Rising tempo and resounding triplets are telltale signs of crescendo in a song, and that is (more often than not) the reason why we put our songs on blast in the first place. The build-up is as pivotal as the masterpiece, and it is through the rhythmic placement of right notes that one can achieve satisfying climax in a song. Likewise, life adheres to a certain tempo with its ups and downs, but it is the journey that makes the end point that much more gratifying. Here is our pick of songs to promote this healthy progression.
Steve Aoki & Nicky Romero / Be Somebody feat. Kiiara
Wilson: Most of the time our self-worth is defined by others in society. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, won’t life be easier if we live by our own terms? For some true growth, we just need to learn to be okay with ourselves; “I don’t need you, cause I got me/ I don’t need you for me to be somebody“.
Ariana Grande / Thank U, Next
Sapphire: Not because of the boys that were in her life, but “Thank U, Next” is apt for Sapphire because she has learned to overcome life’s obstacles without pulling her hair our. It was tough to tune out the negativity at first, but once she got the hang of it, it really was just “Thank U, Next” with an added eye-roll for effect.
Lil Dicky / Professional Rapper (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
Yong Hao: Sometimes, deviating from the norm and taking the road less travelled can open up a sea of new opportunities. In Lil Dicky’s interview-turned-rap “Professional Rapper”, veteran Snoop Dogg is not at all impressed by the rookie’s anti-rap thesis, but in the end decides to give him a chance to prove his worth. With his self-deprecating humour and all-too relatable lyrics, the greenhorn gives the hip-hop genre a new lease of life; Yong Hao wonders how he can do the same when writing about inanimate clothes.
Phum Viphurit & Higher Brothers / Lover Boy 88
Marcus: Sometimes a breakup is in order. Like when a relationship gets too comfortable and stagnant. Or when we notice ourselves becoming too toxic for each other. This song is about growth through separation. Oftentimes, we think breakups end with the other person hating us, but that is not always the case. The song goes in Mandarin: “You asked me who I will become in five years’ time/ Maybe you will see news of my marriage/ Maybe I will have a wife who treasures me/ Maybe I will already have a kid/ What remains unchanged is I will still be your Loverboy who would notice your smile in a crowd”. And maybe through that growth, the relationship can come back again as a more wholesome one.
Youth Group / Forever Young
Jeremy: Growing old is inevitable. So when Youth Group remade Alphaville’s 1984 classic 13 years ago, they reminded the world that “Youth’s like diamonds in the sun/ And diamonds are forever“. The anthem struck a chord with a young Jeremy back then, and he realised that while we are growing old every minute, growing up, however, is optional.
Magic Island / Easy Babe
Wei Jian: Many people will tell you how to be the best version of yourself, inundating you with to-do lists, goals and life hacks to hasten your personal growth. Take it easy babe. Magic Island’s anthem for anxiety also reminds that personal growth should be personal: “Easy babe, I wanna know if the world’s worth saving/ Easy babe, I wanna know if it’s just not working“. Take a step back and let growth happen in the moment. Or just “F*** the rest of them and continue to do what you do“.
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