Tournament: Choose The Album, Then a Song 8: And The Winner Is... - Page 33

Pedro

WELCOME TO THE EIGHTH SEASON OF
CHOOSE THE ALBUM, THEN A SONG

"It has been a while... I know I shouldn't have kept you waiting... But I am here now"

We are back and, for the first time, two days late! I would like to apologize, I don't know if you experienced it, but ATRL was off for me during a LOT time and some personal stuff came up. Anyway! I am back! As you know two are leaving us today and we are about to know who... I know all of you worked hard but we really have to do it...

It was a personal round and I would like to ask for respect from everyone as everyone deserves it. It was an amazing round. Before anything else... Let's welcome our judges!

1. Kavish
2. Capital B
3. Legend E
4. MusicLoverDude

Looking good guys (or girls)! Well, now that they've taken their seats, let me introduce you to the voting system.

1. The voting is divided into three categories: (i) The Public Vote; (ii) The Judges Votes/Rates; (iii) The Final Chart;
2. In case there is a tie between entries in the public vote, whoever did better in the judges votes gets ahead;
3. In case there is a tie between entries in the judges votes, whoever did better in the public vote gets ahead;
4. In case there is a tie between entries in the final chart, whoever did better in the judges votes gets ahead.

(Username - Artist - Album: Negative Votes + Positve Votes = Total. Ranking)

1. prezli: Nothing but Thieves - 'Nothing but Thieves': -6 + 0 = -6 Points. 15th Place.
2. Girlicious: Rihanna - 'ANTI': -11 + 0 = -11 Points. 18th Place.
3. Element: Ellie Goulding - 'Delirium': -2 + 2 = 0 Points. 8th Place.
4. sumthintoxic82: Britney Spears - 'Britney': -1 + 2 = +1 Point. 6th Place.
5. Pedro: Fifth Harmony - 'Reflection': -8 + 0 = -8 Points. 16th Place.
6. Speezy : Jordin Sparks - 'Right Here, Right Now': 0 + 7 = +7 Points. 1st Place.
7. Dollas n Diamonds: Pentatonix - 'PTX': -3 + 3 = 0 Points. 11th Place.
8. Lucky#17: Azealia Banks - 'Broke With Expensive Taste': -2 + 1 = -1 Point. 14th Place.
9. Xedretinz Lododnz: Twenty One Pilots - 'Blurryface': -2 + 5 = +3 Points. 4th Place.
10. Nait Phoenix: Janet Jackson - 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814': -3 + 2 = -1 Point. 13th Place.
11. holyground: Florence + the Machine - 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful': -1 + 1 = 0 Points. 9th Place.
12. URBAN: Keyshia Cole - 'A Different Me': -1 + 1 = 0 Points. 10th Place.
13. igor: Little Mix - 'Get Weird': 0 + 0 = 0 Points. 7th Place.
14. Inner Insanity: The All-American Rejects - 'Move Along': -1 + 4 = +3 Points. 3rd Place.
15. Vilppu: Nightwish - 'Imaginaerum': 0 + 4 = +4 Points. 2nd Place.
16. Vulnicura: Björk - 'Post': -10 + 1 = -9 Points. 17th Place.
17. Bloomers: Vince Staples - 'Summertime '06': -1 + 0 = -1 Point. 12th Place.
18. lhdang2000: Demi Lovato - 'Confident': -2 + 3 = +1 Point. 5th Place.

1. prezli: Nothing but Thieves - 'Nothing but Thieves': 8,6 Points. 11th Place.
2. Girlicious: Rihanna - 'ANTI': 6,6 Points. 18th Place.
3. Element: Ellie Goulding - 'Delirium': 9,1 Points. 6th Place.
4. sumthintoxic82: Britney Spears - 'Britney': 9,2 Points. 5th Place.
5. Pedro: Fifth Harmony - 'Reflection': 8,6 Points. 12th Place.
6. Speezy : Jordin Sparks - 'Right Here, Right Now': 8,9 Points. 8th Place.
7. Dollas n Diamonds: Pentatonix - 'PTX': 6,7 Points. 17th Place.
8. Lucky#17: Azealia Banks - 'Broke With Expensive Taste': 7,5 Points. 15th Place.
9. Xedretinz Lododnz: Twenty One Pilots - 'Blurryface': 8,2 Points. 14th Place.
10. Nait Phoenix: Janet Jackson - 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814': 8,7 Points. 10th Place.
11. holyground: Florence + the Machine - 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful': 8,9 Points. 9th Place.
12. URBAN: Keyshia Cole - 'A Different Me': 8,4 Points. 13th Place.
13. igor: Little Mix - 'Get Weird': 9,4 Points. 2nd Place.
14. Inner Insanity: The All-American Rejects - 'Move Along': 9,2 Points. 4th Place.
15. Vilppu: Nightwish - 'Imaginaerum': 9,8 Points. 1st Place.
16. Vulnicura: Björk - 'Post': 7,5 Points. 16th Place.
17. Bloomers: Vince Staples - 'Summertime '06': 9 Points. 7th Place.
18. lhdang2000: Demi Lovato - 'Confident': 9,3 Points. 3rd Place.

1. prezli: Nothing but Thieves - 'Nothing but Thieves': 38 Points. 13th Place.
2. Girlicious: Rihanna - 'ANTI': 26 Points. 18th Place.
3. Element: Ellie Goulding - 'Delirium': 58 Points. 7th Place.
4. sumthintoxic82: Britney Spears - 'Britney': 64 Points. 6th Place.
5. Pedro: Fifth Harmony - 'Reflection': 36 Points. 14th Place.
6. Speezy : Jordin Sparks - 'Right Here, Right Now': 77 Points. 2nd Place.
7. Dollas n Diamonds: Pentatonix - 'PTX': 36 Points. 15th Place.
8. Lucky#17: Azealia Banks - 'Broke With Expensive Taste': 35 Points. 16th Place.
9. Xedretinz Lododnz: Twenty One Pilots - 'Blurryface': 54 Points. 8th Place.
10. Nait Phoenix: Janet Jackson - 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814': 42 Points. 11th Place.
11. holyground: Florence + the Machine - 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful': 50 Points. 10th Place.
12. URBAN: Keyshia Cole - 'A Different Me': 42 Points. 12th Place.
13. igor: Little Mix - 'Get Weird': 74 Points. 4th Place.
14. Inner Insanity: The All-American Rejects - 'Move Along': 75 Points. 3rd Place.
15. Vilppu: Nightwish - 'Imaginaerum': 95 Points. 1st Place.
16. Vulnicura: Björk - 'Post': 31 Points. 17th Place.
17. Bloomers: Vince Staples - 'Summertime '06': 51 Points. 9th Place.
18. lhdang2000: Demi Lovato - 'Confident': 72 Points. 5th Place.

1. holyground: Florence + the Machine - 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful': 235 Points. (=)
2. Element: Ellie Goulding - 'Delirium': 226 Points. (=)
3. Vilppu: Nightwish - 'Imaginaerum': 206 Points. (+5)
4. Bloomers: Vince Staples - 'Summertime '06': 194 Points. (-1)
5. igor: Little Mix - 'Get Weird': 191 Points. (=)
6. lhdang2000: Demi Lovato - 'Confident': 160 Points. (+7)
7. sumthintoxic82: Britney Spears - 'Britney': 156 Points. (+5)
8. Dollas n Diamonds: Pentatonix - 'PTX': 155 Points. (-4)
9. prezli: Nothing but Thieves - 'Nothing but Thieves': 153 Points. (-2)
10. Vulnicura: Björk - 'Post': 147 Points. (-4)
11. Speezy : Jordin Sparks - 'Right Here, Right Now': 147 Points. (+4)
12. Nait Phoenix: Janet Jackson - 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814': 143 Points. (-3)
13. Inner Insanity: The All-American Rejects - 'Move Along': 141 Points. 16th Place. (+3)
14. Pedro: Fifth Harmony - 'Reflection': 136 Points. (-4)
15. Lucky#17: Azealia Banks - 'Broke With Expensive Taste': 130 Points. 11th Place. (-4)
16. Xedretinz Lododnz: Twenty One Pilots - 'Blurryface': 129 Points. (-2)
17. URBAN: Keyshia Cole - 'A Different Me': 105 Points [Round 3]
18. Girlicious: Rihanna - 'ANTI': 89 Points [Round 3]
19th Place: Fever: Madonna - 'Erotica': 57 Points [Round 2- Quit]
20th Place: VDK: Sia - 'This Is Acting': 23 Points [Round 2- Quit]
21st Place: Marvin: Ciara - 'Ciara': 19 Points. [Round 1]
22nd Place: FierceKunt: Grimes - 'Art Angels': 9 Points. [Round 1]
23rd Place: Rian.: Nicki Minaj - 'The Pinkprint': 20 Points [Round 1- Quit]
24th Place: Nikolai.: Selena Gomez - 'Revival': 19 Points. [Round 1 - Quit]

Alright, now it's for real. We really have to say goodbye to two of you and I guess the two of you are URBAN and Girlicious. Guys, thank you so much for joining the game. It was a pleasure having you and I hope you a good experience. I hope to see you around and in the future!

Last round was really emotional, and the wounds are still fresh. But it's time to be the savior of the broken, the beaten, and the damned. Choose a song from your album that has the power to lift someone's spirits up, and explain your choice in no more than 250 words.

Good luck,
Kavish.

*Send a PM (Private Message) to PEDRO with your essay and the YouTube link.

DEADLINE: March, 1st.

Pedro

Kavish

Quote:

Originally posted by Kavish

Bloomers: Vince Staples - 'Summertime '06': 'Like It Is'

With each entry of yours, we delve deeper into Long Beach and get to know Staples and the album better. You manage to associate the album with the given theme and make a sense out of it. This time, you highlighted the racism faced by Staples and how you can relate as well. Your story is a touching one, and unfortunately a reality that is still happening in the world. This essay contains all the ingredients necessary to make your customer not only listen to this track, but to the whole of 'Summertime '06.'

Lucky#17: Azealia Banks - 'Broke With Expensive Taste': 'Miss Camaraderie'

The theme of connection is apparent from the first line to the last. You mentioned that you do not connect to the song's actual story of a break-up, but to the feeling of the heart-break itself. This puts a lot of perspective as to how we can connect to a song in many different ways. On this journey of being broken to being healed, you quoted lines from the song that you could relate to at various stages. You also managed to describe its dark and victorious sounds and how you associate it to that process of moving on from a dark place to a better place. While describing the song's lyrics and sounds, you not only make make us see another side of Banks, but also hear your story and relate to its message.

Xedretinz Lododnz: Twenty One Pilots - 'Blurryface': 'Not Today'

Conveniently, your story is about insecurity, the same as Blurryface. You used the lyrics to show how you connect it to the dark phase you went through, and use the sounds to show the progression from this darkness into a happier state. You also succeeded in making your customers relate to you by showing that they can get out of any tough situation that they are in.

Vilppu: Nightwish - 'Imaginaerum': 'Rest Calm'

The first paragraph describes the song's theme and sound, and you correlate it to your personal experience in the second. You wisely used the contrast of Holopainen and Olzon to show how something dark can transform into something lighter and comforting. Dealing with death is something that most can relate to, or even think about. Therefore I can see people being interested in the song, and you beautifully presented it. A little advice, please read your entry before submitting it to avoid such incomprehensible lines: "mentions that lyrical I is dying having positive memories of the past".

Inner Insanity: The All-American Rejects - 'Move Along': 'Night Drive'

Your story was one of the simplest in the bunch, but it's this simplicity that made me like it. Your entry is making a statement. You don't have to experience a tragic moment to be connected to a song emotionally. Any simple moment, any simple thing can make you connect to a song. I like how the theme here is low key a reflection to the name of your album: 'Move Along'. We share moments, then we move on. It is bittersweet, and also something that most people can relate to.

lhdang2000: Demi Lovato - 'Confident': 'Father'

This is the entry that moved me the most, so a special and personal congrats from me. I have a bad relationship with my father as well, so this essay really hit home. You quoted some lines from the song, and it mirrors your words. Even though this is an issue that not everybody can relate to, your customers can feel your emotions because family is the most important thing to most people.

igor: Little Mix - 'Get Weird': 'Secret Love Song, Pt. II'

It's clever how you incorporated the lyrics into your essay as part of the narration, as opposed to quoting the lyrics and explaining them. Just be cautious while writing, because sometimes it was hard to read your entry. Some sentences were too long, and sometimes there were commas where a stop should have been. Other than that, I can see people being interested in your narrative with its underlying message of 'you can get out of this'.

Element: Ellie Goulding - 'Delirium': 'Keep On Dancin'''

'"I just keep moving," like Ellie croons over the song's brooding synth beats'' - the entire essay revolves around this cleverly written line. You nicely depicted the contrast between hard phases and how you do not let them faze you, and the contrast between moody feelings and yet having this sense of optimism. You managed to explain the lyrics, describe the atmosphere of the song, correlate it to Goulding, and associate it to your personal life - and somehow, everybody listening to you can relate as well.

Pedro: Fifth Harmony - 'Reflection': 'Sledgehammer'

The first line can feel a bit distracting to your customers since you were supposed to write about a connection, and yet you assumed that most of them may not connect to it due to its sound. It's preferable not to start on a note of 'can't' or 'won't' while selling your song. Your essay stood out to me for two reasons. First, I know it was a bad experience for you, but it's still funny in the way you described some events. Somehow, this attracts attention and make people interested in your product. A 'deeper connection' may not necessarily mean something tragic, and you showed that in your essay. Secondly, I liked the fact that your experience involves Fifth Harmony themselves. Sledgehammer doesn't only remind you of any experience in your life, it reminds you of Sledgehammer itself and the memories attached to it. Furthermore, it reminds you of how the group pushes you to be confident, and that's something that people can relate to. I found this Fifth Harmony-centric experience both amusing and wise at the same time.

URBAN: Keyshia Cole - 'A Different Me': 'Trust (feat. Monica)'

Your entry was a nice passage on the theme of Trust. How you start trusting blindly, how you get some blows because of it, and how it makes you become wary of future encounters. It's understandable why you would think of that relationship while listening to this song, and a lot of people can relate to that, so I can see this story making them feel connected to you. I also thought it was clever how you ended your essay, which makes it connect to your album as well.

Vulnicura: Björk - 'Post': 'Possibly Maybe'

Possibly Maybe already hints at the theme of uncertainty, and I appreciate the fact that your entry reflects that. You narrated your experience based on its theme, lyrics, and production, and at the same time your customers can relate to it when you talk about your university experience.

holyground: Florence + the Machine - 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful': 'Third Eye'

I appreciate the concept of embracing the pain instead of trying to suppress it, and how it should be used as a motif to move forward. You did a nice job in conveying that, and the connection felt genuine. I like how you used a single line from the song, and focused your whole essay around it. The last paragraph is a bit filler to me, because it doesn't add any new information and you already said it all prior to that.

Speezy : Jordin Sparks - 'Right Here, Right Now': 'They Don't Give'

A heart-breaking story, and it's undeniable that you can touch hearts with it and draw interest towards the song. The last paragraph was a bit of a filler to me because it added no new information, and we already got a notion of everything you wrote prior to it. So it felt a bit repetitive, but the whole narration was on point and it's one of the entries that moved me the most.

Nait Phoenix: Janet Jackson - 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814': 'Lonely'

I like how your entry ends on the same hopeless note as it started, as opposed to having a closure or a happy ending. You were lonely, and you still feel the same, and even though you hope for a better future, there's no certainty that it will happen. For that, your entry stood out for me. The theme of isolation was well written, and it's obvious that Lonely mirrors everything that you wrote.

sumthintoxic82: Britney Spears - 'Britney': 'I Run Away'

Your experience is an account that many can relate to. Not only heart-break wise, but to any type of situation or emotion that we try to escape from. I like how you quoted a part of the song and wrote your essay around it. The last paragraph felt a bit filler to me. Aside from the positive consequence that you learnt that you had to move on, we actually got a notion of everything that you were saying prior to that paragraph. Therefore a lot of it felt repetitive, but otherwise you nicely described the concept of 'running away' and how one can feel due to it - 'I really was just a mask'.

Girlicious: Rihanna - 'ANTI': 'Needed Me'

You were on point theme-wise, because you shared your story and didn't go off board. But I have the same critique that I gave you last round concerning the format. Your essay feels a bit too robotic for me, as if you are reciting some lines that are being put in front of you. Line 1. Line 2. Line 3. And it doesn't read as a chain, but instead it reads as separate statements. After you write your essay, re-read it and find ways that you can enhance it by connecting the dots. Although I feel bad for what happened to you, I still felt a disconnection as the customer. You can add more depth to bring us on the ride with you. For example, you said that the song makes you 'feel a lot of emotions'. I would have empathized with you more if you stated exactly how you felt - angry, depressed, vengeful - so that I can understand and connect to you better.

Dollas n Diamonds: Pentatonix - 'PTX': 'On My Way Home'

A spiritual experience, and a lot of people can sympthatize and buy your song as a result. You touched the theme and was one of the most personal this round. My biggest concern is that you wrote 432 words. I unfortunately had to deduct some points, because I think that you had an unfair advantage at explaining your story while others had to limit themselves. I think that you could have condensed it to make it less than what it is and still maintain its content.

prezli: Nothing but Thieves - 'Nothing but Thieves': 'Neon Brother'

The first part of your essay could come across as awkward to some people since you were supposed to write about a connection, and you started by saying that you are not the type of person to really connect to a song. The song also seems to be downplayed at times, with claims such as 'it starts with a nothing-special-but-I-hope-it-will-be-good-at-the-end' and 'Lyrically, the song isn't too clear'. I know that you justified those claims and meant a 'build-up' in the former statement, and you meant 'ambiguous' in the latter, but there are better terms to describe your songs so that they are not seen in a negative light by the people that you are selling to. The second part of your essay touched the theme, and I like how you managed to include the customers while narrating about your personal experience, letting them know that they can go through it as well.

Capital B

Quote:

Originally posted by Capital B

1. prezli: Nothing but Thieves - 'Nothing but Thieves': 'Neon Brother'

I always am interested in hearing from people who connect with the music rather than the lyrics in a song, because I’m the complete opposite (I’m all about the lyrics). I thought you did a good job though explaining why the lyrics of this song stand out – in fact, I think it was VERY wise and interesting how you mentioned there are multiple interpretations to the song, but this is what it means to you. The last few lines had me applauding you – great stuff.

10/10

2. Girlicious: Rihanna - 'ANTI': 'Needed Me'

This entry did what was asked, but I couldn’t help but feel you could have taken a little bit further. I admire you opening up the way you did, but I think you could have given us a bit more. Not a bad entry, though.

8/10

3. Element: Ellie Goulding - 'Delirium': 'Keep On Dancin''

Love it – keep that attitude up, it will take you far! As for your write-up, I want to caution you not to go on auto-pilot with your entries and to make sure they don’t become formulaic. I don’t necessarily think it did this time, but as someone who often scored very high in multiple rounds of this game, it was something I had to think of to ensure I lasted for the long run. Bring something new and fresh every round or else your entries will blend together and lose impact. Just something to consider based off my own runs in this game – I hope it makes sense.

9/10

4. sumthintoxic82: Britney Spears - 'Britney': 'I Run Away'

Great entry, here. You did what was asked, in a deep and effective way. Reading your entry, I believe you 100% that this track speaks to you on an emotional level. Keep your head up!

10/10

5. Pedro: Fifth Harmony - 'Reflection': 'Sledgehammer'

YES YES YES YES YES, PEDRO. Be yourself, and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. I got so happy when I read the end of your entry about how you’ve turned this situation into an empowering one. There is NO such thing as “too gay”. You’re either gay or you’re not, and as for the personality that follows, you’re simply yourself. I like the direction you took with this entry – it wasn’t super heavy, but I believe your connection to the track.

9/10

6. Speezy : Jordin Sparks - 'Right Here, Right Now': 'They Don't Give'

Giving me all the feels with this entry…sorry to hear this story and I hope you can keep your head up. This entry stood out to me, you really explained it thoroughly.

10/10

7. Dollas n Diamonds: Pentatonix - 'PTX': 'On My Way Home' (Original Song)

Certainly an emotional entry, and I applaud you for being so open – sending you positive thoughts. The one note I have is that your write-up could have been broken up into a few paragraphs to help with the flow…I felt like it just all blended together and I think your thoughts may have stood out more with a slightly different format. But again, you opened up and explained why this song connects with you, which was exactly what was asked. Good job.

8/10

8. Lucky#17: Azealia Banks - 'Broke With Expensive Taste': 'Miss Camaraderie'

I’ve really only ever had this song on as something to bop to, so I applaud you for making me think about the meaning of it in a whole new light! It broke my heart to read your thoughts, and I sincerely hope you are in a better place now…we all deserve that! This was maybe my favourite entry from you yet, and I think your write-up really stood out from the rest. Keep it up.

10/10

9. Xedretinz Lododnz: Twenty One Pilots - 'Blurryface': 'Not Today'

You opened up and shared your personal connection to the song, but I think there were a few sentence fragments that resulted in a bit of a more awkward read. It was by no means a weak entry, but I think it could have used some editing to really make it stand out. Thanks for sharing your personal connection, though – applause for that!

7/10

10. Nait Phoenix: Janet Jackson - 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814': 'Lonely'

A real meaningful connection to the song was shown, and I’m glad you were so open. But know that you can always reach out to any of us when you feel alone…everyone feels that way from time to time, I know we may not talk much but I mean it when I say I’m always happy to lend a listening ear. I thought your use of the song lyrics was highly effective. Good work.

9/10

11. holyground: Florence + the Machine - 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful': 'Third Eye'

A beautifully written entry. Your thoughts and feeling came through SO clearly thanks to your careful wording and choices. I love that you explained how you may not relate to the literal interpretation of the song, but how the theme can be expanded to a larger focus. Great stuff.

10/10

12. URBAN: Keyshia Cole - 'A Different Me': 'Trust (feat. Monica)'

The way you wrote this entry really made it seem like you were speaking directly to us, I liked the conversational tone and it helped you stand out from some of the other entries that seemed “thesaurus heavy”. I think you could have gone a bit deeper, but overall you did what was asked, and you did it in an effective way.

8/10

13. igor: Little Mix - 'Get Weird': 'Secret Love Song, Pt. II'

Another heartbreaking story…I feel for you, and am so glad to hear you moved past it and stayed true to what was best for YOU. Keep it up. Your entry was convincing, and I think the way you intertwined some lyrics into your writing was very wise.

8/10

14. Inner Insanity: The All-American Rejects - 'Move Along': 'Night Drive'

For some reason, this entry really spoke to me. I think, like you, I relate to the moment of being together, with people you love, in a car going somewhere, and being connected through music you love. Sure, you didn’t choose a huge sad story, but I think your connection is just as real and meaningful as the other entries. In fact, your choice actually makes you stand out from the rest. I can’t put my finger on it exactly, but I really liked this entry for some reason…it made me feel a very specific emotion from my past. (and don’t be sad about losing connections with those friends…these connections can always be re-formed!)

10/10

15. Vilppu: Nightwish - 'Imaginaerum': 'Rest Calm'

Ugh, so many feelings! I salute you for being so open, and I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. I thought your description of the duality of emotions surrounding death was really interesting to read. You are doing a great job of taking songs that likely none of us have heard, and really peaking our interest. Keep it up.

9/10

16. Vulnicura: Björk - 'Post': 'Possibly Maybe'

I think you’ve already come to the conclusion that you could have done more this round and you probably don’t need me to tell you that. Like the All American Rejects entry, you chose a smaller moment rather than a huge emotional event – which for the record, I think isn’t a problem, in fact I related to the feeling of being alone with headphones connecting to music, but unlike the other entry, you really only skimmed the surface instead of going deeper and making me share your feelings. I also caution you with the same thing I said to the Ellie entry…watch that you aren’t falling into the trap of churning out entries that follow a similar formula, specifically using adjectives that make it seem really thesaurus-ey, if you know what I mean. I want to believe what you’re writing.

7/10

17. Bloomers: Vince Staples - 'Summertime '06': 'Like It Is'

Personally, I would have liked to hear a little bit more about your connection to the song. You brushed on it, but overall I was left wanting to hear just a little but more. Like I said to others, it wasn’t a bad entry – you did what was asked, but I think it didn’t stand out as much from the rest as it could have.

8/10

18. lhdang2000: Demi Lovato - 'Confident': 'Father'

It’s fitting that this entry was last, because I think it really hits the hardest of all. Kudos to you for being so open and honest and please know that I am very sorry that you’ve experienced such pain in your life. This entry stands out to me above all else because it really exemplifies why I LOVE music. We can connect with songs in our darkest times that lift us, motivate us, and make us feel like we’re not alone. Sending you nothing but positive thoughts.

10/10

Pedro

Legend E

Quote:

Originally posted by Legend E

Nothing But Thieves - Neon Brother
Not a bad essay, but I feel that it is very general, instead of speaking solely about yourself and your experience with the song. I mean, it doesn't feel extremely personal (I do believe it is though). I love the song choice and its build-up though.

Rihanna - Needed Me
Mm pretty okay entry, but it's not very explicit sadly. I think it's a good choice, but I wish you were more detailed in your essay.

Ellie Goulding - Keep on Dancin'
Sure, it is personal in the way that it describes your life and so on, but at the end of the day it's only an empowerment anthem. I like what you made out of it and I also don't think you had many other choices, but I don't find this extremely personal.

Britney Spears - I Run Away
I love what you did with your entry and the lyric excerpt explains it quite well. You made it personal and you have mostly spoken about yourself and why the song hit you. Congrats!

Fifth Harmony - Sledgehammer
Now I get your connection with the song in a way, but I also don't. I mean it's not like it totally got you through the break up overall and the only connection was that the both of you liked and danced to it. Sure, it should be a love song and I am sorry it didn't work out for you in this way, but I just wanted you to connect more with the lyrics and not only what I mentioned above.

Jordin Sparks - They Don't Give
Probably the most powerful essay so far. I am sorry about what happened to you and I feel that this song was definitely for you since not many people do this type of songs (about relationships between a lover's parents and so on). Good job.

Pentatonix - On My Way Home
I think you connect pretty well with the song and I am sorry about what happened to you, but I just wish you referred much more to the song instead of only telling me a story. Like if I didn't look up the lyrics, I wouldn't have fully known what you had to say.

Azealia Banks - Miss Camaraderie
Yeah, I think you connected pretty well with the song, but I don't know I feel that it's lacking something. Maybe I don't feel your personality as much as I would love to. The part about the instruments was also not needed.

Xedretinz Lododnz - Not Today
Sure, it is personal, but as in Ellie's case, it's more of an empowerment anthem (although it doesn't follow the basic structure of a song of such type). I wish you came up with a particular story, rather than some more general aspects of your life.

Janet Jackson - Lonely
Again, it feels very general. I feel honestly sorry about you, because I've gone through similar things, but I just don't feel the essay being extremely personal. The song helps you though.

Florence + The Machine - Third Eye
As in many entries above, I wish you came up with a certain case when those things happened to you and the song works again in an empowering way as in some entries above. It's a decent entry overall, but I wish you were more "personal" in it.

Keyshia Cole - Trust (feat. Monica)
Your essay may not shine among the others, but it's definitely better than many others. I am excited to finally see more from you Fafa now that you're back on track.

Little Mix - Secret Love Song, Pt. II
Perfect from start to finish and win me with those lyrics inclusions. Very smart essay and choice!

The All-American Rejects - Night Drive
I quite like your approach and I think it's quite personal, but you could have related more to the song itself instead of only the memory of singing it in the car.

Nightwish - Rest Calm
I like the parallel you made between the song's construction (maybe you shouldn't have focused that much on that) and your feelings. It's a quite good essay and song so you fulfilled the tasked greatly.

Bjork - Possibly Maybe
I like your essay overall, but it doesn't feel extremely personal. I wish you came up with something that was not so normal and that we all think about.

Vince Staples - Like It Is
Not as good as last time, but I am glad you have spoken both about the song itself and your relationship with it.

Demi Lovato - Father
I am okay with your essay, but it doesn't stand out, in my opinion. However, it is personal and I am glad you used a story to describe it. You did a fairly good job, I'd say.

Nothing But Thieves - 8/10
Rihanna - 6/10
Ellie Goulding - 8/10
Britney Spears - 9/10
Fifth Harmony - 6.5/10
Jordin Sparks - 10/10
Pentatonix - 7/10
Azealia Banks - 7/10
twenty one pilots - 7/10
Janet Jackson - 8/10
Florence + The Machine - 8/10
Keyshia Cole - 8.5/10
Little Mix - 10/10
The All-American Rejects - 7/10
Nightwish - 10/10
Bjork - 6/10
Vince Staples - 8/10
Demi Lovato - 7.5/10

MusicLoverDude

Quote:

Originally posted by MusicLoverDude

1. Nothing But Thieves - Nothing But Thieves
10/10: I love your honesty here. The lyrics to this song are pretty open-ended and confusing, but you found your own interpretation that connected you to the song. As a result, you were able to efficiently explain why the song means a lot to you and therefore you ace this round.

2. Girlicious - Rihanna - ANTI
5/10: Your write-up as to why this song is personal to you was good, but you didn't really connect the song to the write-up that well compared to everyone else. It just felt like it was a half-done and unfinished.

3. Ellie Goulding - Delirium
10/10: When do you NOT slay?

. Great essay as usual. You're absolutely right at this being darker than some of the other songs on Delirium, and I totally relate to just keeping your head up and keeping on dancing through life. That's me right now. You showed how much you love Ellie through this essay, as the others. But it was awesome how you showed how personal Ellie's music is to you and that's great. I love it. Well done as usual

4. Britney Spears - Britney
10/10: You aced this. You connected what you went through with the song and explained in thorough detail as to why you did. And this song is actually not that bad either.

5. Fifth Harmony - Sledgehammer
10/10: Sis, take this from someone that hasn't cared what people thought for 8 years and has caused a lot of drama because of me opening up my mouth: NEVER change for anyone. Amen to that. And of all the songs on Reflection, this probably is the only one that actually is relateable. So yeah. Good job

6. Jordin Sparks - Right Here, Right Now
7/10: First of all, this is your best entry so far. The essay was genuine, really showed your connection to the song and I think it really showed how much Jordin's music has connected with you. You lost points though because your essay was hard to read due to the color you chose for the font. It's too dark when you take into account that ATRL now has a black background. At least for some people. I had to highlight the essay in order to actually read it and I shouldn't have to do that. Choose a lighter color next time, ok?

7. Pentatonix - PTX
5/10: Amazing song, but you didn't mention anything about this song in your essay. Your story is very genuine and I'm glad you were comfortable enough to share it with us, but you didn't mention anything about your connection to it. Your story saves your score a bit, but yeah, not your best entry.

8. Azealia Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste
3/10: Honestly, I feel like your essay is all over the place. You went from talking about your experience, to talking about the lyrics, to talking about the sound of the song. It just all seem very disorganized. Your score was saved a little because at least the information corrolates why you connect this song to your life. But otherwise, I'm sorry to give you this low of a score.

9. Twenty One Pilots - Blurryface
9/10: I like that I'm getting to know more about you this round. Your essay shines brighter than it has in the past two rounds, because you were able to explain in better reason as to why the song connects to your life. Your explanations for some of the lyrics were reasonable for this round because you connected them to who you are and how you've transformed as a person. The main reason I didn't give you a 10 is because your essay could have used some more organization. But otherwise, great job this round.

10. Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation 1814
10/10:

Really sad that you feel that way. But at least it helped you score a 10 from me this round. This essay wasn't as long as others, but you were able to open up and explain why this song represents your connection. Great job this round!

11. Florence + The Machine - How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
9/10: Your entry was great this round. I loved your connection to the song and that you found your own meaning for it based on your experiences. The only reason you got a 9 is because the repetition of this song got a little annoying. Don't take it personally. Still a great entry regardless

12. Little Mix - Get Weird
10/10: Little Mix slay at piano ballads

. I hate having to repeat myself so much but really, almost everyone brought their A game this round. And you did as well. Your connection to the song is crystal clear. Glad you left that son of a bitch.

13. Keyshia Cole - A Different Me
8/10: You did great this round. I just wish you made more connections with the song. I apologize for giving you an 8, but so many people this round did amazing and they set the standards high. This song is great, and your story is great. Your essay just didn't connect the dots between the two as much as everyone else's essays. If you leave this round, at least it will be on a high note. And you introduced me to a great song.

14. The All American Rejects - Move Along
10/10: This is your best entry yet. Your reasoning is simple, but explained thoroughly. And I definitely get the feeling. There are times where I'm nostalgic over times with high school friends myself, but I look at it this way: I'm making even better memories with the friends I've made at college. Anyways, great job this round.
15. Nightwish - 'Imaginaerum
10/10: This is your best entry so far. Your connection to the song is properly explained and it completely makes sense. You couldn't have explained it any better. Well done!

16. Bjork - Post
8/10: I feel like you fairly explained why the song connects to you, but there are parts that I don't totally see. I don't feel any types of regret coming from this song, so it makes your opening paragraph a little contradictory to everything else. Otherwise, you did a decent job this round.

17. Vince Staples - Summertime '06
10/10: Yeah, another entry that slays

. I'll just say what I said to AAR and Nightwish. You thoroughly connected the song to your life and it was nice to know more about you.

18. Demi Lovato - Confident
10/10: Your best entry so far. Your essay didn't feel cliche. It was genuine. And you connected the song to your life very respectively. You continue to do well.

.

Vilppu

ajhgur

Thank you all so much, I'd never expect that

prézli

What if the song I want to send is not on YT?

Vulnicura

a ****ing MESS at Kavish scoring me so high for undoubtedly my worst round

I have the perfect song for this round though!

lhdang2000

So glad to receive the love from the judges, the highest I've had from the judges, MLD & Capital B gave me 10 and Kavish gave me an almost 10

Xedretinz Lododnz

Can't believe I got a 9.9 from kavish

But thank God I'm still safe

Next round should be an upbeat song right? I have a song in mind

Inner Insanity

I finally did well with both the judges and the public. Thank you so much. :

URBAN

Quote:

Your essay may not shine among the others, but it's definitely better than many others. I am excited to finally see more from you Fafa now that you're back on track.

ELIMINATED: URBAN

Pedro

Quote:

Originally posted by URBAN

ELIMINATED: URBAN

Urban, I'd like to say you achieved the goal of the game. I did download your album and got super interested in it.

URBAN

I'm actually really sad I got eliminated. I really love this game and thought I was finally getting better with my entries.

If someone else quits, please let me back in.

Dollas n Diamonds

Quote:

Originally posted by Xedretinz Lododnz

Can't believe I got a 9.9 from kavish

But thank God I'm still safe

Next round should be an upbeat song right? I have a song in mind

deserved

im scared to look at mine i sure Kavish dragged me over the coals for not making a concrete connection

Welp. i expected another 3-1 . i misjudged you Kavish, thank you

I'm curious how much did you take off for me going over?

igor

#7 with the public (despite being ignored

) and #2 with the judges, it was a great round overall!

Thanks for the good comments, judges!

Element

Thank you judges!

And mess I just used the album's empowerment anthem

holyground

Quote:

Originally posted by Element

Thank you judges!

And mess I just used the album's empowerment anthem

ffff SAME

holyground

Omg I'm fuming cuz no other track exactly fits this theme except for Third Eye omg Kavish is punishing me

URBAN

Can I still submit even though I'm eliminated?

I don't need to be scored, I just want to participate.

MusicLoverDude

WOW at me being the only one to give a score lower than 6