Welcome to “Cut Through the Noise” an entertainment column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering new music releases. Every week, a different Echo staffer takes on the role of writer, reviewing recent single releases from a variety of artists.
“Take Me to the Beach” — Imagine Dragons ft. Ado ★★★☆☆
Imagine Dragons teamed up with Japanese artist Ado for their latest release “Take Me to the Beach,” which released Dec. 16. This electrifying track blends genres in a way only Imagine Dragons can pull off. The band ventures into new territory with this collaboration, delivering a song that feels powerful, but also seems to miss something. I found the song repetitive or lyrics a bit monotonous, which detracts from the song’s emotional takeaways. This is a common critique for me with their songs. The tempo starts slow and as the song progresses the tempo picks up building into an Imagine Dragons chorus. The start of the song kept me hooked as my ears were also filled with pounding drums and a nice beat, but by the end, I got pretty bored. However, some lyrics stood out to me, like “Take me to the beach, where the sun kisses the sea” and “Feel the sand beneath our feet, dancing to the waves’ heartbeat.” The songwriting was such a strength in this song because I heard and understood every message the song was bringing to the table. Fans of Imagine Dragons might find this song familiar to their other hits like “Thunder” and “Demons” but with the addition of Ado, her voice adds an extra emotional weight to the song. In the end, teens and young adults who love them some summer days might find this a great song for them.
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” — Lady Gaga ★★☆☆☆
Lady Gaga has brought her signature flair and creativity to the holiday classic “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” which released Dec. 16. With the holidays in full swing, she brought her jazzy twist, taking a timeless Christmas song and making it her very own. While I wish I could say I liked this, it wasn’t for me. As soon as the song started, I felt like I was taken into the 1950’s. Gaga’s powerhouse vocals are front and center, with a playful tone that showcases her personality in the song. While I liked how it seemed she tried to make it her own, I didn’t enjoy most of the song because it felt more chaotic than cohesive. Her improvisations felt out of place for me and I think sometimes simplicity and tradition win over new theatrical vocals. This version may appeal to die-hard fans who appreciate her creativity and unique vocals that she brought to this song, but I don’t imagine it being on many long-lasting holiday playlists.
“NO TEARS FOR NEW YEARS” — Katy Perry ★★★★☆
Katy Perry released yet another album Dec. 20, and one song stood out to me the most. Perry’s “No Tears for New Years,” is a vibrant song with upbeat anthems that embody her signature pop style. The song’s central theme revolves around leaving the past behind and embracing a brighter future, a perfect fit for the New Year. I thought that this song balanced everything on the album well. The song delivered a tempo that was good for parties because it relied on danceable beats, and her vocals alternate between power and vulnerability. This song, and the album in general, will remind people why Perry became a household name. The album is just a great representation of Perry and her ability to connect emotionally with her music. The highlights of the song are that it’s catchy, hopeful and perfectly fits the vibe of New Year’s Eve. What holds this song back, though, is how similar it is compared to other tracks on the album. But, needless to say, fans of upbeat pop would still enjoy this song and album.
