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.
“Orlando in Love” — Japanese Breakfast ★★☆☆☆
Japanese Breakfast released their newest single, “Orlando in Love,” Jan. 7 to promote their upcoming album. This calm and mellow tune has a slow tempo, poetic lyrics and simple chords to give the song a feeling of peace and warmth. The percussion and unique sounds were slow and soothing but didn’t interest me or appeal to my taste. It felt slow and sad, which drew me away from the song, but I was intrigued by the lyrics. The writing of the song is very flowy and dramatic, emulating something similar to a story being told through poetry. The fascinating lyrics made it hard to understand what message was being shared, but they tell a unique story of the ocean and a boy, tying into the song title “Orlando in Love.” The chords were straightforward and plain, which did not make me excited about the melody and tune. The vocals left me wishing for a wider range of notes, as they only stayed within a small span. It felt too tranquil and didn’t add a fresh element to the song that would appeal to the listener. I could see myself enjoying this song while spending the day relaxing at the spa with the soft melody and quiet vocals, but overall it was very slow and a little sleepy. Although it was easy to listen to, I wouldn’t find myself listening to it casually or enjoying it throughout day-to-day life.

“Time On My Hands” — Ringo Starr ★★★★☆
Ringo Starr released his new, old-timey country album “Look Up” Jan. 10. The album features the song “Time On My Hands” which showcases an upbeat tempo, appealing guitar solos and chord mixes that left me wanting to play it again and again. It drew me in immediately with its honest and emotional lyrics but swingy tune and livelihood. It reminds me of something I would hear in 1970s Nashville, with its country elements and vintage sound. I loved the production, especially the transitions between the verse and the chorus. The drums and chords blended well together and perfectly tied in with Starr’s vocals. The chords were unique, and unlike things I had heard in a long time, with interesting drum patterns that immediately drew my attention. The lyrics were well written, showing a new perspective of a breakup. Starr sings about the bittersweet feeling following a split of partners, and while it’s over and not the same, he has more time to be with himself and do new things. I listened to this song over and over again, and I see myself adding it to my daily playlists to frequently listen to. I loved the tune and the lyrics, but most of all the guitar solos. The one critique I could give the song is the vocals weren’t as interesting and ambitious as I usually enjoy, and Starr’s range didn’t extend past a few different notes. It was a little monotone but didn’t take away much from the production and musicality of this song. Anyone looking for a modern take on some retro country would love this piece, and I would most enjoy this on repeat on a vinyl record.

“Are You Even Real” — Teddy Swims ft. Giveon ★★★★★
Teddy Swims released his newest single, “Are You Even Real,” featuring Giveon Jan. 10. This is the second single released leading to his upcoming album. The song explores the feeling of falling in love and believing that something is too good to be true. It explores the feeling of seeing someone you love as entirely perfect and flawless. Teddy Swims hit hard with his wide range, rising to the highest of notes and flowing to the lowest. His vocals are effortless, and Giveon adds a new layer and satisfying element to the single. The jazz and funk of the first few notes immediately drew me in. The soft tempo fluctuates when transitioning between sections of the song. The tempo is simple and soft in the starting verse, and then it has its own time to shine alone in the chorus to emphasize the floating vocals and the percussion. Giveon’s blending with Swims’s voice was a fantastic addition and propelled the song to leave you wanting more of their collaboration. His solo in the second verse was a smooth transition into something new, but he matched the energy that Swims brought and remained in line with the same elements that any Teddy Swims song have. This song is great for a day of cleaning and cooking, where you need something easy and flowy to keep you smiling. Any Teddy Swims fan would recognize the effortless vocals and smooth tempo immediately.