This shit just brought me a hell lot more respect to Janelle her Wondaland thing:

https://soundcloud.com/wo...u-talmbout

Say his name!

OMG! How did I miss this! OUTSTANDING!!! Yes this is what I'm talking about Janelle!

Whoops I missed this thread! Didnt mean to create another one on here. I am LOVIN this tho and my respect for Janelle went up even more! This song is intense and passionate

I like the music and the hook, which are powerful (and thankfully veer away from the music-by-numbers turn of Yoga into something more interesting and soulful). And I applaud the intention of showing solidarity with those killed and others seeking to oppose that in the present day. I thought she might have some kind of reflections or commentary to offer lyrically, though. There's nothing here beyond the call to 'say his/her name'.

It's odd, because she can often be very eloquent, especially when it's on a more personal kind of politics. I always liked the heartfelt rap in Q.U.E.E.N., and it was a moment I remember from her concert last year, as it really set off the crowd of millennials that made up the bulk of the audience. Maybe I'm expecting too much, or not understanding what people want from a protest song these days.

deebee said:

Outstanding! Much love and power to Janelle and the collective.

deebee said:

I like the music and the hook, which are powerful (and thankfully veer away from the music-by-numbers turn of Yoga into something more interesting and soulful). And I applaud the intention of showing solidarity with those killed and others seeking to oppose that in the present day. I thought she might have some kind of reflections or commentary to offer lyrically, though. There's nothing here beyond the call to 'say his/her name'.

It's odd, because she can often be very eloquent, especially when it's on a more personal kind of politics. I always liked the heartfelt rap in Q.U.E.E.N., and it was a moment I remember from her concert last year, as it really set off the crowd of millennials that made up the bulk of the audience. Maybe I'm expecting too much, or not understanding what people want from a protest song these days.

I kind of think that in this case less is more though. This being the sound-bite generation and all. The chant and drums send a powerful message that people cannot accuse of being preachy.

babynoz said:

deebee said:

I like the music and the hook, which are powerful (and thankfully veer away from the music-by-numbers turn of Yoga into something more interesting and soulful). And I applaud the intention of showing solidarity with those killed and others seeking to oppose that in the present day. I thought she might have some kind of reflections or commentary to offer lyrically, though. There's nothing here beyond the call to 'say his/her name'.

It's odd, because she can often be very eloquent, especially when it's on a more personal kind of politics. I always liked the heartfelt rap in Q.U.E.E.N., and it was a moment I remember from her concert last year, as it really set off the crowd of millennials that made up the bulk of the audience. Maybe I'm expecting too much, or not understanding what people want from a protest song these days.

I kind of think that in this case less is more though. This being the sound-bite generation and all. The chant and drums send a powerful message that people cannot accuse of being preachy.

But, in a sense, people can't accuse it of anything at all, because it doesn't really commit to saying anything specific. Maybe she felt like she'd said enough with the chant and the drums - and the long list of names - and didn't want to go 'poking her oar in' or trying to 'speak for' anyone. I can see how there's something appealing about leaving it as something that's like a collective thing - almost like a refrain that could be taken up by the protestors themselves. I suppose it just made me wonder what her reflections on the situation might have been. I do like it when an artist offers us up a little food for thought - especially if they add something that nails it or adds something to what's already been said.

(I don't know nothin' about this soundbite generation!)

MotownSubdivision said:

deebee said:

I like the music and the hook, which are powerful (and thankfully veer away from the music-by-numbers turn of Yoga into something more interesting and soulful). And I applaud the intention of showing solidarity with those killed and others seeking to oppose that in the present day. I thought she might have some kind of reflections or commentary to offer lyrically, though. There's nothing here beyond the call to 'say his/her name'.

It's odd, because she can often be very eloquent, especially when it's on a more personal kind of politics. I always liked the heartfelt rap in Q.U.E.E.N., and it was a moment I remember from her concert last year, as it really set off the crowd of millennials that made up the bulk of the audience. Maybe I'm expecting too much, or not understanding what people want from a protest song these days.

This. I feel the same way. It's a good track but I think it could have been even better with some actual verses. It sounds more like an extended interlude than a song.

Yeah, or like a teaser for a full track to follow. Who knows? Maybe she'll have more to say in future releases.

Unfortunately this song isn't on the Wondaland EP..

deebee said:

babynoz said:

I kind of think that in this case less is more though. This being the sound-bite generation and all. The chant and drums send a powerful message that people cannot accuse of being preachy.

But, in a sense, people can't accuse it of anything at all, because it doesn't really commit to saying anything specific. Maybe she felt like she'd said enough with the chant and the drums - and the long list of names - and didn't want to go 'poking her oar in' or trying to 'speak for' anyone. I can see how there's something appealing about leaving it as something that's like a collective thing - almost like a refrain that could be taken up by the protestors themselves. I suppose it just made me wonder what her reflections on the situation might have been. I do like it when an artist offers us up a little food for thought - especially if they add something that nails it or adds something to what's already been said.

(I don't know nothin' about this soundbite generation!)

http://consequenceofsound...oday-show/

getxxxx said:

http://consequenceofsound...oday-show/

The full Today Show performance is here: