Jordyn Balam, Editor For a few weeks every year, radio stations around the world seem to go back in time. Older Christmas songs such as " Last Christmas", "Wonderful Christmastime", "White Christmas", and "The Christmas Song" (our editor’s favorite) have topped Billboard’s Holiday 100 ever since they came out decades ago. Plus, we mustn’t forget the ultimate Christmas song released in 1994, Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas is You." Obviously, these old holiday songs are the opposite of today’s popular music, which centers around gaining new experiences and taking advantage of all life has to offer. In contrast, the most popular Christmas songs are about looking back on a pure, more innocent time of one’s life. Nostalgia is the main reason why these old holiday songs are so appealing to the most bitter Grinches. Out of the top 23 Christmas songs, only one was released during the 2000s, and, ironically, it is Michael Buble’s cover of "It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas", which was originally written in 1951. Because of nostalgia, listening to certain Christmas songs can transport listeners back to their childhood because they associate good memories with the music. In fact, millennials are most likely to love Christmas music because most of the songs are from their childhood. Nostalgia is a complex emotion because it intertwines joy and sadness. Sad songs like Wham!’s "Last Christmas" evoke a sense of comfort because thinking of past Christmases gives people hope for a better future, especially in the midst of the current pandemic. Photo by Nia Beverly; The holiday season is filled with beauty, experienced through all of the senses, including music. People also love Christmas music because of a concept called the “exposure effect.” Listening to a song for the first time causes the melody to get stuck in someone’s brain. According to Dr. Brain Rabinovtz, a neuroscientist at William and Mary, the brain will continually search for the same or a similar melody (i.e. cover songs), so that hearing the song again is very satisfying. Since most Christmas songs have very predictable melodies, mixed with audible sleigh bells of course, it’s very easy for our brains to predict what the song will sound like. Unfortunately, the exposure effect can cause our brains to reach a point of oversaturation, which is why some people become sick of hearing the same songs over and over again. Obviously, it’s very difficult for modern artists to break into the seemingly impenetrable sphere of nostalgic Christmas music. Here are a few tips for songwriters that want to produce the next Christmas hit: The most popular songs contain repetitive lyrics and classic holiday themes like snow, Santa Claus, wishes, and family. Also, the simplicity of a major key and 4/4 time is appealing to listeners because it makes the song bright and easy to dance to. Joe Bennett, a professor of musicology at Berklee College of Music, says that "Santa Tell Me" by Ariana Grande perfectly fulfills these requirements. Photo by Lily Rhodes; Christmas songs have similar themes such as the famous Santa Claus Ultimately, Christmas is a holiday steeped in tradition, whether that be hanging up the same ornaments or playing the same songs every year. Classic Christmas songs always triumph over modern ones because they trigger a strong sense of nostalgia in listeners around the world. However, there will always be some Scrooges who say that they hate Christmas music. If you’re one of the people, try to find your personal style; do you like high-energy or more mellow songs? Whatever you choose, there are literally thousands of options that can fill you with Christmas spirit. Works Cited Berkowitz, Bonnie, et al. “All We Want for Christmas Is ... These Songs. Here's Why.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 21 Dec. 2019,
www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/entertainment/holiday-music-popularity/. Stieg, Cory. “This Is Why Christmas Music Gives You All the Feels.” Christmas Songs - Why Holiday Music Makes You Happy, Refinery29, 20 Dec. 2017, www.refinery29.com/en-us/christmas-music-that-makes-you-happy. “Why Do We Love Christmas Music?” Santa Radio, santaradio.co.uk/blog/why-do-we-love-christmas-music.
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James Shepard, Media Director Taylor Swift’s latest venture into her re-recordings is Red (Taylor’s Version). The reason that Taylor has been rerecording her music is because she will finally have ownership over her first six studio albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and reputation. Fearless (Taylor’s Version) was released earlier this year in April, and Red (Taylor’s Version) dropped on November 12th of this year. This album is her most acclaimed work to date and has one of the biggest chart debuts of the year, garnering over 600,000 copies in its first week in the United States. From the thundering drums of “State of Grace” to the soft outro of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” each song on this album has something special for the listeners. This album is the perfect soundtrack for the fall season and the country-pop crossover production means that there is something for every listener to enjoy. It is an album of nostalgia and reminiscing. CREDIT: Beth Garrabran State of Grace (Taylor’s Version) One of Taylor’s most poetic songs is “State of Grace.” The song is filled with metaphors and sets the tone very well for the rest of the album. Some of the lyrics are “you’re my Achilles heel” and “this is the golden age of something good and right and real.” It’s impressive how Taylor uses so many different phrases and sayings throughout the song that all types of people can relate to their situations. Red (Taylor’s Version) The title track of this album attributes phases of love to different colors. An example of this is the chorus when Taylor passionately sings “losing him was blue like I'd never known. Missing him was dark gray, all alone.” Taylor also utilizes multiple similes, with lines like “fighting with him was like trying to solve a crossword and realizing there's no right answer.” This song, like “State of Grace,” encompasses the album well and prepares the audience for the heartfelt tone of the rest of the album. Treacherous (Taylor’s Version) This song has similar themes to the song “I Knew You Were Trouble” because the song is about being in a relationship that Taylor knows isn’t good for her. “I hear the sound of my own voice asking you to stay” can be interpreted as the singer still going through with a hazardous connection. The bridge conveys the intense emotion behind the lyrics. I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s Version) One of Taylor’s biggest hits is “I Knew You Were Trouble.” As stated before, this song is similar to “Treacherous” in terms of lyrics. A way to reconcile the two songs is to view “Treacherous” as the beginning of the relationship and “I Knew You Were Trouble” as the conclusion where Taylor is looking back on the whole ordeal. “I knew you were trouble when you walked in..” is her moment of knowing that she saw something wrong with the relationship yet still let herself carry through with it. All Too Well (Taylor’s Version) “All Too Well” is considered one of the best songs by Taylor Swift, if not her best song ever. This song was a fan favorite “Track 5” before the new version launched to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in November, proving that it is an absolute hit. According to Swifties, Track 5’s in Taylor Swift albums are the most emotionally packed songs, like the song “Delicate” on reputation or “my tears ricochet” on folklore. True to form, “All Too Well” is a complete work of art. A couple of the lyrics from the bridge are “maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much,” and “maybe this thing was a masterpiece 'til you tore it all up.” The raw emotion evident in these lines shows the listener the anguish that she was going through after one of her relationships ended. 22 (Taylor’s Version) A stark contrast from the song “All Too Well” is “22.” This song is about Taylor’s 22nd birthday party, which was apparently much better than her 21st (“The Moment I Knew” describes her 21st birthday). This song is about having fun with your friends, being able to express yourself freely, and celebrating with the people who know you best. The iconic “I don’t know about you, but I’m feelin’ twenty-two” line is one of those lines that the general public associates Taylor with. I Almost Do (Taylor’s Version) One of the more underrated songs on this album is “I Almost Do.” This song is about wanting to give a relationship another chance even though Taylor knows that it isn’t going to work out. One of the lyrics is “I wish I could run to you, and I hope you know that every time I don’t, I almost do.” She doesn’t want to risk getting hurt again and knows that ending the relationship is for the best. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor’s Version) Taylor’s first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts is “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” one of her most well-known hits. The song’s pop production is a trend seen throughout the album, further distancing Taylor from country and signaling her transition to full pop on her fifth album 1989. Arguably, the best part of the song is Taylor’s voice on the fun, upbeat bridge and chorus directly after. Stay Stay Stay (Taylor’s Version) One of the most overlooked songs on the album is “Stay Stay Stay,” which is an absolute crime. This song is about a perfect relationship without any sadness or hurt. Taylor doesn’t want what she had in her previous relationship. The bridge begins with the sweet, romantic lyrics, “You took the time to memorize me, my fears, my hopes, and my dreams. I just like hanging out with you all the time.” Having someone that takes the time to know who you are truly and what you want in life is a goal for any romantic relationship. Also, the little laugh at the end of the song is a fun touch. The Last Time (ft. Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol) (Taylor’s Version) This song is the beginning of Taylor’s future ballads "exile" and "evermore" with Bon Iver on the albums folklore and evermore. This song is about Taylor being certain that she is done with her current relationship. The echoing vocals between Gary and Taylor are so beautiful and exude so much emotion. Parallel lyrics like these have the same effect in other songs on this album, like “Babe.” Holy Ground (Taylor’s Version) “Holy Ground” is about reminiscing over a past love that didn’t end how Taylor wanted it to. This doesn’t mean that she doesn’t appreciate the memories and lessons that she learned. Instead, Taylor is going to look back at this relationship and know that it was a part of her life that she holds close to her heart. Taylor sings “right there where we stood was holy ground” in the chorus, which shows that she’s done with the relationship but still looks back at the good parts fondly. Taylor is going to take all that she went through and use it to nurture better relationships. Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version) Taylor described her relationship in the song as “wistful loss” to an interview with Billboard when Red first came out. “Sad Beautiful Tragic'' is one of her most beautiful and calming songs. In the chorus, Taylor sings “'cause wе had a beautiful magic love therе. What a sad, beautiful, tragic love affair” in the chorus. The word choice makes the chorus flow smoothly and sets the ambience of the song as something quite nostalgic. The beautiful instrumentation proves this as one of her best works. The Lucky One (Taylor’s Version) One of Taylor’s best songs on this album is “The Lucky One.” This song is lyrically similar to the vault track “Nothing New,” and it is about Hollywood’s cycle of fame. At first, new stars are excited and overwhelmed by all that fame has to offer. However, this changes when a young star like Taylor realizes that everything in her life is in the public eye, faced with horrible comments and criticisms. Taylor perfectly sums up this ordeal with the lyrics “another name goes up in lights, you wonder if you’ll make it out alive.” Celebrities are considered “lucky” but most people don’t think about the fact that their lives are rarely private. Everything Has Changed (ft. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) The first of two duets with Ed Sheeran on Red (Taylor’s Version) is “Everything Has Changed.” This song is about every aspect of life changing when you fall in love. Taylor and Ed sing “I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now” repeatedly during the chorus, which shows how much the two want to know their new partners. This song has similar lyrics to “Stay Stay Stay,” which also talks about Taylor’s ideal partner taking the time to get to know her well. Starlight (Taylor’s Version) According to Taylor’s interview with Wall Street Journal, “Starlight” is about a picture that Taylor saw of Ethel and Bobby Kennedy in the 1940s. She wanted to imagine what life in the picture would be like and romanticize the glamorous time period. During the chorus, the lyrics “Oh my, what a marvelous tune..” maintains the song’s old-timey ambiance. Photos by Lily Rhodes; Swifties waited in anticipation for Taylor Swift's new album, which came out on November 12, 2021 Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)
This song is about starting a new relationship, wrapping up the original version of Red very well. Taylor thought that love was pretty much over for her and sings during the chorus that she thought “all love ever does is break and burn and end..” However, she turns around and says, “ on a Wednesday, in a café, I watched it begin again.” Taylor is finally ready to start over and “begin again” as a new person who has changed for the better because of her past. This happy ending is the perfect conclusion to an album full of tumultuous heartbreak and pain. The Moment I Knew (Taylor’s Version) The first of three new bonus tracks originally on Red (Deluxe Edition) is “The Moment I Knew.” This song is about Taylor’s 21st birthday party and how her lover didn’t show up because he apparently had better things to do. Taylor really wanted him to be there, but his absence was like the nail in the coffin for their relationship. She sings during the chorus “there was one thing missing, and that was the moment I knew.” Taylor knew that she was done with this guy because he wasn’t willing to show up for her like she showed up for him. The song “22” contrasts the disappointment she feels on her 21st birthday because she now knows that she can depend on her friends and enjoy herself. Come Back… Be Here (Taylor’s Version) Taylor sings about a difficult long-term relationship in this song. She doesn’t want to always be left behind by her boyfriend, but that’s how things ended up during this time. She sings during the pre-chorus, “I told myself don’t get attached, but in my mind I play it back spinning faster than the plane that took you.” Taylor doesn’t want to always be stuck in one place while her lover is in another. She tells herself that she isn’t going to put herself through this type of relationship, but she can’t back away. During the bridge she sings “this is falling in love in the cruelest way,” which shows her intense, yet misguided, commitment. Girl at Home (Taylor’s Version) The song that has changed the most from its original version is “Girl at Home” because it has a new pop production upgraded from the original version. This song further shows how Red was meant to be a more pop-experimental album, but Taylor was probably held back creatively. Moving on to the storyline of the song, it is about a guy's disloyalty to his current girlfriend, which Taylor doesn’t buy into. She sings “it would be a fine proposition if I hadn’t once been just like her,” relating this event to a previous experience. Her desire to prevent another girl from being “a girl at home” like Taylor was to her past partner makes the story feel more personal. State of Grace (Acoustic Version) (Taylor’s Version) Taylor and an acoustic guitar team up for this version of the song. The guitar and Taylor’s soft vocals create a nice tone and beautiful sound. One of the best parts of this song is the way that the lyrics stand out against the guitar, so that the audience can fully understand Taylor’s poetic story. Ronan (Taylor’s Version) Taylor Swift originally released “Ronan” in 2012 to help raise money for charities that went toward researching and treating cancer. The song is about a three-year-old boy named Ronan who lost his fight to cancer after eight months in 2011. It’s a heartbreaking story that brings awareness to childhood cancer and the terrible pain that it can bring to families. The song is filled with memories of Ronan and what life would have been like if he had lived. Better Man (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) “Better Man” didn’t make the cut for the original version of Red, but thank goodness that Taylor added it onto Red (Taylor’s Version). This song is about getting out of a toxic and harmful relationship that Taylor wanted to work out, even though the guy mistreated her. Taylor invested herself into the relationship but didn’t get what she deserved in return. She sings during the bridge “I gave you my best but we both know you can’t say that.” These particular lyrics are similar to “The Moment I Knew” because the only thing Taylor wanted was the guy to show up to her birthday party. This song is heartbreaking with incredible lyrics. Nothing New (ft. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) This song is about the fear of not being wanted in the music industry when you’re older since everyone is competing to be the best new artist. During the chorus, Taylor and Phoebe ask, “will you still want me when I’m nothing new?” The duo wonders if people will even miss them if they’re no longer popular and new. It’s a brutal and sad reality that most artists go through at some point in their career. Babe (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) This song was originally written for Red but was given to the band Sugarland back in 2018. Fortunately for Taylor’s listeners, she re-recorded it and placed it in Red (Taylor’s Version). This country-influenced track describes a failed relationship and the resultant feelings of hurt and abandonment. It draws parallels with another track on the album called “The Last Time” because the chorus of “Babe” reads “this is the last time I’ll ever call you, babe.” Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) “Message in a Bottle” serves as a sharp contrast to the other songs on this album because of its huge pop production. With upbeat instrumentals and hopeful lyrics like “standing here hoping it gets to you,” the song differs from her songs centered around heartbreak and self-reflection. The bridge asks, “how is it in London?” In the song, someone throws a “message in a bottle” into the Atlantic Ocean from the east coast, hoping that it’ll end up in England. Overall, the song is a fun track that stands out with its compelling story. I Bet You Think About Me (ft. Chris Stapleton) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) First off, this song deserved to be on the original version of Red, but luckily it found a place on Red (Taylor’s Version). This song is about Taylor looking back on a relationship after fully moving on. She assumes her ex-boyfriend thinks about her every now and then. In one of the last lines of the song, Taylor says that he thinks she’s insane for writing a song about him, but it wouldn’t be a bad thing if he treated her right. Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) “Forever Winter” is about the need to help a friend struggling with mental health. It is extremely important to check in on friends and loved ones to see how they’re doing, which Taylor wished that she’d known sooner. During the bridge, Taylor sings “too young to know it gets better,” which is so true for the current generation in the midst of COVID-19. When someone is going through a terrible mental health season, they often don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. That time can feel like a “forever winter” because they don’t realize that there are people who love them unconditionally. Through this song, Taylor hopes to bring awareness to those struggling by themselves. Run (ft. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) The second duet with Ed Sheeran on Red (Taylor’s Version) portrays the invasive world that Taylor and Ed live in as celebrities. They have to hide their personal life in order to spend any time with their loved ones. This song also contains a lot of lyrical parallels to other songs in Taylor’s discography. “I Know Places” is a song from 1989 that revolves around hiding from the public eye. “The Lucky One” is also similar to “Run”, with the lyrics about fame and the adversity that comes with it. The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) “The Very First Night” has similar themes to “Sad Beautiful Tragic,” but the tone isn’t as downcast. This song is more fast-paced as Taylor goes through memories of her fallen relationship and all of the good times she had. In this song Taylor wishes that they could go back to a time that was happy and full of life, like “the very first night” that they met or went out together. She knows that this is impossible, but she still longs for a pure and free relationship. All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) The most anticipated track from this album is the 10-minute version of the fan-favorite song "All Too Well." It’s difficult to listen to the original 5-minute version of this song after hearing its true form. One of the most heartbreaking lyrics is “you kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath.” A secret is less important than an oath because most of the time you swear to keep an oath. The extended version’s beautiful instrumentals add to the pain and emotion conveyed in the original. According to many Swifties, “All Too Well” is Taylor’s Swift’s greatest song. Delaney McDonald, Staff Writer Christmas Luminaries Materials:
First, clean the jar with warm soapy water. Once that dries, clean the glass thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, which will get the oils and dirt off of the glass so that the mod podge will stick. Paint a thick coat of the mod podge onto the outside of the jar. Afterwards, place epsom salt on a plate and spin the jar in the salt. If spots aren’t completely covered, sprinkle salt onto the jar with a spoon to completely cover it. While your Christmas luminaries are drying for several hours, cut a length of twine that is long enough to wrap around the jar mouth 6-7 times. Start wrapping, tie when the twine is at its halfway point, and then tie it again at the end in a bow. Use a hot glue gun to attach the branches to the front of your luminaries. Then, place a small piece of holly on the front for a festive touch. Place your flameless candle inside the jar. Now you have a beautiful table topper for Christmas dinner! Lilly. “DIY Snowy Mason Jar Luminaries.” Instrupix, 8 Oct. 2021, www.instrupix.com/easy-diy-snowy-mason-jar-christmas-craft/. Portrait Christmas Ornament Materials:
First, print your favorite photo on a laser printer. Next, cut the photo to fit on a smooth piece of wood like the examples in the photo. Coat the photo with a layer of mod podge on printed side. Place the photo facedown on the wood and wait 24 hours. Using a rag, wet the photo and gently rub the top coat of the paper off. Seal the photo by painting on another layer of mod podge. Lastly, use hot glue to attack a piece of looped string or ribbon to the top. With enough patience, you now have a beautiful wooden ornament to add a rustic look to your Christmas tree! “Christmas Mouse Decoupaged Natural Wood Slice Ornament.” MSMAH, www.msamah.com/index.phpmain_page=product_info&products_id=706729. Homemade Vanilla Extract Materials:
First, cut the beans in half and place one full bean in each jar. Next, funnel the vodka to the top of the bottle. Cover tightly with lid and let it steep for one month. Place a label on the bottle and perhaps some ribbon around the neck. When it is finally done, you can gift it to someone who loves to bake. You can also include your favorite cookie recipe with the gift. Kravchuk, Natasha. “Vanilla Extract Recipe - How to Make Vanilla Extract - Natashaskitchen.” NatashasKitchen.com, 25 Jan. 2021,
natashaskitchen.com/vanilla-extract-recipe/. |