Singles Round-Up: Sept. 18

Singles Round Up – The Arts and Entertainment Department takes a look at some of the recently released singles from the past week.

“Gimme Love” by Sia

Sia, known to be a risk taker and whimsical music artist, just announced an incoming album and released the first single, “Gimme Love.”

“Gimme Love” is a song of desperation as she begs for someone to give her love: “Do this just for me, yeah / I don’t ask for much / Gimme love.” Most of Sia’s songs, except for her Christmas album, “Everyday Is Christmas,” sound the same and are made for radio.

“Gimme Love” has no special qualities with lots of repetitive lyrics, a lack of instrumental creativity and the slightest crescendo.

Sia, a possibl burnt out artist in the industry, is already facing controversies on copying the melody of Beyonce’s “Halo” and sharing that she is on the spectrum after two years of her “Music” album being scrutinized.

But sometimes the single released isn’t the shining star of the album, so fans will have to wait until spring 2024 for the entire album, “Reasonable Woman.” – Natalie Simone

“On My Love” - Zara Larsson & David Guetta

Zara Larsson & David Guetta just released a new single titled, “On My Love.” The two have previously worked together on “This One’s For You” in 2016. They had a great collaboration in the past and this one is no different.

While the lyrics to “On My Love” are very repetitive, it’s hard not to dance to the song. Both Larsson’s and Guetta’s creative artistry come together to hopefully make their second hit single, which has a surprisingly sweet message.

On the surface the track seems to be another typical pop song waiting to be played at a dance. However, it has a deeper meaning for Larsson as it’s a testament to the love she has for her sister, Hanna. The Larsson sisters are even featured in the “On My Love” music video.

The mix of beat drops and that repetition of “on my love” keep the song’s rhythm moving. While it may not top the charts, it definitely is worth a listen. – Isabel Sweet

“So I Danced” - DPR IAN

Korean-Australian R&B singer DPR IAN released his poppy single “So I Danced” on Friday.

Opening with a VCR tape click and the intro to the Mission Impossible theme song, the track quickly settles into a familiar pop beat.

DPR IAN’s calm vocals are accompanied by an equally laid-back guitar melody, elevated between verses by autotuned background voices.

The track seems to allude to a breakup of some sort with lines like, “your beautiful roses are flat,” and “let me know how many knives are in my back.”

About two-thirds of the way in, more autotune is used, but with a sinister sound. The deeply warped voice of DPR IAN irritatedly asks, “I never thought it would come to this / What, you like them struggles?”

Overall, the single is catchy and interesting. A lot is happening between the autotune and other random background sounds, but it helps the song to be more interesting than it would be with the lyrics alone. – Megan Kelby

Natalie Simone is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.

Isabel Sweet is a second-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email ips5219@psu.edu

Megan Kelby is a fourth-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email mkk5701@psu.edu.