Although this tone is carried through most of the album, there are a couple of slower songs mixed in too. These were well executed and placed perfectly, creating a nice overall pace to the album.
We decided to interpret some of our favourite tracks: (Note: These are just our opinions/interpretations and do not necessarily reflect the artist's views)
Track 4: Right Now. There’s no better time in the world to live in but right now and even this state will pass. This is a good message to spread positivity in troubling times while ignoring the negativity: "don’t put the energy to the negativity". If you dream it, it can come true. This whole song is basically saying stop worrying about the past and the future, just live in the now, don’t put so much energy into worrying or anger. Particularly, the message is for a girl who is worrying so much about the future that she wants to go back to the past. The song suggests that we should instead take advantage of the present (Carpe diem!) and not waste time on negative thoughts.
Track 6: Believer. This song tells the story of a man's drunken father telling him to get a real job, but he says he’s had this dream all his life, so he’s not going to give it up. His dad replies, “if this is how it is, then I’m a believer, I believe you.” I think his father is also telling him that he’s putting all this work into music and it can’t help him make a living. The man explains that if he can make music that is all he needs. It's one of their slower songs and this reflects his inner struggle between the need to please his father and his desire to follow his own dreams.
Track 9: Religion. “Rhythm is religion” basically sums up this song. The line “spark the fire, ignite the heartbeat, get inspired to let the art speak” illustrates how he wishes to inspire people with music. Then in the second half they suggest that writing music can be a spiritual experience involving the soul. He also shares how thankful he is for his musical talent and the opportunities he has been given. Good use of rhythm.
Track 11: Let’s Go Shopping. Commercials make us want to buy stuff, and make us empty. This song is a fair representation and critique of our society's consumerism. Basically shopping and materialism is our way of coping or forgetting certain situations in the world. Mommies got the blues, solution is to shop. There’s a war outside, but you don’t see it cause you just bought new blinds. I thought that was kind of funny/clever. People need food, but you’re busy shopping... Basically we use this as a distraction. It's something else to think about so we forget to worry about the suffering of others.
Track 14: Memories. There’s a girl who’s waiting for someone to tell her what she needs to hear. She knows who she is but she can’t find herself because she’s holding on to memories from a lifetime ago. So he realizes that none of this dies, we keep holding onto memories when we should let go. He doesn’t know what's on the other side, but as long as they’re together he’s glad to be alive. He’s done things that might seem wrong and he’s trying to let go but he keeps holding on. This song has a slower beat and makes a nice ending as it lets the listener ease out of the album and leaves them with lingering "memories". He wants us to let go of memories, but this ending makes it impossible to forget this album!
Overall album themes:
-Close relationships put in contrast with our global community.
-Music and its ability to inspire people and cheer them up.
-Living for yourself, being in the moment, and learning to let go of the past.
This album presents some good ideas. No confusing metaphors or anything, just straightforward lyrics that clearly express the point. Their songs draw you in with the use of such a personal tone.
Watasun also seems to be expanding their music genre by including songs like "Memories" that sound a little more like pop than folk. So if you're a fan of folk or even pop, we encourage you to buy this creative and unique album!
And make sure you:
Check out their site for lyrics and more!
And check them out on the streets of Vancouver doing a cover of an Amy Winehouse song!
Also check out our events pages for info on their other upcoming shows.
Music is life. Enjoy it!
