Choose The Album, Then a Song 7: VOTE FOR THE WINNER!
Welcome to the seventh season of ATRL original game Choose The Album, Then a Song
Welcome to the FINAL round!
Oh... My... God! We made it! Can you freaking believe it? We are ABOUT to know the FINAL entries for the season finale! It was such a rough one to finish but we made it and I couldn't be more proud!
We have three phenomenal contestants who are ready to win the judges and the public over but only one can come out as the WINNER of the seventh season.
Before we move on to that, I'd like to share what the judges had to say about the two previous eliminated contestants!
Quote:
Originally posted by igor
Bloomers: You were the dark horse of this season, who would have thought you would make the top 5 with a rock album? That says a lot about your ability to sell your entries to everyone, you did an amazing job! Congratulations!
Pedro: I expected you to do well, since you created the game and judged it for so many seasons, but you surpassed my expectations. Apart from the last round and another 1 or 2, I think I always gave you good scores, your entries were on point most of the time, I could tell you've put a lot of effort in your essays! Congratulations for making the semifinals, you should be proud of yourself!
Quote:
Originally posted by Inner Insanity
Bloomers: You really did fantastically well during this game. You slayed using a band that no one has really heard of and one that leans on heavier rock as well. That is quite the accomplishment and you should be so proud of that. I'm sure you can take this and run all the way to the very end if you decide to play again.
Pedro: Thank you for hosting the wonderful game first and foremost. I know this is just for your elimination card but I'd like to just say here that this game inspired me to want to join ATRL. I remember wanting to play this so badly because it was so interesting (your impact ). It's had its ups and downs but you keep pushing it along and I am so happy so see this game continue. And with your album you really got me into several of Shakira's songs when I previously didn't like her very much. Keep rocking and representing your faves. You've really done Shakira justice.
Quote:
Originally posted by Kavish
Bloomers - Baroness - Yellow & Green
To see such a heavy album compete with so many pop albums was a delight to see week after week, and it's really admirable how you succeeded to push a metal band into the Top 5. Your entries were always fun to read, as you brought a different approach in each round - and in the long run, it became your signature. You have potential to win this game if you ever wish to sign up in a future season, and it'll always be nice to have a contestant like you, who can be serious, fun, yellow and green, at the same time.
Pedro - Shakira - Shakira
"Why are my avis always a hit", you asked me the other day when I was spamming your avi everywhere. For the same reason you made it this far, I dare (Brazil version) to say. It's likeable just like your personality and humbleness and those are always felt through your entries. It's pretty convenient that you would get eliminated from a Mean round. I'm really happy that you got this far in your own game, and congratulations for having the most top entries in my rankings.
Element decided not to comment. Anyway! We are ready! Let's meet the FINAL entries!
T H E R U L E S
For six seasons this game had its ups and downs and to make sure the 'downs' part won't happen again, I had to create a set of rules. So if you're signing up, this means you agree to:
1. YOU CAN NOT ASK FANS/FRIENDS TO SAVE YOUR ALBUM;
2. THE JUDGES HAVE TO BE FAIR. IF YOU DETECT BIASNESS OR UNFAIRNESS, LET ME KNOW.
Slum Love to me fulfills the earth category. Aristotle name the earth element as "dry" and "cold". In this song Kimbra is tired of being in this relationship, comparing their love to a "slum", and to her "working in the mines" which brings up a dirty, earthy image. She doesn't want to be the savior in the relstionship anymore, and although her sentiments may seem cold to her partner, she's fed up with him. This makes the song feel very earthy to me.
Water is seen as being both "cold" and "wet", and also represents "intuition". Carolina describes Kimbra wanting to get away, and going to Carolina! She says she wants a "house with an ocean view" and wants to settle down. Her intuition is driving her there, and with its oceans and extremely cold weather, it really reminds me of this element.
Air, or Wind, is seen as being "wet" and "hot". Although this song actually explicitly states some of the other elements here, I feel as if Wind represents it best. First of all, the song has an airy lightweight feel to it. The song describes a transcendent love, a one that is so great that is is in "high places", and not substantial or visible to the eye. Like wind, it is unexplainable, and you can't explain it, but you always know and feel it around you.
Fire is seen as being "hot"... Obviously. Teen Heat fits this perfectly. Your first love, and feelings for being with another person is an incredibly fiery feeling. You can feel the fire in your heart, and the heat between you and the other person. Even though it can go against your best judgement, some moments you just have to go with what feels right "in the heat of the moment".
Ether is the core, and most important element. 90s Music is the real core of this album, and most representative of Kimbra as an artist. It combines all her wackball ideas and energy into one hell of a pop song. In mythology "Aether" was "Light", and in a lot of ways this song is Kimbra's light, and the one that represents this category best.
To begin my entry, I have selected Together Again to represent the element of ether, otherwise defined as the "heavens." The element is defined by experiences and things that transcend above everyday life and also represents spirit. I feel that Together Again perfectly represents this. Thematically, the song is about letting go a passed loved one and reuniting with them in Heaven. When I think about the term "heaven," I typically associate that word with peace and happiness. Together Again totally encompasses those qualities as it is euphoric with it's pulsing house beats and remains sweet without being saccharine as Janet's soothing vocals takes the track onto another level. In my opinion, I feel that it can easily be defined by ether as its main topic is death (something that is beyond our control) and it speaks about those who have ascended to the heavens and have converted into being spirits while speaking about spirituality, inner peace, and happiness.
WATER
what about - ♥
When you think of the element of water and what it represents, one of the most common thoughts you'd automatically have is that water is representative of change. What About perfectly represents this. As soon as the track begins, you're greeted by rolling waves and chirping sea birds, painting the image of a serene beach at sunrise. As the rock influenced track progresses, Janet gathers all her courage to confront an abusive lover. While I've luckily never ended up in an abusive relationship, this song's universal message of change and taking your life in your own hands has moved me and many others. This song's message of newfound strength has taught me that it's best to cut the toxic people out of my life. Use your strength to initiate change and better your life.
FIRE
rope burn - ♥
One of the many things that help symbolize the element of fire is passion, and no other song on The Velvet Rope is as passionate as Rope Burn. Upon first listen, you're already greeted by Miss Jackson (if you're nasty!) moaning accompanied by an incredibly sultry instrumentation. By the time the introduction is finished, the first lines sung are "Tie me up, tie me down/Make me moan real loud." Damn, what a way to start a song. As the song progresses, Janet sings about her fantasies with her lover that range from tying her down to having hot candle wax drip down her back. This song is absolutely amorous and encompasses the desire and passion that's present in the qualities of this element.
EARTH
got 'til it's gone - ♥
Upon reading the article of the five elements, I found the most troubling element to connect a song with was this one. But when I read one specific sentence that stated that earth is representative of a desire to have things remain they are, I automatically knew that Got 'til It's Gone would be the ideal choice. This nostalgic song is built around a Joni Mitchell sample repeatedly saying, "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got 'til it's gone," and it seems as if its this song's mission to embed this phrase into your mind. Janet soothingly sings about an ex-lover and how if she could "turn back the hands of time," she'd make him her's since she has been aching for him. While the song's theme is about lost love, the song's message can be applied to universally anything. From childhood to past friendships, this song can perfectly relate to any situation. You'd do anything you can to make things they were and resist change, which are two key factors in the element of earth.
WIND
every time- ♥
Finally, I'd like to end my entry with the ballad that is Every Time to represent wind. Described by the Japanese as a symbol of benevolence, compassion, and an open-mind, Every Time perfectly suits all of these nouns. This love ballad is as sweet and tender as it can get as Janet sings over a melancholic piano. Janet admits her fear of falling in love due to past failures, but as the song continues, Janet's walls slowly go down one by one. This perfectly represents the "open mind" portion of the wind element as Janet gradually opens herself up to her lover along to the idea of falling in love. And as for compassion, this song is completely melodious and pleasant. Her airy, trembling vocals seems so fragile in this song that they could shatter in pieces in any moment, but Janet nonetheless manages to sound sweet and compassionate throughout the entire song.
3. Capital B - Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill
Quote:
Originally posted by Capital B
This is really the perfect final challenge for my album, as I truly believe “Jagged Little Pill” has all the elements necessary to be named the winner of this game, and ultimately, the strongest album of the season. Going through each element, I was quickly able to find a song that corresponded – and I chalk that up to the incredible range Alanis presents on this multifaceted album; some songs are raw and emotional, others dreamy and romantic, some songs are written from personal experiences, while others are more whimsical and philosophical. This album not only contains a variety of hard hitting and meaningful, memorable songs, but it is so much more – it’s an album that has undoubtedly left a mark on pop culture and music history. It’s an album that has inspired an entire generation of singer songwriters to dig deep, not be afraid to talk about how they feel, and to remember it’s ok to not be ok. It is my pleasure to proudly present – “Jagged Little Pill”.
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Earth – “Chi (sometimes ji) or tsuchi, meaning "Earth", represents the hard, solid objects of the earth. The most basic example of chi is in a stone. Stones are highly resistant to movement or change, as is anything heavily influenced by chi.”
Without a doubt, the above passage brings “Head Over Feet” to mind, in which Alanis’ lyrics refer to her usual stubbornness and lack of ability to “just go with it” when starting out a new relationship. She is often set in her ways and can have a hard exterior. The interesting spin on how this song represents the Earth element, however, is that through the power of this new love, Alanis – the stone – is starting to slowly be chipped away to expose the multiple layers existing underneath.
“You treat me like I’m a princess. I’m not used to liking that. You ask how my day was - you’ve already won me over, in spite of me.”
______
Water – Sui or mizu, meaning "Water", represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world. Sui can be associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.
Upon doing some reading about the element of sui, or water, “Hand In My Pocket” immediately came to mind. In this inspiring track, Alanis sings about moving through life, despite whatever obstacles she may face, while remaining flexible, adaptable, and positive. Like the element of water, Alanis chooses to go with the flow – continuing on to wherever life takes her and whatever situation she may find herself in. Like Sui, this track reminds us to stay fluid and flexible in life.
“I’m lost but I’m hopeful, baby. What it all comes down to is that everything’s going to be fine, fine, fine. I’ve got one hand in my pocket and the other is giving a high five.”
______
Fire – Ka or hi, meaning "Fire", represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world. Bodily, ka represents our metabolism and body heat, and in the mental and emotional realms, it represents drive and passion.
Certainly, “You Oughta Know” instantly springs to mind at this album’s representation of the element of fire. Not only does every lyric literally burn with anger and passion, but the searing heat of Alanis’ raw vocals come through – almost like she is spitting fire. I found it interesting to read about how Ka also refers to body heat, as this song makes multiple allusions to the passion shared both by Alanis’ ex and his new partner. It is without a doubt, the most fiery moment on this album.
“Did you forget about me, Mr Duplicity? I hate to bug you in the middle of dinner. It was a slap in the face, how quickly I was replaced and are you thinking of me while you **** her?”
______
Wind – Fū or kaze, meaning "Wind", represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement. As we grow physically, we learn and expand mentally as well, in terms of our knowledge, our experiences, and our personalities.
“You Learn”, which just happens to be my favourite track on the album, links perfectly to the element of wind – particularly the emphasis on learning and growing throughout one’s life experiences. The track makes references to the difficult patches we all face in life, but flips it and reminds the listener that we can learn from these experiences. Like the wind, this track encourages us to move on to the better things rather than dwelling on the past. It’s all about using the hard times as learning experiences – and like Fū , expanding ourselves.
“I recommend getting your heart trampled on to anyone. I recommend walking around naked in your living room. Swallow it down, what a jagged little pill. It feels so good swimming in your stomach. Wait until the dust settles. You live, you learn.”
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Ether - Kū or sora, most often translated as "Void", but also meaning "sky" or "Heaven", represents those things beyond our everyday experience, particularly those things composed of pure energy.
Reading about this element was interesting, as it is the one I am least familiar with. However, right upon reading about it, I knew how closely “Ironic” linked to these concepts. In this track, arguably Alanis’ most known song, she sings about the bigger mysteries of the world, and how ironic some of life’s “random” moments can actually be. Like Kū , these moments seem to be beyond everyday humans and our control – they are perhaps part of something bigger than us. It is a standout track on the album, as it's one of the only ones not detailing personal moments in Alanis' life, but rather taking a bigger picture approach and alluding to "something more".
“Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you think everything’s ok and everything’s going right. And life has a funny way of helping you out when you think everything’s going wrong and everything’s blowing up in your face.”
______
To be honest, I always believed in this album as the perfect album to play this game with, as it contains so many different sorts of emotional perspectives, all tied together with a cohesive and signature sound. However, this challenge solidified this belief even further than I ever expected - with none of the elements did I have to reach and try to make a track fit. It really showcased for me how many strong points this incredible album truly has, and it has been nothing short of a pleasure to get to share "Jagged Little Pill" with you all during this season. It's not only an album that has immeasurable impact on the world of pop music, but also on my own life growing up. Thank you for coming along for the ride.
*Indigo + Italic = Vote Accepted
RANK THE TOP 3 REMEMBER: Read the essays, listen to the songs and BE FAIR.
That says a lot about your ability to sell your entries to everyone, you did an amazing job! Congratulations! 
). It's had its ups and downs but you keep pushing it along and I am so happy so see this game continue. And with your album you really got me into several of Shakira's songs when I previously didn't like her very much. Keep rocking and representing your faves. You've really done Shakira justice.
