How We Imagined Pop Music Would Evolve

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14 күн бұрын

Is this the future of Pop music? In this episode I discuss Willow's new song "Symptom of Life" which alternates between a 7/4 verse and a 4/4 chorus, as well as utilizing sophisticated melodic and harmonic structures. 30 years ago, this was how I envisioned pop music would sound in the year 2024.
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Пікірлер: 3 200

@Keverember 12 күн бұрын

I didn’t have Willow Smith putting out a catchy jazz-influenced pop song in 7 on my 2024 bingo card.

@Cloudbuster1987 12 күн бұрын

You better listen to the album, it's great. Not just this song.

@C.SchitzPopinov 12 күн бұрын

😆

@i-never-look-at-replies-lol 12 күн бұрын

But does she really have anything to do with it? The music industry just attaches name to other people's work.

@Keverember 12 күн бұрын

@@i-never-look-at-replies-lol she’s credited as a writer, but you never know. But I do know that executing that melody is extremely impressive regardless.

@junkandcrapamen 12 күн бұрын

Actually, she's released two. Check out "Big Feelings". Also in 7 and also fire.

@TheSeeking2know 11 күн бұрын

This is the most excited Rick has ever been about any modern pop music. Good work Willow and her collaborators!

@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 10 күн бұрын

I do think he would really appreciate Kali Uchis, although it's obvious Willow is aiming even way higher.

@mackenzieclarkson8322 2 күн бұрын

This is not pop

@wolfgangwalk337 2 күн бұрын

She should ring up Jacob Collier. Sounds like a perfect match.

@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 2 күн бұрын

@@wolfgangwalk337 Not really, she is interested in making complex music in an accessible way, Jacob is interested in making complex music even more complex 😅

@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 2 күн бұрын

@@mackenzieclarkson8322 It actually is. Pop is anything that can be commercialized for the masses. Sinatra and Armstrong were both jazz AND pop, while most jazz musicians are the opposite of "marketeable". The Beatles, Elvis, the Stones and The Beach Boys were both rock AND pop too, while someone like Zappa is definitely not, f.i.

@franklopez4028 10 күн бұрын

One of things that blows me away about this song is how they fit all of this into an incredibly clear and focused mix.

@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 10 күн бұрын

She is very clever. Most of her songs go right to the point: they clearly display all of their innovative and interesting musical elements in a concise way (a minute and a half on average). She really is onto something here, she is creating an effective gateway from pop into jazz (something guys like Stevie Wonder or D'Angelo tried but failed to do imo). Maybe George Benson already did it, but in a more direct and less "daring" way. (He is still the singer/guitarist GOAT for me. 😅)

@thedude4594 9 күн бұрын

That’s tiny desk

@franklopez4028 9 күн бұрын

@@thedude4594 I was talking about record but 💯 to TD as well.

@patientmental875 3 күн бұрын

@@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 She is really onto something or is the person who wrote, arranged & produced it onto something?

@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 3 күн бұрын

@@patientmental875 She is too. It's true producers have tremendous input in their artists' direction, but one can really tell apart those who input their own artistry in their stuff (Willow, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, George Benson, Michael Jackson, The Beatles) from those that only follow orders or hire others to do the heavy lifting (Taylor Swift, Drake, Milli Vanilly, all the modern K-Pop groups). If we discredit musicians for following directions from producers, then we would have to discredit bands like The Beatles, Queen or Pink Floyd too. Most musical artists aren't total auteurs like Zappa or Prince in the first place, they are the exception.

@Stallagmite 11 күн бұрын

She actually goes deeper than people realize by incorporating Persian and Middle Eastern vocal techniques when she adds those fast vocal breaks, sometimes by kind of beating her chest. The beauty of it is that it fits so well you almost can't tell it's from another singing tradition.

@TY-gj6fb 2 күн бұрын

wow, now i wanna listen to the album more

@kumarvikramaditya9636 Күн бұрын

Sounds more Indian

@ChrisEldridgeKino 12 күн бұрын

If there's one thing Rick loves it's non-standard and unpredictable chord progressions

@ChristianMonfreudCesar 11 күн бұрын

😂😂 facts💯

@RCAvhstape 11 күн бұрын

Because it makes music fun to listen to, not boring like so much mainstream garbage out there.

@ChristopherPhillips 11 күн бұрын

He must love Radiohead 😅

@InventorZahran 11 күн бұрын

⁠@@ChristopherPhillipsThanks to Radiohead, I-III-IV-iv is not so uncommon anymore.

@knaz7468 11 күн бұрын

Him and Adam for sure!

@custum18 12 күн бұрын

I give her credit for really working to improve and not just cruise on her name and simple pop/punk music.

@Kasino80 12 күн бұрын

I'd completely forgotten she's a Smith.

@minmogrovingstrongandhealthy 12 күн бұрын

@@Kasino80 Hopefully the ego wont take over like the rest of them. Everyone in that family is mentally off ... she maybe the last hope.

@EchoMountain47 12 күн бұрын

Yeah, I mean to be fair, if she was feeling the pop punk music and that was authentic for her, more power to her. This, however, is something that actually catches my interest

@EchoMountain47 12 күн бұрын

@@Kasino80 right? I would be less hesitant to engage with this admittedly good music if it didn’t have that name on it. I just cannot stand that family, but she does deserve the chance to be evaluated on her own merits, so I’m trying to stay open minded

@ItsSomeDeadGuy 11 күн бұрын

Her pop punk music wasn't that simple, though. Some really interesting song structures and progression. And it's not like that's all she's been doing.

@TheLYagAmi 9 күн бұрын

This song really is a hidden gem. The isolated piano sounds absolutely heavenly. Rick makes songs so much richer with these deep dives.

@DangleSan 8 күн бұрын

Bro let's stop fooling ourselves, A bunch of Berkeley musicians are using a Hollywood child for popularity, I can't believe Rick praised willows singing🤦🏽 Well he couldn't recognize the AI voices but his wife and son could so this says something she's mid at best, She's like someone doing an impression of a really good singer gets way too crazy with her vocal ad libs it's CRINGE

@zentekno 8 күн бұрын

@@DangleSan Yep. It's better than Whip My Hair, at least. Rick should check out Haitus Kaiote if hasn't already, that's the stuff.

@TheCWasson12 3 күн бұрын

@@DangleSan lol "doing an impression of a really good singer" convincingly is just really good singing. sure, nepotism got her foot in the door, and she needs some live mic etiquette experience, but she's for sure talented.

@DangleSan 3 күн бұрын

@@TheCWasson12 What I mean is that she tries vocal inflections and other type of vocal ad-libs, For example her viral "woah woah" after the line in her song I think I left my conscience on your front door step Is a classic example of a vocalist doing too much, She's a decent singer but when you have a band of Berkeley musicians behind you almost anybody's gonna sound good

@TheCWasson12 Күн бұрын

@DangleSan lol I think it just might not be your taste. If anything her voice is a little nasal in that song, but embellishments like that are super common in modern RnB and rap, which have had a lot of influence on modern pop.

@Jack_Simpson 10 күн бұрын

Trilling with the break of your voice while staying in tune is actually insane and takes soooo much control and awareness. She’s something special

@scifiwriter98 10 күн бұрын

That's why I don't think it's really her singing.

@Jack_Simpson 10 күн бұрын

@@scifiwriter98 Given the recordings of live performances of her I’ve seen, my money’s on it being her.

@EtymTV 7 күн бұрын

@@scifiwriter98that was tiny desk concert which is absolutely live

@AbaMiguel 5 күн бұрын

@@scifiwriter98 what makes you say that? She's been singing her whole life

@gregheckman 11 күн бұрын

Even if she isn't your thing... You HAVE to recognize the genius and sheer ingenuity of her music. Never mind the fact she is writing REALLY catchy modern jazz. Love it.

@neiladlington950 10 күн бұрын

Yeah, the modern jazz part was a surprise. I don't listen to pop music as I usually prefer anything but... And the last time I heard anything from Willow it was that "whip my hair" thing? But damn, that girl has come a long way and you don't get there without some serious commitment and practice. I can listen to this.

@alex24mamba 9 күн бұрын

Not my style at all, but I respect her voice, talent, and damn those musicians killed it.

@KenBreadbox 9 күн бұрын

@@neiladlington950 Thank you for that bit of context. I absolutely DETEST that "whip my hair" crap. Hard to believe it's the same person.

@TheGnuisancev3 8 күн бұрын

she's a rich kid who's been a pop rapper, then pop punk rocker and now this. she's grown up in Hollywood, a truly privileged life and I'd be curious how much of this was constructed by people around her. Great song and I wish pop would go this way. but there's nothing ground-up or organic about her.

@gregheckman 8 күн бұрын

@@TheGnuisancev3you really need to read the credits a bit better. The early stuff (which I don't care for) war written and produced for her. The newer records? All her. That's a musical genius pushing through. Just sayin.

@mortonwilson795 12 күн бұрын

Those first few piano bars just grab you and then there's no escape . . . wow, what a song, singer, band. There's hope, then!

@EchoMountain47 12 күн бұрын

I agree. Some in the comments are saying it’s more of an intellectual exercise and that it has no hook, but I find it immediately gripping - and trust me, I don’t want to! I really don’t like the Smith family lol but this is too good to deny

@cooldebt 12 күн бұрын

That opening piano sounds a bit like the intro of Message in a Bottle

@MrJesse1288 12 күн бұрын

I was thinking that the weird time play was very Copeland-esqe

@nath9233 11 күн бұрын

@@cooldebt 100% the same

@jamesgulapa7219 11 күн бұрын

There's hope... that's what i said as well

@peachmelba1000 11 күн бұрын

Kind of brings to mind aspects of Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, Ivana Santilli, Tori Amos

@lostinmybackyard2006 9 күн бұрын

And Ian Anderson. I swear it's like listening to 1972 Jethro Tull.

@intellectualesemv 5 күн бұрын

I was just thinking it'd be cool to hear Tori Amos cover this

@leorduran 3 күн бұрын

YES!!!!

@Ruirspirul 14 сағат бұрын

your forgot the originator of them all. Kate Bush😊

@Tanshanomi 10 күн бұрын

As a musical dunderhead, I so appreciate someone who points out the specific elements I should be appreciating but don’t know enough to pick out or understand on my own.

@ianfoster670 2 күн бұрын

If ever there was a band waiting to be discovered, The Musical Dunderheads is it, priceless.

@liquidsolids9415 12 күн бұрын

David Bennet Piano has two videos on this song, including an interview with the piano player where he talks about the chord voicings. Cool song!

@LukasVlcek 11 күн бұрын

This needs to be the pinned comment.

@lawsonj39 10 күн бұрын

Yep. In one, he interviews the pianist who helped write the song; apparently a team put the chords and rhythms together then handed it over to Willow to create the melody and lyrics. Sounds a lot like the descriptions I've heard of Taylor Swift's process, but the end product here is way different.

@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 10 күн бұрын

@@lawsonj39Yup, but it's actually a totally different proccess. The Beatles did the same as Willow, they worked with a group of genius producers and session musicians, but they thenselves had the musical ability to discern what to use and how to combine it with their songwriting, same thing for The Rolling Stones (in their early days) or The Beach Boys (Brian Wilson actually had huge creative input in the whole process, but he did use tons of session musicians to his advantage) or even more recently Michael Jackson. What Taylor does is: she pays Max Martin to do EVERYTHING FOR HER, to discern the simplest shortcut to go viral and, that's it. She is the antipode of musical creativity in a way.

@jwallaby7895 9 күн бұрын

@@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266if she gels with the musical process i think its a bit harsh to call her the antipode of creativity lol. She probably deserves to be thought of as a session vocalist at worst. But i figure most pop" artists" just dont deserve all the credit...literally look at the credits of most songs....its anywhere between 5 and 13 ppl on average.

@liquidsolids9415 9 күн бұрын

@@LukasVlcek Thank you!

@poppolooii8000 7 күн бұрын

Her band is definitely a group of musical talented and passionate people who love the art

@coolbluerecharge 11 күн бұрын

Not gonna lie, this has me whipping my hair back and forth.

@AlicePBrigole 6 күн бұрын

Best

@willbaskin700 2 күн бұрын

This feels like the equivalent of painting with new colors. She made the complexity feel cool and good and accessible to an everyday audience

@JonManos 12 күн бұрын

Nice to hear new pop music going completely over my head for a change

@muzikgod 11 күн бұрын

It's not pop music which is why it went over your head!

@InventorZahran 11 күн бұрын

@@muzikgodIt's too advanced to be pop!

@chuckamok12 11 күн бұрын

@@muzikgod of course it's pop, it has a catchy melody and a solid beat - it's pop.

@OdaKa 10 күн бұрын

I feel like normal pop music goes over most heads

@muzikgod 10 күн бұрын

@@OdaKa Do you think this song is pop music?

@rudebuddha4895 12 күн бұрын

I heard Willow's "Meet Me At Our Spot" a few weeks ago because someone used a clip of it on a "short" YT video showing how to clean a dogs ears. I got out my phone and Shazam'd it. I was blown away watching the official artist video and wondered how this was released two years ago and just now heard it. Stange times for discovering new music and their non-traditional ways of getting sun in the dense forest of new artists and music. So I'm thrilled to see Rick highlighting her exceptional talent.

@limer4330 11 күн бұрын

Meet me at our spot is a cool tune.

@tetianadmytrenko6089 11 күн бұрын

Oh God, cleaning dogs' ears😅 this is a modern way of discovering the music.

@BlakeH..888_ 11 күн бұрын

The only songs I've heard from her are Meet Me at Our Spot and Wait a Minute and I enjoyed both of them a lot even though they're not what I usually listen to.

@lynnestong7286 9 күн бұрын

I’m a 60 year old Grandmom that mainly likes rock music & When I heard “Meet Me at Our Spot” (the live version on KZfaq) for the first time, I was in love with it. For some reason it gives me a strong feeling of nostalgia. (longing for my youth I guess lol) And then I heard her song “ Wait A Minute”. And I liked it too 😮. I surprised myself because I was always just about rock n roll…She has a beautiful & unique voice and style.

@theoldkidrocker 9 күн бұрын

I forgot about that song "Meet Me At Our Spot" I heard it when Kelly Clarkson did a Kellyoke of it when it came out so I looked up Willows Original and really liked it... I saved it to a list this time lol great tune and her talent was shining then.....

@thewhim8151 5 күн бұрын

"She's so talented but I don't like her because of her parents" is such an INSANE take, can y'all hear yourselves?!?!

@franciskeys9810 3 күн бұрын

I wouldn't say it's insane. I have the same initial distaste: Will and Jada Smith have a repulsively dysfunctional marriage and they make all their business extremely public so they can try to monetize it. It's unlikely that I'll ever watch another movie involving either of them. In today's world there are far more options for entertainment than I can ever even glance at, so there's just no need to patronize actors this abhorrent. However, it's always important to recognize art on its own merits. This is a good song. Well done, Willow.

@thewhim8151 3 күн бұрын

@@franciskeys9810 the insane part is thinking that Willow is in any way accountable for what he parents do. My parents are AWESOME, and even still i shouldn't have to take any responsibility for what they do

@franciskeys9810 3 күн бұрын

@@thewhim8151 I guess you can argue that disliking the children of screwed up Hollywood stars is unfair, but do you think we'd know Willow Smith's name if it were not for Hollywood nepotism? I feel pretty confident saying that we would never have heard "Whip My Hair" without millions of dollars behind her. That song (if you can call it that) was trash and she's come a long way.

@thewhim8151 3 күн бұрын

@@franciskeys9810 she didn't choose her parents, that's all I'm saying

@TY-gj6fb 2 күн бұрын

it is really sad but can't help it, they are her parents so that noise just follows suit everytime I hear about her i do listen to her songs

@stephenroth3299 11 күн бұрын

This is why I love today's new wave of Emo coming out. Jazzy, mathy, and beautiful choruses with heart breaking lyrics

@ericnowak9497 11 күн бұрын

What artists are spearheading this wave?

@stephenroth3299 11 күн бұрын

@@ericnowak9497 arm's Length, Ben Quad, Carly Cosgrove, Hot Mulligan

@stephenroth3299 11 күн бұрын

@@ericnowak9497 oh, and Sweet Pill

@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 10 күн бұрын

Nice to know. The good kind of emo 😅

@shaunfogarty5744 9 күн бұрын

This is NOT EMO!!! Good GOD!!! Wrong Label dude... Let Willow be Willow.

@descendingforth 12 күн бұрын

That whole Tiny Desk performance is just amazing. It truly blew me away!

@iiwi758 11 күн бұрын

The people behind Tiny Desk have excellent taste and a good sense for what fits their format. Nearly all performances they put together are interesting in some way.

@theoriginalheartstrummer 11 күн бұрын

Seriously? Willow sounds like Yoko Ono to me. No-technique caterwauling; just that empty hot-air that passes for emotion typical of the expression of most "woke" people her age. The rhythm and harmony may have more going on than a lot of modern pop, but so what? That doesn't make it exceptional by any means. OMG it's in SEVEN! Big deal. Just because Rick thinks it's "cool" doesn't mean anything to me. It just sounds so fake and plastic. I WISH it had substance, but why would I expect that from Willow Smith?

@descendingforth 11 күн бұрын

@@theoriginalheartstrummer but surely you have to respect the musicians that are playing in the video??? I was talking about the tiny desk performance not Willow Smith as a musician🤦‍♂️

@descendingforth 11 күн бұрын

@@theoriginalheartstrummer What a boring take as well. Its a well put together performance and it sounds great why can't you just admit that?

@andrewthompson7707 11 күн бұрын

@@descendingforthit's just fast-paced passages put together there's no Unforgettable hook or Rift there

@sleven8013 12 күн бұрын

I’m a prog metal/rock kind of guy with a bit of 90s grunge love sprinkled with jazz fusion and this really tickles my fancy. Didn’t know modern pop could sound this good. Bangin!

@mdav30 12 күн бұрын

Rick just hopes this is the future of pop because he loves jazz. No way. This is jazz, will remain not "pop" for that reason.

@geepike 12 күн бұрын

@@mdav30 in an ideal world music like this, Fiona Apple, Eryka Badu, Joni Mitchell etc could kick off again in a big way as a knee jerk 180• of whats going on in pop a la The Grunge scene in the 90s. Not likely, but not impossible. Im confident noone was betting on the “Whip My Hair” Smith daughter putting THIS out, so…theres always hope haha

@harimathur2191 11 күн бұрын

It's not really modern. It's old school genX type song. Very 90s piano, Seal-like... bass line is dead 90s. Beats are 90s.

@thomasluby1754 11 күн бұрын

I give your comment an "F". Could you be any more specific?

@davidherdman5549 11 күн бұрын

Me too and me too

@richardleveille3254 9 күн бұрын

My 16 year-old son introduced me to Willow a couple of years ago. She is awesome! One of the few “new” pop artists I regularly listen to.

@viceshark 11 күн бұрын

There are sounds that force me to tears. I truly can't do a thing about it. This performance is absolutely one of them.

@Les00970 11 күн бұрын

Me too,but not Willow Smith. Jeff Beck JB'S Blues, Dead can Dance-Senvean,Sade ..........

@ButterWilliam 12 күн бұрын

The future of pop is Joni Mitchell, love it

@rundoetx 12 күн бұрын

I agree.

@maxzape9003 12 күн бұрын

Beat me to it! Joni would be proud.

@ScottsGuitar 12 күн бұрын

Funny I was at Tori Amos but yea, same lineage lol

@davidlee5580 12 күн бұрын

@@ScottsGuitarYeah the piano had me thinking of Tori

@RobBaartwijk 12 күн бұрын

You took the words.... *grin*

@acason4 12 күн бұрын

Willow Smith is a A++ vocalist. Her album “Coping Mechanism” is really incredible. The vocal melodies & half the songs on the album are bangers!

@kennethwilliams4725 10 күн бұрын

I'm gonna go and check it out!!!

@acason4 9 күн бұрын

@@kennethwilliams4725 Check out: Curious/Furious No Control Maybe It’s My Fault Split Why Coping Mechanism All incredible tracks & the vocal work (melodies & harmonies) is some of the greatest vocal work I’m ever heard. The album is kind of like Deftones meets “pop/punk” which might sound strange, but damn does she pull it off. I was really blown away. Hope you like it.

@kuntbae3773 9 күн бұрын

wrong, it’s awful

@acason4 9 күн бұрын

@@kuntbae3773 Nah, you’re wrong.

@neladesign 5 күн бұрын

Her capability of sing other rhythms including rock (hard one) shows her habillities to do whatever what she would like to do, because its a grean musician and impresive singer, not all pop singers could do that!

@CypiXmusic 8 күн бұрын

Who knew the girl, that *_"whipped her hair back and forth"_* would come to safe Pop music

@johnskilly 10 күн бұрын

Happy to see you are covering this, I saw this tiny desk show on my feed some months ago and was blown away by Willow´s performance.

@Cosmoborracho 12 күн бұрын

It's giving me a "If Tori Amos wrote Kiss From A Rose" vibe but at this point, that's blasphemous because it's in a whole 'nother universe of cool. Absolutely loving this!

@richardgreenwoodjr5263 11 күн бұрын

Was getting Tori Amos vibes as well- glad I'm not the only one lol.

@nilsbauer6994 11 күн бұрын

Oh that's actually a very good parallel / comparison. It's obviously it's own thing, but Toni Mitchell, Tori Amos and Kiss From A Rose definitely feel familiar to this. Loving it

@RoryRonde 11 күн бұрын

that is actually a very good description!

@NRG2 11 күн бұрын

Noooooo. Do not put the spawn of Will Smith in the same sentence as Tori Amos. The world is afflicted by every breath they take.

@jeffwolinski2659 11 күн бұрын

Ha, great analogy, I totally hear that!

@Steve_ATL 12 күн бұрын

I came across this Tiny Desks the other day and was blow away. I am glad Willow is getting more complicated music out to the pop listeners.

@xanthippas 7 күн бұрын

Man, I wish I could hear even 1/10 of what Rick picks up in a song. Maybe if I watch enough of these videos one day I will!

@mugen-PT 4 күн бұрын

And there were people on Instagram hating in the comments ... Honestly, nothing gets a chance anymore. Happy to hear an opinion from someone who knows what they're talking about.

@ScentlessSun 12 күн бұрын

A song in 7! That is awesome. And they rocked it. Such a great vocal flow by Willow live.

@sidalientv 12 күн бұрын

"Tom Sawyer" and "Whitin you without you" entered the chat.

@LetsGoBruins77 12 күн бұрын

Happy you covered this!

@fofopho 10 күн бұрын

The original bass is amazing, but the way Mohini plays on it live is sooooo damn good

@paulsevilla2355 Күн бұрын

I've had this song on repeat for weeks. So glad you found it, Rick! The whole album deserves attention. It's amazing. Award worthy for sure.

@soundproductionandadvice 12 күн бұрын

The Pocket Queen on Drums. Last saw her with Greg Philanganes doing an Omnisphere live demo. She's superb.

@Tom-dv6ei 12 күн бұрын

Her and the bassist in that Tiny Desk video...Such a pleasure to watch them bounce of each other. They are so on it! and you can see they're truly enjoying what they're doing.

@krusher74 12 күн бұрын

I thought Rick would know who she is, but no..........

@TimDaleMusic 12 күн бұрын

Agreed, she was awesome on that Spectrasonics demo

@marshac1479 12 күн бұрын

@@krusher74 Indeed. He could have looked on the Tiny desk website to find out who she is and namechecked her. She's a great drummer.

@titanicsinclair 12 күн бұрын

It's so cool to see Chris Greatti finally getting the praise he deserves as a writer/producer. I've had the pleasure to work with him a lot over the years. He's a genius producer and musician.

@thankyouforyourcompliance7386 12 күн бұрын

Everyone is a genius in today's US media. What about some humble approach and hard work.

@krusher74 12 күн бұрын

Rick is such a flailing fangirl in this. Did not mention the writer producer once.

@seanandben 12 күн бұрын

@@krusher74 The song was written by Willow, Chris Greatti & Brad Oberhofer, and produced by Chris Greatti. It seems like more of a Chris Greatti song that just happens to be sung by Willow - (an undoubtedly talented singer) - but that seems to be the way things are done with a lot of artists these days - multiple songwriters and in some cases multiple producers on hit records. Symptom of Life was released on March 12th, 2024, and until I saw Rick's over excited video today - June 17th - I never heard of Willow or the song.

@TheMister123 12 күн бұрын

@@seanandben David Bennett Piano did an interview with Brad Oberhofer over on his channel, published just a few days ago. Brad outlines who contributed what to the song. I haven't memorized the credits for the whole album yet, but I think Willow wrote some of the album on her own.

@writemeyers 12 күн бұрын

@@TheMister123thank you! I'll go check that out. The previous replies insinuating that Rick isn't crediting people or that this is only the result of multi-producers, seems to forget that most of that output is empty pablum.

@valentinabouffier6544 11 күн бұрын

i was really hoping this video was made. its such a good sooooong!!

@soph.b6054 11 күн бұрын

Been non-stop listening to this album since it's release- glad you finally gave it a listen!

@DeeNeuro 12 күн бұрын

reminds me of Esperanza Spalding.

@jerryp3148 12 күн бұрын

That's exactly what I was thinking...very interesting stuff.

@destinationsunnyside250 12 күн бұрын

👍

@tyrone2k 12 күн бұрын

yes. My thoughts exactly.... which is good.

@tulp_graphics 9 күн бұрын

Also a bit of Lianne la Havas.

@blessing291 7 күн бұрын

same thought too while watching her tiny desk performance ✋🏼

@romeDCfc 12 күн бұрын

I could listen to that over and over again. I'd struggle to categorize this as Pop, but that's another thing to me that makes the song interesting.

@yvltc 12 күн бұрын

I agree, I can't say this is pop

@amylaw3416 12 күн бұрын

Ya this is jazz. The future of jazz. Glad jazz is coming back into the mainstream. I LOVE Jazz pop.

@georgewoolf6300 12 күн бұрын

Yep, this is Jazz... Rick is just overreacting because we have too much simple simon music today. It's a good song, but not honestly anything mind blowing or special, but then again I'm a Meshell Ndegeocello fan so my musical tastes are broad.

@vanessaseymour2634 12 күн бұрын

The entire album, Empathogen, is categorized as alternative jazz/pop.

@TheSeeking2know 11 күн бұрын

Jazz was once the pop of it's day. The pop of the future is going to be a fusion of influences moving slightly away from the just the dance and R&B influences that have dominated.

@yonikup2865 11 күн бұрын

Thank you for introducing me to this amazing track!

@richardlopez4318 2 күн бұрын

I love Jazz too, and I was blown away. Willow has a bright future.

@sleepyzebras_ 11 күн бұрын

I discovered this song few months back when David Bennett made a video on it. Such a unique pop song in today’s often copy of a copy musical landscape.

@Itsleakim 12 күн бұрын

Glad to see Rick excited about contemporary music again. There is so much cool new music being made. You just have to look for it and stop being annoyed at what's on the charts. Because let's be honest, was there ever a time when you liked the majority of the top 10 songs on the charts? (except for when ya'll where 14 years old?) A lot of our all time favourite songs never made it into the top 10, so why do we expect to find our new favourite songs there?

@EchoMountain47 12 күн бұрын

Thank you! Some welcomed words of wisdom around here. I don’t know why Rick grumbling about top 40 music has become so popular on the channel, but it is low effort, insulting to the intelligence of his audience and undermines his own open-mindedness. Much rather see him elevating the positive

@mar7838 12 күн бұрын

I agree. Been saying this for a long time. There is so much amazing (pop) music being made right now. More than ever. My theory is that the new generations have all this great information available. And use it to make some amazing stuff. I think it's always more productive to praise the good artist than complaining about the boring songs in some Spotify Top 10. So I want to give credit to Rick. He made this video. And has made others where he speak to and about new artists who make great music. So we should really thank him to introduce his audience to Willow Smith. Hope we will hear more of her.

@stoneysdead689 12 күн бұрын

We don't- and you're missing the point. We don't expect to find what we like, but we expect to find something with at least some complexity and depth to it. Not two chord, pop culture, bubble gum that sounds like it was written on the way to the recording session. When I was a kid I hated pop music- but the stuff that was popular, was complex and difficult to play or figure out- the ppl who were performing it had obvious talent- even if it wasn't my kind of music. I can't say that any longer- nor can I even trust that this really is a popular song- the streaming services lie. The highest bidder gets their song at the top of the list- whether it's any good or not. Well- either the highest bidder or- their new AI artist. Think about the impact that's already having on the music scene. Think about the impact it has on our culture. It's not good.

@lzbgenna 12 күн бұрын

My thoughts exactly. Happy that Rik is starting to discover or at least showcase a bit of the amazing music currently being produced. Hope this trend continues on the channel.

@seanbeadles7421 12 күн бұрын

@@stoneysdead689the only time this was true was during the Tin Pan Alley days, and I bet you’re not 120. For example, every do-wop song in the 50s and 60s is basically one chord progression. There’s about a dozen different blues songs that have the Johnny b. Goode intro.

@starrr365 4 күн бұрын

This whole album is so great, I highly recommend listening to the whole thing

@giziiiiyeah Күн бұрын

And the last vocal runs at the end of the song!!! Mindblowing

@LSchulz1414 12 күн бұрын

There are a lot of special things going on (time signature, note choices, chords) and it still flows. Amazing balance between simplicity and complexity.

@EchoMountain47 11 күн бұрын

Did you maybe mean “complexity”?

@LSchulz1414 11 күн бұрын

@@EchoMountain47 yeah, now it makes a bit more sense. Thank You!

@eximusic 12 күн бұрын

Almost all the artists on tiny desk concerts are amazing. It's a good gauge of the quality of music coming out today. No shortage of brilliant artists in 2024. Funny how NPR, public radio, and public radio listeners all know this, but no one else seems to.

@rksnj6797 11 күн бұрын

I love Tiny Desk Concerts!

@Smitty_Werbenjagermanjenson 11 күн бұрын

KEXP is a great source too, especially for alt

@Iantrypsk 11 күн бұрын

@@Smitty_Werbenjagermanjenson both have some stinky music because is really diverse and is a good thing, brings you out of the algorithm bubble. You can create some powerful bubbles online.

@paulwooton4390 11 күн бұрын

NPR has some quality programs (case in point). Their news division isn't one of them...tedious sjw crusaders when an honest reporter would suffice.

@eximusic 10 күн бұрын

@@paulwooton4390 Ok, not the topic. Kind of hard to reply to generalizations with no specifics.

@julianduarte1985 10 күн бұрын

Starting the Beato Ear Training Course!!!! I hope someday I get to understand all kinds of music the way Rick does.

@kubace5398 8 күн бұрын

Fell in love with that song 2 months ago or so. To say that I share Rick's enthusiasm would be an understatement ;-) So grateful for this video!

@junkandcrapamen 12 күн бұрын

Was waiting for you to catch on to this awesomeness. The entire album "Empathogen" is fire.

@Albatross-365 12 күн бұрын

cover looks weird. her natural smile would look better

@kennethhoneycutt4513 12 күн бұрын

Not to mention Dey-base on bass is killing it

@NikZ500 12 күн бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bax7eNyQt73bgZ8.htmlsi=k1f5XDgAoh7plWgU Check her insane solo almost 10-12 years back

@scootaymildo1070 11 күн бұрын

I was wondering if that was her. I've only been aware of her for the last month or so and my god, what a player!

@MrJohnnyAOA 11 күн бұрын

She did not play the bass on the record. Still kicks a$$ on the tiny desk performance though

@kennethhoneycutt4513 11 күн бұрын

@@MrJohnnyAOA No, if you go back and look up tiny NPR Tiny desk, you will clearly see her. I don't know who played bass on the studio cut.But rick biano was Playing a clip from n p r along with the studio

@kennethhoneycutt4513 11 күн бұрын

@@scootaymildo1070 There is a show that I watch it's called NPR Tiny desk, that's the clip. He was, she was in her band on that. But I was just informed on here that that wasn't her in the studio cut.

@mauchoamusic 5 күн бұрын

Some parts of the song reminds me of "kiss from a rose", from Seal. The "dancing chords" part.

@donnyoung5481 11 күн бұрын

Finally Willow getting the recognition she deserves. Her music is a breath of fresh air from what's out there today. The whole band is soo talented

@johngulak5721 12 күн бұрын

wow... she sings the hell out of that and the band is killer. Rick, this must be giving you some serious hope for the future...lol

@ChristChickAutistic 12 күн бұрын

She's legit good, really good. Best thing to come out of that family, imho. Gives me hope that music isn't dead.

@Brucetheguitarist 9 күн бұрын

Thank you 🎉

@ChristChickAutistic 9 күн бұрын

@@Brucetheguitarist Um, you're welcome? I'm sorry, I just don't understand why you're thanking me, lol! 😁

@Brucetheguitarist 9 күн бұрын

@@ChristChickAutistic haha my bad I was meaning like thank you for saying this. A lot of hate comments on this post so it’s good to see some good ones

@ChristChickAutistic 9 күн бұрын

@@Brucetheguitarist I just don't see the point in all that, lol! I'm old school, I was raised that "if you can't say nothing nice, don't say anything", lol! More folks should learn that. She put out a banger song, period, she should have her flowers for it.

@bencrozier 9 күн бұрын

Rick’s authentic passion for music is contagious! He’s like the uncle I wish I had that I could go to and learn from!

@GT-mq1dx 7 күн бұрын

Melancholy yet uplifting, poppy but progressive. That was something new to my ears that I wish there would be more of in this day and age. There are a lot of gems out there, I guess you just have to be looking for them. This reminds me of two songs from a long time ago; Seal’s Kiss from a Rose and Peter Gabriel’s Games Without Frontiers. Both of them beautiful, each in its own right.

@bobboberson2024 12 күн бұрын

Willow really knocks this out. A very cool jazzy vibe - with a vocal line Al Jarreau would be happy with. But it’s not something you walk out humming.

@pdkett1 11 күн бұрын

..not recommended for Swifties unless accompanied by an adult when listening.

@arachnidiscs 11 күн бұрын

Yeah, I’d say this is not a pop song and is not the future of pop music. It’s an art song and sits comfortably in the grand tradition of Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos (though a bit funkier like if they’d had the Headhunters backing them).

@TheSeeking2know 11 күн бұрын

That syncopated repeated section is definitely memorable to me.

@nowondr 10 күн бұрын

@@TheSeeking2know yeah the harmonies are complex, but the main melodic stuff is pretty easy on the ears and memorable to me too. been stuck in my head

@VampireHeart518 10 күн бұрын

First off, I disagree, I find it quite ''hummable''. Secondly... what's with the 'but'? What do you mean? (is it about pop?)

@Whitestripe71 12 күн бұрын

I was hoping you'd do a video about this song - I've barely stopped listening to it since it came out! I love it. Everything about it, every tiny detail, is so perfectly and tastefully done - it sounds fresh and futuristic in the best possible way. A phenomenal song, and a great video as always, Rick.

@nadiauribe6202 8 күн бұрын

That tiny desk session is amazing. I like Willow's style

@JimmyNuisance 2 күн бұрын

Watched the tiny desk concert as well. That is one the best drummers I've heard in recent memory. The ability to play complex and serve the song is extremely impressive to me. It's like the drums are singing along.

@davidjohnmorse 12 күн бұрын

It's good to see you excited about new music Rick! Thanks for turning us onto this artist, she's awesome.

@nickgjenkins 12 күн бұрын

I was NOT expecting this. What a cool song!!!!!

@AutumnPrinceProductions 15 сағат бұрын

This song is incredible. So much depth, so many layers and intricacies. Makes me wonder how a song like this doesn’t top ten.

@ShilajitDasMahapatra 11 күн бұрын

my absolute favorite song right now. it's my most played song in spotify since the last two months. So glad Rick did a breakdown of this!!

@dougbarrett43 12 күн бұрын

Is anyone else getting Vince Guaraldi vibes from that piano progression?

@apmartini70 11 күн бұрын

Good call.

@slownsteady100 11 күн бұрын

100%

@bar8393gm 10 күн бұрын

I do now.

@sytsew 10 күн бұрын

Some Tori Amos too here

@timangus 12 күн бұрын

Very reminiscent of Esperanza Spalding to my ear.

@bolder2009 12 күн бұрын

I agree

@nunnayabiz7911 12 күн бұрын

That's what I was thinking too.

@mkatepaski9947 12 күн бұрын

Yes

@kybernes 10 күн бұрын

Yes to some extent and to me that’s a huge compliment! And then there is much more… we shouldn’t reduce anybody to our references, right? I mean this gorgeous young lady is singing her heart out here! Wonderful!

@tommeyer6033 11 күн бұрын

Thanks Rick, glad to have this on my playlist and will be following Willow now. 🤩

@DimitriBecker 10 күн бұрын

unfortunately, this kind of music will stay for enthusiasts/freaks ;) only. The evolution of pop music will definitely go other way.

@user-xp9nx6mm1n 11 күн бұрын

Rick! The quality of great new - for me - music I've found here is staggering. As are your insights that you share. THANK YOU!

@dplagoon 12 күн бұрын

I was just waiting for you to do a Willow song. I knew you would appreciate the complexity. There are so many good songs on that album too.

@aaronorjohnson 5 күн бұрын

The guitarist doin' some Jonny Greenwood stuff on that guitar and it adds such an effect to the song without overpowering other instruments.

@elir.195 8 күн бұрын

I got just as excited when I heard this and honestly the whole album has some really good ones. Happy to see one of my favorite music KZfaqrs break down this awesome song.

@clarissagafoor5222 11 күн бұрын

This is fantastic. So glad that today`s music has such a great future! and everyone is having so much fun. And all those chord changes thrill my heart.

@manuel_ao 12 күн бұрын

I learnt about her through Mariusz Duda (Riverside frontman) who was also amazed at a pop artist releasing such a song. Nice to see that you're also promoting her - in the age if IA, these are the artists who will stand out.

@wolf-dietergrabner9762 3 күн бұрын

Absolutely brilliant. Engaging, energetic and masterfully executed. Not to forget the looks.

@jasongregory4494 2 күн бұрын

Loved this song the first time I heard it. So happy you focused on it. Love the channel!

@binkywarren21 12 күн бұрын

Willow, if you're reading this - we support you!....And thank you for using your own voice. Not auto-tune!

@relativetimeworx8459 12 күн бұрын

Touches of Tori, touches of Joni... and a unique flavor all its own. Super impressive.

@douglasmorris81 12 күн бұрын

The piano and her voice made me think of Tori immediately

@EchoMountain47 11 күн бұрын

I’ve been a Tori Amos fan since 1996 and I don’t hear anything particularly reminiscent of her music. Female vocals and there’s a piano in the mix, I guess? That’s a pretty tenuous connection at best

@sdrc92126 11 күн бұрын

@@douglasmorris81 👍Looking for this comment

@rebeccamarkey2760 11 күн бұрын

@@EchoMountain47 I looked for this comment because I heard T, as well.

@abandonedbrain 11 күн бұрын

Yus! Tori for damn sure, but wow. I honestly didn't think I'd ever again hear someone come close to the songwriting chops of Tori, but then I thought the same of Kate Bush and I was wrong... Willow is damn impressive. Spanks EVERY singer/songwriter out there the past five years. Prog R&B in the '20s? Nice.

@macsarcule 10 күн бұрын

HOORAY! Always hopeful for great music to make a comeback! ✌️😌🎸✨

@MotifMusicStudios Сағат бұрын

Wild creativity and fun groove. Always mad respect for your analysis of the music you hear!

@chrisc4264 12 күн бұрын

It's a welcome relief to hear something thats not auto tuned or severely AI enhanced. Vocal wise it reminds me of a mix of Joni Mitchell and Larry Hill. Thank you Rick for sharing. Gives hope for the future a bit.

@CherryHaze86 12 күн бұрын

I'm glad you landed on rhis artist. This album sticks out in the pop scene like a vivid pop of colour

@_mrcrypt 10 күн бұрын

Nice! Groove for days and interesting as all heck - THANK YOU for sharing that 🍷

@willcartoons 11 күн бұрын

Nice to see R&B music still exists 🙂 Willow Smith's voice is amazing!

@trillion42 12 күн бұрын

This gives me hope for the future of music

@krusher74 12 күн бұрын

There are 120,000 songs uploaded to spotify a day its not about the music, its about the machine that picks which few of those songs get forced on the masses. Thats "pop music"

@dreaminginnoother 12 күн бұрын

Felt the same way. Her Tiny Desk blew me away. "This is what pop music should be" was my thought exactly.

@WitchKing99 11 күн бұрын

I daydream about a world where sophisticated and ridiculously progressive music is the mainstream. This looks like one step closer to that world and it makes me happy! :D

@itsphehello 10 күн бұрын

FINALLY! I've been waiting for you to post about this song

@ApexCris 12 күн бұрын

Wow I love the studio version, but was a little lukewarm on the chorus, but she takes everything to another level live. Not the first time either, Meet Me At Our Spot was also better live than in studio. She's making some phenomenal music

@EchoMountain47 12 күн бұрын

Right? The studio version caught my interest but this really moved me. It really opens up and comes alive in this live setting

@marshac1479 12 күн бұрын

Meet at our spot is a fantastic song

@mikeryan2454 12 күн бұрын

Shit credit where due…she’s legit.

@desmondsparrs 3 күн бұрын

effing amazing! I will def check out more of Willis, I love novel,complex and original jazzy funky songs!

@Stratocaster42 10 күн бұрын

This was so unexpectedly brilliant! Beyond brilliant, really - this was beautiful and inspired and truly fresh. Incredible

@NickMach007 12 күн бұрын

Crazy. Rick, I watched the tiny desk concert and recognized Mohini from your interview with her. I went and listened to the whole willow Smith album right after. I'm so glad you covered it. I was really impressed with her. Previously i only knew her from her whip my hair back and forth song ;)