Y: Kendrick Lamar’s “i” already replaced “Happy” as the official optimist’s anthem. The video is just as spirited. A dance party leads into scenes of Kendrick bopping happily while passing people on the street, including a wino and a domestic abuser. Not really a beautiful day in the neighborhood, but he makes the most of it. I had a hard time connecting with this song at first beyond my appreciation for its positivity, but it’s grown on me. [YouTube]
Y: The Decemberists’ “Make You Better” deals with the loss of a great love that’s “not so starry-eyed anymore.” It’s from their album, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World (all album titles should be so straightforward) and it’s ready for a fall rainy day playlist. [Stereogum]
Y: On “Maybe I Should Call,” K. Michelle’s debates whether love is worth rekindling a tricky relationship with a dude who’s got a baby. “Heart feeling useless/ Probably should’ve used it less,” she sings. Turning trifling situations into gospel is clearly her sweet spot. [VIBE]
N: The answer to whether we needed a DJ Mustard remix of Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” is no. The extra bass and chopped and screwed elements just get in the way.[Stereogum]
Y: The Decemberists’ “Make You Better” deals with the loss of a great love that’s “not so starry-eyed anymore.” It’s from their album, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World (all album titles should be so straightforward) and it’s ready for a fall rainy day playlist. [Stereogum]