James Shepard, Staff Writer On September 16, 2022, Rina Sawayama released her sophomore album Hold The Girl. Serving as a follow-up to her massively acclaimed debut album SAWAYAMA, Hold The Girl puts Sawayama in a new place, sonically and lyrically. When interviewed by Who What Wear, the British artist described the album as “holding your inner child,” for it's an album of healing. Hold The Girl depicts an individual battling their insecurities and eventually accepting their life. The album opens with “Minor Feelings,” which details Sawayama’s childhood experience. She says, “All these minor feelings // Are majorly breaking me down.” On Spotify, Sawayama expresses how “minor” means multiple things, including a minor musical chord. Also, the song’s subject is her younger self, a minor. “Minor Feelings” serves as a precursor for the rest of the album, where Sawayama wrestles with her inner struggles. The second track is “Hold The Girl,” the album’s title track. The song describes Sawayama’s personal growth as she navigates through her healing process. She sings about forgetting her past self, neglecting certain issues, and running away. Sawayama ends the song with the words, “She is me and I am her // So hold the girl.” This song emphasizes the importance of not leaving past trauma untouched; instead, one must heal to move on in life. Next, “Catch Me In The Air” is a track about Sawayama and her mother’s relationship. She sings about navigating her tumultuous connection with her mother, and how they weren’t close in the past. However, at the song’s climax, Sawayama sings, “But mama look at us now // High above the clouds,” which signifies that her and her mother finally reached a place of peace and love for one another. Sawayama ends the song with the words, “I hope that you’re proud,” because most people desire this from their parents. The song is a hopeful message to those who are working towards a closer relationship with their parents. “Forgiveness” details Sawayama’s personal experience with the difficult journey of forgiveness. This is best seen in the lyrics, “Forgiveness is a winding road.” Sawayama knows how treacherous, yet essential, forgiveness is. She sings about her experiences of “reaching dead ends” and losing her mind over trying to understand someone. The bridge features the lines, “I’m still looking for that highway,” a play on words from when she compared forgiveness to a winding road. Even though she may get lost in the winding road of forgiveness, she’s still desperately fighting to achieve it. The track “Your Age” expresses the pure rage and anger that Sawayama experienced as a child. Adults did things to her that she cannot imagine doing, now that she’s their age. This track is reminiscent of Demi Lovato’s “29,” during which she sings about being in the same situation as Sawayama. Someone taking advantage of a young adult or child half their age is truly despicable. This track displays Sawayama’s powerful emotions for the world to hear. Photo from Who What Wear Magazine; Rina Sawayama released her second studio album on September 16, 2022. It is a vulnerable album, with many of the songs centering around her experience with trauma. In the song “Imagining,” Sawayama realizes that what she thought was happening does not match up with reality. She’s caught up in the confusion and chaos of the world while trying to discern truth from falsehood. The chaotic, upbeat production, mixed with Sawayama’s vocals and lyrics, creates a track that exemplifies the message Sawayama tries to convey to her audience. In the next track, “Frankenstein,” Sawayama struggles to fit into society's norms and to appease others. She compares herself to Frankenstein’s monster because she wants to put herself together, in order to transform into a better version. She says she “doesn’t want to be a monster anymore.” In other words, she wishes to be accepted for who she is, rather than a superficial monster. In “Hurricanes,” Sawayama sings about “running into hurricanes” and sabotaging herself. She talks about her high standards, though they only bring out “the worst in [her]self.” Sawayama then buries those emotions deep down, again sabotaging herself as she fails to reach her impossible standards. This process allows the raging storms inside her to grow. This relatable song encourages people to reach out for help if they need it. They shouldn’t feel ashamed when they don’t reach their goals. Setting realistic expectations and treating oneself with care is essential. “Phantom” describes Sawayama’s experience as she seeks after her younger self again. She sings about being “haunted by the way I’ve changed” and trying to fill the space left by her “phantom.” In the bridge, Sawayama desperately calls for her past self to return: “How do you hold a ghost? // Inner child, come back to me // I wanna tell you that I’m sorry.” She wants to comfort her past self during her difficult journey through life. The song ends with the line, “I don’t wanna do this without you.” Sawayama doesn’t want to leave her youth behind, and she is saddened to move on from that part of her life. In the final track, named “To Be Alive,” Sawayama is finally free from all the chains holding her back in life. Sawayama has found pure joy, and she knows “what it feels like to be alive.” She sings about previous confinement, contrasted with eventual freedom. The lines, “All of the beauty and love I could not see // I see it now, I see it now,” serve as a reminder that there is always hope for the future. This conclusion to the album demonstrates Sawayama’s growth– she has found newfound love for genuinely living. Works Cited “Hold the Girl by Rina Sawayama.” Genius, https://genius.com/albums/Rina-sawayama/Hold-the-girl. Accessed October 3, 2022
Fox-Suliaman, Jasmine. “Rina Sawayama Is Redefining What It Means to Be a Pop Star.” Who What Wear UK, Who What Wear, 9 Sept. 2022, https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/rina-sawayama-interview/slide3. Accessed October 3, 2022 Sawayama, Rina. “Hold the Girl.” Spotify, 16 Sept. 2022, https://open.spotify.com/album/0JO5WJ19NtFRtVYOnw24xS?si=tlXQDcsiRnqfRkhUURAcbg. Accessed October 3, 2022
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James Shepard, Staff Writer On September 27, 2022, Lorde’s debut album, Pure Heroine, turned nine years old! Written and created by the New Zealand artist when she was only fifteen years old, Pure Heroine describes the world’s influence on teenage years. In this album, Lorde illustrates a variety of themes, ranging from materialism in her biggest hit “Royals,” to the fear of growing up in “Ribs.” All of these themes come together to create a strong, cohesive album that provides inspiration for the current generation. Photo from album photo shoot; The first track, "Tennis Court," may be a historical reference to the French Revolution! The album opens with the song “Tennis Court,” and Lorde begins with the line, “Don’t you think that it’s boring how people talk?” Early on in the album, Lorde is disinterested with the conversation she hears in the world around her. This sense of self-awareness is a recurring theme throughout the album. Continuing throughout the song into the chorus, Lorde sings about going down to the tennis court to “talk it up” with her friends. According to history buffs, the tennis court could be an allusion to the Oath of the Tennis Court from French history, where members of the third estate in France’s government stayed in a tennis court to discuss a new and equal government, which was crucial to the French Revolution. Lorde reinforces the theme of royalty when she sings about being “the beauty queen in tears.” She also says, “Everyone’s cool when we’re all in line for the throne // But I know it’s not forever.” Lorde uses the theme of royalty to represent the emphasis teenagers place on popularity. Overall, “Tennis Court” is a great introduction to Lorde's social commentary in the rest of the album. The second track, “400 Lux,” tells the story of Lorde and a romantic interest in a car setting. Lorde loves her time with this person, and the lines “We’re never done with killing time // Can I kill it with you” show that she never wants to leave them. The chorus begins with “You pick me up and take me home again,” indicating that they have had frequent trips. Another noteworthy lyric reads, “I like these roads where the houses don’t change,” which references the suburban environment where Lorde grew up. This setting continues throughout the album, primarily in this song and the next track, “Royals.” “Royals,” Lorde’s Grammy-winning song, has massively influenced the alternative music industry for the past nine years, as new artists explore the sound utilized by Lorde on this song and Pure Heroine as a whole. In this track, Lorde describes her aversion towards a suburban lifestyle, as seen in the lines “And I’m not proud of my address // In the torn up town, no postcode envy.” From her home in New Zealand, Lorde sees America as this great place where everyone lives in luxury; it’s almost a “fantasy” to her. Lorde rejects this society and sings, “And we’ll never be royals // It don’t run in our blood.” However, after this line, Lorde once again plays with the concept of being royal and sings, “Let me be your ruler // You can call me queen bee // And baby, I’ll rule.” She becomes completely enveloped in this idea during the bridge, where she sings, “...I’m in love with being queen.” and “Life is great without a care.” The song ends with the line “Let me live that fantasy,” which is Lorde acknowledging that this life isn’t meant for her in real life. One of the most popular songs on the album is “Ribs.” This angelic track starts in a party setting, but in the lines, “My mom and dad let me stay home // It drives you crazy getting old,” Lorde begins to fear her future. Lorde cherishes her teenage years when she sings, “We can talk it good // We can make it so divine.” The chorus of this song is Lorde repeating the previous verse, which shows her panic towards the idea of growing up. She attempts to grasp onto her youth before it’s gone. In the second verse, Lorde sings, “This dream isn’t feeling sweet” and “It feels so scary getting old.” The jump from “it drives you crazy” to “it feels so scary getting old” demonstrates that Lorde gradually accepts and acknowledges her fear of growing up; it’s no longer something she desires. This line of thought leads into the bridge, where Lorde repeats lines like “I want ‘em back // The minds we had,” which has a pleading tone because she wants her innocence back. The song ends with repetition, where Lorde sings, “You’re the only friend I need” and “And laughing til our ribs get tough.” She desperately wants to hold onto the carefree moments in her life. However, the last line is, “But that will never be enough,” because Lorde accepts her future and what will come with it. In the nostalgic track “Buzzcut Season,” Lorde narrates times when she and her friends see the actual state of the world while they’re in their “Buzzcut Season,” which is a literal term because they shave their heads during the summer. While Lorde is trying to hang onto her youth, she gradually notices how vile the world can be but still feels detached from these events like “explosions on TV,” singing “So now we live beside the pool // Where everything is good.” She also feels separated because of her lifestyle in New Zealand, and asserts: “People should see how we’re living.” Americans often regard New Zealand as a place too foreign for them to pay special attention to. However, Lorde feels safe in her home, describing it as a place “Where everything is good.” In the chorus, Lorde acknowledges the fact that she needs to accept reality, as seen in the line “I live in a hologram with you.” The simplicity of the album cover is an interesting contrast to the complex themes that Lorde sings about. Another well-known song by Lorde is “Team.” The upbeat track continues the story told in “Royals.” As she weaves a tale of elegance and luxury, Lorde returns to the theme of royalty. Lorde sings, “We’ll live in cities you’ll never see on-screen” and “Livin’ in ruins of a palace within my dreams,” which describes a society that is beginning to fall within her mind. These lines are related to her isolation from the rest of society because she lives in New Zealand, a place that’s less exposed to the world’s many flaws. Lorde shrugs this thought away with the line, “And you know, we’re on each other's team.” She experiences a sense of relief as she realizes that humanity is on the same team at the end; the human race is united. In the next track, “Glory and Gore,” Lorde takes a more violent and fierce view of society. The song comments on a culture where everyone is desperate for entertainment, especially from celebrities. Lines like “They lose our minds for us // And how it plays out” exemplify Lorde’s criticism of those who fixate and depend on celebrity culture. The chorus reads “Glory and gore go hand in hand // That’s why we’re making headlines.” Essentially, she’s saying that celebrities need to fight dirty to gain popularity; most spectators flock to read a headline about a celebrity fight rather than a friendly interaction. During the bridge, Lorde sings, “We gladiate, but I guess we’re really fighting ourselves.” Celebrities are fighting each other as they humiliate themselves for a small amount of fame. The song as a whole illustrates the toxic nature of celebrity culture. In the song “Still Sane,” Lorde reflects on her newfound stardom and everything that comes with it. She sings that she’s “Not in the swing of things yet,” which is entirely understandable for a 16-year-old girl who quickly blew up in popularity. Lorde finds reassurance and confidence when she sings, “I’m little but I’m coming for the crown // I’m little but I’m coming for the title held by everyone who’s up.” Lorde knew that “Royals” wasn’t going to be her last hit; she had lots of ambition at a young age. However, in the bridge, Lorde sings, “Only bad people live to see // Their likeness set in stone // What does that make me?” She knows the immense impact that she’s had on the world with her hit song, but she wonders if that impact will be positive or possibly detrimental. Everyone in a position of significance must wrestle with that question throughout their career. Lorde returns to a teenager's life in the song “White Teeth Teens.” Lorde uses the motif of white teeth to represent one’s popularity or social status in a teenage environment. In the beginning, Lorde appears to be part of a popular group, and she has fun as a “white teeth teen.” However, in the bridge, Lorde sings, “I’ll let you in on something big // I am not a white teeth teen // I tried to join, but never did.” She doesn’t fit in with the clique. Lorde also sings, “The way they are, the way they seem // Is something else, it’s in the blood,” which reveals that the “white teeth teens” aren’t who they appear to be. This line indicates that although one may seem a certain way, everyone has secret problems, whether big or small. Lorde decided not to be a “white teeth teen” because that means pretending to be something she’s not. The closing track of Pure Heroine is “A World Alone.” This song serves as a beautiful and peaceful conclusion to the album. Lorde lets go of everything holding her back in previous pieces, singing, “Let ‘em talk, cause we’re dancing in this world alone.” She is done with trying to be a “white teeth teen” and dealing with the drama behind popularity. Lorde also is aware of what awaits her in life as she sings, “I know we’re not everlasting // We’re a trainwreck waiting to happen // One day the blood won’t flow so gladly // One day we’ll all get still.” In other words, she knows that one day, death awaits her as it awaits everyone else. Instead of fearing reality, she embraces it and is still “dancing in this world alone.” The album closes with the lines “The people are talking // Let ‘em talk,” which circles back to the first line of this album, “Don’t you think that it’s boring how people talk?” Lorde is now free from social standards, living her best life while she still can. Works Cited “Pure Heroine by Lorde.” Genius, https://genius.com/albums/Lorde/Pure-heroine. Accessed 25 September 2022.
James Shepard, Media Director Pop superstar Harry Styles released his third album, Harry’s House, on May 20, 2022. Music critics responded to the project with accolades: the album received an 82 on the critic site Metacritic, and it became Styles’ most acclaimed work to date. Overall, the album has already seen massive commercial success within its first few days of release. This album explores a newer, more experimental sound as Harry Styles intermixes synth, piano, guitars, and more to tell a story. Still, this album is similar to his previous music, so fans are likely to enjoy it immensely. Harry Styles named his new album Harry's House because it explores themes of peace, belonging, and domestic bliss. Music For a Sushi Restaurant Styles opens the album with “Music For a Sushi Restaurant.” The jazzy track discusses a sushi restaurant where Styles wants a relationship with someone. He sings in the second verse, “music for whatever you want,” which demonstrates his willingness to do whatever is necessary for his lover to be happy and content. Overall, the song sets a lively tone for the rest of the album. Late Night Talking The second song featured during Harry Styles’ Coachella set was “Late Night Talking”. In this song, Styles continues the narrative that began in the opening track “Music For a Sushi Restaurant” about his desire for a fulfilling relationship. One lyric from the song reads: “If you’re feeling down, I just wanna make you happier, baby.” Again, he is willing to do whatever he can to make his partner happy. Styles has also been spending a lot of time with this person because he wants this relationship, exemplified by the lyrics “Now you’re in my life, I can’t get you off my mind.” Grapejuice In “Grapejuice," Styles’ recurring theme of wanting to always be with his lover. He sings, “There’s just no getting through without you.” Once again, this song continues the theme that Styles wants to remain in a happy place in his relationship. As It Was His fans’ first look at the album was “As It Was,” which describes how life is always changing; consequently, he’s accepting that things won’t be the same as they were before. During the chorus, the lyrics are, “In this world, it’s just us. You know it’s not the same as it was.” Listeners can interpret these lyrics through the lens of the pandemic, or from a relational perspective. Daylight This song is about Styles’ experience with unrequited love. Within the song’s instrumentation, there is a sharp contrast between the soft beat and the heavy guitars, which represents the chaotic relationship that he was in. He desperately wants to be with this person, but she does not return his feelings. The lines “You never listen. I hope you’re missing me by now” convey that he’s not entirely over this person because he hopes she thinks about him, but he knows that it’s for the best that things didn’t work out. Little Freak In “Little Freak,” Styles reminisces about a failed relationship. He repeats during the chorus, “I’m just thinkin’ about you.” However, he sings “I’m not worried about where you are,” which means that he’s been able to move on. This song narrates a story about heartache that began in “Daylight,” but he’s now able to partially overcome his sorrow. Matilda “Matilda” tells the story of someone who’s constantly hurt by their family. Harry Styles keeps the lyrics gender-neutral, so anyone can feel like they can relate to the solemn story. A heartbreaking line reads, “I know they won’t hurt you anymore, as long as you can let them go.” Once someone is grown up and can finally leave an abusive situation, they don’t need to go back. During the final chorus, he sings, “You can start a family who will always show you love” to show how the person finally has control over their life, doesn’t have to tolerate toxicity, and can finally live a fulfilling, happy life. At the annual Coachella music and arts festival, Harry Styles sang three songs from his new album: "As It Was," "Boyfriends," and "Late Night Talking." Needless to say, his performance made fans excited for the album. Cinema In the song “Cinema”, Styles sings about someone that has everything they want in a partner. The chorus exclaims, “I just think you’re cool” and “Do you think I’m cool too?” He wants to know if he has found the someone that he’s been looking for, or if it’s going to end poorly like the relationships previously referenced in the album. Daydreaming In the ninth track, “Daydreaming”, Styles sings about someone he is completely in love with. He repeats the line “Livin’ in a daydream” several times during the song, which shows how he’s engrossed by this girl. Fortunately, he has found someone whom he truly adores and loves. Keep Driving “Keep Driving” is a song in which Styles wonders if he should ignore everything that’s going on around him and focus on his relationship. The lyrics “A small concern with how the engine sounds” connects to the theme of driving. Then, the production becomes tumultuous during the bridge: everything seems to be swerving around in the world, but Styles and his lover continue on their journey without paying any attention to their chaotic surroundings. Keeping with the title of the song, they simply “keep driving.” Satellite In “Satellite”, Styles compares a satellite revolving around the Earth to his relationship with his lover. He sings, “I go ‘round and ‘round” and “Spinnin’ out waiting for ya” to represent that he will always be there for his partner. This song is a little similar to Ariana Grande’s song “NASA,” in which she compares needing space in a relationship to the vastness of the universe. The symbolic lyrics and fantastic production converge to form one of the, arguably, best songs on the album. Boyfriends The first unreleased track teased during Harry Styles’ Coachella setlist, “Boyfriends,” contains Styles’ observations on how some boyfriends mistreat their girlfriends. Lines like “Boyfriends, they think you’re so easy” and “they take you for granted” describe how it can be easy for a guy to become too comfortable in a relationship; as a result, he loses the respect and love that he had for his girlfriend. In addition, the lyrics “Oh, and you go, but why? You don’t know” show that the girl knows that she’s in a toxic relationship, but she keeps on going back to him. Love Of My Life The final track, “Love Of My Life,” ends the album on a somber note. Styles opens the song with “Baby you were the love of my life, maybe you don’t know it’s lost until you find it.” He knows that this girl was the one that was meant for him, but he impulsively allowed their connection to falter. He regrets this decision, singing “it’s not what I wanted, to leave you behind.” The song ends with a piano outro, a reference to part of the album’s teaser trailer. This outro also represents the closure that he’s finally found in his relationship. Works Cited Genius. "Harry’s House by Harry Styles." Genius, genius.com/albums/Harry-styles/Harrys-house. Accessed 22 May 2022.
Metacritic. "Harry Styles." Metacritic, www.metacritic.com/person/harry-styles. Accessed 22 May 2022. Setlist.fm. "Harry Styles Setlist at Coachella Festival 2022." Setlist.fm, 22 Apr. 2022, www.setlist.fm/setlist/harry-styles/2022/empire-polo-club-indio-ca-3bb61894.html. Accessed 22 May 2022. Styles, Harry. "Harry Styles - Harry’s House (coming soon)." YouTube, 23 Mar. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVANaD9WSTA. Accessed 22 May 2022. James Shepard, Media Director The music industry's biggest night, the Grammy Awards, aired on television last Sunday, April 3. After being delayed for three months due to the surge of omicron cases, fans and musicians alike finally saw who took home a coveted Grammy award. Notable nominees from this year include Olivia Rodrigo, H.E.R., Justin Bieber, Jon Batiste, Billie Eilish, and more. Olivia Rodrigo was nominated in all four of the major categories, which include Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. This year’s winners came with mixed reactions from viewers. One category that didn’t surprise anyone was Olivia Rodrigo winning Best New Artist, with previous winners Dua Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion presenting her the award. Silk Sonic took Song and Record of the Year with their hit “Leave the Door Open.” This decision surprised some viewers because predictors believed that Rodrigo or Eilish would win the trophy. Another shock was Jon Batiste winning Album of the Year for his album We Are. His success nearly caused the Internet to explode, especially because fans of artists like Rodrigo and Eilish expected one of them to win. Jon Batiste went home with an impressive five awards. It was refreshing to see a curveball thrown in some of the major categories this year, but some people were left wondering if these winners truly deserved their trophies. Music is subjective, and so fans should not get upset at other artists because the decisions are entirely out of their control. Jon Batiste won the following awards: album of the year, best music video, best American roots performance, best American roots song, and best score soundtrack for visual media, which he shared with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for their work on the Pixar movie "Soul". Another prominent winner from the night was Chris Stapleton, who swept his categories and went home with three Grammys. Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Love For Sale, Bennett’s final album. Jack Antonoff, a producer for Lana Del Rey, Clairo, Lorde, Taylor Swift, and more, won Producer of the Year. Objectively, the production for the Grammy Awards improved significantly. Due to huge sets for performances of Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Jon Batiste, and many others, the audience could feel more immersed in the music. The show was also hosted indoors, in comparison to last year’s outdoor ceremony with a smaller crowd. The 64th Grammy Awards’ live streaming experienced a 1.4% increase in viewership compared to last year’s show, meaning they are slowly regaining the pre-pandemic viewers they once had. Only time will tell if the viewership will continue to increase or if the Grammys will encounter another decline in the coming years. Works Cited GRAMMYs. “2022 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Winners & Nominations List.” GRAMMY.com, 2021,
https://www.grammy.com/news/2022-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-nominations-list. Accessed 8 April 2022. Maas, Jennifer. “Grammy Awards Ratings 2022: Viewership Edges Out 2021's Record Low.” Variety, 4 April 2022, https://variety.com/2022/music/news/grammy-awards-ratings-2022-grammys-1235221012/. Accessed 8 April 2022. Respers, Lisa. “Grammy nominations 2022: See who's nominated.” CNN, 24 November 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/23/entertainment/grammy-nominations-2022/index.html. Accessed 8 April 2022. James Shepard, Media Director The social media app Instagram is a creative outlet for millions of people. Whether you are interested in digital art or music, there’s something available for each individual on the app. Students at Norfolk Christian saw the emergence of the “rip_rip_netclassroom” meme page on February 4, 2020, right before the pandemic hit. This page provided a sense of unity throughout the school through its relatable memes. After the senior graduation in 2020, a post on the account revealed the owner as alum Van Hippenstiel. He passed on the account to an anonymous rising senior, who later revealed herself to be Evelyn Gabos after the 2021 school year ended. Sadly, the account is now inactive because no current senior inherited it. However, a new student-run Instagram account was created later in 2021. Photo by Marin Britt; After its first post on October 13, "ambassador_naps" had garnered over 170 followers. The account titled “ambassador_naps” uploaded its first post on October 13, 2021, which featured freshman Emmanuel Goboze taking a nap on a bench in Main Street. Various other schools have created a nap page for their school, which posts random students napping during class or anywhere in the school. This new Instagram page exploded, and students began to take pictures of themselves and their friends to be featured on the page. Although some pictures are obviously staged, it's great to see students in all grade levels taking part. Even teachers and administrators began to participate in the fun, with Mrs. Sandwell, for example, sending in a picture of her 8th grade Bible class lying their heads down during class. Mr. Tubbs made his debut on the page a week later. The account made its returns with two new posts on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Even more, the owner recently established a new account named "ambassador_kicks," which will show off ambassadors' stylish footwear. One of the newest, and strangest, student-run Instagram accounts is “gwenhead_ncs," whose founders are juniors Cole Risk, Zach Catchot, and David Sandwell. The account features the head of a mannequin named Gwen being held by various students after classes end. Although the page has only uploaded three posts so far, it could return this year. Humorous, student-run Instagram accounts are by no means unique to Norfolk Christian. Across the United States, some schools have accounts for shoes, bad posture, messy parking, and more. The accounts build a sense of belonging within an academic community, especially when teachers and faculty take part. At NCS, students can laugh at a photo of their friends sprawled across a desk, sleeping. Still, some students can experience paranoia when dozing off for a few seconds in class. The question is, are accounts like "ambassador_naps" all in good fun, or are they keeping students on edge? Photo by Lily Strickland; In a society where our lives are constantly documented online, it is crucial to respect other's privacy. For some students, it may be embarrassing to have their picture online, but the owner of "ambassador_naps" assures that he or she gets permission from the photo's subject. After two years of online school for some, these accounts are sources of amusement, or simply just content. If school is virtual, you would never witness people walking around with a mannequin head. It is refreshing to see Instagram accounts that exhibit the normalities of in-person school (though Gwen is anything but normal). If you're thinking of initiating a new Instagram page based on fashion, bad parking, or any menagerie of things, then just remember to respect people's privacy. Perhaps 2022 will bring about the rise of new accounts; only time will tell.
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. 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/. |