Teen angst, while it is merely an often-mocked phrase to describe the average scowling adolescent, is an apt description for the rather despondent mood of this week’s playlist, and a fitting subject matter for Off The Record to review this week (did you catch the midyear exam pun thrown in there?). While many of the songs on this playlist earned their spots simply because of their archetypal alt-rock woefulness, emotional or anger-ridden lyrics were also taken into consideration. Though a few of the genres clash a little, the general mood of this playlist matches the pains of social conformity, growing up, etc.
Best listened to: sorrowfully staring out the window on a forlorn Sunday morning, morosely trudging towards the school’s entrance at 7:00 a.m., or driving off into the night with rain pounding on the windshield
Continue scrolling for brief descriptions of a few of the song choices. Or refuse to consider another’s opinion before forming your own, you rebellious teenager, you.
“Back of Your Head” – Balance and Composure
Balance and Composure’s sophomore release The Things We Think We’re Missing revives an emotive style that was seemingly left behind in the early 2000s. The band has received pertinent comparison to Nirvana, apparent in the unexpected explosion of driving guitars midway through the first verse of “Back of Your Head.” One of the best features of the song is the classic use of vague yet poignant lyrics: “Something in the way you call my name, I’m seeing the difference; Shake it off, let it exit your system.”
“Where Your Nights Often End” – Into It. Over It.
The combination of a jittery beat and gliding guitars with Evan Weiss’s smooth yet sorrowful voice gives this song, as well as the entire Proper album, a simultaneously regretful and uplifting tone.
“Adolescents” – Incubus
The title says it all. Plus, the band deserves to be known for more than just the gloomy, acoustic tone of their 2000 hit “Drive.” The grinding bass notes scattered throughout the first few verses slowly but effectively build up to the chorus.
“Forget Myself” – Third Eye Blind
While Third Eye Blind has an undoubtedly catchy summery vibe as highlighted in their hits “Semi-Charmed Life” and “Never Let You Go,” the band has their share of melancholy tunes. This gem kicks off with an airy guitar riff and expresses the despair affiliated with the Hollywood lifestyle.
“Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl” –Broken Social Scene
Another appropriately titled tune, this song features repetitive lyrics sung in a simultaneously detached and earnest manner by Leslie Feist, now better known as Feist after her success in her solo career.
“Salt” – Bad Suns
“These memories are nothing to me, but just salt in the wound,” Chris Bowman articulates as the bouncing, moody instrumental slowly fades out.
(Hit-predicting that this song will be the next “Pompeii” or “It’s Time.”)
“Something’s Missing” – John Mayer
Who cares how “mainstream” or “generic” he supposedly is? The genuine emotion of this song will hit you in the gut, if you really listen to it.
“I Miss You” – Blink-182
It is probable that at least 80% of people who have read this far on the post know this song already, but I included it for two reasons:
1. Blink are the epitome of teen angst (break out your 2003 Sony boom box and blast “Shut Up” if you are unconvinced).
2. The trio are releasing, not a holiday EP, but a bona fide, full length album this year! Alas, there is a ray of sunshine within this gloomy playlist.
Happy studying sulking!
-Mary
