Song of the Week delves into the new songs we just can’t get out of our heads. Find these tracks and more in our Spotify Top Songs playlist, and for our favorite new songs from emerging artists, check out our Spotify New Sounds playlist. This week, Taylor Swift and Hayley Williams turned their attention to Castles Crumbling.
In 2017, Taylor Swift fell out reputation, which included the song “Call It What You Want” and the line “My castle collapsed overnight.” According to one of the newly unveiled vault tracks from Speak now (Taylor version)However, the collapse had begun long before that.
On “Castles Crumbling,” featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, Swift reintroduced herself to the tumult of 2010, when talk now He was released for the first time. It was only in her third album cycle that Swift was seeing the way the general public could turn on young artists, especially young women: “I was so lifted up, I used to be cool / They used to cheer when they saw my face / Now, I’m afraid I’ve fallen from grace,” Swift performs here in 2023.
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While the bland song may not immediately bring to life Williams’ octave-spanning vocals, the performance we get sounds more akin to Paramore’s pandemic-era solo projects, petals for shields; And Flowers for flowers / descansos. Williams proves she can be a perfect fit for any song, as she slides effortlessly alongside Swift and delivers harmonies in the latter half of the track.
There’s a kind of anguish in hearing two women who grew up and existed in the public eye for so long reintroduce themselves into the void of a decade ago — both Swift and Williams have faced their share of unfair criticism along with the general misogyny that still exists in much of the industry’s corners. Ahead of a series of tour dates in Europe together (tickets can be secured here), “Castles Crumbling” is a soft-yet poignant-restoration of the narrative.
–Mary Siroke
Associate Editor
Honorable Mentions:
perennial – “melting”
Blistering, relentless, unpredictable, and seriously fun, Perennial’s rework of her 2017 track “Dissolver” is everything a summer punk rocker should be. From the feedback from the intro through the chilling, mixing outro, “Dissolver” packs no punches. Drumming, guitar riffs and wild vocal performances will have you savoring the pit’s sweat even when you’re listening alone. Simply put, it is an absolute heater. – Jonah Kruger
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My Hair Is Raw – “The Easy Side”
The latest from Raw Poetic, the duo made up of lyricist Jason Moore and guitarist Patrick Fritz, plays it low-key. Instead of hunting for one of the summer hits, this cool jazz-rap track dares you to take a second to breathe. “No worries at all” Moore echoes over noodle guitar lines, lulling the listener into a state of safety. By the end of The Easy Side, your guard will be low, your shoulders will feel lighter, and your blessings count. —JK
Audrey Nonna – IdgaF
In case you were wondering if Audrey Nonna got busted, the up-and-coming artist is here to give your answer loud and clear. “IdgaF” finds Nona strutting to a simple beat listing the things she couldn’t care less about; It is a braggart rap track on the attack. Instead of bragging about everything she owns that others don’t, Nonna demolishes her competition, detailing how little her opponents mean to her – which is totally irresistible. In less than two minutes of running time, you’ll have to repeat. —JK
Benet – “insensitive”
Sometimes, you’re just crushing on someone, your heart is pounding through your chest, and you need to express that passion with a pop rock tune. “Insensitive” artist Richmond Bennett appears to celebrate his infatuation with another, but is met with resistance from the other end. But this is not a sad song. In fact, it makes you want to dance.
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The track candidly cuts through these emotions as bright guitars ring in the background and bouncy bass drives the beat. Benét’s quiet voices glide over her with gentle stubbornness as they sing, “I’ve been here before, and yet I still want more.” There is something very confident about the way they securely deliver this hook. Are they a masochist, a hopeless romantic? What you know for sure is that they are SIMP certified. – Andre Heizer
Betty – “I’ll Wait”
Loud and comforting, Petey’s song “I’ll Wait” is the first taste of his upcoming album, Entitled United States of America. The lyrics contain expressions of tension and joy in equal measure as Petty jumps octaves whenever he sees fit, accompanied by a steady drumbeat throughout. For the high degree of energy with which this song begins, it’s surprising that there’s nowhere else to go – but if anyone can find him, this indie artist is worth a look. – Mr Siroke
Song of the Week Single Artwork:
Top songs playlist:
