Kaleo Way Down We Go Submitted by a traveler from 2015

Kaleo's "Way Down We Go": A Song to Swoon and Brood To (In the Best Way Possible)

Iceland. Land of Björk, breathtaking landscapes, and apparently, ridiculously talented blues-rock bands. Kaleo, with their breakout single "Way Down We Go," have officially arrived, and let me tell you, they've brought the drama.

This song is like an epic movie trailer condensed into three and a half minutes. It's got everything: soaring vocals that could make a glacier melt, a driving beat that makes you want to stomp your feet (even if you're wearing those clunky 2015 gladiator sandals), and a chorus that is just begging to be screamed along to in your car (windows down, obviously).

Lead singer JJ Julius Son's voice is like melted chocolate mixed with gravel and a hint of Viking war cry. It's the kind of voice that makes you want to build a bonfire on a black sand beach and contemplate the mysteries of the universe (and maybe write some angsty poetry in your LiveJournal).

The song itself is a bit of a contradiction – it's both uplifting and melancholic, like a bittersweet memory you can't shake. The lyrics are a bit cryptic, but they seem to be about facing your demons and accepting the consequences of your actions (or maybe just a really bad breakup, who knows). Either way, it's the perfect soundtrack for brooding, staring out of rainy windows, and generally being "deep."

But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. There's a raw energy to "Way Down We Go" that's impossible to resist. It's the kind of song that makes you feel alive, even if you're just listening to it while stuck in traffic on your way to your soul-crushing internship.

So, if you're looking for a song to add to your "intense feelings" playlist, look no further. Just be prepared to have it stuck in your head for the rest of the week (and maybe develop a sudden urge to move to Iceland).

Final Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars (would give more if possible, but alas, technology hasn't advanced that far yet).

Led Zeppelin Untitled VI (1971)

Ah, Led Zeppelin IV. Or is it Zoso? Or maybe Four Symbols? Whatever you call it, this album is a bit like that cryptic friend who never quite tells you what they're thinking, but you're pretty sure it's brilliant.

From the opening riff of "Black Dog" (which, let's be honest, sounds a bit like a dog trying to shake off a particularly stubborn flea), you know you're in for a ride. Plant's wails soar higher than a hobbit on a particularly strong gust of wind, Page's guitar weeps and wails like a banshee with a particularly nasty head cold, and Bonham's drums... well, let's just say the man clearly enjoyed hitting things very, very hard.

Then there's "Stairway to Heaven." Yes, that "Stairway to Heaven." The one your roommate in college played incessantly while burning incense and staring intensely at a lava lamp. It's eight minutes of pure rock and roll epicness, building from a gentle acoustic intro to a full-blown guitar-god solo that will make you want to buy a dragon and learn how to play the lute. (Just me? Okay then.)

But don't get so lost in the stairway that you miss the rest of the album. "Going to California" is a lovely little folk ditty that proves these guys could be sensitive when they weren't busy summoning demons with their instruments. "The Battle of Evermore" is a Tolkien-esque romp complete with mandolins and guest vocals from Sandy Denny (who, I suspect, was brought in solely to prevent Plant from bursting a blood vessel). And "When the Levee Breaks" is a bluesy stomper that will make you want to stomp on things, preferably in a rhythmically pleasing way.

Is it perfect? Well, no. "Misty Mountain Hop" is a bit of a head-scratcher, lyrically speaking (seriously, what's with the squirrels and the furry creatures?), and "Four Sticks" is basically just an excuse for Bonham to show off how many drums he could actually play at once.

But those are minor quibbles. Led Zeppelin IV is a masterpiece of rock and roll, an album that deserves its place in the pantheon of musical greatness. Just be sure to listen to it at a reasonable volume. Your neighbors (and your eardrums) will thank you.

Purple Rain (1984) Prince

Purple Rain: A Downpour of Genius (with Occasional Drizzles of Excess)

Prince's "Purple Rain" isn't just an album, it's a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1984 as the soundtrack to the semi-autobiographical film of the same name, it's a record that catapulted Prince from pop star to icon. And like its creator, it's bold, ambitious, and occasionally perplexing.

Let's get this out of the way: "When Doves Cry" is a masterpiece. A song so stripped-down and raw, it's practically wearing nothing but a pair of lacy gloves and a strategically placed guitar. The lack of a bassline shouldn't work, but it does, creating a sonic space that's both intimate and expansive.

Then there's "Let's Go Crazy," a stadium-sized anthem that explodes with energy. It's a call to seize the day, to dance like nobody's watching (even though Prince clearly is, and he's taking notes). The extended instrumental break showcases Prince's guitar prowess, reminding us that behind the flamboyant persona lies a seriously talented musician.

"Purple Rain" itself is a power ballad for the ages. It's epic, emotional, and just a tad over-the-top (in the best possible way). You can practically hear the lighters flicking on as Prince wails about love, loss, and the metaphorical downpour that cleanses the soul.

But like any good rain shower, "Purple Rain" has its moments of drizzle. "Computer Blue" meanders a bit, and "Darling Nikki" might make you blush (sorry, Mom). But even these tracks have their charms, showcasing Prince's willingness to experiment and push boundaries.

Overall, "Purple Rain" is a triumph. It's a testament to Prince's genius, his ability to blend genres and create music that's both accessible and challenging. It's an album that deserves its place in music history, even if it occasionally feels like it's raining sequins and hairspray.

Highlights:

• When Doves Cry: A minimalist masterpiece that proves less can be more.
• Let's Go Crazy: An explosive anthem that will make you want to dance (and maybe invest in a pair of platform shoes).
• Purple Rain: An epic ballad that's both cheesy and utterly captivating.

Lowlights:

• Computer Blue: A bit long and meandering, even for Prince.
• Darling Nikki: Might require a parental advisory sticker (and a cold shower).

Final Verdict:

Despite a few minor showers, "Purple Rain" is a downpour of genius. It's a must-listen for any fan of Prince, or anyone who appreciates music that's both innovative and undeniably funky. Just be prepared to get a little wet.

Pink Floyd Division Bell