The Monarch Playlist of 2009-2010
One thing is clear about Methodist University students regarding music: Monarchs have very eclectic tastes. After a survey of 50 random students about who their favorite musical artist and album was this school year, the list of artists ranged from “Wicked the Musical” to “Rebirth” by Lil Wayne.
Although the music choices were very diverse amongst the students, three artists and albums were voted most popular by students. “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King” by the alternative rock group, Dave Matthews Band, was a favorite among many rock-loving students. Jason Aldean’s “Wide Open” was most widely liked by students who enjoyed country music, while Ludacris’ new album “Battle of the Sexes” was a favorite hip-hop album amongst students who favored this genre of music.
Dave Matthews Band
“Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King”
Different is the best word to describe “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King” by Dave Matthews Band. This is the 7th studio album release by the group. This album blends rock music with a funky, New Orleans style blues feel. Every song on the album releases a positive energy into the air, which just makes listeners want to move. The band plays with such passion, and it is clearly expressed through every lyric on the album.
Despite the new feel and sound, some people miss the older, more classic sound of the band.
“They really left what they used to be and became a chick band,” said James Barr, a junior computer information technology major. “[Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King] is not as good as previous albums.
The band’s sound is definitely much different than it has been on past albums. Dave Matthews Band has become more commercial, but they keep some individuality amongst other groups that sell-out for popularity and money. Songs like “Alligator Pie,” “Grux,” and “Why I Am” have a southern country feel that adds an extra dimension to the album, but further removes them from their previous style. The band’s sound is consistent through the album. The New Orleans jazz style present on the album gives the album an extra bit of rhythm and grit.
Jason Aldean
“Wide Open”
Nothing soothes a weary mind like hearing music that reminds you of happy, simple moments in life. “Wide Open,” Jason Aldean’s 3rd studio album, has that calming effect. The album’s laid-back, mellow tone allows avid listeners to drift into a state of country nirvana. As Aldean sings, his relaxed down-to-earth persona allows listeners to relate to the situations in the songs, which makes the listening experience more enjoyable
“I love how his songs make me feel,” said Ambrosia Fenwick, a sophomore occupational and environmental management major. “When I hear his songs, it makes me think of home.”
Compared Jason Aldean’s previous albums, “Wide Open” falls short. All of the songs on “Wide Open” start the same, and end the same, only leading me to want to bang my head against the wall, repeatedly.
Songs like “She’s Country” and “Crazy Town” broke up the monotony of the album, but it wasn’t enough to spare my ears from the constant repetition. The first album featured songs like “Amarillo Sky” and “Hicktown,” which were amazing songs that set Jason Aldean apart from other sing-songy country artists. However, the lyrics and tunes of “Wide Open” seem so much alike to one another, one can’t help but to place him in the category of typical country singers.
Ludacris
“Battle of the Sexes”
“Battle of the Sexes” is Ludacris’ 9th album release, and as always, there are some twists on this album. Of all of Ludacris’ albums, “Battle of the Sexes” is decent. It’s not Ludacris’ best album, but it’s not the worst. The beats are more unique than they have been on past albums due to fact that no single song has the same producer.
The album is geared towards people who want a more party-oriented album with a dash of sex. Okay, so the dash of sex is an understatement with songs like “Sexting” and “Sex Room” on the album.
“The album was creative and has a lot of songs I can dance to,” said Renesha Brown, a sophomore graphic design major. “Each song has a meaning. It’s all in how the artist portrays it.”
“Battle of the Sexes” was definitely an unfair battle. The album was slanted towards the men. The most upbeat tracks, such as “I Know You Gotta Man” featuring Flo Rida and “Party No Mo” featuring Lil Scrappy, featured male artists. These songs were more edgy and many of the songs featuring female artists, such as “Can’t Live with You” featuring Monica, were less catchy and more subdued. The exceptions to this included “My Chick Bad” featuring Nicki Minaj and the “My Chick Bad (Remix)” featuring Diamond, Trina, and Eve; this two songs kept the energy high on the album.
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