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‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ N°331 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

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Morrissey’s “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” channels unrequited love through an embrace of a cold, unresponsive city, blending poetic alienation with melodic simplicity. On the flip side, Papa Roach’s “Last Resort” navigates raw emotions of suicide and despair, highlighted by aggressive guitars and a relentless hook, securing its place as a cultural touchstone of early 2000s metal. Meanwhile, Cold War Kids’ “Hang Me Up to Dry” leans into an eerie melodic pull, with Nathan Willett’s vocals oscillating between desperation and resignation.

Sum 41’s “The Hell Song” distills anguish into a blazing pop-punk anthem, combining biting riffs with introspective lyrics, while Korn’s “Falling Away from Me” uses eerie melodies and crushing bass lines to address domestic abuse. The Beta Band’s “Squares” crafts a layered exploration of unease through experimental use of samples and warped beats, contrasting sharply with My Chemical Romance’s punk-charged rework of Bob Dylan’s “Desolation Row,” a rapid, distorted sprint rooted in raw energy. Finally, Mogwai’s “Friend of the Night” finds introspective balance with its piano-led arrangement, embracing a softer side of post-rock dynamics.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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This week In Soul Artists 07/52

Al Jarreau’s “Trouble in Paradise” from his 1983 album balances smooth production and heartfelt lyrics, though it leans into safe territory compared to dynamic tracks like “Mornin’.” The Crusaders’ “Street Life,” anchored by Randy Crawford’s striking vocals, blends jazz-funk with urban storytelling, celebrated for its timeless appeal yet sometimes criticized for being overly polished. Meanwhile, Irma Thomas’s “It’s Raining” showcases understated heartbreak with a laid-back R&B feel, emphasizing nuanced vulnerability over big crescendos.

Teddy Pendergrass’ emotionally charged “Joy” triumphs as a late-’80s R&B standout post-recovery, while Thelma Houston’s disco classic “Don’t Leave Me This Way” carries raw urgency and cultural resonance. The Gap Band’s “Outstanding” enchants with its smooth romantic groove, though it risks repetitiveness. Tracks like Maceo Parker’s live “Pass the Peas” highlight razor-sharp funk delivery, reflecting collaborative genius even when staying within known boundaries. Together, these songs reveal rich layers of artistry across eras and genres.

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This week In ’90s Throwback’ 07/52

Jamiroquai’s “Cosmic Girl” blends disco-funk revival with ’90s electronic flair, boasting syncopated rhythms and galactic-inspired lyrics, though its mechanical edge may feel rigid. Critics like Caroline Sullivan liken its harmonies to Earth, Wind & Fire, and David Morales’ remixes add sleekness, though they lose some of the track’s quirky charm. Green Day’s “Longview” stands out as a slacker anthem, its iconic bassline wrapping themes of boredom and inertia in sharp humor, with Billie Joe Armstrong’s delivery perfectly matching its restless energy.

Cher’s “Believe” marked a bold reinvention with its Auto-Tune effect, making it a defining pop track of the late ’90s, earning Grammys and dominating charts globally. Nirvana’s “Lithium” encapsulates Cobain’s balance of spiritual tension and raw vulnerability, becoming a mainstay of “Nevermind” and a radio favorite. 2Pac’s “All About U” pairs a laid-back funk beat with biting commentary on fame, while Boyz II Men’s tearful “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” showcases a cappella brilliance, though it leans into emotional over-polish.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°523 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

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Tracks like “Think About” by D.J. H. and Stefy tap into ’90s sampling with Aretha Franklin cuts creating a nostalgic-mechanical vibe, while Scooter’s “Back in the U.K.” pairs wild energy with quirky Miss Marple samples, delivering a playful burst to mid-’90s charts. Quench’s “Dreams” leans on trance’s hypnotic flow, blending atmospheric pads and sawtooth riffs that captured attention in early ’90s dance scenes.

Meanwhile, Charles & Eddie’s “N.Y.C.” offers a subdued ode to their city with smooth harmonies but leaves little impact in contrast to their hit “Would I Lie To You?” Meat Beat Manifesto’s “Mindstream” layers industrial breakbeats and techno energy, favoring texture over accessibility, and 808 State’s “In Yer Face” throws dense production into a raw high-energy anthem teetering between thrilling and bold chaos.

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‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°313 – Vintage 80s Music Videos

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V Capri’s “Haunting Me” merges mid-’80s Australian new wave flair with emotive vocals and glossy production, peaking locally at No. 1 in Perth but struggling to make a broader impact. When in Rome’s “The Promise,” born out of low-budget ingenuity, became an ’80s pop staple with its melancholic keyboard lines and mid-chart success on both Billboard and dance charts, later revitalized through covers and film appearances like *Napoleon Dynamite*.

The Smiths’ “What Difference Does It Make?” delivers biting lyrics alongside Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar, marking an early standout in their catalog with its philosophical edge and chart presence. Meanwhile, Prefab Sprout’s “Johnny Johnny” hints at the band’s lyrical finesse but lacks the commercial staying power of their bigger hits. Fra Lippo Lippi balances melancholy and pop accessibility in “Shouldn’t Have to Be Like That,” showcasing an understated charm that resonated across parts of Europe.

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‘We Are Live’ N°126 – 2010s Music Videos

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Stereophonics’ “Indian Summer” blends nostalgia with arena-ready riffs but feels a bit predictable, while Foals’ “My Number” pulses with rhythmic precision and post-punk cool, earning notable chart success like No. 23 in the UK. Cover Drive’s catchy “Lick Ya Down” peaks at No. 9 in the UK, showcasing polished pop-reggae, and Bruno Mars’ heartfelt ballad “When I Was Your Man” tops the US Billboard Hot 100 with raw, stripped-back emotion.

Mr. Probz’s “Waves,” enhanced by Robin Schulz’s remix, rides emotional metaphors to international chart-topping status, while Passenger’s “Let Her Go” captivates with its folk-pop simplicity, becoming a global hit. Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey’s “The Middle” perfects infectious pop but sacrifices edge for mainstream appeal. James Arthur’s “Safe Inside” brings tender familial reflections, gaining Platinum certification despite its safe musical choices.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°115 – Vintage 80s Music Videos

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Kool & The Gang’s “Get Down On It” combines funky basslines with vibrant horn bursts, embodying 1980s party vibes. Billy Ocean’s “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” shines as a catchy anthem with a dynamic brass section and a playful music video featuring stars like Michael Douglas. Phil Collins’ “Sussudio” stands out with its infectious synth grooves and a bold, Minneapolis-inspired sound, capturing the energy of mid-’80s pop.

The Whispers’ “And the Beat Goes On” delivers polished funk with a memorable rhythm, while Altered Images’ “I Could Be Happy” balances wistful lyrics with upbeat tempos. On the hip-hop front, Eric B. & Rakim’s “Move the Crowd” exemplifies lyrical precision and minimalistic beats. Meanwhile, UB40 and Afrika Bambaataa’s “Reckless” blends reggae and electro vibes, creating a fascinating, albeit uneven, collaboration.

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‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°657 – 2010s Music Videos

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Taylor Swift’s “Style” captures the push-pull dynamics of a turbulent romance with sleek production and nods to nostalgia, standing tall on *1989*. Sam Smith’s “Like I Can” blends heartfelt vocals and polished power pop, finding popularity on TikTok years after its UK Top 10 charting. Zedd’s “Stay the Night,” with Hayley Williams, merges emotional intensity and polished EDM, though its formulaic pop-EDM appeal feels tied to its 2013 moment.

Maverick Sabre leans into raw introspection on “No One,” showcasing his emotional depth, though it stayed under the radar compared to his earlier hits. David Guetta’s “What I Did for Love,” featuring Emeli Sandé, is anchored by its vocal heft but leans heavily on familiar EDM motifs. Meanwhile, Fergie’s “L.A. Love (La La)” shines more through its rhythmic hook and global themes than any bold artistic leap, earning its spot on global charts.

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