"Counting Stars"

OneRepublic, "Native"

“Counting Stars,” the first track off OneRepublic’s newest album, is one of the band’s best works. Although it starts off with a slow acoustic guitar line characteristic of the band’s earlier pieces, the song progressively escalates into a rabid techno mix that is reminiscent of Swedish House Mafia. With such a wonderfully orchestrated, bold shift, OneRepublic remains true to its roots while paying tribute to the rising popularity of electronic music. Ryan Tedder’s raspy voice is well suited to the new genre-bending music that accompanies it. The times, they are a-changin’, and OneRepublic is game to grow along with them.

"The Phoenix"

Fall Out Boy, "Save Rock and Roll"

Fall Out Boy is back with their newest war cry. Close on the heels of their first single “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up),” “The Phoenix” is an uptempo, threatening track complete with loud, pounding drums and Patrick Stump’s resolute voice, which serves to further introduce  the band’s upcoming album, “Save Rock and Roll.” The chorus dissolves into a powerful, catchy tune, and the band’s characteristic guitar riffs have been replaced with electronic music that more appropriately complements Fall Out Boy’s exuberant energy. The band also successfully experiments with unique sound effects, including the noise of flickering lights, and subtle falsetto shifts on the title word “phoenix.” Reenergized and evolved, Fall Out Boy is back and ready to start a new “fiyah.”

"Cold Dead Hand"

Jim Carrey

“With your cold dead aim you’re trying to prove your junk is bigger,” Carrey sings in his cleverly composed satire “Cold Dead Hand.” Using music as a medium to offer his own two cents on the charged issue of firearm control, Carrey does not hesitate to take a shot at gun control opponents. While the song itself lacks significant aesthetic appeal, it is clear that musical innovation is not Carrey’s immediate intent. Instead, Carrey’s motive for “Cold Dead Hand” seems to be to incite public outcry and reflection. By mocking the likes of Charlton Heston, former president of the NRA, and gun-lovers with references to “little bitty glands,” Carrey succeeds on this end. With such charming lyrics and impressive Western riffs, Carrey has fashioned an entertaining, humorous song. And given the ongoing debate on gun control, Carrey’s deep, theatrical voice will be remain relevant for months to come—politically if not musically.