Is that love in the air? As we make our way into February, this month’s Mass Mix contributors looked to Valentine’s Day, thinking about the songs that best represented what love means to them. The good, the bad, and everything in between - here are the love songs we just can’t get out of our heads.
KAYTRANADA, "Freefall"
We had to wait three years for KAYTRANADA'S second studio album and it was well worth it. I love Bubba because the 17 tracks flow so beautifully, but "Freefall" in particular speaks to the common experience of allowing yourself to open up and experience love. My favorite line in the chorus is “I just wanna let go, freefall. Catch me, baby, here I go.” Durand Bernarr's vocals give off a warm and fuzzy vibe encouraging you to let love in freely. I'm sure many can relate to the message, but even if you’re not vibin’ with the message, you can surely dance to it as KAYTRANADA beats never disappoint in this area. -Danielle Anderson, Social Media Manager, Boston Art & Music Soul Fest, Inc., @BAMSFEST
CHVRCHES, "LOVE" (Kendrick Lamar cover)
While Kendrick Lamar's version is a smooth, sexy slow jam, this CHVRCHES cover, featuring lead Lauren Eve Mayberry, is more haunting and ethereal. I'm really into the 80s synth in the background too; it's at once vintage and modern. -Ellen London, Senior Editor, WGBH
Will Orchard, “I Miss You, Like Sunday”
Rhode Island native and Berklee College of Music student Will Orchard croons a melancholic lullaby in "I Miss You, Like Sunday." The track, infused with strong hooks and nostalgic harmonies, showcases Orchard's tenderness and vocal range, as well as his strength as a songwriter. Channeling a tangible sense of vulnerability and a backdrop of melodic, ethereal riffs, the song chronicles a lovesick narrator's yearning for memories that have slipped away. Nostalgic, tragic and capturing, "I Miss You, Like Sunday" hooks the listener in with the first note. - Alexis den Boggende, Staff Writer at Sound of Boston
Bombay Bicycle Club, "Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)"
Love. It's a complicated thing. That's the lens I view it through, at least. And because of that, I've always been drawn to love songs that are a bit more understated and ambiguous. Recently-resurrected UK indie act Bombay Bicycle Club have always done an ace job of writing love songs that may or may not actually be love songs, and they have one on their recently released album Everything Else Has Gone Wrong. "I may not say it outwardly," but "...I dream about nothing but you." That's the lyrical juxtaposition in "Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)" and I love it. - Adam 12, Weekdays 11am-4pm, ROCK 92.9
Oompa, “Joy Back”
There are times when self-doubt can be objective and a useful tool for perspective. But more often, it degenerates into an undermining force that destroys all of the pleasures in our lives. In "Joy Back," Oompa goes head to head with the tyranny of her own, using prompted instrumentation and emotionally-charged lyrics that reflect on the happiness and connection that is taken away by her self-doubt, and the demand to bring it back. It’s real and haunting, a beautiful reminder that the person who needs your love and attention the most is yourself. - Stacy Buchanan, Managing Producer, Arts & Culture, WGBH
BONNIE PARKER, "Jason"
"Jason" is a shimmering pop song that tells a tragic, gay love story. The song's infectious melodies hold the weight of an oppressive society that tells you to be ashamed—and to internalize that shame—at every turn. Yet, through it all BONNIE PARKER is fearless. "Jason, take me to a party with all of your friends. I want to be seen in the public eye as your perfect boyfriend," he sneers with the utmost confidence. The declaration shows a level of bravery and pride worth aspiring towards, making it all the more tragic when his tender, defiant, and truly powerful confession isn't reciprocated. -Owen Murray, Music Coordinator, 88.9 WERS FM
Jeff Beck and Joss Stone, “I Put a Spell on You”
Sometimes inspiration can hit you at the most unexpected moments. This song came on during a post-workout class cool down, and maybe it was the endorphins, but I felt every second of Joss Stone’s soulful vocals and Jeff Beck’s bluesy guitar licks. This version of a much-covered song sounds a lot like what love can feel like - a little scary, haunting, and hard to ignore. -Meghan Smith, Digital Producer, WGBH
Eartheater & LEYA, “Angel Path”
New York City musicians Eartheater & LEYA collaborate on this masterful song off their EP Angel Lust. If you haven’t had the chance to check out this song and EP, do yourself a favor, change into your finest outfit, roll a CBD joint and take a half hour to relax to this heady EP. In some way this EP is perfect for Valentine’s Day for your weird-o holiday plans. While it may not immediately strike you as excessively romantic, what instruments are more romantic than a harp and an electric violin? Eartheater’s ethereal slew of vocals and electronics oddly yet perfectly harmonize with the duo. If you haven’t heard of these NYC-based musicians, they are some of the top ‘underground’ musicians, active for the past ten years. - Chris Hues, Editor of bostonhassle.com
Renee Lamy, “Poison”
Driving down the coast with your friends, windows down, feeling the warmth of the sun’s rays on your skin as your hands dance in the wind. That’s the scene that comes to mind while listening to UMass Lowell student Renee Lamy’s newest track, “Poison.” Despite the song dropping during the dead of winter, “Poison” conveys a feeling of impending summer. This can be attributed to its pop nature. Lamy’s voice peers out from clouds of infectious drum beats, electric riffs, and a sweet touch of piano to tell a tale of a struggling relationship. “Poison” is an anthem for those who may be feeling a little heartbroken this Valentine’s Day or just looking to escape to the feeling of summer. -Ciara Lanman, Writer for The Lowell Spin