INSTEP Magzine




'Iris' Goo Goo Dolls
'Iris', the lead track from the original soundtrack of City of Angels, has been in vogue for years now. Unlike the usual Goo Goo Dolls tracks, this number is mellow and slow paced with a rhythm that tends to create a provocative ambiance. The lyrics of the song strike through the heart, which have obviously been paid attention to; something not many bands are good at. This song can be considered as a romantic track but mind you, it is not cheesy or pathetic like the Backstreet Boys, who usually cry over their lady love cheating on them or how they just cannot get a particular woman off their minds. No folks, this song might be romantic but it is not immature. It starts off with a light weight sound of the guitar and slowly picks a bit of pace.

Goo Goo Dolls, with their talent and sense of art, turned 'Iris' into a slow and steady yet catchy and addictive number. Those of you who still have not heard this track should give it a hear now!

'Headspin' Rockstar Supernova
The track 'Headspin' is like your regular heavy metal track with the lead vocalist Lucas Rossi screaming on the top of his lungs. Just so you know, the song is about the lead vocalist crying out to his mother who is basically tied down to a vast number of insecurities. It kicks off with Lucas's unfathomable vocals followed by crazy guitar techniques. Though the track is pure rock, the lyrics have a strong meaning to them and leave a deep impact on the listener; reminding one of Nirvana and how their lyrics seeped into one's mind. 'Headspin' has made waves in the world of music and should be heard by all, regardless of the genre. Download this track as soon as possible.

'One Headlight' The Wallflowers
Off their 1996 album, Bringing Down The Horse, it is this song that remains The Wallflowers biggest hit to date. This song has a mysterious air to it, especially when one listens to the musical arrangement. A true rock anthem, it sees Jakob Dylan on his finest as a vocalist. Lyrically, it's very intelligent and strays away from clichés. And musically it's very subtle, with a lot of emphasis on drums and a big riff enters with the chorus as Jakob sings, “Hey, come on try a little/Nothing is forever/There's got to be something better than/In the middle/But me & Cinderella/We put it all together/We can drive it home/With one headlight--. Jakob Dylan, the youngest son of Bob Dylan has struggled with The Wallflowers. Barring the 1996 album, Bringing Down The Horse, which led this band to pick up a Grammy, it has been a series of flops and criticism in the commercial scene.

An incredibly talented singer and songwriter, these days Jakob Dylan is working with producer Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash, U2, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Linkin Park) on his first solo album, which is slated to release later this year. But in the meantime, check this song out. It is simply awesome!

In The Sun' Chris Martin featuring Michael Stipe
Imagine the front men of Coldplay and REM singing together... what a pair! And this pair has finally teamed up on the single, 'In The Sun'. Chris is behind the piano and he has co-sung the song along with Michael while the track has been produced by ex-Smashin Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and Michael. The song that has come in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is a charity single to continue aid for Katrina victims. And while musically, it is more of Coldplay signature style with dominant pianos than REM, it is incredibly powerful.

Vocals play the strongest part on this number and simply put, this soft ditty is a treat for even those who don't follow REM or Coldplay. Penned by Joseph-Arthur, the song is about people who suffered as victims of Katrina as it goes, “I Know I Would Apologize If I Could See Your Eyes/Cause When You Showed Me Myself I Became Someone Else/But I Was Caught In Between All You Wish For And All You Need/I Picture You Fast Asleep/A Nightmare Comes/You Can't Keep Awake/May God's Love Be With You Always--. A beautiful melody, heartbreaking lyrics and two of the world's finest singers, all in one song. This is a must-download for all. There are five other versions of this song but this is the best of the lot so give it a hear!