Single Saturdays: October 28, 2023

Single Saturdays is Five Cent Sound’s weekly roundup, where our staff members share a song that they’ve fallen in love with and make their case for why others should give it a listen.

“Back of a cab” by king princess

by Daphne Bryant

I will forever lament the King Princess concert in Amsterdam that I got tickets for but never attended. Oh, what I would do to go back in time, skip class at Kasteel Well, and take the train with my friend Julia to the heart of the city. What I would give to hear “Back of a Cab” off the Cheap Queen (Deluxe) album live. With its distorted horn instrumentals, old-Hollywood vocal samples, and queer storyline sung almost as spoken word, “Back of a Cab” is one of those unique tracks you have to listen to twenty more times after the first go-around. It’s like something out of an HBO drama, with lyrics like “And it's not wrong that my new song's on your playlist / You like gay shit” and “The first love gets you bad, don’t it?” acting out a petty breakup not unlike King Princess’ own controversy-filled romantic relationships. “Back of a Cab” is all about the dramatics, and I’m a screaming, crying fan. What can I say?! She’s toxic, but I love her, and you will too.

“Pet” by A perfect circle

by Maya Eberlin

There is something about this song that renders me helpless; I just can’t stop coming back to it. The tenth track on American metal supergroup A Perfect Circle’s sophomore album Thirteenth Step, “Pet”, is a flexing of the band’s musical muscles within this atmospheric record’s shift towards a gentler, art rock sound in comparison to their previous work.

There are seemingly endless ways to interpret “Pet” upon first listen. I remember initially thinking it was a deranged lullaby as a parent obsessively tries to protect their child from anything and everything the world has to offer. The album’s concept, however, indicates a unique meaning: each song on the record is sung from a different perspective involved in addiction. This powerful track was written from the point of view of the substance itself, talking to the addict– lulling them to sleep with the sweetly crooned, sinister promise of taking away the user's freedom and self-control. 

While the lyrics are what initially grabbed my attention, it is the music that I keep going back for: an amazing vocal performance by Maynard James Keenan, known also for his work as lead vocalist of Tool, complemented by an incredible guitar riff. The song itself starts off quiet and subtle, with Keenan practically whispering some of the more intimate lines. The bridge gradually builds to crescendo as the lyrics become increasingly crazed, and the instrumental climax that follows is what I think makes this song so impossible to tire of.

“one of your girls” by troye sivan

By Emie Mcathie

Unless you’ve only recently joined the internet, it’s highly likely that you’ve come across pop icon Troye Sivan at some point. Whether it’s from his og YouTube videos in his home-country Australia, or his newly released album Something To Give Each Other, Sivan is incredibly well known across the world. In June, the 28 yr old artist came into the spotlight again following the release of his song “Rush”, which celebrates queer sex and joy. The accompanying music video has amassed over 19 millions views, thanks to its iconic dance sequence and visual aesthetic. The release of the song “One Of Your Girls” has seen similar attention since its release two weeks ago.

“One Of Your Girls” has quickly become one of Sivan’s most popular songs, and for good reason. Reminiscent of the singer’s own experiences, the song depicts his feelings about hookups with men who identify as straight. And while some have been genuinely positive, he’s noted that most left him feeling empty and disconnected. This is reflected in the title and lyrics, where Sivan tells them “I’ll be like one of your girls or your / homies” rather than a genuine romantic partner, as well as the chorus, which employs the use of audio distortion that gives the lyrics almost a robotic sound. The music video for the song has also gained significant traction. Featuring the singer decked out in stunning drag makeup, the video stars fellow artist Ross Lynch. 

When it comes to finding new music, I don’t often turn to today’s top hits. Recently, mainstream pop music has felt too artificial for my personal tastes. Much of the songwriting and producing has melded together into one mish-mash of sound and meaning. And while Troye Sivan is most definitely a pop musician, his dedication to authenticity and creativity in both his sound and performance has made him stand out amongst the sea of current artists. Despite not being a gay man, I find myself relating to his songs due to their focus on queer culture and experiences. It also helps that his music videos are incredibly addicting to watch.

“Kiss Me (I Loved You)” by father john misty

by Nicole Armstrong

The temperature is dropping, and the vibe outdoors is finally getting moody and melancholy, especially after 5 PM when the sun has fallen below the horizon. When I have to start wearing jackets outside, I find myself wanting music that feels just as brisk as the weather. Father John Misty’s “Kiss Me (I Loved You)” from his 2022 studio album, Chloë and the Next 20th Century, perfectly encapsulates the feeling of the chill in the air.

Father John Misty, also known as Josh Tillman, largely steps back from his primarily folk-sounding music in his fifth collection and dives into melancholia. “Kiss Me (I Loved You),” especially, inspires introspection and strong emotions. Tillman explores a minor key and heartbreak themes, contrasting his earlier, beatific work.

As October comes to a close, winter is nearly upon us; brooding season is just around the corner. If you need a song to be dramatic to, “Kiss Me (I Loved You)” delivers the perfect themes of a past lover, longing and regret of a relationship’s demise to act out fantasies in your head that could win an Oscar. The downbeat tempo of the song and doleful lyrics make it one of the cold, long winter. I am always one for theatrics, and this song makes me want to steal a glance with someone I used to share a life with at a winter gala, imagining what could have been, in another universe. Spice up your musings through the lens of this yearnful number. 

Don’t let this song’s raw emotion scare you from listening, not to mention the rest of Chloë and the Next 20th Century, which is equally beautiful and haunting. “Kiss Me (I Loved You)” has a beautiful melody and evocative lyrics that are perfectly cohesive with the upcoming winter season. If you’re looking for a new seasonally appropriate song, this is the perfect playlist addition.