"March" Madness 2021 | Done!

[keatonzab]

Apr 10, 2021 12:59:29 GMT -5 peacebone said:

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) [6.2/10] vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6) [3.4/10]
I mean, I've heard tons of songs like "I Miss You" before but at least I can still enjoy it a decent amount. And it doesn't take much effort to earn my vote against the amateurish and irritating mess that is "U Get Me".

[Deleted]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)
*(I'm struggling with this matchup. May or may not come back and change this vote)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[jtd Thee Stallion]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[walt91]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) (8.1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6) (8.1)
Danny L Harle is a really cool producer and On A Mountain is just a fun song, it reminds me a lot of the music I listened to when I was younger. Ugh, I love Blame Game too, this is a hard one   Might change my mind here later lol.

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) (6.5) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6) (8.3)
Night Crawling is such a random collaboration but I feel like it works really well actually!

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) (7.3) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6) (7.4)
4 Thangs is a banger, just wish it was a bit more fleshed out. It's... really short lol. I'm Ready was really soulful too, I feel like I'd be more inclined to return to 4 Thangs though so that's what I'll vote for!

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) (7.4) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6) (7.0)
Wilder Days is a pleasant country song, don't have much to say about it. Too Good isn't the best thing I've heard from Arlo Parks but it's still a vibey song.

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) (7.0) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6) (3.7)
I Miss U has a strong, catchy hook, which is what I'm looking for with these types of EDM-pop songs. Not reinventing the wheel or anything but it does what it needs to do. U Get Me reminded me of an AJR song (Bang and Burn The House Down in particular) with the overblown fake horns, and the clichéd self-empowerment lyrics don't help.

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) (6.7) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6) (8.3)
The production and especially the pianos on 2 Far Gone are sick, but like Wrip pointed out there's a disconnect between the vocals and the production that's preventing me from fully enjoying the song. Repeat is so pretty 🥺

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) (9.4) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6) (7.2)
The Starlight Lounge was a Pulsevision discovery which really clicked with me, love the synths. Thanks Samba! I thought Favourite Song was quite fun too, but I gotta vote for my pick here. Sorry Wrip!

[Fire]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)
on a mountain may be my favorite discovery so far, thanks drem! blame game is a solid song as well

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)
4 thangs is solid but i wish it was longer, i'm feel like i'll return to that one more though

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)
this is very close for me, i wouldn't mind seeing either go further tbh

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[maine]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

- Beach Bunny is an artist that I haven't checked out too much. I know "Cloud 9" is randomly going viral, and I don't think I've even listened to that. This was solid indie rock. I'm not sure how I feel about the slight tempo changes going from the verses to the chorus, but those almost always sound jarring to me on first listens and end up growing as time wears on ("Need Your Love" by: Tennis is the perfect example of that – my #1 song of 2020). This was solid, and I definitely would like to hear more of it / them as the tournament continues. "On a Mountain" was a nice EDM song. Good production, but the vocals kind of bring the song down. They're just there and don't supply anything. I don't really see myself returning to this one? It's alright, but just kinda feels like a song I'd have in my playlist as playlist filler if I ever put it there. 

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

- "Closer to Closure" is alright. Kind of a generic country pop song. I think this sound can work on me, but I wasn't sold on Jamie's vocals here. Just felt like she sounded kind of bored on her own song. I feel like it has some potential, but I'm not really feeling this one. "Night Crawling" is the worst of the three Miley songs here, but it's still just okay. I just don't feel like it interests me as much as the other two here. The little synth is cool though.  

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

- Damn, awful matchup here. I haven't heard either of these songs till now, but I do really like both (or all three, I guess) artists here. "I'm Ready" is pretty smooth which I've come to expect from Black Pumas. It's not as good as "Colors" or "Fire" to me, but it's still pretty solid. Freddie Gibbs and Big Sean on a track is something I love, and I'm surprised I didn't know that track existed until here considering I'm a fan of both artists. "4 Thangs" was real good, but I do wish it was longer. I think I'm gonna lean "4 Thangs" here, but I do like both a lot. 

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

- "Too Good" is a bop. I love her voice on this one, and the production is really nice. It's got a kind of funky vibe going on that I'm enjoying. This was very solid. "Wilder Days" sounds like what "Closer to Closure" should have sounded like. I was really impressed by it actually. It felt super engaging with the production, and the writing was nice. Her voice was just decent, but I do really like the song. I'm pretty much tied here, but I think I'm going to slightly lean Arlo here, but I'm happy if either continues. 

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

- "I Miss You" was alright. I feel like the vocals are better here than on the DJ Danny song where it doesn't bring down the quality. I'm kind of neutral on Jax's music, and this kind of fits that mold. It's good enough to listen to during the tournament, but I don't really hear much else use for this. "u get me" sounds like Daya doing Disney Channel music. Sorry Keaton, but I thought this was awful, lol. 

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

- Not sure if there's an instrumental version of this, but I feel like I would prefer that. Katy's vocals ruin this song for me. It's not that she has bad vocals or anything, it's just this kind of song seems like a song that would be better off without a vocalist on it. Production is pretty cool, I'll give it that. "Repeat" was pretty solid. I really liked the build of the track and just the atmosphere of it. Really nice track. 

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

- I definitely thought this was a different artist when it first started. Her vocal reminds me of someone on AAA right now that I can't place (Phoebe Bridgers?). This was pretty nice. "Favourite Song" sounds like it has potential, but the mixing is awful on this. The production starts overriding his vocal after the first verse, and it becomes super distracting. It completely ruined what was a promising start for me. 

[Butterflies & Hurricanes]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)
...others have already expressed my thoughts of OaM, but Beach Bunny's appeal has been ramping up for the last few months & i'm starting to feel like a fan

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)
...i never really liked Miley until she worked w/ Mark Ronson...& now a full album of retro bangers! - i've made a full 360 on her...while the appeal of this particular song has softened over time, i still love the chemistry between her & Billy

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)
...despite the atrocious choice of spelling, the Freddie/Sean song really surpassed my expectation & i will not be sad if it takes this matchup, but i'm on team Puma as they always come up with the goods

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)
...the lyrics in Wilder Days were a turn-off, but Arlo comes thru yet again w/ a winner (although i think i prefer Just Go)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)
...never heard of this Jax Jones fella (or AuRa for that matter), but i sure dig this catchy pop gem, it's only flaw is it ends too soon...UGM is female AJR (nuff said?)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)
...2FG is fine, but "Repeat" has a je ne sais quoi quality that captivates me

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)
...i like FS too, but Starlight has a simplicity that allows it to shine

[filthy]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)
On A Mountain is simply not for me. Blame Game was alright, but nothing special

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)
uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)
what a cruel matchup. my vote goes to freddie but it is really close

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)
i believe in arlo parks supremacy

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)
2 Far Gone was interesting though I like Julien Baker's project and Repeat was one of my favorites from her album 

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)
I really liked both of these! 

[BlurryKyle]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) (3.5) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6) (3.5)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) (3) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6) (3.5)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) (3.5) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6) (3.5)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) (3.5) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6) (3)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) (3) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6) (1.5)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) (3.5) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6) (4)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) (4) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6) (3)

My rating scale:

5 - Masterpiece
4.5 - Excellent
4 - Great
3.5 - Good
3 - Decent
2.5 - Average
2 - Mediocre
1.5 - Bad
1 - Terrible
0.5 - Abysmal

[samo🦕]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) [8.1] vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6) [7.8]

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) [6.7] vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6) [7.6]

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) [7.7] vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6) [6.3]

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) [8.0] vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6) [8.4]

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) [8.1] vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6) [2.8]

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) [7.4] vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6) [7.9]

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) [7.8] vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6) [8.9]

[keatonzab]

I recommend y'all listen to Gabriela Bee's "Sound In Color" *Better than u got me*

[Gonza'90]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[SHOOTER]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6) (ofc I get paired against a song I actually like)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[BB🌕]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) (8) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6) (8.5)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) (6) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6) (7)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) (7.5) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6) (7)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) (7.5) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6) (6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) (6) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6) (2)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) (7) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6) (8)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) (8.5) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6) (6)

[DadJokes]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)
Love this 90s riot grrl sound. On a Mountain was ok, just not my cup of tea.

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)
Jamie O'Neal's voice is nice, and decent songwriting. I just don't love tons of programmed drums in my country sounds. Miley has a pretty solid song here with Idol.

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)
Have really enjoyed all of Black Puma's debut album. This only my 3rd favorite of theirs (behind "Colors" and "Fire"). "4 Thangs" has a solid beat and groove, but it's sooo short. Feels like its missing a great chance for a hook or something to mix up the sound. 

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)
Morgan Wade surprised me - I was certain I'd vote Arlo. But I'm a sucker for the raspy, belty sound of her voice, and I really liked the lyrics to this one. Reminds me of Jade Stone.

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)
Both songs had that dance floor vibe, but I like the murkier/darker sound from Jax over Bee.

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)
I really liked the piano in "2 Far Gone," but Julien Baker has one of my early album of the year contenders, and Repeat is gorgeous. Love the lyrics about the double edge sword of getting what you dreamed of.

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)
This was close, but the roller rink slow skate vibe of Sorcha put Starlight ahead.

[macattack]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)
"Blame Game" ticks off virtually every single one of my boxes from a musical standpoint - plus I love the tempo and key change halfway through. This was a tough choice, but I gotta go with Beach Bunny, who is one of the most promising bands of the new decade so far. Hard to believe that Beach Bunny started off as a solo bedroom pop project, they sound so natural as a pop-punk band with an indie flourish (indie-punk?). That being said, "On A Mountain" is a neat electronic song with a classic drum n bass beat plus a sugary sweet female vocal, and it's unfortunate it got put up against such a seminal number. 

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)
Another close match - I gotta go with Miley this time. "Night Crawling" has a more appealing feel to me (it has a edgier Soft Cell-esque sound), has an awesome Billy Idol feature, a great chorus, and it doesn't make the same mixing mistakes as the previous Miley entry. "Closer to Closure" is a bit more generic than the 80's-style pop-rock banger that is "Night Crawling". 

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)
No contest - "4 Thangs" rubs me the wrong way in virtually everything it does, and "I'm Ready" is a chill alt-soul track with significant rock influence. "Fire" is still my favorite track by Black Pumas but this was still a pretty good song. 

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)
Arlo Parks wins by default for the second time in a row due to my issues with country music - one of these days Arlo is going to have an actual challenge and I'll have to think about her more carefully - but not this time. "Wilder Days" is more palatable than most country songs I've heard tho - it has an alt-country vibe to it which helped quite a bit. 

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)
Adequate EDM versus an annoying AJR-style song - easy victory for "I Miss You" lol. 

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)
"2 Far Gone" has excellent production - great piano and an awesome Burial-style downtempo dubstep beat. However, it very much feels like a song that doesn't feel naturally suitable for vocals from what I can figure. "Repeat" is a really pretty indie song, I think it may be my favorite song by Julien Baker yet, I'll have to think about 

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)
Tough decision - my gut instinct is to go for "Favourite Song". 

[stallie]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6) This was pretty tough.

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[kimberly]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)
- This was the strongest matchup. "4 Thangs" was a little more charming but both were great picks.

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)
- I enjoyed both songs here as well, but "Wilder Days" relied more heavily on songwriting cliches.

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)
- Neither of these vowed me. Actually they were both mediocre. Voting for the underdog.

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)
- I already forgot what "Repeat" sounds like.

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)
- These were pretty close, but "Favourite Song" was less convincing vocally.

[American Idiot]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[tanooki]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[Zach]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[Beno]

Hey Az, could you tag me for future sets of this please? I didn't send songs bc I know I'd end up falling behind eventually but when I have some free time I'd be interested in voting on a few of these matchups

[Deleted]

also ummm speaking of tagging, i didn't get a notif this time which is weird so make sure u don't have the asterisks that are added by the censor to my handle.

[aerodynamite]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[Leo ✔]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)
"On A Mountain" fits more my style than "Blame Game", both are solid though.

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)
I felt more entertained with the Miley song, but Jamie's was good too.

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)
"Too Good" was kind of boring at parts but I found Morgan's voice kind of gratting at some parts.

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)
"i miss you" is a bop but I really need Jax to change his style bcs this is like the 7th song that has the exactly same structure and I'm burned as hell of this, and this was a song that had a shot live in my currents playlist. As others have said, my issue with "U Get Me" is the excess of fake horns, that makes the song too annoying and right into your nerves, her voice is fine.

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)
Is nice to hear Katy B again, but like others have said, I think this would've worked better without vocals. "Repeat" is beautiful and captivated my attention more, my only issue is that is too short and I felt like it ended abruptaly.

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)
This could go either way. I enjoyed "Sorcha's voice more.

[dremolus - solarpunk]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)
I'm so sorry Tanooki, please don't kill me 

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)
This is a fine country song that's sadly against one of the best songs on Plastic Hearts

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)
Wilder Days is actually really good but Too Good is on a whole 'nother level, one of my favorites from Arlo

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)
2 Far Gone is a cute enough jungle track but a little too long. Repeat is one of my faves on the album though.

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)
Didn't feel any of these songs but Favourite Song was a bit more interesting. Starlight was kind of a bore, sorry walt.

[wheatsquares33]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) (decent to strong 7) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6) (strong 7 to light 8)
While I have enjoyed some of Beach Bunny's work in the past, I've never really liked her work as much as I'd expect to, since I like similar acts like Snarls and WRENN so much. I have been expecting for something to finally connect, and maybe this one is it? I do like this a lot right off the bat, I think even more than Colorblind which is previously my favorite of hers. Good discovery. But that said I reallllly like this Danny L. Harle song here. Just a really strong pop song with cool production that is glitchy without being overbearing, really like the synths. Overall hearkens back to like...nightcore? I don't like saying that, but that's kinda the aesthetic I'm feeling. Really good discovery here, I like both of these more than anything in the last round, hate they're against each other.

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) (decent to strong 6) vs. Miley Cyrus f/ Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6) (decent to strong 7)
Closer to Closure was one of those nice to listen to country songs that I like but won't remember, this kind of thing has a ceiling at like strong 6. I don't have much to say about it. I mentioned in the last set how not many of the tracks I had heard from Miley's new album left much of a (good) impression on me, but this was actually a really solid first listen. As cool as it is to have Billy Idol featured (who would've thought you'd see the phrase "Miley Cyrus f/ Billy Idol in 2021), he doesn't sound *too* great on the track. But the chorus is strong and I like the synths, it's a pretty good piece of 80s rock.

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) (light to decent 6) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6) (light to decent 6)
Ehhhh Black Pumas don't do much for me, I just think they're kinda bland. I liked Fire enough, but that's about it, this one doesn't really stand out. 4 Thangs also wasn't too great, but it was short and kind of a banger, I think I prefer it.

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) (decent to strong 7) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6) (light to decent 7)
Ooh, I do like this Arlo Parks song actually. Think I'll come back to it, will give it a shot on the personal charts. Good chorus, vocal harmonies are good as always too. But I actually quite like this Morgan Wade track as well, kinda reminds me of like Elle King? Nice blend of country pop and alt rock, really lovely guitar melodies throughout, I dig it. Again, not too happy to vote against either of these, but I think I do slightly prefer Too Good.

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) (light to decent 7) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6) (decent to strong 4)
I Miss You was a pleasant little piece of dark dance-pop, pretty vocals, plenty catchy. I like it. U Get Me is...well, I don't love it but it could be worse for this brand of early 2010s branded self-empowerment pop. I actually didn't mind the last minute or so, thought the chorus came together pretty nicely, it's definitely catchy and doesn't do *too* much to get under my skin, but at the same time, this style just isn't my thing. 

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) (decent to strong 7) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6) (strong 6 to light 7)
2 Far Gone is pretty cool. Interesting to hear this kind of R&B vocal performance over a dark house beat, really unique blend of sounds here. And the vocal performance itself is pretty distinct too, I really like the chorus. The vocal harmonies kinda remind me of Shiki no Uta, which is always a good thing. Another cool discovery here. Julien Baker I always find pretty listenable, sometimes slightly better than listenable, sometimes slightly more boring. This one's kinda right in the middle, I've heard better songs from her. 

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) (light to decent 7)  vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6) (light to decent 7)
Aw, I liked both of these. It's hard to pick, Favourite Song's high points were higher, but Starlight Lounge was better on average? Starlight Lounge was a nice piece of indie rock with some nice vocals and a decent chorus, doesn't come off as particularly distinct, but I think it could grow on me after a few listens (either that, or it becomes one of those songs that I chart at the very bottom of my chart for a few weeks cause I *kinda* like it but never remember how it goes). Favourite Song has a stellar chorus, love the synthwave-y instrumentation and the hook itself is really catchy with passionate vocals, it definitely sticks with me. But it does take a bit to get there, the verses (especially the first) aren't great, kinda sounds like a weaker 1975. But, I think I could grow to appreciate them (or, worst case, ignore them) if that chorus really does keep my attention that well. I like both, think I'm gonna give it to the Chadwick song.

Didn't do this the first round cause there weren't enough songs I cared about but. 

Best discoveries: 1) On a Mountain 2) 2 Far Gone 3) Night Crawling (but everything I scored a light to decent 7 or higher I'll add to my personal chart playlist)

[singingrulebritannia]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) {7.4} vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6) {7.2}

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) {4.8} vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6) {5.7}

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) {7} vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6) {6.3)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) {7.5} vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6) {6.1}

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) {6} vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6) {2.5}

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) {7.3} vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6) {6.6}

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) {7} vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6) {6.3}

[jamesflame]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)

[fearlessarrow]

Beach Bunny - “Blame Game” (Tanooki, #1) vs. DJ Danny - “On A Mountain” (Dremolus, #6)
The overall vibe of "Blame Game" was nice, and I liked the switchup in the middle of the song. It seems like I have a soft spot for tempo changes in the middle of a song (see: Tennis' "Need Your Love" etc.). "On A Mountain" is pretty cool too, EDM can often times get generic but this was like the opposite of that. It was an engaging listen. But I have to give the ever so slight edge to Beach Bunny here.

Jamie O’Neal - “Closer To Closure” (bboat11, #1) vs. Miley Cyrus f/Billy Idol - “Night Crawling” (Tom, #6)
"Closer To Closure" is reminiscent of Lindsay Ell's "Criminal" - there's a guitar (? or is it a banjo in "Closer to Closure"?) riff that sounds pretty similar plus the breeziness that is present in both songs. "Night Crawling" is my favorite track on Plastic Hearts after "Midnight Sky". I feel like Miley's voice gets drowned in the synths during the chorus at times but it's a jam and the collaboration works pretty well. I may be considered a tractor, but I've been a Miley fan for longer than that so...

Black Pumas - “I'm Ready” (jamesflame, #1) vs. Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean - “4 Thangs” (MoD, #6)
Black Pumas' debut album was solid, but I don't think I've listened to the deluxe edition so this was a first listen for me. I don't think this has the appeal of songs like "Colors" or "Fire" but it's still a nice listen. I actually found "4 Thangs" to be a good length, I feel like if it had gone for longer I might've lost interest a bit; I liked what I heard though! I'm not completely in love with either but "4 Thangs" gets my vote here.

Arlo Parks - “Too Good” (Shooter, #1) vs. Morgan Wade - “Wilder Days” (Stacey, #6)
"Too Good" strikes the perfect balance between chill and funky/groovy. I first heard "Wilder Days" for one of the country new releases RDs, and I don't think I was that big of a fan. I'm not the biggest fan of the vocals there. I'm being a bad tractor this set, lol.

Jax Jones & Au/Ra - “I Miss You” (Az Paynter, #1) vs. Gabriela Bee - “U Get Me” (Keatonzab, #6)
"I Miss You" sounds like your standard Jax Jones song, which is still a pretty good bop and far better than "U Get Me" which I found to be rather obnoxious.

Moses Boyd f/ Katy B - “2 Far Gone (Vocal Mix)” (Ky, #1) vs. Julien Baker - “Repeat” (born, #6)
"2 Far Gone" is a vibe. Nice bass and pianos in the beginning. I tried listening to Little Oblivions some time ago, and while I had some tracks that I liked overall I didn't get the hype for Julien Baker. I can't remember if "Repeat" was one of them but it must've been because I enjoyed it. Going with "2 Far Gone" here.

Sorcha Richardson - “The Starlight Lounge” (walt91, #1) vs. Tim Chadwick - “Favourite Song” (wrip, #6)
"The Starlight Lounge" is cute. It doesn't have a ton going on, but that also might be its charm? It sounds like a song I could get lost to at night just staring into the distance. "Favourite Song" wasn't bad but I didn't really like the vocal tones here.