Category First Listen Fall 2023

For this listen, I’d like you to consider the context in which your song was released, the critiques your song is making, both overt and subtle, and what, if any, solutions to the problems your song offers.

When thinking about context, I’d like you to consider two things:

First, think about what was happening in the world at the time, or leading up to, the song’s release. Be specific and add links to examples of the kinds of events that were happening.

Second, I’d like you to think about genre as a kind of context. As we have discussed in class, genre often shapes or influences how one approaches a song. (See Rosenthal and Flacks on “The Power of Genre and Musical Code, starting on p. 52.)

In terms of social critique, consider how the songwriter(s) offer critique through their lyrics. Note that I am distinguishing between the artist and the songwriter(s) and I want you to look up who actually wrote the song you have chosen, and when referencing lyrics, use the songwriter(s) instead of the artist (the artist is responsible for the delivery). Those critiques can be overt through direct discussion of the issue(s), and they can be subtle or implied through subtextual discussions. Try to illuminate both and link to news stories or other documents that highlight the importance of the issues being discussed.

Quote the lyrics throughout.

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Due Friday, 9/22 by 11:00pm