This podcast explores the musical nostalgia in today's pop music. It analyzes Lil Nas X's songs and his evolution as an artist. The podcast also discusses Ariana Grande's new single and her improvisational style. The hosts explore the connections between Lil Nas X, Ariana Grande, and Madonna's music, as well as the use of nostalgia in pop music. They also decode a mysterious vocal layer in Ariana Grande's song and discuss the trend of incorporating past elements in pop music.
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Quick takeaways
Lil Nas X's song 'J. Christ' continues his signature style of confrontational and defiant lyrics, drawing from the tradition of hip-hop and house music with its dissonant melodic figures and sparse instrumentation.
Ariana Grande's single 'Yes, and' pays homage to Madonna's 'Vogue' through its harmonies and chord changes, embracing a mantra of acceptance and self-confidence while adding her own lively and catchy twist.
Deep dives
Lil Nas X's New Song 'J. Christ'
Lil Nas X released a new attention-seeking single, 'J. Christ,' which continues his signature style of confrontational and defiant lyrics. The song features sparse and intense instrumentation, with a focus on a low register percussive piano. Lil Nas X's trolling persona is evident in the rollout of the song, as he teases a Christian era and creates controversy with religious references. Critics have found the song to be a continuation of his previous work, both in terms of sound and provocative messaging, while others point out that it lacks any significant subversive commentary.
Ariana Grande's New Single 'Yes, and'
Ariana Grande's new single, 'Yes, and,' captures her embracing a mantra of acceptance and self-confidence. The song references Madonna's 'Vogue,' both musically and thematically, celebrating individuality and dismissing critics. The harmonies and chord changes in 'Yes, and' bear unmistakable similarities to 'Vogue,' paying homage to the iconic pop hit. The song also employs a modulation in the pre-chorus to chorus transition, creating a sense of empowerment and a departure from negative influences. While some view the song as derivative, others appreciate the lively and catchy nature of the track.
Exploring Music History and Artistic Influences
Both Lil Nas X and Ariana Grande's new singles draw inspiration from music history and incorporate elements from past artists. Lil Nas X's song taps into the tradition of hip-hop and house music, using dissonant melodic figures and sparse instrumentation. Ariana Grande's song references Madonna's 'Vogue,' a seminal house music hit, through its harmonies and chord changes. These artists demonstrate how they are influenced by and pay tribute to the musical developments and cultural impact of their predecessors while adding their own unique twists and perspectives.
The State of Pop Music and the Role of Nostalgia
Both Lil Nas X and Ariana Grande's songs reflect the current trend in pop music where artists revisit past styles and incorporate nostalgic elements. This continued focus on nostalgia showcases how artists are influenced by and build upon the musical history that came before them. While some critics question the originality of these tracks, they highlight the ongoing relationship between popular music and its past, as well as the ability of artists to infuse new energy and perspectives into well-known styles.
We live in an age of musical nostalgia where artists wear influences on their sleaves. Case in point, two established artists who are drawing from established pop music history: Lil Nas X's "J. Christ" sounds like a Kendrick Lamar "Humble" type beat, and Ariana Grande's "Yes, And?" unabashedly interpolates Madonna's "Vogue." So are these songs mere copies or do they actually say something new with their reference material?
Songs Discussed
Lil Nas X - J CHRIST
Lil Nas X - Old Town Road
Lil Nas X - Panini
Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)
Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE.
Noreaga - Superthug
N.E.R.D - Lapdance
Busta Rhymes - Pass The Courvoisier Part II (feat. P. Diddy & Pharrell) - Remix
Kendrick Lamar - Alright
Cardi B - Money
Iggy Azalea - Sally Walker
Cardi B - Up
Anne-Marie - PSYCHO
Megan Thee Stallion - Savage
Megan Thee Stallion - Megan's Piano
Ariana Grande - yes, and?
Madonna - Vogue
Marshall Jefferson - Move Your Body
Derrick May - Strings of Life
Farley "Jackmaster" Funk, Jesse Saunders - Love Can't Turn Around