Madeleine's Songs of the Week - 1/28/2024
Welcome back to Madeleine’s Songs of the Week!
Welcome back to Madeleine’s Songs of the Week! Every Sunday, I’ll be sharing the five tracks that have dominated my weekly rotation.
Paramore “Burning Down the House”
Paramore covering one of Talking Heads’ most iconic songs has filled my week with unmatched joy. This is the first single off A24’s upcoming tribute album for Stop Making Sense. Paramore’s cover of “Burning Down the House” is a bold introduction to the project as a whole. It honors the original while providing a fresh perspective. Hayley William’s vocals are energetic, resonant, and raspy, catapulting the track’s palpable energy. The band’s surrounding BGVs wonderfully mirror those of the original. The track’s arrangement includes Talking Heads beloved quirks and characteristics — funky percussion, memorable guitar riffs, and warbly atmospheric elements. Paramore’s take on “Burning Down the House” represents Talking Heads’ timeless quality, and how deeply their music resonates with listeners spanning generations.
Listen to Paramore’s cover of “Burning Down the House” here!
Tom Odell “Black Friday”
Tom Odell’s recent LP release Black Friday has been on my to-listen list for all of January. The title track is the first song I’d heard by Odell, which I was immediately enamored by. “Black Friday” begins with soft strumming, delicate piano, and Odell’s gentle, somber vocals. Odell’s lyrics are impeccably clear. He opens with sincerity, singing “I wanna go party, I wanna have fun / I wanna be happy, could you show me how it’s done?” This track’s most striking quality is its duality of admiration and mourning. The second chorus builds steadily and explodes into a roaring climax as Odell belts out “I thought that you loved me, what is happening to us?” At this moment, the instrumentation is transformed into a crashing, visceral cascade. Odell’s emotions hang in the air as the track climbs back down, ending on a subtle note.
Listen to “Black Friday” here!
Jalen Ngonda “If You Don’t Want My Love”
Jalen Ngonda’s “If You Don’t Want My Love” is warm, soulful, and toe-tapping. Reminiscent of classic Motown, Ngonda sings with graceful falsetto against a shimmery R&B backdrop. The track’s lyrics prioritize communication and an authentic connection. In the choruses, Ngonda cries “If you never wanted my love, let me know.” This simple declaration is direct and impactful. “If You Don’t Want My Love” expresses a desire to offer love freely, but only if the subject of this love is receptive to it. Sonically, I’d say this track is perfect for kitchen dancing. It’s a wonderful track to sway to, while still conveying an essential message.
Listen to “If You Don’t Want My Love” here!
New Order “Age of Consent”
This wouldn’t be a proper installment of Madeleine’s Songs of the Week if I didn’t include at least one oldie. I’ve been obsessed with 80s new wave recently, and New Order’s “Age of Consent” has been high in my rotation this week. The opening guitar riff is classic and nostalgic. The track is a gorgeous mix of synth-pop, succinct percussion, and candid lyricism. In the choruses, Bernard Sumner cries “And I’m not the kind who likes to tell you just what you want me to.” “Age of Consent” is a quintessential track that encapsulates all the qualities that have made the new wave era so beloved.
Listen to “Age of Consent” here!
Angie McMahon “Missing Me”
I’d like to thank my dear friend Abby for sending me this song and introducing me to the work of Australian indie-rock artist Angie McMahon. “Missing Me” features angular guitar strums and a punchy beat. McMahon’s voice soars as she sings “Loving you has thrown me / You have been my only rock on the ground.” McMahon’s vocals, reminiscent of Florence Welch and Lucy Dacus, are the driving force behind this track’s energy. As the track builds, McMahon roars the repeated line “You’d better be missing me now,” as powerful BGVs double the octave underneath. This track alone has made me very excited to check out the rest of McMahon’s discography.
To wrap it all up…
I hope that this article helped point you towards some new tracks to love! Be sure to share your thoughts below and check out this week’s Spotify playlist. Also, let me know if you have any track/album requests that you’d like me to review! I want to create a space where people can find community and bond over music. I’d love for you to help me make that happen.
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