandemic, to slow-burners that were obviously recorded from home by artists losing sanity just as quickly as the rest of us, we had plenty to distract us from the massively difficult year that we all just experienced.
2020 reinforced the fact that musicians are sensitive as hell, even when their work typically only reaches surface level. Some reveled in the sadness. Others rejected it altogether. Here are the best tracks that artists put forth to reflect on, or dance through a year that we won’t forget, no matter how hard we try.
The 1 – Taylor Swift
She’s doing good, she claims. Nobody turned grief into gold like Taylor did during quarantine. “Folklore” was the best example of home-made music that we’ve seen this year. She took the opportunity to make intimate songs that send your spirit to an attic during a rainstorm. The 1 sees Taylor addressing the shrug of distant, dulled pain that comes long after heartbreak. The story of what happened and what went wrong is crystal clear from a distance, but hurts differently from that perspective. You can sympathize with a former version of yourself.
In my defense, I have none For never leaving well enough alone But it would’ve been fun… If you would’ve been the 1
Un Dia – J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy
I fell in love with this song during a vacation that just so happened to take place at a beach during a hurricane. The experience made an impact; seeing couples from different countries walk hand-in-hand through the resort during sunny days, unaware of the destruction that would come later that week. You never know when an unscathed fling will hit that inevitable first rough patch. The question is, can it recover?
Featuring three of today’s biggest hitmakers, this compilation has each of them trading their usual party jams in for a starkly more introspective project. They each discuss the push-and-pull in a relationship that always leaves someone feeling slighted. Lyrically, Bad Bunny comes out the strongest, yet softest. He wonders if he’s in your heart, even if just in the background. Other girls text him, but he just ignores it. He knows that “not even the waves have washed away (his) footprint.” The simple, existential crisis of a chorus rings over and over:
One day you’ll love me again One day you’ll love me for sure One day you’ll wake up feeling how I’ve been feeling Baby you’ll knock at my door
Rare – Selena Gomez
The title track of her first album in years flows smoothly with a certain cool factor. It passes through you easily with unique noises, quirky pops and synth effects. You get so caught up in the bubbles filling the room that you almost don’t see the pure savagery on the other side.
Everyone has tried way, way harder than their counterpart at one time or another. Sometimes you’re only appealing to someone because you’re into them; they don’t actually like anything about you, but they’ll let you stick around until you’re exhausted, devastated and grasping for any indication that they see you.
In Rare, Selena Gomez recognizes her situation and calls it out bit for bit. She knows he doesn’t care, but she needs to point out that she’s plenty good enough. That in mind, she’s giving herself a break and cutting her losses. She knows she deserves that.
You don’t do the same for me That’s not fair. I don’t have it all I’m not claiming to But I know that I’m special… And I bet there’s somebody else out there To tell me I’m rare
Say Something – Kylie Minogue
“We’re a million miles apart, in a thousand ways” defines this year completely. I shared this song with everyone, but my mom was the one who picked out that line and remarked at how spot-on it was for today. Physical distancing, losing coworkers to layoffs, the political climate dividing us all more than ever… it’s a commentary of the dark moment we’re stuck in. This song focuses on what we had, and what we lost, and it dares to dream of the moment we can go back to it again.
The instant I heard it the morning of its debut, I was stunned. It reminded me of why I love music and what I’m missing about it: sharing it with people in public spaces, singing and dancing along drunk or sober. It put me in a place of bliss that I had not felt since before this year turned bad. I forgot what it felt like to be so thrilled, but Kylie put me right back there, singing about losing yourself in rapture amid flashing lights and colors and sound.
Oh we’re just Just trying to find ourselves in the storms we chase Baby in an endless summer, we can find our way Say something say something Tell me how you feel
Buzzkill – Baby Queen
Youthful angst is as old as music itself. This isn’t a new concept, and every generation contributes a few new faces to the movement; Fiona Apple, Lorde…Baby Queen? She’s so new it’s anyone’s guess where she will go with her music career, but this first entry will blow your face off. In it, she rages on, wondering what the hell her problem is. Her sing/talk/rap (with a bold, sophisticated accent) seers. She’s angry and perplexed, but everyone around her is telling her to have a good time. This song is her response to the ever-triggering collective “calm down.”
Well I was changing the world, but got distracted by my telephone In every crowded room I feel unnaturally alone It’s like I’m living in a dream but all the characters are me I’m disillusioned by the world and I am filled with apathy
Power – Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding went away, clearly. Nobody’s really heard from her in years, and she came back without a fully-formed thought. Her new album didn’t stick with me, but within it is one gem: Power. This track alone was worth the wait. She nailed it. Lyrically and vocally she slammed this song down before us, and the production kicks it up even higher. You really need to SING this song like you’re fucking angry at somebody for wasting your time. She’s drifted from that person. She’s worn out and only halfway in it, but there’s no question that she knows who’s to blame.
Beautiful lies on a Friday night Starting to wonder where we lost the magic Head in the clouds, talking so loud All I hear is static
Ego Death – Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye West, FKA Twigs, Skrillex
Sometimes a collaborative song comes with such force that it leaves you breathless. It’s rare that each contributor comes across with the same level of hard-hitting momentum. When this happens, and each section picks up where the previous left off, it’s like witnessing the gripping finish of a relay race. That’s what Ego Death does.
Skrillex gave the perfect backing for this track like only he could, dropping his own Ego to set the table for this high-powered collective to do their thing spotlessly. Ty and Kanye throw down frustrated verses with passion, criticizing themselves for coming up empty handed and feeling the burn of their own insecurities kicking themselves while down.
Murdered my ego when you walked away It hurt my ego when you walked away Gave you my all, that wouldn’t make you stay
FKA Twigs rounds out the song in a savage switch-up of the beat, like a firework grand finale. She occupies a brief portion of the song, but it comes perfectly at the very end, leaving herself as the lasting flavor of a triumphant banger.
Heart Attack – Odesza, Bronson
Heart Attack made several of my playlists this year, because it’s so damn good. Smooth, sexy pulsing carries you throughout with lyrics that didn’t necessarily need to hit hard (the beat was enough to make this song thrilling), but they crash-land with forlorn and deep introspection.
Ever felt so close to somebody that it hurts? Ever found out that they have none of those feelings for you? There’s always a chunk of time between when you realize your attachment to that person and when you can manage to get over it. Within that time frame, you’re stuck thinking about them and wondering where they are. You put out your most sensitive feelers to detect anything that can be misconstrued as affection. You’re squinting to read microscopic text in an unknown language, but somehow you keep trying to work it out in your brain.
It’s one thing to sing about love. It’s another to recount the agony that it can become.
What does it matter in the end? I want a little bit of lightnin’ No, I don’t wanna be your friend ‘Cause these feelings are a violence This love’s a heart attack
With so many talents and so many reasons to love her, Lady Red Couture deserves more than one professional identifier. A powerhouse musician is only one such role, but one worth highlighting
The first time I met Lady Red was outside Fubar. I had just finished dinner at Laurel Hardware next door and my friends and I had plans on visiting a bar or two down the street. “Oh my god that’s Lady Red!” I told them. “From Hey Qween…” and got no response. It didn’t matter. I trotted over and made brief conversation. “We have a whole pizza we didn’t eat Lady Red, would you like it?” I asked before she smiled with a pause. “No vegetables, right?” I said “No of course not. I know the rules.” She accepted it and gave me a hug.
Years later after I had moved to Los Angeles, Lady Red was doing much more than a (very successful) Youtube show and acting as Door Diva at Fubar. Jonny McGovern (Who had a litany of music projects of his own and a dozen podcasts, online shows etc.) would put on quirky events featuring and promoting Lady Red’s new single “The Rent,” produced by Jonny’s long-time collaborator Adam Joseph. Some friends and I attended the premiere party for it as well as a few live performances at bars and clubs around the city. I never missed a chance to see her.
A highlight for me was attending her “Black Girl Magic” talent collective at a downtown club around the holidays. She sold her legendary fried chicken sweet potato pies, which she famously made only once a year. I had to go. I had to try it. It did not disappoint.
My friend who I had dragged along didn’t seem to understand the urgency. I was not one to initiate a trip out of my way for a drag show, unless it was for Lady Red. He quickly understood my fandom.
A common part of my routine living near West Hollywood was taking a stroll down the boulevard to say hello to Lady Red outside of the various bars at which she worked the door. She was the draw. Not the drinks or the guys or any other stunts any bar could pull. She was the Stunt Queen.
I’d talk to her about what she’d eaten. How her night was going. I’d tell her “don’t lie to me girl I’m just as annoyed as you are with this mess.” And she’d erupt into her uproarious, low-yet-high signature laugh. Such a satisfying sound. You really felt accomplished if you ever made Lady Red laugh.
Recently, I was preparing final details at a beautiful rented house in Palm Springs for my 30th birthday party. Some of my good friends from LA were just arriving, with a few coworkers on the way to help us celebrate in the best way we could, despite everything going on in the world. I was setting up the bar outside on the counter surrounding the covered grill next to the splashing fountain, the humongous rectangular pool just beyond that. I was so happy that things were coming together. I was really surprised that people showed up, and flattered nearly to tears.
“Aaron…” One of my original Hollywood friends said to me with a perplexed expression. “I hate to tell you this during your party but…Lady Red died.”
I put down the beer bottles in my arms, clutching the bottle opener in one hand and letting the mini-fridge door swing against my leg. “What…?”
He was one of several friends who I had made very aware of my love for Lady Red Couture. It was difficult to explain who she was to the others who caught on and asked what had happened.
Since then, I can best sum up that I could not call her a friend. Far too many people adored her for me to claim that. I’m a fan, promoter and cheerleader for Lady Red. I was overjoyed to spread her gospel of love by bringing friends along to her shows, or playing them clips of the podcasts that she was a part of. I’d sprinkle her songs into playlists that I proudly shared for parties or holidays.
Sad doesn’t even begin… I’m crushed. I’m worried about her friends and loved ones. The rest of us who won’t get to return post-COVID to the clubs with her at the door. My solace at this time comes from my confidence in the fact that I never wasted an opportunity to be in her presence. I enjoyed her music, her jokes and her creative performances as much as I could manage, and I am so grateful that I was able to do so.
With that, I invite you to enjoy some of her songs and encourage you to keep them on rotation. Someone with that much light deserves for her torch to be carried.
I’ve been all over the map with Lady Gaga. From the earliest feelings of fascination, intrigue and amusement with her cheeky stunts, to the fatigue of her public thirst that would follow. It rounded out years later when it all came into picture, and the world of onlookers came to realize that– surprise!- she was a super talented singer/songwriter all along, and most of her bullshit was meant to get everyone engaged enough to figure that out. It worked.
The day of a Lady Gaga album release is something of a holiday in the music world; even if you don’t ascribe to the particular religion, you can’t ignore it, and you’re better off enjoying the hoopla that comes along with the cause.
Gaga is best served fun and light. Chromatica is a return to the days of drunken girls & gays shrieking at the sound of her song coming on in the club, or the dorky dads shamelessly head bobbing while singing along in the car. Stefani isn’t trying to have you sign her petition here. She just wants you to dance. Ask her and she’ll tell you in what is essentially the thesis for her entire body of work “All I ever wanted was love.“
The internet chattered months before it’s delayed release that Chromatica would be something of a follow-up of Artpop, Gaga’s 2013 rave and EDM inspired album that preceded a stretch of more serious work (Joanne and the A Star is Born soundtrack) that would follow. From the first single “Stupid Love,” we knew what we were in for: a good fucking time.
“Stupid Love,” “Sour Candy feat. BLACKPINK” and “Alice” take it easy on lyrical structure, but hit you hard with beats. Picture yourself, drunk and swaying alone in the corner of a party, mouthing a chorus to yourself absent-mindedly seconds before you pass out or barf. Those words are nothing particularly groundbreaking , but the feeling delivered is neck-deep. This album is about getting lost in a vibe and floating atop thick glittery clouds. Nothing wagered, nothing lost.
“Alice”
Sad bangers are plentiful in Chromatica. “Plastic Doll,” “Replay” and “Fun Tonight” highlight the harder parts of love or self discovery, but will still move you toward the dancefloor. Never before would anyone dance this hard to the words “I’m not having fun tonight!”
“Fun Tonight”
The album’s hardest thumping track is “911,” which falls somewhere between “Judas” and “Artpop” from Gaga’s previous projects. It feels like walking into a neon-lit palace at the top of a night out and immediately seeing people you’ve only ever heard of but never met. It feels rich, sexy and absolutely cool.
“911”
“Enigma” showcases Gaga singing at full force and has a wildly exciting arrangement with bongo drums, disco synth uplighting and bass bass bass. If ever you sought an anthem to spin in circles to, arms outstretched, congratulations. This is your song.
With only three features, this album stays focused on Lady Gaga. “Sine From Above (with Elton John)” gives thought provoking texture to the album, and takes breaks to grow, shrink, and grow again even more slowly before exploding into an intergalactic rave starring none other than Sir Elton himself, mystifying from somewhere above and beyond. Their harmonizing is striking. Their words, pointed.
Symphonic interludes break up your journey into Chromatica, and give much needed pauses amid all the partying. Beautiful strings guide you into the next chapter, emotionally recharged and ready to take another shot.
“1000 Doves” would please any wasted, crowded party, but it hasn’t the impact and distinction of so many other tracks on Chromatica. A remix might blow it in another direction, but as is, it fails to make the impact that the standard of Chromatica has set.
Chromatica is an event for seasoned party-ers only. It is incredibly cohesive, which can be applauded by some, or critiqued for others who would rather see Gaga spread her wings fully to display the range and variety that she’s truly capable of. As a chapter, however, this album dials it all the way up and leaves listeners thrilled and tired, like any good party. Gaga put it best with her Instagram post timed exactly to the album’s drop worldwide: “Welcome to Chromatica. Now dance motherfuckers!!!!!!!”
I had every intention of taking an extended pause on this blog. I haven’t been feeling 100% “100,” as it were, and I felt like it was showing. I only want to put out there what will uplift, inspire and invoke meaningful thought, all through my thoughts on music.
We all know what’s going on right now. Most of us aren’t allowed to go to work (I’m working modified hours), the gym, bars, restaurants, movie theaters… the list goes on. One thing that we still have is music. Not concerts, to be clear, but listening to songs in our own private space and time is still there for us. Here are a few songs that are giving me hope, or moments of happiness right now, when I feel like I need it the most. I hope you’ll agree.
Everything Now – Arcade Fire
Some people believe that an extended period outside of our everyday norms is what society needs. A bright side to a rather terrible circumstance, you could say. This song is beautiful and celebratory to the ear, and it encourages us to “stop pretending you’ve got everything now.” We are all taking a forced break from our Instagrammable lives chock full of attractive activities, and really taking inventory of all that we’ve got left when we’re just left with…ourselves. Appreciate what you DO have.
Amor Fati – Washed Out
Ambient mood music connoisseurs “Washed Out” made a seriously breathtaking and soothing mid-tempo jam in “Amor Fati,” which translates to “love of fate.” The lyrics are carried by a swirling electronic beat (think of “Such Great Heights” by the Postal Service’s charismatic younger cousin). When you’re done getting lost in the uplifting melody, try to catch the words. You’re being guided to accept what is, and resist the human urge to struggle and fight reality.
“Don’t try to fight What’s not your fault Let go, reach out The choice is yours to find“
It’s hard, as we’re all finding now, but you ultimately have the choice to be happy or miserable in any circumstance.
Dreamers – Savoir Adore
This is a song about your fantasies, hopes or aspirations not aligning with reality. You’ve built up a perfect scenario in your head (we’ve all done it), but the hand that life has dealt you isn’t what you wanted. What do you do?
“Built it in the sky, All that’s in your eye Now not the same Watch it tumble down Falling all around“
This will happen again and again in life, and the more times you go through it, the more gracefully you’ll handle it going forward.
All Night Long – Lionel Richie
This is my favorite Lionel Richie song. It’s purely and simply about partying all night with everyone who’s fun enough to come along. Dance carelessly and submit to the simple pleasures of music, lights and glamour. Personally, the hardest thing for me to forfeit in the middle of the pandemic that we’re all facing is being out in public surrounded by others, whether I’m sticking to a wall or surrounded by a few friends in the middle of a much more bustling environment. We’ll get back to that soon, and I’m imagining how much more satisfying and celebratory the summer gatherings will be after this long stretch of staying indoors. Just wait.
Dream On – Robyn
“Rest your wary head all is well”
Robyn’s criminally underrated song tells you of all the horrible things that won’t be, because as humans we tend to imagine the worst, and are consequently inhibited from living our fullest lives as a result. Don’t do that. Nobody gets to live life twice, and grieving over the worst case scenario is robbing yourself of time you could otherwise spend being happy.
The music video for this song is a masterpiece. Vignettes of seemingly awful events play out, and prove your assumptions wrong in the best way. Happy tears all day.
Get Lucky – Daft Punk
We’ve all heard this song a billion times. But you know what? It never gets old. Led by Nile Rodger’s impeccable guitar and Pharrell William’s angelic voice, this song unifies all generations, from those who were around in the 70’s to those of use who wish we were. Everybody loves this song, as we all should. It marked an unexpected but very welcomed return of Daft Punk, the likes of which we may never see again. It’s a perfect anthem to a wedding reception, a New Years Eve party or any occasion where people want to dance. Even if it’s just in your apartment by yourself, don’t forget…
Never heard of LIV? No surprise there. They were a quick project composed of Lykke Li, Miike Snow and Peter Bjorn & John. They only made four songs together over the span of a few years starting in 2016, but each of those songs is something special.
The most memorable is “Wings of Love,” which sounds authentically 70’s , and captures a vibe like I can’t even explain. It’s warm like the sunlight on your bare skin after running under a waterfall, and sounds just as magical.
The song is about being prepared to go through whatever possible to fall into the grace of infatuation. The group sings in perfect unison:
“How many lies do I have to shake? How many nights will I lie awake on fire? Someone take me higher.”
The song sounds happy as can be, though. Our subjects are in no place of tragedy; they’re standing with arms wide open for whatever love can bring them. Like catching raindrops on your tongue, arms outstretched, they’re ready for the outpouring and spiritual fulfillment that can only come from the embrace of another.
“When I die, don’t you cry. I’ll be flying by you. I’ll be riding wings of love…”
I can’t overstate the importance of Robyn in my musical life. She gave me some much needed relief in the wake of Amy Winehouse’s death and helped me to process so many times– good and bad- throughout my 20’s. And that’s what I told her when I met her. Here’s how it happened…
My Robyn fandom began in the early 2010’s. A coworker of mine played the hell out of Body Talk in the store that we worked at together, and I instantly took to her referential 80’s synthesized sound with such unspeakably raw emotion. I jumped at every opportunity to see her perform from there, starting with a few random award show gigs, TV show appearances and some spots that she got opening for more commercially successful acts (Coldplay and Katy Perry). It’s like she never got her due credit, but music artists chose her again and again to tour with them because they knew her value and wide appeal. Evidently, Madonna brought her on for a leg of one of her tours before I was a part of the Robyn universe.
And then she went away. Aside from a few collaborative projects in the years following her 2011 Body Talk tour, she all but disappeared for eight long years. It wasn’t uncommon for me to randomly google her name as the years went on, eager for even the slightest peep of new music. There was nothing. It hurt. I felt abandoned. I wanted to dance and cry and FEEL like I only had at her concerts before.
And then, the clouds opened up. She dropped an early demo of her song “Honey” in an episode of Girls. It would be another year and a half before the song was properly released, but after so much time, just knowing new Robyn was coming was enough to sustain me until her inevitable comeback tour hit.
And then it did. The Honey tour was announced for early 2019. She was scheduled to play two shows at the Hollywood Palladium, which is ridiculously close to where I live. I opted for a meet & greet package, which I later found out to be an error. The “VIP experience” just came with a lanyard, early access and a commemorative gift. I was furious, and desperate to find some other way to meet her. With the days off work, I showed up embarrassingly early to “camp” out for the show. I ran into some friends who I had met way, way back in 2011 at my first Robyn gig. One of them had since gotten wildly famous on Ru Paul’s Drag Race, and the other looked just as edgy and badass as I remembered her. I struck up a conversation and said “there’s no way you’ll remember me, but when I was just 20 I met you guys waiting for Robyn at the Jimmy Kimmel Show, and remember how nice you guys were to me. I was there by myself and I never forgot that.” They let me stick with them, and the three of us ended up front and center for both nights of the tour.
The shows were pristine. She was so articulate and controlled. She gave so much love, and you could feel her gratitude that we showed up in droves so many years later. It really felt like a homecoming. Evidently it was a hit with a ton of musicians who attended, like Betty Who, Charli XCX and even Adele. She’s an artist for artists, and people constantly credit her work for their inspiration.
Photo from a review of the show. Check my face 🥺😫
I waited outside in the icy wind with the guy I went with and a few stragglers who held posters and LPs for her to sign. I didn’t want any signatures, and I would’ve accepted if she didn’t allow any pictures. I just wanted that interaction. I wanted to connect with her and tell her what she meant to me after so many years.
After what felt like an eternity of watching her tour staff unload set pieces and sound equipment, she finally showed up, her hair looking freshly washed and still a bit wet wearing a brown coat and some of the track pants that she designed with Opening Ceremony. She patiently met with each group. I waited until last. I gave her my spiel, and she told me “that’s really sweet. Thank you for telling me that.” She gave me a sweet hug and we posed for several pictures. I walked away a little shaky, but feeling proud, accomplished and serene. My social media friends validated the experience. They knew what it meant to me. I didn’t cry about it until the next day and a few times after that, but it was one of the happiest experiences of my life.
Call it a throwback. Call it a reach for obscurity. This “deep cut,” as it were, reeks of the earliest stages of Lady Gaga, who had just barely stopped going by “Stefani” at this point in her career.
It’s easy to forget how many good tracks came out of Lady Gaga’s debut album “The Fame,” and for good reason. The album as a whole was a banger, and a hell of a start to her prolific career. Songs like Just Dance, Paparazzi, Love Game and Pokerface all came from this album (and let’s not even get started on the deluxe edition “The Fame Monster” that gave us Bad Romance and more).
That said, let’s not forget “Eh, Eh.” It always caught my attention for some reason, even with everything else going on in her exploding career. A song that tells you the thesis in its opening line will always win my kudos.
“Boy we’ve had a real good time, and I wish you the best on your way…“
The beauty in this song is its simplicity. It has an upbeat calypso vibe to match her acceptance that it’s time to move on. “There’s nothing else I can say, eh, eh.”
It’s not happy, it’s not sad. It is what it is, and rather than struggle and fight for something and risk resentment in the process, she’s gracefully bowing out and getting on with her life with her head held high.
This is a rare moment in pop when the solution is an amicable split that doesn’t almost destroy the teller of the story. So much of music is about hating a former lover, or being crushed that it’s not going to work, but not this song. Melancholy, is a fitting term. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, things really are just that simple.
I'm Just Gonna Dance All Night 