Pulse Amazing Race S2 - Winners Revealed!

[Deleted]

a thousand miles is a eternal bop .

[samo🦕]

continuing their rise through the ranks we have...



2. The Lights (walt91 & Lukas)
Overall Score: 70.5 | Detour Rank: #1 | Roadblock Rank: #8 | Bonus From Last Leg: +1.6

Detour Results:


(One Hit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: I also dig this song! I think the lyrics are really good, with some nice detail added in. the guitar based melody is also really cool. and I like the vocals quite a bit! it’s a great song (8.6)

Samo: I was surprised to find out Natalie fit this category, since this is such a great and iconic song (and massively successful, on top of that). The vocal performance and lyrics are great, and I adore the production in the last minute. (9.4)

Enya: I was obsessed with this song in the 90s and still love it today. There’s just so much emotional baggage in these lyrics that make it such a cathartic experience for the listener. Also, “lying naked on the floor” is one of the best lines in a pop song ever. (8.8)

Jaden:  I LOVE this one. This one has been on my playlist. It's perfect. (10)

Overall Score: 36.8

Roadblock Results:


(Sent by Walt)


Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: I don’t love the vocals here but I really dig the melody. but the beat is really cool, kinda representing the best of the early 80s! I really wish I could love this song, but the vocals hold it back for me (8.5)

Samo: Kim Carnes’ vocals sort of work here, but I’m not a massive fan of them, and they’re what hold me back from loving this, because the production is great, if a little standard for 80s synthpop. Overall, it’s a really good song that I wished I liked more. (8.5)

BobPatience: She had multiple hits but this one eclipses the others by so much that she always seems like a one-hit wonder. This is just a terrific cover (yes, it is a cover) and a teriffic example of a New Wave song mixing 1970s Soft Rock with Synths. There definitely is some 'Maggie May' in there. It is not my favorite, but it is definitely among the better pop hits of the early 1980s. (8.2)

James: The production on this is pure 80s synthpop, but that’s a good thing. I think the production is the draw here for me. Kim has this slight rasp to her vocals that I do like, but I feel like the vocals / lyrics weren’t keeping me all that intrigued. Good song for the listen, but it’s not something I expect to go back to. (6.9)

Overall Score: 32.1

keep that upward momentum going you two! you'll be getting a +1.6 bonus next leg

[Fire]

Jun 30, 2020 9:35:36 GMT -5 Fire said:

ya tbh i would've given torn a high score if i was a judge.

[Deleted]

lights for top 3 whole game tbh

[Nick P]

bouncing back into the top 3 we have...



3. Dylo (Mylo13 💜 & Daryl the Beryl )
Overall Score: 70.5 | Detour Rank: #3 | Roadblock Rank: #5 | Bonus From Last Leg: +0.8

Detour Results:






(One Hit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: this is a great track! I have a soft spot for this type of beat, and I like the somewhat compressed vocals haha. the guitar work in here is also really good. it’s pretty catchy as well! (9.5)

Samo: This feels like the song that fits the category best - one reasonably big, memorable hit and a complete lack of other success despite releasing several more albums. It doesn’t hurt that the song is quite good, and there’s some really interesting production here. (8.4)

Enya: THIS! This is the answer to this detour. A proper one-hit wonder that I actually had to look up, yet is still relevant because of the shared sample with Dua Lipa’s “Love Again”. Not only that, but it’s also a proper chune with its muffled vocals and rubber band reverb. (9.5)

Jaden: All I could think of was Love Again by Dua Lipa. It has a lot of similarities but this song is also so different at the same time. I love this track! (9.0)

Overall Score: 36.4

Roadblock Results:






(Sent by Mylo)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: this isn’t the most interesting pick for this category but I like it. I think the instrumental is really pretty well, and the vocals are nice as well. I also enjoy the details in the lyrics! (8.6)

Samo: Considering how much I don’t care for Ho Hey whatsoever, I was really surprised when I found out The Lumineers made a song this great. The production is far more interesting and less empty here, and the lyrics are beautiful. (9.2)

BobPatience: Question: Lumineers song with a woman's name that went #1 on AAA radio? Surprisingly not this song! I just cannot help it, even the Lumineers' most generic stuff sounds great to me. Please send help! (7.9)

James: The Lumineers are overhated. I get not liking “Ho Hey”, but I feel like people see that song and deplete the quality of their other songs. “Cleopatra” is absolutely my favorite single from The Lumineers. I’m a sucker for some good storytelling in songs, and this just has such wonderful songwriting to it. This has some depressing lyrics to go alongside its more uptempo production. This is The Lumineers at their best. I would give this an 8.9, however…whoever picked this did absolutely zero research into this song and blindly picked this. This has nothing to do with Cleopatra. This song is about a taxi driver that Wes had met once who told him her life story, and that’s where the entire song’s story derives from; from a random old lady in Georgia; not someone famous. I’m going to dock this two points for that, so… (6.9)

Overall Score: 32.6

a solid recovery after a middling previous leg. you two will get a +1.4 bonus next leg

[Deleted]

mylo finally doing a roadblock?

[Leo ✔]

Now I'm starting to worry

[samo🦕]

holding steady in 4th we have...




4. The Steel Porcupines (@humanshazam & House Lannister)
Overall Score: 69.1 | Detour Rank: #5 | Roadblock Rank: #4 | Bonus From Last Leg: +1.4

Detour Results:


(One Hit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: I adore this song. it’s got fantastic energy, and a great instrumental. the vocals are really strong, even if it’s completely impossible to understand any of the words he says. for what it’s worth, the lyrics are pretty good with the story about music they’re able to tell! and man that chorus is just perfect. I also love the build up during the bridge that leads into that wonderful final chorus (10)

Samo: This is another obvious choice, but it’s one I hoped would get sent. The lyrics about wanting to escape from the monotony of society have some great details, and the melodies are some of the catchiest I’ve ever heard. (9.5)

Enya: Another safe choice, but still a classic. No one’s been able to really mix new wave with celtic folk ever again, so you have to give credit where credit is due. Also, play this in any bar across the globe and the entire place will sing along. (7.0)

Jaden: I love the hook but the verses are a bit boring. In essence, the hook saved it from falling flat totally. I also like how towards the end of the bridge, the tempo gradually increases. That's a very nice spin. (8.0)

Overall Score: 34.5

Roadblock Results:


(Sent by shazam)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: a classic. I like how chilled out the song is, and there’s some strong vocals and flows. the lyrics are pretty well written also! overall this is just a really good song (8.7)

Samo: Gorillaz is a band I want to like way more than I do, but this is one of their better songs I’ve heard. The verses are objectively pretty great, but I don’t enjoy the production that much when it’s fairly similar for almost 6 minutes. (7.6)

BobPatience: Interesting song. It is long, with a lengthy instrumental outro. But that did not prevent it becomign a big hit. And as far as Hip-Hop goes, it is one of my favorites. In part due to everything else in the mix keeping the backbeat steady, yet interesting. I am still not really sure what the song is about, though I am fairly sure it is not actually about Clint Eastwood. (8.3)

James: Gorillaz tend to be a hit or miss band for me. Sometimes I really like their music, other times I just don’t see what others see in it. That’s kind of how I feel for Blur too, so maybe it’s just Damon Albarn. Luckily here, Clint Eastwood is one I’ve always liked. The haunting kind of production on this, along with a solid chorus from Damon, and great verses from Del. Just a really solid song all around (8.6)

Overall Score: 33.2

you two seem like you may have finally stabilized at the top of the pack! you'll get a +1.2 bonus next leg

[Deleted]

me when the homies turn on come on eileen

[Deleted]

😎

[Nick P]

rounding out our top 5 is...



5. Latino Gang 😎 (MoD & Leo ✔ )
Overall Score: 67.9 | Detour Rank: #4 | Roadblock Rank: #7 | Bonus From Last Leg: +1

Detour Results:




(One Hit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: a basic, though admittedly very strong, pick. the tense instrumental is quite wonderful, and I really enjoy the contrast between the whispered verses vs the belted chorus. lyrics are good too (9.2)

Samo: I’m conflicted on exactly what score I should give this; the lyrics are excellent, and the way Kimbra adds a completely different perspective to the story makes this one of the best duets of the 2010s, but if I’m not in the right mood, the song can be somewhat boring. (9.1)

Enya: This is a perfectly crafted pop song. The simple instrumental on the verses juxtaposed with the explosive cacophony of the chorus. The point-counterpoint lyric structure that utilizes the feature perfectly. When Kimbra starts with, “Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over…” after Gotye just finished sharing his side of the story? I felt that. (9.0)

Jaden: This song is so catchy and minimalist. No other production would have done this song justice, it's executed quite well. However, a setback may be how it takes so long to get to the hook, it feels weird. (7.5)

Overall Score: 34.8

Roadblock Results:




(Sent by MoD)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: this is peak 90s hip hop. both members of OutKast give great performances, and the guitar based beat is also really nice. the chorus is pretty catchy as well! (8.8)

Samo: At the risk of sounding like a certain past judge...I think I’d like this more if it were shorter, though it still uses its time pretty well, managing to fit in rap verses with a guitar solo and a harmonica solo and have it all sound like a coherent song. (7.9)

BobPatience: Straigt up 1990s Hip-Hop. Definitely better that current day's Trap overload, but I will probably never become a big fan. (6.3)

James: This is an insanely catchy track. Great verses from both Big Boi and Andre 3000, the chorus is excellent, and the production on this one is way different than any rap music of its time with its country twang at times. Really creative track that has Andre 3000’s mind written all over it. (9.1)

Overall Score: 32.1

congrats on your 3rd non consecutive top 5 finish! you two will get a +1 bonus next leg

[Deleted]

rosa parks top 10 rap song

[rom]

Jun 30, 2020 9:47:19 GMT -5 trilogy said:

rosa parks top 10 song

[Deleted]

Jun 30, 2020 9:48:13 GMT -5 rom said:

Jun 30, 2020 9:47:19 GMT -5 trilogy said:

song

[samo🦕]

bouncing back from last leg we have...



6. ;-; (shruggie & DistrictTwelve)
Overall Score: 65.7 | Detour Rank: #6 | Roadblock Rank: #6 | Bonus From Last Leg: +0

Detour Results:


(Name Refit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: an all time great track. Prince is a great vocalist, and shows his talents off here. the beat is really cool, and the song is overall just catchy as all hell. great track! (9.9)

Samo: This isn’t the first song I would’ve chosen when you’ve got every Prince song available for this theme, but it’s still pretty great, and a good showcase of Prince’s talent as a producer, writer and singer, even if it isn’t as interesting as a lot of his other 80s work. (9)

Enya: I feel like this is an uninspired choice as Prince is probably the most well-known person to change their name throughout their career. I also feel like you should’ve picked a song from when the artist was the different name. In terms of the song though, “Raspberry Beret” is a total bop and is actually my grandma’s favorite song lol. It’s light and breezy and easy to sing along with. Great addition to any summer playlist. (6.5)

Jaden: Catchy and fun song to listen to. It put a smile on my face, I liked it. (8.0)

Overall Score: 33.4

Roadblock Results:


(Sent by D12)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: I’ve got a soft spot for this song, as it was the song I sent in the first round of LS1 haha. so in a way it kinda started me down the whole path that has lead to PAR2. it’s a really pretty song, with the nice gentle piano work and Lana’s soothing vocals. the lyrics are also quite fantastic (9.5)

Samo: Like a lot of Lana’s songs (especially those on NFR), this grew on me with more listens, but it’s still not great overall. Lana’s vocal style only works for me in a few of her songs, and one where she’s taking down a “man-child” would really benefit from a more passionate performance imo. (8.3)

BobPatience: Every time I hear Lana Del Rey I am surprised how little of a fan of hers I am. Her work is definitely not bad, but somehow I always have this feeling that I should like her work more than I do. However, I do like her plenty to give out decent marks (except for 'Doin' Time', that song is becoming more and more annoying). *st*r*sks just look weird by the way. (7.8)

James: I’m admittedly not the biggest fan of Lana Del Rey. It’s not that her music is bad or anything, but I feel absolutely nothing from her music. I think the music on this is really solid. I really like the piano. As usual with Lana’s music, it’s her vocals that don’t do anything for me. Just zero passion in her voice. I felt a little more something from the last minute or so, but the rest I just felt like she was just casually singing off her lyrics, and it doesn’t do much for me. It’s a nice ballad, but it’s just something I don’t see myself ever coming back to. (6.7)

Overall Score: 32.3

you two got 6th in the detour, 6th in the roadblock, and 6th overall. however, it seems the curse of 666 did not strike for you, at least not yet. you'll be getting a +0.8 bonus next leg

[Leo ✔]

Nice

[Deleted]

"*st*r*sks just look weird by the way."

what does this refer to

[rom]

d12 and shruggie make a deal with satan

[eidde]

Jun 30, 2020 9:51:37 GMT -5 rom said:

d12 and shruggie make a deal with satan

WHAT THE FUUCK THAT'S YOUR 66TH POST

[Nick P]

moving up a little we have...



7. The Golden Ducks (willapted33 & Web )
Overall Score: 65.4 | Detour Rank: #9 | Roadblock Rank: #1 | Bonus From Last Leg: +0.4

Detour Results:
 



(One Hit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: I love Cee-Lo’s voice. he uses it quite well here, I especially love the more belty parts in the chorus. the instrumental is pretty cool also! (8.8)

Samo: I can see why CeeLo’s vocals might be off-putting here, but I think they fit the confused and accusatory tone of the song very well. The production here is also some of the best in this group of songs. (9.0)

Enya: I never understood this song, or really CeeLo’s whole career. I find his vocals to be incredibly grating, although I give it to the production of the record. That is on point. It’s incredibly repetitive and just does nothing for me. (4.7)

Jaden: This one is okay. I like his vocals particularly. He sounds like George Ezra before George Ezra was George Ezra. (6.0)

Overall Score: 28.5

Roadblock Results:




(Sent by Will)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: this is a really good song! it’s incredibly dark but I admire the story it is able to tell. the guitar work and vocal are chillingly calm, which makes for quite the powerful listening experience when coupled with the lyrics (9.8)

Samo: This is easily the song where I feel the most conflicted about my score - the lyrics here are incredible, particularly in the outro, but I’ve never been that invested in Sufjan’s production, which brought down my score for this a lot. (8.6)

BobPatience: Sweet, sweet Indie Chamber Folk. This just an amazing track. It could have done without those harmony vocals though. And it is criminally short. (9.4)

James: What kind of cynical ass stuff is this lmao. This has some outstanding songwriting to it. It’s just the story of John Wayne Gacy, but what really makes this is the final verse of the song. The callback to the story, and Sufjan comparing himself to John Wayne Gacy in ways gives it that extra chill. (8.7)

Overall Score: 36.5

despite doing really well in the roadblock, your detour dragged you two down. however, you're still in it, and will be getting a +0.6 bonus next leg

[willapted33]

and here i was worried about the roadblock lol

[Deleted]

"He sounds like George Ezra before George Ezra was George Ezra."

h moment

[samo🦕]

tumbling back down a bit we have...



8. Sambal Wrap (Sambalada & wrip)
Overall Score: 63.2 | Detour Rank: #7 | Roadblock Rank: #10 | Bonus From Last Leg: +0.4

Detour Results:


(One Hit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: this is like the classic example of someone everyone thinks is a OHW but actually has more hits lol (granted only one, but still). the song’s great though. stellar beat and some super impressive vocals (9.1)

Samo: This is one of the more obvious choices this set, but sometimes the obvious choice is the right choice, and that’s definitely the case here. There isn’t much to say here because it’s pretty clear why this is so iconic, between the impressive vocals in the chorus and incredibly catchy synth lines. (9.3)

Enya: I mean, google “one hit wonder” and you’re gonna get “Take On Me” immediately, so a bit of an uninspired choice. Another song that is heightened by its visual though, and it also takes more risks than songs do nowadays. The “running mouse” synths to the ridiculous falsetto chorus really push this to another level. (6.5)

Jaden: Right from the beginning I knew this song, everyone's had to have heard it at least once. I hear this song so much because it's such a staple everywhere. The only thing I don't like about it is the anti-climatic hook. (7.0)

Overall Score: 31.9

Roadblock Results:


(Sent by wripwrap)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: not sure I’ve heard this one before tbh! I enjoy it though. the beat is really cool and I like St. Vincent’s voice. some of the production touches later in the song are very pleasant as well. (8.3)

Samo: I haven’t heard much from St. Vincent aside from Masseduction (the song), but this isn’t something I’ll likely be returning to. The vocals are pretty good, but the song doesn’t really get interesting until the final third, and even then I don’t love the song. (7.4)

BobPatience: The first few minutes are really not my thing, beyond the great vocals, but the song definitely picks up in the second half. I hope this will not become some kind of trend. (7.2)

James: I’m not entirely familiar with St. Vincent’s music really outside of “Los Ageless” and a few other tracks I’ve heard once or twice. I wasn’t entirely feeling this one. I thought it was just kinda plodding along, but then came around the 3-minute mark when the buzzy guitar started to come in. The second half picked up the slack the first half did, but I do wish it built a little more on it. (7.2)

Overall Score: 30.1

after your top 5 finish last leg, you two took a big stumble again here. however, you'll still be getting a +0.4 bonus next leg

[Nick P]

continuing their all over the place track record we have...



9. Canadeam (matteeeb & lyhom )
Overall Score: 63.1 | Detour Rank: #10 | Roadblock Rank: #2 | Bonus From Last Leg: +1.8

Detour Results:




(One Hit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: sending this feels like cheating lol. I know it was their only song to hit the hot 100 but I think it also peaked in the 80s so it’s a grey area lol. it’s a solid little rock track though, I like it quite a bit! (8.4)

Samo: I thought this was way bigger than it actually was, being the smallest hit here (in terms of Hot 100 peak). I do like it a fair bit, but don’t find it that memorable, though the production is pretty good. (7.7)

Enya: This has the opposite problem of “Take On Me” and “Come On Eileen” where it’s so obscure that it’s hard to actually call it a hit. I also lost my virginity to this song, so it’s kind of hard to be unbiased to it, I’m sorry. It also has been hurt by its overuse in commercials these days. I do appreciate its melding of synth and rock in a way few have done since. (5.7)

Jaden: It's alright. Nothing special. (5.0)

Overall Score: 26.8

Roadblock Results:




(Sent by lyhom)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: this is a great track. it’s super well written and I love the vocals. the melodies and production are pretty great as well! (9.7)

Samo: SZA has quite a few great songs, but this is my personal favourite, from the gorgeous production and vocals to the detailed lyrics that still manage to feel incredibly relatable. (9.2)

BobPatience: Strings in a pop song, always great. Song's overall production, great. But those vocals, something about them just does not work for me. (6.6)

James: “Drew Barrymore” was my introduction to SZA right before she started to blow up. I love her vocals on this and her delivery is top notch. The melody of the chorus is damn near perfect. The lyrics showcase a lot of personality, while also showing struggles of self-esteem/confidence. SZA hasn’t really been able to top this one for me because damn this is just a great song. (9.0)

Overall Score: 34.5

you two are all over the place lmao. but you're still in it, and will be getting a +0.2 bonus next leg

[Deleted]

couldn't you have lost your virginity to a more appropriate song

[samo🦕]

surviving the yield this leg we have...



10. Fire & Desire (Fire & ry4n)
Overall Score: 58 | Detour Rank: #8 | Roadblock Rank: #9 | Bonus From Last Leg: +0.6 | Penalty From Yield: -5

Detour Results:


(One Hit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: a nice little synth pop track! the vocals aren’t my favorite thing ever, but I think the beat makes up for them. the melody is quite catchy haha (8.3)

Samo: From the intro, I was hoping this would be a lot better than it was . The guitars are pretty great here, but I’m not so much a fan of the vocals nor the chorus melody, though the latter is very memorable. (7.3)

Enya: Not a one-hit wonder to me because of “Space Age Love Song,” but I digress. This is peak 80s new wave that is only elevated with its visual. They’re probably more remembered for their hairstyle than their music at this point. I do find this song becomes a bit repetitive both lyrically and melodically. (7.0)

Jaden: I like this song a lot. The hook is such an ear-worm so it is going on my playlist. (8.5)

Overall Score: 31.1

Roadblock Results:


(Sent by ry4n)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: I think the only time I heard this was when we did a theme like this last season. it’s pretty catchy and has some cool production, but overall I don’t find it to be the most memorable thing in the world haha. pretty good song though (8.0)

Samo: This was another that grew on me a lot from when I first heard it for this round. The chorus is very catchy and I really enjoy the instrumental in the last 30 seconds. The lyrics are also pretty interesting. (8.1)

BobPatience: So this was an Alt. radio hit? Still better than AJR, they should try to add some Funk or Soul too (jk, please no). The song honestly sounds a bit lame in some ways, but I like it at the same time. And maybe it is just me, but parts of this really sound like a slowed down 'Take It Off' by Kesha. (6.8)

James: I remember when “Genghis Khan” first came out, I didn’t know how to feel. On one hand, I thought it was super catchy, on the other, I felt it was kind of annoying? Well, as time wore on, I ended up enjoying it more and more. “Paddling Out” is my favorite song from Miike Snow and something I suggest people to check out, but this one is just a really great indie pop track. (8.4)

Overall Score: 31.3

congrats on surviving your yield, but you would've landed here even without it. no bonus but you're in for another leg!

and sadly falling in last place we have...



11. Bowser (@nonameneeded & rom)
Overall Score: 49.9 | Detour Rank: #11 | Roadblock Rank: #11 | Bonus From Last Leg: +0.2

Detour Results:


(One Hit)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: I think this song has some really good vocal melodies and production. the vocals themselves aren’t my favorite thing ever, but aside from that the song is really strong. I especially like the guitar in the post chorus (8.5)

Samo: I’d heard of this song, but this is the first time I’m listening to it in full, and I’m kind of disappointed. The chorus is nice enough, but I can barely remember the rest of the song even after listening to it a lot in the last couple days. (7.0)

Enya: I think in public discourse, this is a one-hit wonder, so I’ll give it to you, but in reality I’m not sure I would classify it as one. In any respect, this has a lot of great parts like the guitar line and drum beat that all comes together in that simple-yet-just-right chorus that will get stuck in your head all day. (6.3)

Jaden: This song is so boring and annoying to me. That's it. (3.0)

Overall Score: 24.8

Roadblock Results:


(Sent by APM)

Judge's Thoughts:

Nick: there were much better options than this lol. it’s a well written song, but compared to all the other options you had it’s just not that interesting. (7.5)

Samo: This is...a cute song. It’s certainly not Taylor’s worst or anything, but it stands out in this group, and not in a good way. The lyrics are alright, as are Taylor’s vocals, and the production is okay, but unremarkable. (6.8)

BobPatience: I want to preface this by saying that: no, I do not dislike Taylor Swift's music as a whole. But the sound of this song is totally not meant for me, and also those harmonies are (again) very unecessary. Even the strings could not save the song this time. (4.7)

James:  It’s honestly really interesting to see how far Taylor Swift has come. I’ve always found this to be a fine song, but I never really understood the choice for this as a debut single to introduce her to the world. The music on this is really nice, but I think Taylor’s vocals are just not great on this, and I’ve always had a problem with the phrasing on this one because I feel like it comes off as rather awkward sounding in parts. (5.9)

Overall Score: 24.9

your songs this leg just were not it, and unfortunately you have been eliminated from the race. thanks for playing!

[Deleted]

NOT BOWSER

[Fire]

YES ry4n WE ACTUALLY SURVIVED LMAO

[eidde]

man Float On did not deserve this

[Leo ✔]

This "Dschingis Khan" > "Genghis Khan"
cc ry4n fearlessarrow