Penk – Kimbra – The Golden Echo

1. “Slum Love” – Earth – I think this is a pretty strong choice. I wish you had delved in a little more to the “dry and cold” description that you reference at the beginning, as I see those two aspects in the production and instrumental of the song. There’s a certain quality in the background of the track that seems very dry, rough, and unpolished, like raw earth is. The repetitive opening lyrics of the track, “it’s all about work” are perfect for earth, as that is a very grounded and firm mentality, exemplified by the element. You could have definitely touched upon these aspects as well! 8.5/10

2. “Carolina” – Water – This track definitely has some connections to water, which you briefly discussed in your essay. I think you could have gone deeper than just this one lyrical interpretation, however. In my opinion, the track is a little too percussive to fully represent this flowing element. I do recognize some instrumental nuances (like those chimes in the middle) that remind me of water. 7.5/10

3. “Love in High Places” – Wind – I think this is another strong choice. Lyrically, I totally get the connection you are making, and I think it’s really cool how love and air can be compared as such. You touched on transcendental qualities here, and I think that was brilliant. Again, you could have pulled apart these lyrics even more. For example, many of the lines in the chorus remind me of the invisible omnipresence of the air element. (Find me in the forest in the fire/Find me in the midst of your desire… Find me in the secrets, in the lies/Find me in the darkest place/And in the light) All of those lines could have worked well for your explanation. Also, the last few seconds of this song are really reminiscent of wind and wind instruments! 9/10

4. “Teen Heat” – Fire – A good choice, but a lackluster essay that only touches the outside border of the element. I think this song has some great fiery qualities that were not discussed in your description. Usage of words such as “friction,” and that extremely sensual exhale definitely make the listener picture fire. It has a good amount of energy, too. 7.5/10

5. “90s Music” – Ether – This is a great choice for ether! I definitely agree with you that “90s Music” is the intrinsic element of this album, and it is a true representation of Kimbra’s unique artistry. Ether, or quintessence, is sometimes thought of a combination of the qualities of the other four elements, and I loved your line about how Kimbra has combined all of her energy and ideas into this song. That really drove the point home, in my opinion. 9.5/10

Overall: Thank you for sharing this unique album with us this season! I have enjoyed it a lot, and Kimbra is quite an artist. Your final entry was solid, but I definitely expected some more from you in the finale. You definitely could have gone deeper, as I know you can and have done in the past. I applaud you for sticking around in the game and competing. Overall, your song choices were on point, essays not so much. A decent element compilation! 42/50

Luigi – Janet Jackson – The Velvet Rope

1. “Together Again” – Ether – This is my personal favorite song off of the album. It’s such a feel-good pop gem! I think your explanation is strong, and sells two great points as to why this track represents the element of ether. The concept of death/heaven in relation to ether is very smart, and I agree with your reasoning that “Together Again” takes you to another level entirely. It really does lift you up! The one thing that I wish you had gone into is how this song represents the “core” of your entry, and of the album. 9.5/10

2. “What About” – Water – Quite an interesting song for the element of water. When listening to it, I noticed how the song has a memorable duality – there are very soft, flowing verses, and then rather intense, strong choruses. As an element, water is a paradox – it can both give life and take it away very quickly. It can heal and restore, but also destroy and drown. This contrast is represented so well in the song, and I wish you had touched upon it! Your essay’s main points about the sea-influenced introduction, and the overall themes of change and revival, however, are great for this element. 9/10

3. “Rope Burn” – Fire – Woo, what a sultry song! Those moans are intense. The balance of passion and pain is amazing. I really have no criticisms or comments here. This is a perfect representation of fire in so many ways, and your essay hits the main points. 10/10

4. “Got ‘Til It’s Gone” – Earth – I have to admit that I was not really a fan of this song in relation to the earth element when I first listened to it. The strong, stable percussion was a standout, but the rest of the instrumental and production was kind of underwhelming. However, after reading your explanation, I am mostly sold on this comparison! Lyrically, it’s a very smart choice, and I appreciate how you touched upon the quality of ‘resisting change,’ which is a major part of the earth element. Word choices like ‘built’ and ‘embed’ were also used appropriately to drive home your point. Probably your weakest selection overall, but definitely not bad. 8.5/10

5. “Every Time” – Wind – A really great choice. This song reminds me of a nice, summer breeze, full of benevolence and compassion, as you emphasized. Her voice is definitely fragile, as you said. Good use of wind-like qualities, and a strong description. 9.5/10

Overall: You have been a dark horse in this competition, for sure. I have loved reading your entries this season! You brought a fresh perspective to each song, and were always eloquent and creative. Thank you for your strong work. This final entry was very cohesive and complete. It totally showed that you put a lot of thought into it, and overall, it was outstanding. On an added note, I loved the simplistic yet impactful formatting with the album cover. Bravo! 46.5/50

Capital B – Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill

1. “Head Over Feet” – Earth – A fantastic choice for the element of earth. The song is edgy and tough, and really reminds me of rocks and stones. I love your description, and the interesting spin of how this love is chipping away to show the multiple layers of Alanis, the stone, is genius. You really dug deep into the meaning of this song, and clearly created a believable, strong metaphor. 10/10

2. “Hand In My Pocket” – Water – Thematically, I think you hit the nail on the head. The concepts of going with the flow, and adapting/changing despite obstacles are really the core characteristics of the water element. Alanis’ fluidity is clear in this song. I think that the background guitar is a nice, aquatic sounding instrumental, but the harmonica and her vocals do kind of jar a bit on the ‘flow’ of the song. 9/10

3. “You Oughta Know” – Fire – Alanis’ voice is so perfect for the element of fire. It has that passion and destructive nature as seen in a flame. This song is a perfect selection, filled with rage and a caustic after-burn. I totally agree with all of your sentiments. I love the “spitting fire” analogy! 10/10

4. “You Learn” – Wind – I get the general idea of your concept for this track; however, I think your explanation ultimately leaves the reader a bit lost. It touches around the edges, but I think you could have pushed this explanation farther. Overall, it is a decent comparison, and a smart way of looking at this element. 8.5/10

5. “Ironic” – Ether – My favorite Alanis song – such a great track. I really love the angle from which you approached this description, and it works perfectly. The concept of ether and things outside of our control are strong parallels. On a side note, I do wish you had discussed a bit how this song represented the core of your entry and the album. But, excellent, overall! 9.5/10

Overall: This season, your entries have been fantastic. You’ve been such a strong competitor since day one, and your enthusiasm for Alanis’ album was always present in your writing. I loved your final entry, and I thought your connections were really well explained and well thought-out. Your introduction and conclusion really tied your entire entry and season-wide portfolio together, and I agree that this album has all of the elements that it takes to win. You’ve absolutely proven this time and time again. Thank you for your hard work, and I think you have a great chance of winning! 47/50