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Expression Through Sound: The Three Greatest Albums |
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Expression Through Sound: The Three Greatest Albums
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 Created on 3-7-07
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Music is perhaps the most beautiful form of expression. Melodies, rhythms and lyrics are woven to create a blanket of sound. These sounds define the style and character of the musician. Because of their original sound, fluid rhythms, and ability to connect to the listener O.A.R.’s 34th and 8th (Live From NYC), Miles Davis’s My Kind of Blue, and Jack Johnson’s In Between Dreams are three of the greatest albums.
Originality is what makes an album great. Diversity in sound gives the listener a greater appreciation for the meaning of music. A composer uses a combination of fluid rhythms and beats to create their distinct musical personality. The melodies of their music should reach deep within the soul and evoke feelings known only to the listener. Emotions such as happiness or sadness are induced by altering the mood or tone of a song. Each type of music has unique qualities that offer the listener a variety of sound. Jazz, soul, rock, rap, alternative; all genres have many similarities and differences. Each type deals with emotions of sadness, love, anger and happiness that are expressed through the artist’s music. In a sense all music is united through diversity. Although O.A.R., Miles Davis and Jack Johnson’s songs all deal with these emotions, each of their styles is quite different.
The band Of A Revolution, or O.A.R., has an original and unique style. They combine characteristics of rock and jazz to create a sound unlike any other. Their melodies are often relaxing and cheerful. A wide variety of instruments, such as drums, guitar and saxophone are used to create and change the mood throughout their songs. One song in particular, “Patiently” describes the death of a friend close to the band. There is a very upbeat tone at the beginning of the song, while the band wonders where their friend is and why he did not show up for their concert. As the lead singer, Marc Roberge, becomes increasingly worried the tempo picks up, but ceases to a halt once the band is informed of his death. The listener can hear his anger and sadness through the music and lyrics. Roberge angrily sings:
You fell into silenceI hate all this silence
It's leaving me patient
And this patience, has breeded such violence
Oh I hate all this violence
Oh God we miss you our friend
But so patiently O.A.R. uses expressive lyrics to accurately describe their feelings and emotions about certain situations. Their song “Crazy Game of Poker” has a consistent up beat melody while describing a boy’s night out and all of the chaos that they encounter. In the band’s song “I Feel Home” they explain the value of being able to hang out with friends and the comfort of home. They describe their hometown of Rockville, Maryland, saying:There are few things pure in this world anymore, and home is one of the few
We'd have a drink outside maybe run and hide, if we saw a couple men in blue
But to me it's so damn easy to see that my people are my people at home
Well I’ve been away but now I'm back today and there ain't a place I'd rather go
I feel home when I see the faces that remember my own
I feel home when I'm chillin outside with the people I know
I feel home, and that's just what I feel
My home, to me, is reality and all I need is something real The music of Miles Davis is defined by his fluid rhythm and original use of instruments. Songs such as “So What” begin slowly with the mellow sound of the piano. Suddenly, the bass, trumpet and saxophone chime in as the tempo begins to pick up. The mood of the song has now completely changed. But it is a different case for the song “Blue in Green.” Davis chooses to stick with a slow pace, using only the tranquil melodies of the piano. The rich, full sounds of the trumpet and saxophone can be heard throughout the song, but they are never overbearing. Each note reaches deep into the mind and body of the listener. The song seems to embrace feelings of calmness and peace. The smooth beats begin to create a sense of relaxation that is somewhat hypnotizing. Miles Davis’s songs reach deep into the soul, evoking feelings, dreams and desires that are overlooked throughout daily life. His music is not simply just jazz, but an echo of all human emotions. Songs such as “Banana Pancakes,” “Better Together” and “Good People” make up Jack Johnson’s fun and original style. Most of his songs are made up of simple, cheerful rhythms. Johnson does not attempt to dazzle his audience with clever, witty lyrics, but instead approaches his music with a positive attitude and upbeat lyrics. In the song “Banana Pancakes” Johnson sings: You hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song it’s meant to keep you
From doing what you’re supposed to
Like waking up too early
Maybe we could sleep in
I’ll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it’s the weekend now
And we could pretend it all the time
Can’t you see that it’s just raining
There ain’t no need to go outside Lighthearted lyrics such as these set the mood for the entire album. The only instrument he uses is his guitar, and the occasional tambourine. The listener cannot help but smile when listening to his cheery rhythm. A few of his songs, such as “Constellations” have more of a melancholic tone: With a sunset and a moonrise
Not too far behind to give us just enough light
To lay down underneath the stars
We listened to Papa’s translations
Of the stories across the sky
We drew our own constellations Lines such as these bring memories from the past, covered by layers of dust, back to life. They hold traces of friends long forgotten or a happiness that can never be known again. Jack Johnson possesses the creative ability to capture emotion and compose music with simple, but meaningful rhythms and words. Other listeners my take an opposing view and not see any of these albums as examples of “the greatest albums ever.” Some people think of jazz as a clash of unorganized rhythms and beats. They may hear Miles Davis’s music and believe that it is simply notes without any direction. Older generations my perceive O.A.R. and Jack Johnson as composers for the “younger generations” and not find any relevance in their style or lyrics. This writer believes that there is no such thing as “bad” music. Open mindedness is key in look for the deeper meaning of a song. Every genre possesses unique qualities, and while the listener may not love what he or she is hearing they should at least try to develop a sense of appreciation for every type of music.
A fabulous album requires all elements of music. There are
always new beats and rhythms that keep a listener wondering what will
come next. Originality of sound is a quality possessed only by the most
talented musicians. Of A Revolution, Miles Davis and Jack Johnson all
create a unique sound that imbibe every aspect of music and persuade
listeners to become lost in their web of lyrics and smooth melodies.
Comments
Please Login to post comments| On March 12th 2007 Elicite Said : | |
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So... do you write music? |
