The Colton Vibe – Songs of the Week – Sept. 25

Myles Garza, Pepper Bough Staff WriterSeptember 25, 2021

This eclectic group of artists (from left: Lil Nas X, Snail Mail, Gunna, Vic Mensa, The Regrettes) is the focus of our LGBTQ-themes vibe this week.

After the monumental success of “Old Town Road” in 2019, Lil Nas X has become one of pop music’s most exciting–and controversial–figures. His brazen expression of homosexuality while toying with traditional homophobic genres, like Hip-Hop and Country, has challenged the popular culture’s stance on masculinity and gender roles in a fresh and invigorating way.

To celebrate Lil Nas X’s debut album “MONTERO,” we’re taking a look at other LGBTQ+ artists who are also producing exciting music right now.

 

“DEAD RIGHT NOW” – Lil Nas X

On the second track on “MONTERO” Nas adds some gospel flair. The chorus brings in Jason McGee and the Choir to prove this point on a song about fair weather friends and family who couldn’t be bothered to support him until he found fame. Nas’s smooth singing floats over this ironic song about anger and forgiveness.

 

“Valentine” – Snail Mail
Lindsey Jordan, the singer-songwriter who goes by Snail Mail, went into rehab after she turned 18 and found fame in the aftermath of her successful debut “Lush.” The experience has deepened her voice and her thoughts about herself and her world. On “Valentine,” lead single from her forthcoming album of the same name, she dives into the push-pull emotions of being erased by a lover and gives us this bittersweet line: “You won’t believe what just two months do/I’m older now, believe mе, I adore you.”

 

“Too Easy” – Gunna (Feat. Future)
This recently released single from Gunna is a curious follow-up to his 2020 album “WUNNA.” “Too Easy” leaked earlier this year and has been on top of Gunna fans’ playlists ever since. “Too Easy” keeps that great Gunna flow we all know, and includes a semi-short verse from Future. The main loop is a sweet harp sound upon which Gunna and his team of producers place multiple layers. With the release of the song some fans are speculating a new album is coming soon.

 

“THE TASTE” – VIC MENSA (feat. BJ The Chicago Kid & Papi Beatz)
“The Taste” is a single off of VIC MENSA’S upcoming album, slated to be released before the end of 2021. The American rapper chose a more R&B flavor on this track featuring the silky BJ the Chicago Kid on the chorus. Papi Beatz’ production makes this upbeat song the perfect soundtrack for the fall season.

 

The Regrettes lead singer, Lydia Night, fires up the Ohana Fest 2021 crowd with her punk spirit. (J. Dollins)

“Monday” – The Regrettes
The indie pop-punk band haven’t been heard from since 2019, but are back with the release of “Monday.” The earworm chorus and hooky bassline shows they are beginning to angle for a pop breakout, and it works. The song’s lyrics about the existential crisis of Mondays is beyond relatable.