Blog Analysis #2

Real Life by The Weeknd



The Weeknd has been one of my favorite artists since the first time I heard his music-his ominous-sounding melodies and super emotional lyrics caught my attention. Over the years, The Weeknd has done an effortless job at storytelling through his sound and lyrics. In 2015 The Weeknd released the album "Beauty Behind the Madness" which features a song called Real Life. "Real Life - is the first song in the album which serves as an undeniably strong opener packed with charging, electric instrumentals, and funky melodic undertones." (Flare.com) Throughout his career and fame, he has remained authentic and true to himself. Just this past Sunday, The Weeknd performed the SuperBowl LV halftime show where his crew was seen wearing bandages over their faces. According to Insider, "The significance of the entire head bandages is reflecting on the absurd culture of Hollywood celebrity and people manipulating themselves for superficial reasons to please and be validated."(Insider.com) As you'll see below his lyrics support his idea to stay true to yourself, especially in the music industry.


Real Life - The Weeknd- USA, 2015

Lyrics

"Tell 'em this boy was made for loving
Tell 'em this heart doesn't stay to one
I'll be the same, never changed for nothing
It's all I know, never learned much more
Mama called me destructive, oh yeah
Said it ruined me one day, yeah
Cause every woman that loved me, oh yeah
Seemed to push them away"


The lyrics further delve into the story plot that The Weeknd has been portraying over the years- "I'll be the same, never changed for nothing". No matter what fame or fortune The Weeknd will attain, he will remain his authentic self. Another story I believe the lyrics are trying to tell is one of loneliness. The Weeknd states that his mother told him he was destructive, and that it would destroy him one day. He also said that for every woman that loved him, he seemed to push them away. I can't imagine how lonely your world can truly be when you are famous, but you can feel The Weeknd's emotion in this song. 


Melody

In this song, The Weeknd uses a very light piano melody with a slight mix of electronic effects to give the melody a great balance. As Flare.com mentions, the song contains "funky melodic undertones", and I couldn't agree more. There is also a mixture of echoing violins, and cinematic drums that perfectly pairs with The Weeknd's vulnerable voice.  

Rhythm

The Rhythm in this song is a stable pattern all throughout the song with a few instances where it gradually slows down or speeds up. The Rhythm absolutely keeps you intrigued with the song and prepares you for the emotion behind the lyrics.

Meter

The meter in this song is again grouped into 4 beats, with several syncopations. Just like in my last music analysis there is a Ritardando that occurs in the tempo of this song,  it really allows you to feel the emotion being portrayed in The Weeknd's lyrics. There are a few different occurrences of Ritardando during the song but the one that I want to focus on occurs around 2:30, starting with the lyrics "Heaven only let's a few in". Directly following this Ritardando, an Accelerando occurs that brings back the Meter in full force. What a great way to make a song memorable and tap into those emotions of being lonely, I know we've all experienced that at least once in our lives, unfortunately. 
 
Dynamics

The screeching guitar riffs in the opening of the song paint a picture of the dynamics in the song. Paired with cinematic drums to create a strong dynamic force even before the vocals begin! 

Harmony

The Weeknd has a very untraditional approach to creating Harmony, but he has a way of making it sound so angelic and emotional when it needs to be. 


Sources

Gillian Berner August 31, 2015. “Breaking Down The Weeknd Beauty Behind the Madness.” FLARE, 31 Aug. 2015, www.flare.com/celebrity/entertainment/breaking-down-the-weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness/.

Murray, Tom. “The Weeknd Revealed the Significance of His Face Bandages before His Super Bowl Halftime Show.” Insider, Insider, 8 Feb. 2021, www.insider.com/the-weeknd-why-wore-face-bandages-super-bowl-halftime-show-2021-2. 










Comments

  1. Josh FosterFebruary 15, 2021 at 5:08 PM

    Hi Candice!

    First off, I would like to say that I love your style of blog! The font is a bit hard to read, but the page looks so neat! Also, yeah I love TheWeeknd (especially blinding lights)! I love his mix of electronic music and violins (completely different instruments). You really don't see it that often when a musician picks classical and pop instruments and combines them. However, they do go great with his amazing voice. Great post!

    - Josh Foster

    ReplyDelete
  2. Trent WoodsFebruary 17, 2021 at 3:27 PM

    Hi Candice! I really enjoyed reading your blog! The layout and the organization are spot on as well as the description following the song. I like how your described how The Weeknd will never change when it comes to the fame we has gained over the years! Something I wish a lot of other celebrities would do. Anyways I look forward to reading more of your work!

    -Trenton Woods

    ReplyDelete
  3. Megan and the MusicFebruary 17, 2021 at 5:50 PM

    Hi Candice!

    The Weeknd has gotten me through so many tough emotional times in my life, I appreciate him so much. I love his earlier stuff and I love that this song is similar to his earlier albums in the sound. I do agree that despite his mainstream popularity, he has always managed to be authentic to himself. His recent "publicity" with the bandages and alterations to his face in his newest music video "Save Your Tears," you could tell he was so sad behind it all.

    I agree that his melody has a great balance and I always think to myself that I love the way he provides those 80's synthetic undertones to his songs, including this one.

    His use of rhythm really holds the attention of his audience giving you different feelings as he slows and speeds it up gradually throughout.

    Check out this article that talks about his recent music video and the reasoning behind his recent publicity stunt! He says, "I suppose you could take that being attractive isn't important to me, but compelling narrative is." His fans appreciate him for his authenticity and I believe he walks his talk.

    https://www.myimperfectlife.com/news/weeknd-plastic-surgery-real

    Have a great week!

    -M

    ReplyDelete

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